Swiss aeromedical operator Rega has purchased a full-flight simulator to train pilots for its Bombardier Challenger 650 fleet. Furnished by Austria-based Axis Flight Training Systems, this will mark the first level- D simulator for the type in Europe.
“We operate three of these aircraft and each year fly around 1,000 people back home to Switzerland in them for a total of some 4,800 annual flight hours,” said Urs Baltisberger, a Rega pilot and head of crew training, adding that usage makes the charitable foundation among the world’s top operators of the aircraft. Twice a year, Rega’s 27 jet pilots must undergo mandated simulator training and are therefore required to travel across the Atlantic to Montreal for the closest Challenger 650 simulator.
“So it makes sense that we should also have our own simulator for the type,” said Baltisberger. “After careful research, we came to the conclusion that Axis is the best partner for us.”
Scheduled to enter service in September in Opfikon near Zurich Airport, the simulator will be operated by Lufthansa Aviation training on behalf of Rega and any unused capacity will be offered to outside customers.