Flying in Austria was not legal since the birth of our sport, however very few was aware of this, since it wasn't enforced much. Except at places like Geritzen, where too much stuff happened, and pulling out a 20 year old regulation seamed to be the perfect way to keep foreign pilots away.
Looks like this is going to change from May 1st, and there is a new regulation in final review. Pilots holding a hang gliding or paragliding license from following countries my than lawfully fly 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
The Austrian Aeroclub have proofed these regulation, and accepeted them as equivalent to Austrian license.
Keep in mind, 3rd party liability insurance is a must, and you have to carry your licence and insurance with you on the flight.
Pilots from all other countries may obtain a special “Guest-Licence” from the local “Austrian Flying School” by providing proof of qualification (e.g. IPPI card, national license,…).
This is great news for our upcoming event the justACRO Boogie. See you all there soon!