On October 12, Pilot Day South Tyrol took place at the Schliniger Alm – an important milestone in the Interreg project START Living Lab. The focus was on the question: How can drones make mountain rescue more efficient and safer? Whether as a quick pair of eyes in the air or as a means of transport for vital equipment, the possible applications are endless. Under the direction of Sebastian Mayrgündter from NOI Techpark, the event became a lively laboratory for innovation, where theory and practice went hand in hand.

The SIENA research group from Carinthia University of Applied Sciences was also represented with its own station: Data Management. Here, participants analysed the entire process of a drone mission – from planning and execution to evaluation. The discussion highlighted the importance of standardised data handling, particularly in light of regional differences in organisation and procedures. The analysis of various tools used in SAR operations prompted an intensive exchange of views on challenges and possible solutions.

Supported by partners such as Eurac Research, MAVTech and FlyingBasket, Pilot Day 2024 impressively demonstrated how research, industry and rescue services are working together to shape the future of mountain air rescue. The results are directly incorporated into the further development of technologies, training courses and deployment concepts – an important step towards faster, safer and more sustainable rescue missions in the Alpine region.