Unusual Cargo

A loud crackling sound, a whirring in the air—necks stretch out, and all eyes are fixed on the source of the noise. A helicopter is approaching; all the spectators are watching its approach maneuver. For once, it’s not a model aircraft flying toward our model airfield in Kestenholz, making all that noise and stirring up all that air. It’s actually an Army Eurocopter EC 635 flying toward us, rapidly growing larger. Just now it touches down gently, and a few seconds later the pilot throttles back the engine.

With our ideally located model airfield, we are hosting a special event. It’s a winch exercise involving an Army Eurocopter helicopter and the Solothurn regional group of REDOG. Dog handlers from the Solothurn cantonal police have also traveled here for this exercise. After the lunch break, about twenty dog handlers will attach their four-legged companions to a “Gstältli” and hoist them up into the air using the winch. For both the dog owners and the dogs, this is the first time they’ve practiced an operation like this. Some of the animals seem a bit uneasy about it.

back onto solid ground. The next rope team is kneeling a few meters away, ready for their own big moment.

This was an interesting exercise not only for the dog owners but also an impressive experience for the few helpers on the field. A few volunteers would have loved to take a ride and see our field from high above. It was a pleasure for us to host such a special event.

Photos: Jürg Beyeler

More info and photos: www.redg.ch and www.mgw.ch