Sunday 17th February
We left in the morning and our first stop was planned in Gießen. As we did not have the correct approvals, we were not able to visit the platform. No time to waste as we still need to drive through Germany. In Reichelsheim we were more lucky. This location has been visited several times in the past, without any luck. As it operates as Intensiv Transport Hubschrauber (ITH), she is mainly used for transport between hospitals throughout the country. This means the helicopter can be away for many hours. The Heli Flight Dauphin was prepared for the next transport and left in beautiful sunshine.
The next stop was at Rotorflug in Friedrichsdorf were Christoph 2 is located, because the reconstruction of their facility in Frankfurt is still not completed.
Because of the nice weather, we included also a stop at Frankfurt airport for about one hour, before we continued to Austria.
Monday 18th February
As the original plan for Monday was cancelled, but hotels were already booked, we slightly needed to adjust the planning.
Our first stop was at SHS in Waidring, where we expected their newest addition from Great Western Air Ambulance, still wearing the stunning green and blue colours. Unfortunately the previous day she was flown to Innsbruck for maintenance. Instead Heli 1 operated with a yellow EC135, previously also operating for SEM in Spain.
Salzburgerland was still packed with snow, so the scenery was fantastic. As Heli Austria / Heli Tirol received six new EC135/H135’s, we included a number of their locations. The first stop was Hinterglemm. We needed to wait a long time before Martin 6 returned, because she needed to deliver a patient to a further hospital. Two helicopters are operating in the colours of Rote Kreuz Salzburgerland and this was our first one. The colours are really standing out.
We continued to Zell am See. It can be worthwhile to visit some of the hospitals, so we stopped at the local Krankenhaus. Martin 6 left when we drove away from Hinterglemm and she arrived also at the hospital in Zell am See again. Therefore the helipad was easy to find. Next stop Zell am See aerodrome. As we arrived later than expected, the sun moved too far already. We needed to find another spot along the runway. Our waiting time was killed by the local Polizei who set up a speed trap next to our car. Usually you don’t like it, but now… Finally the Alpine Heli 6, operated by SHS, arrived. This EC135 has been upgraded to T3 version.
Last stop of the day was the HQ of Heli Austria. Outside were Martin 1, Martin 10 and Super Puma. Many new additions were inside the hangars, like 3 Super Puma’s, EC130 and EC145.
The sun was rapidly moving behind the mountains, but fortunately the H135H departed just before. This is one of their two 135’s in Helionix version. This includes a full digital cockpit, 4 dimensional auto pilot and a higher tail.
Martin 10 left when we arrived, but unfortunately arrived while the sun was already gone.
Tuesday 19th February
As our hotel was close to Waidring, we shortly stopped to check out if the helicopter changed. No activity yet. As you can expect the “Halz und Beinbruch” missions start when the first skiers go downhill. In this week we learned the average number of missions is 6-7 between 10-17:00. This means flying – fueling – flying. Before we arrived at our next destination, we spotted an hot air balloon landing on a small local road.
We continued to Reith by Kitsbuhel. Although it was before 10:00, they returned from their 3rd mission already. As it was Kaiser Wetter, it was no problem to see the famous Wilde Kaiser ridge in the background.
Next stop was Kufstein – Langkampfen. We were lucky the helicopter was present, so we could start making pictures directly.
The Zillertal was the next destination. Again the same story of very long waiting time before the arrival of Heli 4. We could take a rest on the snow for a while.
After they returned from another mission, we continued to Mayrhofen. Heli Tirol (part of Heli Austria) build two years ago a very nice hangar alongside the Bundesstrasse. With the glass windows a real eye catcher. Unfortunately the sun was already behind the hangar it was not ideal for pictures, so we continued to Hintertux at the end of the valley. This was one of the targets as their current helicopter previously operated for ANWB MAA as PH-EMS. It has been sold in 2015….. Meanwhile she has been updated, changed colours and the cable-cutter system is installed. We were hoping for a mission, but this time we were not lucky.
After waiting for appr. 2.5 hours we returned downhill. We made another try in Martin 7 in Mayrhofen and were invited to see their new H135Helionix in more detail. A new gadget is a camera which can look underneath the helicopter. Useful to land on difficult landing spots. She was brand new with only 50 flying hours yet. The team were called for a new mission, so our visit came to an end.
In the valley, we wanted to check the local hospital in Schwaz at the same time Martin 7 also arrived.
Wednesday 20th February
Next destination was the heliport in Innsbruck. It was a pleasure to finally meet one of the members of Helirescue, which I support for a number of years. We received a tour within the Heliair facility. They are responsible for maintenance of OEMTC, but also of various other operators. It also includes an area for repainting. Inside was also the EC135 of SHS in basic colours of Great Western Air Ambulance.
Meanwhile Christophorus 1 returned from a mission. This is the first upgraded EC135 from T2 to T3.
The two others are build as T3. A few other helicopters will be upgraded to T3 this year as well. Like on some other locations, OEMTC and BMI-Polizei operate alongside each other. Two EC135’s of Polizei were present in Innsbruck.
Surprisingly the Martin 7 showed up at the Heliair ramp, followed shortly by the Heli 4.
Apparently it was very busy at the roof helipad of the hospital in Innsbrueck. Martin 7 was forced to reposition to Innsbrueck heliport to make space for the Heli 4. The medical crew and stretcher of Martin 7 was taken by the Heli 4 to the heliport and they exchanged equipment again. Although competitors, there is still cooperation when it comes to provide medical support.
We continued to Sölden to visit Alpin 2. They also have an extra helicopter which is used to create pro-actively avalanches if there is a need to. Fortunately the helicopter arrived quickly. Only 10 minutes later, the helicopter left again for another mission.
The next objective was the Heli Tirol base in Hochgurgl. I think this is the 2nd highest heliport in Austria at 2200 meters at the top of the Timmelsjoch. This alpine connection to Italy is closed in wintertime. Martin 8 just left before we arrived. As this is at the end of the valley, we decided to wait and enjoy the scenery at this altitude. The weather was still nice anyway. Due to the nice weather, the number of missions were very high. Once she went back to base from the hospital, but received another mission call. Finally we waited for approximately 3 hours upon return. Luckily it was less than 5 minutes before the sun was behind the mountains! Obviously it ruined our planning again.
Thursday 21st February
After review the planning, we decided to cross the Fernpass and drive to Reutte first. Kempten was postponed to the last day. Unfortunately part of the road was not in use, so we had to make a detour. ARA Flugrettung has two bases in Austria and changed in 2018 from BK117 to EC145T2. It is the only HEMS operator in Austria yet with this type, until Martin 8 of Heli Tirol will change to this type shortly as well. They fly with a heavier helicopter as they are equipped with a hoist. Their own helicopter recently came out of a maintenance check.
The backup EC145 of DRF was still on site, so we were lucky to see both.
We crossed the Fernpass again, enjoying the fabulous white scenery and continued to Karres. We supposed to be lucky as the based helicopter, Martin 2, was already on approach. But, the landing was disrupted by another mission call. After we waited for two hours, we were hoping for more luck in Zams, which is close by. Unfortunately we had to cancel our visit to Ischgl because of serious time constraints. In Zams, Christophorus 5 was not operational and being repaired by maintenance crew. After a while a test flight was made and after half an hour she was back in business. Due to the high number of calls, she was urged for a mission shortly.
While waiting, Robin 3 of Ischgl showed up for a fuel stop. A bit of luck, as we skipped the visit to their base.
At the end of the afternoon we returned back to Karres again. This time, she was on base, but not for long!
It became very clear again that it is difficult to catch an helicopter on base during high season with nice weather conditions. On our way to the hotel, we shortly stopped at Zams and there was still flying activity.
Friday, 22nd February
As there were a lot of flights the day before to the local hospital in Zams, we tried our luck. Probably because of heavy overcast and low clouds, there was no activity at all. After a while, we continued to St. Anton am Arlberg. The based helicopter, Gallus 3, is rented by Wucher from SHS. Upon arrival, we already heard the sound of running engines. We were just in time to catch departure.
We noticed they were flying with a crew of two instead of three. After 5 minutes the EC135 returned and we understood it was a test flight. The helicopter could not be repaired and was declared grounded. She needed to be replaced with a backup later that day. No need to stay any longer and we continued to Vorarlberg. Just before we arrived at Schenkair facility, we spotted an EC135 of OEMTC in the village searching for a landing spot. We decided to have a look first. The Christophorus 8 landed close to the ski-lift. This also means, we could skip our last destination planned today. Due to the low clouds, the helicopter could not reach the incident and the poor patient was transferred with the cabin lift downhill, where medical treatment could start.
We continued to Schenkair again. On the roof is their second and last A109SP. The fleet consists of 2 helicopters, both equipped with a hoist. Both bases are combined with a medical clinic. Meaning this company can provide transport to a clinic as well as medical treatment.
Our final stop was the homebase of Wucher. Outside their maintenance area, we noticed 2 AS350’s.
Saturday, 23rd February
Target for today was Liechtenstein. We decided to avoid the highway via Switzerland and crossed a vast part of Liechtenstein. Interesting, but not impressive. The only heliport within this small country is located directly near the Swiss border. Christoph Liechtenstein is operational since 19th December. In addition to Liechtenstein, they are operate x-border in Switzerland, Austria and sometimes Germany. Although we have seen this week many EC135’s, this is the only operating with an hoist and operating 24 hours. The operator is Lions Air.
Various other companies are located at this heliport, resulting in many types. In addition to Swiss Helicopters we saw an old Bell 47. Fortunately there was a flight planned and it was fantastic to watch this old bird flying.
We returned back to Austria and visit Hohenems. Objective was the Polizei. Fortunately they were friendly to move the Ecureuil outside.
Next stop was Christoph 45 In Friedrichshafen. Their EC135 returned when we arrived. Last stop was Christoph 17 in Kempten. While Friedrichshafen was warm and without snow, it was very white in Kempten. Target was their new EC135T3. The expected machine D-HZSQ was outside, but not at the platform. We were lucky, as they just swapped machines.
The Christoph 17 was on a mission and returned after a while. Within an hour we saw both T3 machines within the inventory of the BMI.
As it was getting darker, we returned home. Result of one week: 29 locations, most targets achieved and only one day without sunshine. It was time well spend.
Below the numbers:
Gießen - Luftrettungszentrum, Sunday 17 February 2019
D-HFKG SA365N2 HELI FLIGHT Christoph Giessen
Reichelsheim, Sunday 17 February 2019
D-HJOH SA 365 C3 HELI FLIGHT Christoph Mittel Hessen
D-HHUD BELL 206B JET RANGER III KAYFLY
Friedrichsdorf, Sunday 17 February 2019
D-HZSC EC135T2+ BMI Christoph 2
Frankfurt, Sunday 17 February 2019
HB-JBH BD-500-1A10 CS100 SWISS
TC-JHY B737-8F2 WL TURKISH AIRLINES
TC-IZE B737-86J WL PEGASUS
UR-PSZ B737-86N WL UKRAINE INTERNATIONAL
D-AALD B777-FZN AERO LOGIC
F-HBXN EMBRAER 170ST HOP!
4O-AOA EMBRAER 195LR MONTENEGRO AIRLINES
7T-VKD B737-8D6 AIR ALGERIE
OE-LDC A319-111 AUSTRIAN
CS-TSF A321-253N AZORES AIRLINES "Breathe" c/s
A6-EUA A380-861 EMIRATES
JY-AYR A320-232 ROYAL JORDANIAN
TC-JSO A321-231 WL TURKISH AIRLINES
D-ALIK CRJ200 IMPERIAL JET
EW-514PO EMBRAER 195LR BELAVIA, n/c
TC-SNO B737-8HC SWL SUN EXPRESS
HA-LXP A321-231 WL WIZZ AIR
Waidring, Monday 18 February 2019
OE-XRR EC135P2 SHS Heli 1
Hinterglemm, Monday 18 February 2019
OE-XWM EC135T3/H135 HELI AUSTRIA Martin 6
OE-XKI MD520N HELI AUSTRIA
OE-XWH MD902 HELI AUSTRIA
Zell am See - Tauern klinikum, Monday 18 February 2019
OE-XWM EC135T3/H135 HELI AUSTRIA Martin 6
Zell am See, Monday 18 February 2019
OM-XBC AS350B3 SENN AIR
OE-XAH EC135T3 SHS Alpine Heli 6
OE-EKZ C.208A ZELL AIR
OH-EKB PC12/47E Kitzbühel Airways
St. Johann im Pongau, Monday 18 February 2019
OE-XYY EC135T3/H135H HELI AUSTRIA Martin 1
OE-XSP AS332L1 SUPER PUMA HELI AUSTRIA
OE-XII MD900 HELI TIROL Martin 10
Inside:
OE-XDF EC130T2 HELI AUSTRIA
OE-XDZ EC145T2/H145 HELI AUSTRIA
OE-XJJ BO105LS A-3 HELI AUSTRIA
OE-XJP AS332L HELI AUSTRIA
OE-XKP AS332L1 SUPER PUMA HELI AUSTRIA
OE-XLP AS332L1 SUPER PUMA HELI AUSTRIA
OE-XHT BELL 412 HELI AUSTRIA
OE-XAA BELL 212 HELI AUSTRIA
Waidring, Tuesday 19 February 2019
OE-XRR EC135P2 SHS Helicopter Heli 1
Reith bei Kitzbühel, Tuesday 19 February 2019
OE-XVC EC135T2+ OEMTC Christophorus 4
Oberndorf im Tirol, Tuesday 19 February 2019
OE-SOB T-150 BALLOONING TYROL AVS-Oost Vlaamse Televisie c/s
Kufstein - Langkampfen, Tuesday 19 February 2019
OE-XRS EC135T1 SHS Heli 3
Kaltenbach, Tuesday 19 February 2019
OE-XLR EC135P1 SHS Heli 4
Hintertux, Tuesday 19 February 2019
OE-XVE EC135T2+ OEMTC Alpin 5 ex PH-EMS
Mayrhofen - Heliport - Hollenzen, Tuesday 19 February 2019
OE-XFF EC135T3H/H135 Helionix HELI TIROL Martin 7
Schwaz, Bezirks Krankenhaus, Tuesday 19 February 2019
OE-XFF EC135T3H/H135 Helionix HELI AUSTRIA Martin 7
Schwaz - Frundsberg Kaserne
UH70 AUSTRIAN AF
Innsbrueck-heliport, Wednesday 20 February 2019
OE-XVB EC 135T3 OEMTC Christophorus 1 1st upgraded T3
OE-BXA EC135P2+ BMI POLIZEI
OE-XXR EC135T1 SHS Heli 1
OE-XVA EC135T2+ OEMTC
OE-XVF EC135T3 OEMTC
OE-XEO EC135T2 OEMTC no t/s
OE-BXY EC135P2+ BMI POLIZEI
OE-XFF EC135T3H/H135 Helionix HELI TIROL Martin 7
OE-XLR EC135P1 SHS Heli 4
Sölden, Wednesday 20 February 2019
OE-XVD EC135T2+ OEMTC Alpin 2
OE-XEK EC135 T2+ OEMTC
Hochgurgl, Wednesday 20 February 2019
OE-XOO EC135T3/H135 HELI AUSTRIA Martin 8
Reutte - Bezirkskrankenhaus, Thursday 21 February 2019
OE-XRE EC145T2 ARA RK 2
D-HDSK EC145T2 DRF
Karres bei Imst, Thursday 21 February 2019
OE-XUU EC135T3/H135 HELI AUSTRIA Martin 2
OE-XWT BELL412HP HELI TIROL
Zams, Thursday 21 February 2019
OE-XEZ EC135T2+ OEMTC Christophorus 4
OE-XCS AW109SP SCHENK AIR Robin 3
Sankt Anton, Friday 22 February 2019
OE-XSH EC135T1 WUCHER Gallus 3, lsf SHS, testflight. Later grounded
Schruns - Bergbahnstrasse, Friday 22 February 2019
OE-XEN EC135T2+ OEMTC Christophorus 8
Schruns - Heliport Sanatorium Dr. Schenk, Friday 22 February 2019
OE-XSE A109SP SCHENK AIR Robin 1
Ludesch, Friday 22 February 2019
OE-XFT AS350B3e WUCHER
OE-XGA AS350B3 WUCHER "Rocking Mountains BMW" t/s
Balzers, Saturday 23 February 2019
HB-ZSJ EC135P1 LIONS AIR Christoph Liechtenstein, AP3
HB-ZNI AS350B3 SWISS HELICOPTER
HB-ZLS GUIMBAL CABRI G2 SWISS HELICOPTER
HB-ZIH KAMAN K1200 ROTEX FL flag
HB-XHB BELL 47G-3B-1 Sioux AH1
HB-ZTL ROBINSON 66 VALAIR
Hohenems, Saturday 23 February 2019
OE-BXK AS350B3 BMI/POLIZEI
Friedrichshafen - Städt. Krhs. Friedrichshafen, Saturday 23 February 2019
D-HRTE EC135T3 DRF Christoph 45
Kempten - Durach, Saturday 23 February 2019
D-HZSQ EC135T3 BMI
D-HZSR EC135T3 BMI Christoph 17
Best regards,
Michiel
