At a ceremony with Protection Minister Klaudia Tanner (VP), the lengthy period of the plane was dropped at an finish with a “fly-out” on the Fiala-Fernberg air base in Higher Styria. The fundamental coaching system for a number of generations of pilots was concerned in numerous rescue operations.
Not too long ago, solely a handful of the helicopters had been operational. They’re now being changed by the Italian Leonardo AW-169. Thus far, 5 of those helicopters have arrived in Austria from Italy. A complete of 36 have been ordered. One of many 5 new ones is at present stationed in Aigen, 4 are in Langenlebarn.
What’s going to occur to the Alouette helicopters which can be nonetheless airworthy remains to be an open query. Tanner mentioned that they may very well be given to flight colleges for “wise additional use”. Promoting them overseas can also be conceivable, however the authorized rules for this must be examined rigorously, “so the previous is extra probably,” mentioned Tanner.
