AXIS Flight Simulation, the Austrian-based flight training solutions company, has successfully qualified Europe’s first Level D Bombardier Challenger CL650 simulator.

The advanced simulator was delivered to Rega, Swiss Air Rescue, and will be operated by Lufthansa Aviation Training at a training facility near Zurich Airport.

The simulator features Rockwell Collins ProLine 21 avionics, a Honeywell Mark VA enhanced ground proximity warning system (EGPWS) and an E2M motion system. The simulator also features windshear warnings, synthetic vision and autothrottle.

“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” said Niall Olver, executive chairman, AXIS Flight Simulation.

“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.”

Daniel Landert, member of the management board of Rega, said: “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.”