First Level D Bombardier CL650 Simulator in Europe

According to AXIS Flight Simulation, it has successfully qualified the first Level D Bombardier Challenger CL650 simulator in Europe.

Qualified by the Swiss FOCA on 8 November 2023, the advanced simulator was delivered to Rega, Swiss Air Rescue. The RFT (ready-for-training) was marked by a launch event at Lufthansa Aviation Training (LAT) in Opfikon, near Zürich Airport.

The CS-FSTD (A) Level D simulator will be operated by LAT to provide Rega pilots with flight training, presenting a milestone in European aviation training. The new simulator has a rehosted Rockwell Collins ProLine 21 avionics solution and Honeywell Mark VA EGPWS. It uses a 200x40 degree FOV Rockwell Collins EP8100 visual system and an E2M motion system. The simulator also incorporates windshear warning, synthetic vision, LPV approach, autothrottle, as well as other advanced options, and simulates 87 airports from around the world.

Niall Olver, executive chairman of AXIS Flight Simulation, says: “As demand for quality pilot training increases throughout Europe, we are pleased to be supporting the critical work of Rega in the delivery of our latest simulator. Level D marks the highest level of full flight simulation possible, and achieving this qualification ensures that Rega pilots will experience the highest standard of flight training.”

Christian Theuermann, member of the executive board at AXIS Flight Simulation, adds: "To have qualified the first Level D Bombardier Challenger CL650 in Europe is a huge achievement for the AXIS Flight Simulation team, and a testament to our commitment to providing high-quality training solutions for our customers.”

Daniel Landert, Head of Jet Operations and member of the Management Board of Rega, says: “We are very satisfied with the newly developed simulator, which meets all our high demands. We operate three Bombardier Challenger 650s, which have been converted into ‘flying intensive care units’ in line with their own specifications. On board these aircraft, jet crews repatriate around 1,000 patients each year who have become ill or sustained serious injuries abroad.

“By investing in our own Challenger 650 simulator, our pilot training can now be carried out closer to Zurich Airport. As a result, the cockpit crews are more quickly available for repatriation missions after a training session. This simplifies the duty planning for the jet crew members and increases their availability for the benefit of our patients.”