Aeromedical operator Swiss Air-Rescue Rega has taken delivery of a Reiser Simulation and Training (RST) helicopter full-flight simulator (FFS) that will be operated by Lufthansa Aviation Training (LAT) Switzerland. The FFS incorporates interchangeable cockpits for Rega's helicopter types, the Airbus H145 and H125, and the Leonardo AW169.
The training device, with its roll-on/roll-off cockpit, incorporates the following modules:
- Airbus H145 D2 custom design cockpit, Level-D certified by the Swiss CAA. H145 D3 qualification is to follow.
- Leonardo AW169 cockpit, developed and manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters, is the first OEM cockpit module integrated into the mothership. Level-D qualification is anticipated in early 2024.
- Airbus H125 custom design cockpit is set to achieve Level-D qualification in December 2024.
As well as training Rega crews, LAT will operate the simulator and offer available capacities to interested third parties.
RST CEO Dr Johannes Hain says: "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 don't take such customer feedback for granted. For the entire team on this flagship project, and all colleagues here at Reiser, this is encouragement to stay on track and keep the pace."
Heinz Leibundgut, head of helicopter procedures and training, and a member of Rega's management board, adds: "Highly trained cockpit crews are fundamental for performing rescue flights safely and successfully. In the simulator, Rega's cockpit crews, the pilots and paramedics, have the opportunity to efficiently train for standard situations and emergency procedures that would hardly, if at all, be possible to practise in real life. Moreover on doing so, they generate neither noise nor pollute the environment. We are very satisfied with the newly developed simulator which meets all our high demands."