Helicopter Sim Unveiled to Elevate Training Standards

Swiss Air-Rescue Rega has launched a Reiser Simulation and Training (RST) Helicopter Full-Flight Simulator (FFS), which will be operated by Lufthansa Aviation Training (LAT) Switzerland as of November 2023.

The FFS features interchangeable cockpits for Rega's helicopter types—Airbus H145, H125, and Leonardo AW169.

Rega aims to elevate pilot and crew training standards, emphasizing safety and sustainability in air rescue operations. The simulator, officially handed over at the LAT site in Opfikon, Switzerland, on 16 November, adheres to Swiss authorities' high standards and includes custom design cockpits for Airbus H145 and H125, with the AW169 cockpit developed by Leonardo Helicopters, marking a significant milestone for RST as the first OEM cockpit module integrated into the mothership according to RST's interface. The AW169 design will receive Level-D qualification in early 2024. The Airbus H125 custom design cockpit is set to achieve Level-D qualification in December 2024.

Heinz Leibundgut, Head of Helicopter Procedures and Training as well as member of the Management Board of Rega said: "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."

LAT operates the simulator, offering its capacities to interested parties. Swiss Helicopter AG and Rega jointly purchased the Airbus H125 cockpit module, enhancing pilot training quality while minimizing costs and environmental impact.