Due to this a first spectacular mission had to be performed above the roofs of the city. The company Wucherer Helicopters from Vorarlberg (the most western region of Austria) received the contract from the city administration to transport the wood by helicopter. 40 years of experience with transport flights in the mountains as well as the best concept gave the deal to Wucherer Helicopters, which runs a base in Zell am See in the region Salzburg in addition (thereby being as well “local”).
In terms of equipment a Bell 205 helicopter was used, specifically suited as it produces smaller amount of downwash (as comparable helicopters) and was thus well suited for the upright removal and transport of trees. The civil model of the famous “Vietnam Helicopter” is one of the workhorses in the fleet of the company. With already over 17.400 flight hours Walter Seifert, one of the most experienced pilots, was on the controls of the Huey. As well due to this legacy he was chosen for the demanding job on the northern cliff of the Kapuzinerberg.
Every day the pilot could write an additional six and a half hours of airtime around the mountain in his flight book, overall 300 flights with trees and parts of trees up to a weight of 1.5 tons.
The weather situation with strong winds from the west and the operations close to the cliff made the transport of the trees to a very challenging mission which was managed safely, efficient and exhaustive at any times. Experience in this business clearly pays off.
We would like to Thank the whole team of Wucherer for the very good cooperation.