City of Salzburg – From Thursday, September 8th: Tree felling using a special helicopter
Update Wednesday, September 7th – 11:30 a.m.:
The specialists of the helicopter crew have just decided – based on the current weather forecast – that their Use on the Kapuzinerberg (Tree felling by special helicopter Only on Friday in the Early (probably 7 a.m.) will start.
This week the time has come: The first tree felling by helicopter as part of the protective measures on Kapuzinerberg will start on Thursday, September 8th, from around 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Around 50 trees that are diseased, in danger of falling or have to be removed for the construction of new rockfall and debris protection nets are felled. These measures promote natural regeneration and thus emphasize the protective forest. On Friday, three trees in the southern area will first be removed and then the remaining trees will be removed by standing removal. The work lasts from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and can only be carried out if the weather is suitable. Should the weather still thwart this plan, the work will be postponed to Monday, September 12th.
Tree felling using special helicopters
The work is carried out on behalf of torrent and avalanche control by Rotex Helicopter AG, based in Switzerland. A special transport helicopter is used, which can transport up to 600 tons of wood per day. In addition, it generates only 72 decibels, making it one of the quietest transport helicopters currently on the market.
The trees are removed “standing”. That is, a tree climber attaches a sling around the affected tree, which WILL be attached to the helicopter. The trunk WILL then be locked below the intended height. The tree is then flown whole to the storage area.
These tree fellings by helicopter have advantages: the working hours are shorter, the space requirement is smaller and the burden on residents is lower.
Safety first: Kapuzinerberg closed!
For your own protection, entering the Kapuzinerberg in the restricted areas is strictly forbidden during the helicopter mission. As a precaution, all exits will be closed. The Kapuzinerberg is closed to walkers and climbers until 7 p.m. Posters and blocking personnel draw attention to the situation. Residents will be informed personally about the closures and access options.
Checking out the Kaman K-Max K-1200 helicopter:
- Rotor diameter: 2 x 14.70 m
- Length: 15.85m
- Height: 4.14m
- Power: 1343 kW/1500 hp
- maximum range: 480 km
- Maximum flight duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Noise level: 72 decibels
- Curb weight (without fuel): 2,300 kg
- max. take-off weight with external load: 5,443 kg
- maximum lifting capacity: 2.722 kg
- Crew: 1 pilot (no passengers)
The single seater was designed and manufactured in America by Kaman Aerospace Corp. With a dead weight of 2,300 kg and a payload of 2,722 kg, it is one of the few helicopter types whose payload is greater than its own weight. Thanks to the special design of the meshing main rotors, it is quiet and generates little downwash.
“Area management project Kapuzinerberg”
2022-2026 Construction and expansion of the rockfall and debris flow protection nets
2022-2042 Forest biological measures to stabilize the protective forest
Current residents: inside information
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