Helicopters: Switzerland introduces new flight procedure in a first worldwide

Real World Aviation
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Switzerland has made innovative progress in enhancing aviation safety through the introduction of ARIOS (Advanced Rotorcraft Instrument Flight Rules Operation, in Switzerland). This new helicopter flight procedure launched in Interlaken is the result of an effort involving the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA), Skyguide and the air rescue organization Rega.

ARIOS incorporates two state of the art technologies: Point in Space (PinS) and Required Navigation Performance - Authorization Required (RNP AR).

  • PinS enables helicopters to navigate to virtual points for landings and takeoffs - particularly crucial for locations such as mountainous areas or places with challenging terrains where traditional runways are not feasible. This technology ensures helicopter operations in adverse weather conditions like fog or during nighttime.

  • RNP AR offers accurate flight paths using advanced onboard systems. This navigation system allows for maneuvering in terrain and low visibility situations, significantly improving safety by decreasing reliance on visual flight rules.

The introduction of ARIOS is set to revolutionize helicopter operations by enhancing safety and efficiency during landings and takeoffs under challenging conditions. This development is especially critical, for emergency services where swift and secure patient transportation can be a life saving necessity.

Source: Helicopters: Switzerland introduces new flight procedure in a first worldwide

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This looks too complex for my feeble brain to comprehend.

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The most simple explanation I have seen, and I’m not 100% sure myself if this is correct, is that you can imagine this system like a highway as in a predetermined route you can take during any kind of weather situation. These highways for helicopters are already a thing in Switzerland, they’re called Low Flight Network (LFN). They are pre-programmed into the helicopter’s autopilot and can be flown in any weather condition.

With this new system, enhanced exit points are added to these highways, meaning that helicopters can now fly automatically on predetermined routes directly to the landing spots at the hospitals, even when there’s practically no visibility at all, like during nighttime, dense fog, etc.

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Ok that makes sense. I just needed the basic idea. Thanks!

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Now this looks cool

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I found this really interesting @Marc! Nice to see you are still alive, it’s been a while 😉

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