German Civil Helicopter Fleet Inadequately Prepared for Rescue Missions, Report Says
The German Civil Protection Helicopter Fleet, consisting of 18 rescue helicopters, is increasingly not ready for deployment, according to a report by Business Insider. The helicopters, under the jurisdiction of the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK), were not fully operational on a total of 207 days in 2023, requiring the assistance of one or more police helicopters. In 2019, the number of non-operational days was only 69.
The current fleet of civil protection helicopters (ZSH) consists of 18 machines, distributed across 12 bases, including in Cologne, Frankfurt, and Hanover, as well as in Kempten, Siblin, and Traunstein. Six of the 18 helicopters are “springer” machines, designed to provide backup in case the other helicopters are in maintenance.
A report by the Federal Ministry of the Interior, dated June 2024, states that the helicopters are not suitable for some requirements of civil and disaster protection, particularly nighttime operations. Although the current helicopters are capable of night flights, they “reach their limits in their role in air rescue” due to weight issues. The additional pilot required for nighttime flights reduces the helicopter’s payload, affecting its performance.
The ministry explains that the helicopters need to be replaced, but the necessary funds are not available.