Safety Matters – Swiss Air-Rescue Rega Launches the Most Modern Helicopter Full-Flight Simulator

Berg, Germany / Opfikon, Switzerland November 16th, 2023

• Swiss Air-Rescue Rega launches Reiser Simulation and Training (RST) unique Helicopter Full-Flight Simulator (FFS), operated by Lufthansa Aviation Training (LAT) Switzerland in November 2023
• New Helicopter FFS incorporates interchangeable cockpits for Rega’s helicopter types, Airbus H145 and H125, and additionally the Leonardo AW169
• RST’s commitment to full-flight simulators with haptic cockpits meets with the greatest possible approval from the most demanding helicopter operators

Rega strives for new helicopter pilot and crew training levels by adopting the innovative FFS, underscoring their strong commitment to safety and sustainability in air rescue operations. The latest addition to the RST FFS family is officially handed over to Rega at the Lufthansa Aviation Training (LAT) Site in Opfikon, Switzerland, on November 16^th. 

This groundbreaking training device with roll-on/roll-off cockpit meets the high standards of Swiss authorities and incorporates the following modules:

1. 1. Airbus H145 D2 custom design cockpit, Level-D certified by the Swiss Authorities (BAZL – Bundesamt für Zivilluftfahrt) in October 2023.
      H145 D3 qualification to follow.
      
   2. Leonardo AW169 cockpit, developed and manufactured directly by Leonardo Helicopters, marking a significant milestone for RST, as the first OEM cockpit module integrated into the mothership according to RST’s interface.
      Level-D qualification in early 2024.

1. 3. Airbus H125 custom design cockpit set to achieve Level-D qualification in December 2024.

LAT operates the new simulator and offers available capacities to interested third parties. 

The commercial helicopter operator, Swiss Helicopter AG, and Rega have jointly purchased the cockpit module of the helicopter type, Airbus H125. This will not only enhance the quality of the training of future pilots, but also reduce both costs and the negative environmental impact. By acquiring an H125 simulator in the highest certification category, the two organizations are making a further contribution towards supporting up-and-coming helicopter pilots in Switzerland.

Dr. Johannes Hain, CEO of RST, highlights his enthusiasm for the project’s success, stating, „Our partners were extremely positive about the smooth installation of this complex system and praised our colleagues for their professional training of the Lufthansa Aviation Training maintenance engineers. Even when a project goes well, we may not take such customer feedback for granted. For the entire team that realized this flagship project and all colleagues here at Reiser, this is an encouragement to stay on track and keep the pace.“

Heinz Leibundgut, Head of Helicopter Procedures and Training as well as member of the Management Board of Rega: „Highly trained cockpit crews are fundamental for performing rescue flights safely and successfully. In the simulator, Rega’s cockpit crews – that is, pilots and paramedics – have the opportunity to efficiently train standard situations and emergency procedures that would hardly, if at all, be possible to practise in real life. Moreover, on doing so, they neither generate noise nor pollute the environment. We are very satisfied with the newly developed simulator, which meets all our high demands.“

Rega and their partners lead the way, ensuring the highest training standards for air rescue and aerial work missions by conducting their training on this unique Helicopter Simulator. The simulator’s versatility and commitment to sustainability underscore its role as a game-changer in the industry.

About Swiss Air-Rescue Rega:

With its 20 rescue helicopters and three ambulance jets, Rega is in operation 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in the service of the Swiss population. Rega’s nationwide Operations Centre organizes 21,000 missions and the Rega crews come to the aid of more than 14,000 patients every year. Fourteen helicopter bases distributed throughout the country ensure that the Rega helicopters can reach any location in Switzerland within 15 minutes’ flying time. For more information, see www.rega.ch.

About Lufthansa Aviation Training:

Lufthansa Aviation Training GmbH (LAT) is one of the leading companies in the field of aviation training with its competence in the training and further education of cockpit and cabin personnel at ten training locations. The company employs around 700 people at different training locations. The registered office is at Munich Airport. The customer portfolio includes over 250 nationally and internationally renowned airlines, including the Lufthansa Group airlines. Lufthansa Aviation Training has almost 200 training devices within its training fleet, including aircraft for pilot training, flight simulators of all common aircraft types for pilot training and emergency and service mock-ups for the training of flight attendants. Under the European Flight Academy (EFA) brand, Lufthansa Aviation Training bundles all Lufthansa Group flight schools.

About Reiser Simulation and Training:

Reiser Simulation and Training GmbH (RST) has been actively shaping change in aviation training for more than 30 years. RST supplies innovative developments made in Germany worldwide, contributing to the efficient and safe training of flying personnel. RST approaches all individual training solutions holistically and consistently with the highest precision and attention to detail. The company offers support right from the planning stage, considering economic and technical aspects, project management and, last but not least, the development and production of unique training solutions. For more information, see www.reiser-st.com, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram.

Press Contact

Reiser Simulation and Training GmbH

Ms. Andrea Ehrl

Marketing and Communication Manager

Oberer Luessbach 29-31

82335 Berg, Germany

Phone: +49 8178 8681 183

e-mail: andrea.ehrl@reiser-st.com

Rega Media Service

Rega Center
PO Box 1414
8058 Zurich Airport

Phone: +41 (0)44 654 37 37 (7 x 24h)
E-mail: mediendienst@rega.ch (office hours)