Citizens defend themselves: Scharnstein fears helicopter expansion!

Citizens defend themselves: Scharnstein fears helicopter expansion!

In Scharnstein there is resistance to the planned expansion of Heli Austria's flight and operating area. A committed citizens' initiative has been formed to counter the project operators' attempts. They are planning to move the rescue helicopter location from St. Johann to the Bäckerberg in the “Wies”. The reason for this is a lack of space and the intention to add additional aircraft for supply and charter flights.

The initiative makes it clear: More noise, additional traffic and environmental pollution are the consequences of such a project. Loud tips.at The residents see the planned relocation as a direct threat to the idyllic nature and quality of life in the region. “Martin 3”, the rescue helicopter, will remain stationed in Scharnstein, but citizens fear that the increase in helicopter flight activity by Heli Austria and Heli Vision will lead to significant noise pollution for the surrounding communities.

Petition to preserve the existing structure

In its petition, which is aimed at all citizens of Austria, the citizens' initiative clearly shows that the current location of the rescue helicopter has been accepted by the population for years and is considered indispensable for emergency care. The planned project is interpreted as the commercial intention of the project operators. Above all, residents fear that relocating the site will not only increase noise pollution, but will also endanger a natural jewel - the "Wies" - by sealing nature conservation meadows. openpetition.eu documents the concerns of citizens demanding a full environmental impact assessment (EIA).

Environmental impact assessment is a legally required process that ensures that significant environmental impacts are recorded and assessed, such as Wikipedia explained. It attaches particular importance to the protection of people, health, animals and plants, and their interactions. The citizens' initiative is therefore calling for a comprehensive examination of the effects of the planned relocation - not only at the new location, but also at the existing location.

Political support and local interests

Mayor Rudolf Raffelsberger emphasizes that the rescue helicopter is of immense importance for regional emergency care. At the same time, he calls for an objective and transparent review of the transfer. However, he is also aware of the ecological and infrastructural unsuitability of the “In der Wies” location, as he has emphasized in various statements. “We have to weigh up all options and interests,” said Raffelsberger.

Christian Klopf, chairman of the ASKÖ Flugverein Scharnstein, has also heard about the relocation plans and, as a neighbor of Heli Austria, is supportive. But opinions about the necessity of the project are definitely divided. In a crisis meeting of the project operators that took place on October 1, 2025, no concrete changes were decided despite the petition collecting a thousand signatures. Ing. Florian Huemer from Heli Vision emphasizes that his role in the project is only mediating and that they are not pursuing any economic interests.

In summary, it remains to be said: The citizens' initiative wants to protect the natural jewel "Wies" and demands that the rescue helicopter and the emergency medical team stay in Scharnstein. Above all, they want local politicians to work to preserve the current location. In view of the sometimes very controversial discussions, it remains to be seen how the situation in Scharnstein will develop further.