“Precision work is important.”

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Lana Ziegler has always been interested in technology. That’s why she trained as an automotive mechatronics technician. As she enjoys delicate, precise work, she wanted to do further training – after graduating from vocational secondary school – in a field where she can apply these skills.

Lana Ziegler, trainee helicopter mechanic at Rega, portrait in a workshop setting.

“The precise way of working, the complexity of the technology and the responsibility – that’s what I liked right away when I did a trial day as a helicopter mechanic. I’ve worked at Rega since September 2025 and I enjoy my work very much. In order to complete the further training, I moved from Uri to Zurich, which was a big step for me.

Training as a helicopter mechanic is a secondary course that requires a completed apprenticeship – either as an automotive mechatronics technician, a polymechanic or an agricultural machinery mechanic. In addition to the practical training at Rega, there is also a theoretical part. It comprises nine modules and is conducted in English. The modules deal with aviation law, electronics or aerodynamics, for example. The course takes three years, and all the trainees have to keep a personal work journal. It lists all the jobs that we have to have completed in order to obtain our licence at the end.

I like to work very precisely – that’s essential for this job. I don’t work completely autonomously yet and I’m accompanied by a supervisor. He supports me if I have questions or points out special features of a task. My work is checked constantly, and that goes for all other colleagues too. It's for safety reasons. It’s important to own up to mistakes. It’s better to check a task again to make sure that you’ve done everything correctly. There are 25 helicopter mechanics and five trainees. I really like working in a big team, and my colleagues take time to show me their work. The trainees can also work on different systems, such as an engine, the rescue hoist or a tail rotor. That makes the work very varied. Recently, I was allowed to dismantle the rotor blades from the helicopter for the first time. I particularly like it when I can work on the gearbox or the engine – the heart of the helicopter. It’s definitely a great feeling when you can work on such a modern helicopter! And I’m proud that my work contributes to helping people and enabling the crew to fly with well-maintained aircraft.

In my spare time I like being outdoors, either climbing or swimming in the Urnersee in summer."