Together with the German armed forces, the soldiers of the Hinterstoisser air base in Zeltweg are practicing helicopter missions in western Austria this week and next. As part of this high mountain landing course, not only outlandings in high alpine terrain are practiced, but also evacuation flights and search and rescue flights.

“I am proud of the achievements of our aviation forces. Helicopter missions in the high mountains demand everything from both man and machine. Our pilots in particular achieve this top level of flying almost every day, most recently just a few days ago when blasting avalanches in Upper Styria," said Austria's Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP).

About 15 helicopters from Austria and one from Germany are used. The alpine operational area is mainly limited to western Austria. Factors such as avalanche danger and animal and environmental protection are taken into account, which is why there are designated landing and practice areas.

As part of flight operations, there are also night flights until around 22 p.m. The first night flight is scheduled for today (February 00) and the next for next week – depending on the weather, either on Tuesday or Thursday.

Since the air base in Aigen im Ennstal is currently not available for the new Leonardo AW169 "Lion" helicopter due to conversion work, take-off and landing will take place in Zeltweg.