Helicopter operations
RV Polarstern has 2 BK117 C1 helicopters on board during the expeditions which are operated by 2 pilots and 2 technicians. They are supported by the DWD meteorologist with aviation weather service. Helicopters and staff are provided by Heliservice International from Emden. The helicopters are used in case of emergency, for ice reconnaissance, scientific application and transport tasks. Operating range is about 95 NM with about 1000 kg load. One helicopter always stays onboard or close to the ship for safety reasons while the second one is on mission. Both helicopters are parked with folded rotor blades in the hangar astern on C-deck. Before every flight there is a meeting of captain, pilot, expedition leader and meteorologist for discussing the flight plan.
Taking samples on the ice (Photo: Dr. Thomas Ronge)
