It's winter there now

Rodolfo Saccani of the FIVL writes:

We keep having serious problems in the Dolomites (expecially in Canazei – Col Rodella – Pordoi – Marmolada).

The Dolomites area is again at risk of being closed to free flight.

I ask you to please help us in informing European pilots and schools by publishing on your websites and magazines the following information (please also send me links to your websites once you published the news so that we can show to the authorities our cooperation in keeping these area safe).

The search and rescue helicopter service in the Dolomites area (Canazei, Col Rodella, Pordoi, Marmolada) is still struggling when hundreds of pilots, from all over Europe, keep flying during rescue operations not allowing the helicopter to properly operate to help fellow free flight pilots that need assistance.

The situation is so bad that the authorities will close the area if we can't manage to solve this problem.  In order to keep everybody safe and in order to keep open to free flight one of the most beautiful flight areas in the world, all pilots flying in the Dolomites area are requested to:

1) Take note: the official phone number in Italy for the rescue service is 118.

2) Starting from this year, we start experimenting with a radio channel reserved to flight safety.  Keep a radio always listening on the safety radio channel that we call "8-16" which is PMR channel 8 with CTSS subtone 16.  For the most technical pilots the frequency is 446,09375 Mhz + subtone 114,8 Hz This radio channel will be used to provide instructions during rescue operations and for any other safety-related communication.  Keep the channel free, don't use it for non-safety communications.  PMR radios are cheap and light.  Getting a second radio just for this safety channel is a good choice: it will be your cheapest piece of safety equipment.  Communication during emergencies is very important.

3) When you see the helicopter (red or yellow) fly at least 2Km away from the rescue area.

4) Tell also to your friends, on your usual radio channel, to move 2Km away from the rescue area.

5) If there is no other way to communicate with them, use the "ears" with the paraglider as a way to communicate that they also have to leave the area.

6) Don't stay in front of the helicopter when it's hovering.  Even when you think that the helicopter has reached it's operation place and that it's safe to keep flying, the helicopter is probably waiting for free flight pilots (including yourself) to move away in order to proceed to the rescue area.

7) Every pilot flying in the Dolomites area must have a red and a green smoke bomb.  They can be found at the Col Rodella cablecar.  If you have an accident and need medical help use the red smoke bomb.  If you have an accident and don't need medical assistance use the green smoke bomb and fold the wing.

Rodolfo Saccani | Commissione Sicurezza FIVL