Helicopters: Switzerland introduces new flight procedure in a first worldwide
Bern, 18.07.2024 - The Advanced Rotorcraft Instrument Flight Rules Operation in Switzerland (ARIOS) project aims to ensure safe take-off and landing for helicopters on challenging terrain, at night or in fog. After several years of development, the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA), the air navigation service provider Skyguide and the air rescue organisation Rega are introducing a new flight procedure in Interlaken BE that is unique in Switzerland and worldwide.
The FOCA and Skyguide have defined what is known as a Point in Space (PinS) at Interlaken Hospital. From 18 July 2024 Rega helicopter pilots will be able to take off and land at the hospital even in difficult weather conditions thanks to the new approach and take-off procedure.
The aim in Interlaken is to gain experience with the new flight procedure. For the FOCA, this will relate to its role as the national official authorisation body for new procedures, whilst Rega is seeking to expand its experience as an operator of helicopter rescue missions.
Switzerland works closely with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which sets the standards for new helicopter procedure called Required Navigation Performance Authorization Required (RNP AR). As the first country worldwide to use the new navigation procedure for helicopters, Switzerland will play a key role in shaping the standards based on its experience with ARIOS.
ARIOS was launched in 2019 as a joint project between the FOCA, the Skyguide air navigation service provider and Rega. ARIOS is part of the Low Flight Network (LFN) project, which aims to create a network of Swiss flight routes that helicopters on rescue missions can use in poor weather conditions. ARIOS will make it possible to further expand the LFN.
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Federal Office of Civil Aviation
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