All this can now be yours… legally
New rules to allow non-Austrian licence holders to fly legally in Austria are expected to come into force from 1 May 2016.
Fly Koessen’s Sepp Himberger said that the local regulations for guest pilots in Austria are going through final review now.
“We anticipate the decree to be in force by 1 May,” he said, “just in time for the upcoming flying season and the Super Paragliding Testival 2016.”
Pilots holding a hang gliding or paragliding license from following countries may than fly legally in the Austrian Alps:
Australia
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Germany
Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Hungary
France
Italy
Lithuania
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Romania
Sweden
Switzerland
Slovakia
Slovenia
Ukraine
HG/PG permits from these countries have been deemed equivalent to Austrian licenses.
Notably absent from the list are the USA, Canada and New Zealand, three countries with well-developed flying regulations.
Sepp said the national associations of those countries may not have responded in time, or they may not have been contacted correctly. “I had a request in this regard already from the US and advised them to contact the Austrian Ministry of Traffic,” he said. “Also for Canada, although we haven’t heard from New Zealand yet.”
Pilots flying in Austria must also hold third-party liability insurance (www.flugschulen.at/axa/english) and carry their licence and insurance card with them.
Pilots from all other countries may obtain a special ‘Guest-Licence’ from any local Austrian flying school by providing proof of qualification, e.g. IPPI card or their national license.
