From March 4, 2024 to March 22, 2024, transport helicopters S-70 “Black Hawk”, Agusta Bell 212 and OH-58 “Kiowa” as well as fixed-wing aircraft such as Pilatus PC-6 “Turbo Porter” have been flying in the “Helicopter Tactics Course”. Pilatus PC-7 “Turbo Trainer” and DA-40 on weekdays, except Saturdays, between 09:00 a.m. and 20:00 p.m. There is no flying at night.

The aim is to teach the crews how to fly tactically at different altitudes - including low altitudes - and at different speeds under as many threat situations as possible. Take-off and landing take place at the Brumowski air base in Langenlebarn (Lower Austria), Vogler in Hörsching (Upper Austria) and Hinterstoisser in Zeltweg (ST). Any landings outside of military properties are generally approved or registered and the landowners are informed about them.

“Helicopter collaboration is an extremely demanding task that requires careful preparation and regular training. Through the 'Helicopter Tactics Course', the Air Force can practice various complex scenarios and master the required procedures for operations. “In view of the current security situation in Europe, it is clear how important it is to train military procedures and thus prepare for possible emergencies,” said Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner.

Training area: Upper Austria and Lower Austria

In Upper Austria, flying takes place primarily in the districts of Freistadt, Eferding, Linz Land, Rohrbach, Urfahr surroundings, Grieskirchen, Perg, Steyr Land, Wels Land, Gmunden and in Lower Austria primarily in the districts of Waidhofen/Thaya, Horn and St. Pölten Stadt and Land, Amstetten, Zwettl, Gmünd, Melk, Krems, Tulln, Hollabrunn, Mistelbach, Korneuburg and Mödling.

The use of loud-sounding, marking, illuminated and signal ammunition is envisaged. In some cases, orange or green signal smoke is used to mark helipads outside of barracks.

No matter whether at home or abroad - wherever Austrian soldiers are deployed or help after disasters, they are supported by the air force. The Federal Army's aviators transport personnel, material and equipment over long distances or to remote locations. Reconnaissance and liaison flights are also part of the air support tasks. For larger missions abroad, the air force has an emergency medical helicopter available on site.

The air support association, with command at Vogler Air Base in Hörsching, operates several types of helicopters with which a whole range of tasks can be carried out. While the S-70 “Black Hawk” and the Agusta Bell 212 are particularly suitable for tactical air transport of troops and disaster relief, the OH-58 “Kiowa” has proven itself as an armed, light liaison helicopter. The first new AW2023 “Lion” helicopters have been in service in the air force since 169.