Interview: Extended reality training for rear crews | AirMed&Rescue

Sebastian Schneider: I have been working in aviation since 2011, originally as a paramedic with further qualification as a hoist operator. I was lucky enough to get to know all operational areas in helicopter flying on/offshore. Since 2018 I have been responsible for the hoist division as Head of Training.

Jörg Redetzky: I have been flying helicopters for 33 years. In 2004, I started working for DRF Luftrettung. Through my responsibilities in various fields, e.g. as Head of Crew Training and as a Flight Operations Manager, I’ve been able to gain valuable experience in many specific areas. I have been flying rescue hoist operations since 2005.

Schneider: I am the Chief Hoist Instructor of the DRF Luftrettung. My responsibilities involve primarily to train the crews in hoist operations. I am also responsible for the conceptual design of the hoist operation within the company. I am also involved in committee work on a national and international level with aviation authorities (LBA, EASA), such as the European Safety Promotion Network Rotorcraft (ESPN-R).

Redetzky: One of the best aspects of our job is the variety – no two days are ever the same. Each day brings new challenges and assignments, keeping the work dynamic and engaging. Every helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) base has its own unique characteristics, and each training session brings new challenges. As both a HEMS Base Pilot and an Instructor, I’m constantly learning and sharing knowledge. Even tasks like developing new manuals are stimulating and rewarding. On top of that, participating in various committees and collaborating with experts involves a deep satisfaction to the role. Altogether, it’s a truly fulfilling experience.

As well as the normal responsibilities for flying air rescue missions, you have both been deeply involved in training others to perform these roles. What is the appeal of teaching, and why is training so important?

Schneider: That is indeed correct! Teaching or communicating something to people is a wonderful yet challenging task, because everyone differs in comprehension and implementation. The motto here is: ‘Encourage and challenge, but don’t over- or under-challenge!’ With well-structured, realistic training, I want to give the crews the best possible tools they need to succeed in their missions. ‘Train hard, winch easy.’

Redetzky: We work in an environment that demands the highest standards. To react and act correctly and professionally in all situations, we need highly qualified training. Training that is determined and guided by practical experience. To achieve this, we use the latest technology and procedures. We continually ensure that what we teach is up to date. Our mission, ‘Save. People. Lives’, is always a central component of our training and continuing education.

Schneider: Our hoist training is highly effective, combining theoretical lessons, dry runs on the helicopter, and real flights in a realistic environment. However, this approach has its limitations due to regulations set by the manufacturer and authorities. As a result, around 95% of procedures can currently be practiced in a realistic setting. This raised the question of how we can further optimize training to close or reduce the remaining gap.

This is how the idea of hoistAR, our mobile XR hoist simulator, was born. This technology allows us to train at any time of day, regardless of the weather, and in an almost risk-free training environment. In real flight training, for example, it is difficult to reproduce the rotation and oscillation of the load, whereas in the winch simulator this is possible without any problems. Normal, abnormal and emergency procedures can therefore be trained. It enables us to rehearse procedures that were previously only partially trainable or covered verbally during real flights.

XR technology and advanced simulation techniques now give us the ability to elevate hoist training to a new level, providing crews with even greater confidence when rescuing people from difficult terrain.

Redetzky: The development of a synthetic training device has two main aspects. First, not all unusual and emergency procedures can be trained in real flight. Simulators are state-of-the-art in this area. Second, simulators have been used in aviation for decades. High-quality training of hoist crews should not be neglected. Modern augmented reality (AR) and XR technology open up new fields of training. We aim to use these tools to further professionalize the training. DRF Lufrettung’s hoistAR represents a milestone for simulation technology in hoist training.

Schneider: The scientific study ‘Corporate XR training for helicopter crews – Potentials and Efficiencies’, recently published by Johannes Grauel, shows that the new training technology has an extremely positive effect on the learning progress of flight crews. Grauel conducted an empirical study showing that mixed reality (MR)-based training enhances learning and realism, surpassing traditional methods. Early studies show improved safety and effectiveness for helicopter crews. As MR evolves, it promises even greater benefits for rescue mission readiness.

Schneider: In any case, challenges were inevitable – we are talking about a new development at hoistAR. Such a process always begins with an idea, which then needs to be technically implemented and must function just as it would in a real aircraft and during real-world operations. This is no simple task. Of course, we have held discussions with companies at trade fairs and specialist events. Ultimately, we found a reliable and, above all, experienced partner in Reiser Simulation and Training, when it comes to building flight simulators.

Redetzky: There were many challenges, as we were breaking new ground with this system. We defined the operational requirements, while Reiser Simulation and Training was responsible for the technical implementation. Since we worked very closely together, we were very aware of the technical challenges. Even though it was challenging, the technical requirements were always met.

HoistAR was the first hoist simulator for the Airbus platform – is this because DRF Luftrettung’s rotary-wing fleet is solely made from H145s and H135s, and will you be expanding the platforms that hoistAR will be able to replicate in future if you choose to train other organizations with this technology?

Schneider: Our primary goal was to develop a simulator that supports DRF Luftrettung’s fleet – mainly the Airbus H145, which is widely used across Europe for hoist operations, especially in rescue missions. It presents a market-leading aircraft in this segment.

That said, we also see hoistAR as a valuable tool for third-party training. Expanding the platform could open opportunities with other organizations, helping us generate revenue and justify ongoing development. Innovation is essential – remaining at the cutting edge requires constant investment, and, as we say, standing still means going backwards.

Redetzky: We chose the H145 because it is the exclusive model we use for hoist rescues and one of the most successful helicopters in its class. While future expansion to other configurations is possible, our current focus remains on the H145.

Schneider: Unlike most hoist simulation systems on the market that only train the hoist operator, hoistAR allows joint training of both pilot and hoist operator when connected in ‘slave-to-FFS’ mode. This integrated setup enables full crew coordination and offers a high-fidelity environment, including realistic H145 cabin dimensions, authentic hoist controls, and securing points for the hoist operator.

Redetzky: With the addition of the slave-to-FFS, we can enable comprehensive crew training. This includes normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures – many of which cannot be fully practiced in real aircraft due to safety limitations.

Schneider: Yes, the entire simulation technology was designed and developed in such a way that it can be towed by a car on the road in accordance with German approval criteria (TÜV). Conversely, this means a maximum total weight of 3.5 tons and a maximum trailer height of 4 meters.

Redetzky: Mobility was very important to us. This allows us to train crews with hoistAR at our hoist HEMS bases. HoistAR can be linked to the flight simulator from any location. This means we can take the system to our customers and take full advantage of the synthetic training options there. Besides Madrid and Amsterdam, we have already successfully demonstrated our system to the International Commission for Alpine Rescue (ICAR) in Thessaloniki, Greece – connecting it with the FFS in Frankfurt and enabling crews to fly missions together.

Redetzky: It is important to engage as many senses as possible. This includes the sensation of the helicopter moving. While the helicopter’s movements are minimal during a hoist operation, the hoist operator should be able to feel this. If the pilot doesn’t keep the aircraft steady, this must be demonstrated not only visually but also physically. This is the only way to create the most realistic training experience possible in a digital world.

Schneider: The former test phases not only impressed us, but also the colleagues involved. All crewmembers really had the feeling of sitting in the same aircraft and flying a hoist operation. The high level of detail due to the feel of the rope, which moves accordingly, and the simulated movement certainly contributed to this. When the helicopter makes a turn, the trainee can feel it – the training sessions hardly differ from reality.

Redetzky: We are proud to have developed an innovation with Reiser Simulation and Training that will take hoist training to a new level. With the hoistAR we can achieve even more safety and professionalization.

Schneider: As a next step, we will use hoistAR internally with our hoist crews with the approved DRF Luftrettung training syllabus and also make it available to the external market. In the time that follows, we will continue to develop hoistAR to keep up with the times. HoistAR gives us the opportunity to offer our hoist training to end users in a higher quality and to further increase the efficiency and finally the overall safety and professionalism in this field.

Our July edition highlights police aviation with features on how sensor technology is being used, the other aspects of policing beyond law enforcement, and the challenges of border control. We also have an interview with a police inspector, a gallery from the US Customs and Border Protection, and a provider profile of the US Park Police. Additional features include recruitment and retention, and manikins for special missions and medical training; plus we have more of our regular content.

Jon is the Senior Editor of AirMed&Rescue. He was previously Editor for Clinical Medicine and Future Healthcare Journal at the Royal College of Physicians before coming to AirMed&Rescue in November 2022. His favorite helicopter is the Army Air Corps Lynx that he saw his father fly while growing up on Army bases.