17-Dec-2014 Source: Rega
[electronic translation] Rega has successfully completed the upgrading and certification of their mountain helicopter on the instrument flight procedures (IFR). This is another important step towards the realization of the Rega vision: to save people in need in any weather. A new video clip illustrates how this next chapter of Swiss Air Rescue should look like
Some 600 patients each year, Rega can not provide the necessary medical assistance from the air, because the visibility is poor. Helicopters operate today usually under visual flight conditions – fog, snow or low clouds can make it impossible missions. This will change the Rega and does everything possible to expand the application area for rescue flights crucial. The AgustaWestland Da Vinci “HB-ZRS” has also equipped the last machine in its mountain helicopter with an instrument flight-ready cockpit Rega. An important step on the path towards the vision of the Rega. “The Rega want to always be there when you need it – regardless of the weather,” says Heinz Leibundgut, chief pilot helicopters.
In addition to converting its mountain helicopter Rega invest in training their employees: By the end of 2015, all cockpit crews are expected to have completed their IFR training.This makes the already commissioned in 2013 Da Vinci Flight Simulator valuable services. A large part of the overall around 70 flight hours of practical training can be completed independently on operating mode – no fuel consumption and no noise.
The vision of the Rega is reality, nor the necessary legal basis must be created.Currently, the instruments based approach is possible only in a few places. The Swiss Air Force and the air traffic control company Skyguide participate actively in the development of new instrument flight procedures for helicopters and support the Rega in this project. More about the vision of the Rega explained in our video:
