(electronic translation from local language)

Rega, the Berne hospital now supported in poor visibility, flying on navigation by satellite. The Federal Office of Civil Aviation has approved the Switzerland’s first civilian GPS approach procedures for helicopters. Patients benefit from increased security of supply in case of bad weather and haze layers.

Just autumn or winter fog and haze layers often hampers the smooth transportation of patients to a central hospital. The rescue helicopter can indeed break through the fog from the bottom up, but remains above the fog closed “caught”.

Rega, assisted by the coordination and control program “CHIPS” for years in the authorization of GPS-based approach procedures to improve this situation. In numerous tests and studies have verified that the technology now permits the safe conduct of approaches to satellite . Federal Office of Civil Aviation has now admitted at the request of the Rega Switzerland’s first GPS approach procedures for helicopters.

In order for the air rescue service, a new chapter opens in the Swiss rescue helicopter. Rega chief pilot Heinz Leibundgut: “In the future it is possible to patients in the combined visual and instrument flight transport. Patients must be in bad weather or low stratus layers quickly moved from upland areas into one central hospital, we can better help in the future. “

The Rega is their helicopter pilots within the next few years training for instrument flying, so that these new procedures can be flown over the country. The mountain of the Rega helicopter fleet will be retrofitted for instrument flight.

Rega chief pilot Heinz Leibundgut: “The approach now realized at the Inselspital Bern is very gratifying, but only a first step in the right direction. The Rega would like to thank all those involved who have made this forward-looking step to further improve the air ambulance. “

Rega is committed to the interests of their patients that they can realize GPS-based navigation procedures for the approach to other hospitals in other regions.