Since 2012, Rega has been authorised by the European Aviation Safety Agency EASA to carry out minor modifications on its ambulance jets and rescue helicopters and also certify these itself. Each individual step needs to be precisely documented. “In the field of aviation, demands are particularly high and the specifications are complex and extensive,” explains Marcel Kalt. “Each switch, each light that Rega installs, modifies or removes from one of its aircraft must be clearly recorded.” Consequently the design engineer spends much of his time with “certification work”, as he calls this meticulous documentation. Whether a fixture in the cockpit for the helicopter pilots’ tablet computer, a patient trolley for hospital helipads or an attachment to fasten medical devices to the incubator for premature and newborn babies: “It makes no difference to me how big or small the part is that I have to construct. The main thing is that it benefits the crews and patients.”

For the last two years, the design engineer has been part of the project group responsible for the interior of Rega’s new H145 helicopter.  Together with his engineering colleagues, he coordinates the fitting out of the cabin, which is subcontracted to and certified by a specialised Swiss firm. The 36-year-old, who hails from Canton Aargau, has been a  member of Rega’s engineering team for three years. Every day, Marcel Kalt commutes by public transport to the Rega Centre at Zurich Airport and back again to the Fricktal. It was here that he completed his apprenticeship as a designer. Having further qualified as a  Construction Engineer HF and with over ten years of experience in mechanical  engineering,  Marcel Kalt perfectly complements the Rega development team. “I never wanted to work on the other side of the  Gubrist Tunnel; it’s too far to travel. But it’s worth making the long journey for Rega,” he says, with a twinkle in his eye.  And he would travel much further to realise one of his dreams: “I would love to learn how to sail really well and then sail across the oceans of the world.”

Ariane Lendenmann