Bundesheer trains helicopter missions in western Austria
Together with the German Bundeswehr, soldiers from the Hinterstoisser Air Base in Zeltweg are practicing helicopter missions in western Austria this week and next week. As part of this high mountain landing course, not only are external landings in high alpine terrain being practiced, but also evacuation flights and search and rescue flights. "I am proud of the achievements of our air forces. Helicopter missions in the high mountains demand everything from both man and machine. Our pilots in particular perform this top flying performance almost every day, most recently just a few days ago when blasting avalanches in Upper Styria," said Austria's Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP). Around 15 helicopters from Austria and one from Germany are being used. The alpine area of operation is mainly limited to western Austria. Factors such as avalanche danger and animal and environmental protection are taken into account, and for these reasons there are designated landing and training sites. As part of the flight operations, there are also night flights until around 22 p.m. The first night flight is planned for today (February 00) and the next one next week - weather permitting, either on Tuesday or Thursday. Since the air base in Aigen im Ennstal is currently unavailable due to renovation work for the new Leonardo AW14.02 "Lion" helicopter, take-offs and landings will take place in Zeltweg.