In February we organized a tour through the Alpine region, to collect as much as possible (EMS and Police) helicopters. The combination of mountains and snow should create nice photographic opportunities for someone coming from the low countries. We have seen a lot of traffic; fortunately for us, but less for the unfortunate skiers. To reach some of the helispots it was more like winterspoRt, instead of winter spotting!
24-2-2011
Salzburg
After driving through the night without problems, we arrived early at the airport and enjoyed a nice cup of coffee at the Polizei, before starting “at work”. Outside clear sky, but -7 Celsius! The friendly Polizei towed one helie from each type outside.
OE-BXA EC 135P2+ BMI – Polizei
`OE-BXH AS350B1 BMI - Polizei n/c
Because the Christophorus 6 had 2 missions after each other, we needed to wait a while before she returned.
OE-XEN EC 135T2 ÖAMTC Christophorus 6
St. Johann im Pongau
We continued to probably the most well known heliport in Europe; Medicopter 117 was recorded here a long time ago. Martin 1 returned shortly after our arrival. It was a Swiss MD902 from Fuchs.
HB-ZKE MD902 Fuchs Helikopter Martin (1)
A Bell 206 visited the heliport as well.
OE-XPK AS350B2-FX Heli Tirol
Zell am See
During winter season you can find a number of additional “Alpin” helicopters to support the tourists which are less fortunate. Our first was based in Zell am See. After a while she arrived.
OE-XAH EC 135T1 SHS Alpin Heli 6, Heli Ambulance Team t/s
Hinterglemm
In the next valley to the north we continued to Hinterglemm. Also this heliport is only used during the winter season. As we didn’t want to use the snow chains, a 15 minute walk was necessary. Shortly before we reached the heliport, she left for another mission…. Time for a break again. We have not seen any Martin helicopter with the number displayed.
OE-XWH MD900 Heli Austria Martin (6)
Waidring
It was time to continue to Tirol where we started with the main base of Schider Helicopter Service. When we arrived, Heli 1 was just starting up!, so we could catch up with our schedule.
OE-XSH EC 135T1 SHS Heli 1
Kitzbühel
Our 2nd Christophorus for today is based at the hospital.
OE-XEZ EC 135T2 ÖAMTC Christophorus 4
25-2-2011
Tux
We have not seen any cloud on our 1st day, but the 2nd day started with snow. The heliport is located at 1378 meters. This base is also used during winter season only. The EC135 carried markings of Heli 4, but operates as Alpin 5.
OE-XRS EC 135T1 SHS as Alpin 5. Heli-Ambulance Team + Heli 4 t/s
Kaltenbach
Another base in the same Tuxer - Zillertal is Kaltenbach. From 1-1-2010 a new law became effective in Austria, restricting EMS helicopters to more powerfull helicopters only. On this base we also found the previous Heli 4, an AS355.
OE-XXS EC 135P1 SHS Heli 4
Schwaz
We continued to the only military base in West Austria, Schwaz. On this Stutzpunkt, only 1 Alouette III is based. There is a threat this base will suffer from financial cuts in defence forces, but it is the only military base which can support the western region. If it will be closed, quick response in case of necessary support (floods, fires, avalances etc.) is not possible any more. The base works closely together with the various EMS stations. Due to the cooperation of the base, we could photograph the SA316B outside with skis.
3E-KO SA316B 2 HS / Austrian AF
Innsbruck
Continuing to the west we reached Innsbruck. Like in Salzburg, the BMI/Polizei and Christophorus are located adjacent to each other. In addition the training centre of ÖAMTC and HQ of Helikopter Air Transport are based here. We started with the Polizei helicopter
OE-BXF EC 135P2+ BMI - Polizei
And waiting for the return of the Christophorus 1. She arrived with our first “white out”.
OE-XEY EC 135T2+ ÖAMTC Christophorus 1
Shortly followed by the Christophorus 11 (Klagenfurt) arriving for maintenance
OE-XEP EC 135T2 ÖAMTC Christophorus 11
Sölden
The next valley is Oetztal were we visited the Alpin 2 base, located at 1539 mtr. Operator is HAT; a cooperation between ÖAMTC, SHS and Wucher. After waiting a while, our 1st yellow Alpin arrived.
OE-XED EC 135T1 HAT Alpin 2
Hoghgurgl
Our highest and last base was Hochgurl, 2200 above sealevel. This winterbase is located behind the Wintersperre on the road towards Timmelsjoch / Italy. Unfortunately the heavy wind created a snow storm on the opposite mountain, blocking the last sun rays to reach the MD902. Temperature already reduced to -6 Celsius. Too our surprise, it was an interesting Belgium visitor. I have seen this helicopter the last years on duty as Luxembourg Air Rescue, UZA (Antwerp) and SAMU du Nord (Lille).
OO-EMS MD900 Heli Tirol Martin (8)
26-2-2011
Karres bei Imst
After one day of bad weather, it was time for the sun again. We started at the next Martin base in Karres. Martin 2 is operating an unusual Bell 412, still carrying the base c/s of Gulf Helicopters. It will receive the new red colours shortly.
OE-XYY Bell 412HP Heli Austria Martin 2, ex A7-HAZ Gulf Helicopters c/s
Zams
Further to the west in Zams. The friendly crew moved the helicopter outside. We were invited for another cup of coffee because the sun was still behind the mountains.
OE-XVB EC 135T2+ ÖAMTC Christophorus 5
Ischgl – Idalpe
It is an adventure to reach the highest European heliport in Europe on the Silvretta Arena skislopes. You can only reach this location on 2290 mtr by skilift. It facilitates a hangar for 2 helicopters as well as a medical station. Schenkair leased an EC135 from ÖAMTC, pending the approval for the A109E to continue for EMS missions again. We enjoyed the fantastic photo opportunities on this location.
OE-XEM EC 135T2 Schenk Air Robin 3
After return of the EC135, the A109 was towed outside:
OE-XSA A109E Schenk Air
Sankt Anton am Arlberg
Another winterbase is located close to Sankt Anton on 1441 mtr. We needed to walk along the langlaufloipen to reach this base.
OE-XXR EC 135T1 HAT Alpin 3
Lech – Zürs
We continued to Vorarlberg. Between Lech and Zürs in the small valley, Gallus 1 is based on 1599 mtr. Wucher operates this station. Because of the height of the surrounding mountains, the sun reaches this base only shortly in the wintertime. We catched Gallus 1 returning from it’s 7th mission already that day!
OE-XHZ EC 135T1 HAT Gallus 1
Nenzing – Galina
Our last base for today was Christophorus 8. Because to the railway next to the station, the helicopter platform is a few meters above the ground.
OE-XVA EC 135T2+ ÖAMTC Christophorus 8
27-2-2011
Hohenems / Dornbirn
We intended to visit this station already the previous day, but she was out for 8 hours providing support to 2 avalanches. Fortunately no casualties and they were not so busy on the Sunday. There was sufficient time to make some pictures. This aerodrome is very quit during winter season.
OE-BXG EC 135P2+ BMI - Polizei
This concluded our tour through Austria. As it started to rain, we went home via Sankt Gallen (CH), Villingen and Baden. Our plan was challenging, but we managed to visit each planned location.
If you like to see the complete list of all numbers, pls go to http://forum.scramble.nl/viewtopic.php?f=52&t=71699
best regards,
Michiel
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