The Hinterstoisser airbase in Zeltweg is the base for helicopter operations in western Austria this week and next week: air forces of the Austrian Armed Forces are practicing missions in the high mountains together with German comrades – the pinnacle of flying skills.
As part of this high mountain landing course, not only are outlandings in high alpine terrain practiced, but also evacuation flights as well as search and rescue flights.
Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner commented: “I am proud of the achievements of our air force. Helicopter missions in the high mountains demand everything from both man and machine. Our pilots in particular deliver this top flying performance almost every day, most recently just a few days ago during an avalanche blasting operation in Upper Styria.”
Around 15 helicopters from Austria and one from Germany are deployed. The alpine deployment area is mainly limited to western Austria. Factors such as avalanche risk and animal and environmental protection are taken into account, which is why there are designated landing and training areas.
As part of flight operations, there are also night flights until around 22:00. As the airbase in Aigen im Ennstal is currently closed due to conversion work for the new Leonardo AW169 helicopter helicopter, take-offs and landings will take place in Zeltweg.
