SUMMARY
With REISER's H145 D3 H10 Flight Training Device Level 3, DRF Akademie expands its training capacity for the H145 D3 type. The LBA-qualified device represents the current avionics software version 10, uses mixed reality and is fully qualified for Multi-Crew Coordination (MCC).
At the Lufthansa Aviation Training site in Frankfurt, the simulator complements the H145/H135 Level D full-flight simulator. Possible integration with hoistAR opens up further perspectives for mission-related training.
The case study shows that a capable training architecture emerges where operational requirements, suitable systems and strong partners come together.
Starting point
DRF Akademie is the training partner of the DRF group and offers training in flight operations, medicine and maintenance, among other fields. The new simulator expands its capacity for H145 training.
For DRF Luftrettung, the availability of suitable training options is closely tied to the operational mission. The organization runs 33 HEMS bases across Germany. Its crews have to master procedures reliably, understand systems and act as a team even in complex situations.
That calls for different training formats. Standardized procedures, recurrent training and demanding multi-crew scenarios each place their own demands on the training environment. DRF Akademie was therefore looking for a solution that sensibly complements the existing offering while reflecting current H145 D3 requirements.
The investment was also intended to create a training offering that serves its own crews as well as H145 operators, training organizations and pilots.
33
HEMS bases operated by DRF Luftrettung in Germany
1 FTD
Additional H145 D3 simulator from REISER
Frankfurt
Operated by Lufthansa Aviation Training
Solution
An additional H145 D3 FTD Level 3
DRF Akademie chose an Airbus H145 D3 H10 Flight Training Device (FTD) Level 3 from REISER. The device has been qualified by the German Federal Aviation Office and is equipped with a mixed-reality system.
The faithfully replicated cockpit represents the H145 D3 with the current avionics software version 10. The result is a training environment for normal, abnormal and emergency procedures as well as for understanding the systems and their operating logic.
Training for procedures and teamwork
The mixed-reality environment extends training with immersive scenarios. Training content is therefore not limited to individual procedures or system functions. Decision-making, communication and cooperation in the cockpit can be trained in coherent scenarios as well.
The device is also fully qualified for Multi-Crew Coordination (MCC). Dedicated MCC training on the H145 platform is therefore possible.
Combining FTD and FFS to good effect
The new simulator does not replace the existing H145/H135 Level D full-flight simulator. It complements it. The FTD is particularly suited to procedures, systems understanding, repeatable practice and selected multi-crew scenarios. The FFS remains relevant wherever full motion simulation and a higher level of immersion are required.
The H145 simulator can also be integrated with REISER's hoistAR hoist simulator. That creates the basis for an extended training offering combining cockpit and hoist operations.
“With the new H145 Flight Training Device we are once again combining state-of-the-art simulation technology, operational expertise and the infrastructure of the LAT site in Frankfurt into a powerful training offering.”
Matthias Spohr · CEO Lufthansa Aviation Training
MILESTONE 01
Define training needs and user groups
DRF Akademie examined how H145 training capacity could be expanded for its own crews and for external customers. The focus was on procedures training, systems understanding and complex multi-crew scenarios.
MILESTONE 02
Represent the H145 D3 and avionics version 10
The new training device was designed around the Airbus H145 D3 with the current avionics software version 10. The training environment therefore matches the technical standard of the actual helicopter.
MILESTONE 03
Achieve LBA qualification
The Flight Training Device was qualified by the German Federal Aviation Office. That met an essential prerequisite for operation as an FTD Level 3.
MILESTONE 04
Integrate mixed reality and MCC qualification
The device was equipped with a mixed-reality system and is fully qualified for Multi-Crew Coordination (MCC). This allows the training portfolio to be extended with immersive, multi-crew content
MILESTONE 05
Start operations in Frankfurt
The simulator has been in service at the Lufthansa Aviation Training site in Frankfurt since the beginning of June 2026. LAT provides housing and maintenance and operates the device.
Result
With the additional H145 D3 FTD Level 3, DRF Akademie expands its training capacity and its training portfolio. H145 operators, training organizations and pilots gain access to another training system at the Frankfurt site.
For DRF Akademie, this opens up new ways to cover training needs more precisely. Procedures, systems understanding and selected multi-crew scenarios can be trained in the FTD. Mixed reality adds immersive scenarios for decision-making and cooperation in the cockpit.
LAT integrates the new simulator into an existing training infrastructure. Together with the H145/H135 Level D full-flight simulator, this creates a modular offering in which each training objective can be assigned to the system that suits it best.The addition matters for DRF Luftrettung as well. According to Dr. Krystian Pracz, CEO of DRF Luftrettung, the simulator gives crews additional training options alongside the existing fleet and thereby supports operational readiness at the 32 HEMS bases in Germany.
More training value through the right combination
The value does not lie in a single simulator. What counts is the combination of FTD, full-flight simulator and, in perspective, an integrated hoistAR. Standardized procedures, systems training, multi-crew scenarios and demanding mission content can thus be brought together in one coordinated training architecture.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
DRF Akademie is one of the first organizations to operate REISER's new H145 D3 training device.
The H145 D3 training device uses mixed reality and represents the current avionics software version 10.
The simulator has been qualified by the German Federal Aviation Office (LBA).
The device is fully qualified for Multi-Crew Coordination (MCC).
