ADAC Luftrettung chooses SafeSky to safely save lives.

© ADAC Luftrettung / PD Dr. Björn Hossfeld

We are pleased to announce that ADAC Luftrettung gGmbH, pioneers of air rescue in Germany, partners with SafeSky to enhance air safety standards.

This collaboration marks a significant step forward in ensuring the safety and security of aerial operations across Germany.

What you need to know.

• ADAC Luftrettung is one of Europe's most prominent air rescue organisations conducting more than 50,000 annual missions.

• Pilots navigate diverse landscapes, including mountains, encountering various aircraft, from gliders to drones.

• Traditional air traffic systems struggle to detect low-flying traffic, posing risks of mid-air collisions.

• To address this, ADAC Luftrettung formed a Collision Avoidance Task Force, evaluating an extension of their current tablet-based navigation system to provide traffic alerts alongside with certified anti-collision devices.

• SafeSky's technology was chosen for its comprehensive air traffic covering various aircraft categories, enhancing safer operations for ADAC Luftrettung's pilots.

---

Context and challenges.

Navigating complex airspaces.

With over 50 rescue helicopters stationed across 38 locations, ADAC Luftrettung operates at the forefront of air rescue in Europe, conducting more than 50,000 missions annually.

Operating at low altitudes throughout the country – traversing a wide variety of landscapes including mountains – pilots encounter a multitude of aircraft, ranging from gliders and paramotors to the increasingly prevalent drones.

Limitations of existing air traffic detection systems.

Traditional online air traffic services often fail to adequately display low-flying air traffic, increasing the risk of mid-air collisions. Existing certified anti-collision systems, such as ADS-B and FLARM, are effective in certain scenarios but often fall short due to interoperability issues or equipment limitations. Additionally, Flight Information Services have limitations in detecting traffic below 1000 feet, especially in mountainous regions, which concerns ADAC Luftrettung Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) flight operations.

Creation of ADAC Luftrettung Collision Avoidance Task Force.

To address these challenges, ADAC Luftrettung established the Collision Avoidance Task Force, led by Dr. Philip Edelmann, Flight Operations Executive and Pilot. This task force is committed to pioneering innovative solutions and has evaluated tablet-based systems alongside certified anti-collision devices. SafeSky's technology emerged as the most suitable solution due to its comprehensive coverage of air traffic and seamless integration into ADAC's operations. To evaluate its real-life effectiveness, a three-month evaluation period will now be initiated.

Benefits for ADAC Luftrettung’s pilots?

ADAC Luftrettung's helicopter pilots will benefit from SafeSky's comprehensive in-flight traffic information, covering various aircraft categories, including general aviation, commercial and civil helicopters, ultralights, hang-gliders, para-gliders/motors, military planes, balloons, and drones.

SafeSky traffic overlay in ADAC's navigation app.

" SafeSky is honored to collaborate with ADAC Luftrettung in their mission to enhance air safety and save lives. Every second counts in emergency medical care and rescue services, and safety in flight operations is critical. SafeSky allows HEMS operators to save lives safely. After successful partnerships in citizen-critical operations in other parts of Europe, this marks SafeSky’s first yet highly significant partnership in Germany. We hope it sets an example for improved flight safety in emergency medical services throughout Europe and beyond. " Tristan Fily, CEO SafeSky

For further inquiries or information, please contact ADAC Luftrettung.