Looking back on 40 years of René Lauber

Well, there are so many examples – I’ll mention three of them...

• The chance to take on various different roles within the company has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. I started as a task specialist before getting my license as an aircraft mechanic, worked in the rescue service as an IVR paramedic, then went on to become Head of Maintenance and ultimately a member of management. This versatility not only broadened my horizons, but also taught me valuable skills and allowed me to achieve success in different working environments.
   
• I’ve worked with so many great employees and colleagues over the years. The strong teamwork and solidarity at Air Zermatt has really had an impact on me as a person, and shown me how important it is to be able to rely on each other and overcome challenges together.
   
• Purchasing a new helicopter was also always a very special moment. Naturally, it was a fantastic feeling to expand the fleet, to strive for innovation and to take delivery of the machines together with great partners. But at the same time these were definitely slightly stressful moments!

Various aspects of my work have changed over the years, but the biggest changes have probably been in terms of technology and working methods.

If I had to choose one, it’d have to be the switch from the powerful Lamas or spacious Alouette 3s of the time to the modern AS 350 Ecureuils, EC 135 and Bell 429.

Working methods and processes have also changed at lot over time. Computerized maintenance management has helped to increase efficiency and streamline work processes. Digitalization has allowed us to receive and process information faster, leading in turn to improved decision-making and smoother workflows. But this also means there’s more to do... Everything has to be constantly adjusted in different systems, which takes up a lot of our time. As always, there are positive changes – and the others, well we don’t call them negative, but challenging ;-) 

Another major change I have to mention is the adoption of EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) regulations by Switzerland, which has definitely had a big impact on our work since 2006. Overall, the EASA regulations mean more work for aviation companies, especially for SMEs and their staff. Complying with EASA regulations often involves extensive bureaucratic processes that take up time and resources. Following the strict rules and safety standards involved calls for a lot of investment in training, equipment and processes. For SMEs with limited human resources, this can be a big strain and affect our competitiveness.

There are plenty of them... here are just a few examples:

• Over the years we’ve been able to make so many improvements and also develop our own innovations, especially in terms of our rescue services.
   
• Computerized systems for blade balancing – for our not-so-technically minded colleagues à the development of numerous new computer-based systems has definitely simplified work in aviation technology in general. ;-)
   
• All of the data collection relating to engine parameters is now done digitally, while in the past it was a tedious paper-based task.
   
• Digitalization has certainly revolutionized many aspects of our everyday lives, and the fact that physical maintenance handbooks no longer exist is definitely a major example of this. It’s fascinating to see how technology has changed the way we store, organize and access information. And just like at Air Zermatt, where accuracy and efficiency are key, digital solutions can make a huge difference in the aviation industry as a whole.

We’ve been able to introduce quite a number of innovations at Air Zermatt, which of course makes me pretty proud as Head of Maintenance. 

A difficult question, and one that brings back plenty of emotional memories. From my time as a paramedic, for example, which was full of so many wonderful moments, but some sad ones as well. Or when I think of the dear colleagues I lost in the line of duty... Or helicopters we brought back to base in a thousand pieces after a crash. Especially when I was young and didn’t have so much experience, it was hard to focus on the positive aspects of my work when there were so many negative ones. 

I’ve also seen my share of challenges as Head of Maintenance, however, including: When will we finally get the parts for the helicopter so we can be ready to fly again? Or, when something happens to a helicopter, you worry that you might have missed something... But all in all, the positive aspects of day-to-day work definitely outweigh the negative. 

I think simple values are important. Staying grounded, keeping calm, listening well, being flexible, seeing the big picture, and the most important thing of all – never losing your passion for the job and your fascination for flying in general! 

There are various reasons why helicopters are so fascinating to me. First of all, it’s the unique way helicopters can take off and land vertically and fly in all directions that makes them so incredibly versatile and adaptable. This makes it possible to operate in areas that are inaccessible to other aircraft, like in the mountains or in densely populated urban areas.

And I’m especially fascinated by the range of functions that helicopters can perform. They can be used for rescue missions in remote areas, transport goods or people to hard-to-reach regions, take aerial photographs and complete civilian and humanitarian operations. Their adaptability and capabilities make them an extremely valuable tool in so many different areas.

No, I never seriously thought about becoming a pilot. When I was young, I got my hang glider license and then my paragliding one, and I briefly had a pilot’s license for small single-engine aircraft, but it was never what I really enjoyed, which is why I stopped doing it.

As a long-serving member of the Air Zermatt family, I’ll probably be nostalgic and think back to all my experiences, challenges and successes during my time with Air Zermatt.

I’ll still be proud to have been part of a team that saved lives, helped people and provided essential services to remote areas. The sight of an Air Zermatt helicopter in the sky will remind me of the values the company stands for – dedication, professionalism, safety and teamwork.

And last but not least, I’ll feel an inner satisfaction knowing that my work is in good hands and my old team is doing such a great job!

The team, definitely. Daily contact with such a fantastic group of people. All the cooperation over the years, both at home and abroad, which has brought me some great friendships that I will definitely keep going into my retirement. Thank you so much everything, Air Zermatt!