The Basic Course on Operating a Helicopter at Air Zermatt
The basic course on operating helicopters serves as an introduction to the duties firefighters perform during firefighting operations involving helicopters.
Course Information
| Course Location | Zermatt Heliport |
| Number of Participants | Max. 12 people per course |
| Course Dates | 2027 dates to be announced |
| Course duration | 1 day |
| Course times | 8:00 a.m. – approx. 4:00 p.m. |
| Target Audience | Firefighters |
| Prerequisites | Active duty as a firefighter with a fire department in Switzerland |
| Continuing Education Option | Continuing Education Course I and Continuing Education Course II |
| Course fee | CHF 700.00 per person, including lunch |
| Course language | German |
Course Description
When fighting fires in rugged terrain, the use of helicopters is an efficient method. For over 10 years, the Air Zermatt Training Center has been providing specialized training to fire departments from all over Switzerland and abroad. As the first helicopter company in Switzerland, its helicopter courses for fire departments are certified by the Swiss Fire Department Coordination (FKS).
The course instructors are trained Task Specialists, staff members, and fire department instructors. They competently guide participants through all aspects of the program.
The course is designed to teach participants how to operate a helicopter for firefighting operations.
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Course Objectives
- Understanding the applicable safety regulations
- Proper handling of a helicopter
- Understanding the regulations for attaching external loads
- Safe navigation in difficult terrain
- Personal safety is a fundamental principle of fire departments and is taught and practiced here by the instructors.
Course Content
Theory:
- Introduction and organization on site
- Possibilities and limitations of helicopter operations
- Basic knowledge of helicopters
- Material transport, low-load flights, loading a motorized fire pump
- Rescue helicopter equipment, HEC (longline) gear
- Hovering Boarding and Disembarking
Practical portion:
- Helicopter Ground School
- Hovering boarding and disembarking in difficult terrain
- Communication with the pilot using hand signals
- Safe movement in difficult terrain
Return transport and debriefing at the heliport.
Contact
If you have any questions or would like to register directly, please feel free to contact us.
- Phone: +41 27 570 70 70
- Email: training@air-zermatt.ch
