Nov 3 2020

NATO Air Policing Flight Safety Exercise Trains German and Estonian Rescue Teams

ÄMARI, Estonia – The German Air Force Eurofighter detachment at Ämari, Estonia, conducted a flight safety and pilot recovery exercise together with the Estonian Air Force practicing the rescue chain in case of aircraft mishaps.

This is the training scenario: One of the German Air Force Eurofighter aircraft currently safeguarding the Baltic airspace on NATO’s Air Policing mission catches bird strike shortly after take-off. The pilot declares an emergency and bails out of the plane.

It is essential for the pilots to rely on a fast and effective rescue chain so they can focus on their mission

Every second counts as the rescue chain is activated while a second Eurofighter circles over the crash site. Once the recovery team of German flight safety staff and Estonian

emergency services arrive on site, the first priority is on saving the pilot. Subsequently, in a joint effort, the recovery team secures the crash site, the emergency services contain the fire on the wreck, and Military Police secure the site.

“This simulated incident serves to initiate life-saving response drills and the swift and smooth coordination between Estonian Host Nation and the German Air Force,” said Lieutenant Colonel Sebastian Fiedler, commander of the German Eurofighter detachment at Ämari. "It is essential for the pilots to rely on a fast and effective rescue chain so they can focus on their mission to safeguard the airspace over Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania on behalf of the Alliance," he added.

Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office based on information provided the German Air Force detachment

A German Air Force Eurofighter circles over an ambulance and a fire truck at the simulated crash site during the Flight Safety exercise at Ämari, Estonia. Photo by Bundeswehr/Niels Juhlke.

The pilot of the German Air Force Eurofighter "got stuck" in the trees after the simulated ejection; the Estonian rescue team is getting ready to help him down. Photo by Bundeswehr/Niels Juhlke.book.

Two members of the Estonian rescue team leadthe German pilot to the ambulance during the Flight Safety exercise at Ämari, Estonia. Photo by Bundeswehr/Niels Juhlke.ecimen book.

As the German detachment's Flight Surgeon watches, Estonian medics take care of the pilot inside the ambulance during the simulated Flight Safety Exercise. Photo by Bundeswehr/Niels Juhlke.