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A Rega base is being built here

The newest Rega base has been built in Mollis (Canton Glarus) in recent months. But before a project of this type becomes a reality, a comprehensive planning and construction process is needed. Legislation, nature, technology and mission operations have to be perfect­ly coordinated.

Aerial view of the nearly completed Rega Mollis base and the adjacent hangar, set within green fields next to the runway.

The construction process for a new Rega base starts long before the ground-breaking. First of all, the framework conditions are clarified. For example, possible locations may be ruled out in advance owing to weather conditions such as fog or Föhn wind, frequent changes of wind direction or obstacles during landing and take-off. If a location is deemed suitable, an initial feasibility study is conducted: In consultation with specialists, Rega draws up a detailed list of flight routes, noise calculations, wind analy­ses and obstacle checks. The statutory require­ments, in particular in terms of noise protec­tion, must be observed – which can also mean that for instance landing or take-off routes need to be recalculated, even if they are less ideal from an aviation standpoint. 

 

Construction worker guiding a large wooden element lifted by a crane for the Rega Mollis base, against a backdrop of fog-shrouded mountains.

213 prefabricated wooden elements were used for the Mollis base.

Respect for nature and the environment

In parallel to the feasibility study, an environ­mental impact assessment is also carried out: ongoing operations with rescue helicopters should not disturb bats and wild animals. For Rega, respect for nature and the environment is very important. Measures are drawn up to minimise any impact on the environment. For example, the hangar lights are controlled via a time switch during the night and are switched off automatically after a certain time, when the helicopter crew is on a mission. This prevents bats and other wild animals being disturbed by unnecessary light during the night. Bat boxes are also integrated into the facade.

Interior view of the Rega Mollis base under construction, showcasing the impressive timber ceiling structure and the spacious hangar area.

The hangar at the new base.

Drawing up a dossier for the authorities

Once these obstacles have been overcome, Rega, as the client, draws up a detailed con­struction project together with architects and expert planners. This dossier is then submit­ted for approval to the Federal Office of Civil ­Aviation FOCA, which consults other author­ities such as municipalities, cantons and the Federal Office of the Environ­ment FOEN. Once the building permit has been granted, the ground-breaking and start of con­struction can proceed.

Close-up view of the Rega Mollis base facade, showing the varied horizontal and vertical timber slat cladding in a natural mountain setting.

The wooden facade of the Rega base in Mollis.

First Rega base made of wood

With the new construction site in Mollis, the focus ­ is now no longer on permits and plans. The crew will move from the provisional contain­er to the new, modern wooden building at the end of the year. Concrete was only used where stability was absolutely essential, for instance for the hangar entrance and – for fire protec­tion reasons – for the helicopter filling station. The new-build in Mollis is the first Rega base to be constructed almost entirely from wood. It comprises a total of 213 prefabricated ele­ments – in all, 406 cubic metres of Swiss wood were used. Other Rega infrastructure projects, such as the new helicopter base in Samedan, are planned as wooden buildings as well: They make sparing use of resources, are climate-­friendly and place the focus on regional ­providers.

  • 406
    cubic metres of Swiss wood were used for the first base made of wood.
Exterior view of the Rega Mollis base during the construction phase, with scaffolding in front of the modern timber facade and an alpine backdrop.

Construction in progress on the last components in the outer area. 

In permanent operation

A Rega base is a workplace and a place to live. Pilots, paramedics and emergency flight phy­sicians live on the base during their shifts. The crew cooks, eats and cleans together, a bit like roommates – with the difference that a rescue base operates 365 days a year, at all hours of the day and night. Weekends or company holidays don’t exist. One crew is always on site, so the furnishings are important – in terms of both quality and functionality.

Front view of the new, completed Rega Mollis base, featuring timber slats, large glass doors, and the Rega logo.

The Rega helicopter will take off from the new, modern base round the clock.

Well thought-out use of space

What is needed is not just a modern equipped hangar but an infrastructure such as is found in any traditional single-family home: kitchen, ­­ living room, bedroom, bathroom and laundry ­ room. The layout of the rooms is carefully thought through: The medicines room with refill supplies needs to be as close as possible to the helicopter landing site. It can thus be quickly accessed if the helicopter lands after a rescue mission and the crew has to stock up on medical supplies before the next mission.

A difference between a Rega base and a single-­family home: The former has its own filling station so that the helicopter is always ready to go. Beneath the new-build in Mollis there is a subterranean kerosene tank that can hold 50,000 litres of fuel.

Seamless transition

The move is a challenge for all involved, as all the equipment and materials must be perma­nently available during the transition phase. Ultimately, readiness on behalf of the popula­tion is paramount. Mathias Gehrig

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