Transport flights and external load flights are just as much a part of our everyday work as sightseeing and transfer flights, and make up a significant proportion of our orders. Our helicopters and pilots are trained and prepared for precisely such missions. Our special equipment includes a wide variety of nets, big bags, straps and slings for securing a wide range of loads.
We also have ropes in various lengths and mechanical and electric load hooks in stock. This equipment enables us to carry out highly individual assignments and missions. Our helicopter, the Airbus H125, can transport loads of up to 1,200 kg. Many factors, such as altitude and temperature, play a role and must be taken into account.
In mid-October, we were able to assist with a complex waste disposal operation in the Dobratsch Nature Park in Carinthia and provide our helicopter for this transport flight.
From microwaves and electric scooters to car tyres, large quantities of rubbish have accumulated on the Dobratsch in recent years. The Austrian Federal Forestry Office, together with the mountain rescue service and Villacher Alpenstraßen GmbH, decided to rid the sensitive habitat of the nature reserve of unwanted debris. Thanks to the tremendous preparatory work carried out by the Austrian Federal Forestry Office and volunteers, around ten of our big bags were filled with waste and collected. Around four hectares have been cleared of rubbish since September, restoring a clean and safe environment for animals and hikers.
As the steep terrain in the ‘Rote Wand’ area is very difficult to access, it was only possible to remove the waste by helicopter as an external load. In total, around three tonnes of rubbish were flown out of the southern side of the nature reserve in a very short time. We also have to make some preparations before each mission. Our pilots carefully study the planned terrain and the associated dangers. Possible landing sites, approaches and hazards such as power lines must be identified in advance to ensure safe execution. The necessary preparations are also made for our helicopter and equipment suitable for the flight is ensured. All participants also wear protective clothing, helmets and safety belts to minimise risk.
The operation took several hours in very challenging terrain. It began with the boarding and drop-off of our flight assistants and ended with their transport under challenging weather conditions. Our flight assistants and pilots are highly qualified and well-coordinated for precisely such operations. Communication between the ground and air is precise and concise via radio. Every move must be perfect. Close cooperation is crucial in such situations and essential for a smooth operation.
Furthermore, experience plays a decisive role – every landing, every take-off and every movement with an external load requires absolute precision and concentration. Every gust of wind can be dangerous if the wrong reaction is made.
After dropping off our flight assistants, our helicopter is above the collection point with a considerable accumulation of rubbish. After lowering the load hook, our special nets and big bags on the ground are attached to the load hook by the flight assistants – on cue, the external load rises elegantly into the air and is transported directly into the valley. Rusty metal parts, batteries, old electrical appliances, shopping trolleys and various car parts were thus disposed of properly.
After around two hours and a wide variety of rotations, the entire team succeeded in freeing the protected natural area from a considerable load and minimising the impact on soil, water and wildlife. At the end of such a day of work, the mountain remains as it should be – clean, quiet and natural. The campaign shows that modern air transport can be a valuable tool for environmental protection and sustainability.
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