Paving planned

Concrete instead of grass at the airfield in Mauterndorf

The Mauterndorf floodplain is still a grass track at the moment.

(Bild: Roland Holitzky/ROLAND HOLITZKY)

Small aircraft still land and take off on the green field in Mauterndorf. For years, there have been repeated discussions about safety. An emergency landing only failed on Saturday. Now efforts are being made to fortify the field. 

Mauterndorf has the highest airfield in Austria - a grass runway since it was founded. Aircraft accidents have occurred time and again in recent years: just last Saturday, a local pilot made an emergency landing after turbulence during take-off, who had guardian angels on board and was only slightly injured. He almost crashed into a house near the runway!

Safety is to be increased
Safety concerns have been circulating for years because the airfield is operated on a grass runway. Now it is to be paved. Pilots will soon be able to take off and land on concrete or asphalt over a length of 800 meters. Chairman Robert Wieland: "The rolling resistance is much higher on grass." In combination with the altitude, this is often particularly challenging for pilots. Grass also slows you down when taking off, experts know. On smooth surfaces, gliders and light aircraft are faster in the air and thus save fuel.

Local residents fear more noise from the air
Local residents are concerned that the airfield will become more attractive to amateur pilots and therefore louder. Valuable greenery would not be sacrificed, says Wieland. "We mow every other day. There's no life in the meadow." A construction hearing is taking place today, Monday.