PROFILE
Cpt Klaus RAINER
Military Pilot 1986-2000
EMS Rescue Pilot 2000-until
9700 Flighthours, 44700 Flights,
8000 EMS Rescue Missions
Civilian Astronaut Training 2023-2035
born 29.04.1966 in Klagenfurt
Who i am
Captain Klaus Rainer is an experienced Austrian emergency helicopter pilot for the ÖAMTC (Austrian Automobile Club) and a dedicated space tourism enthusiast based in Klagenfurt, Carinthia. As of late 2025, he is 59 years old, has logged over 45,000 flights, and is training to become the first Carinthian in space.
Here are the key details regarding his career, training, and achievements based on available search results:
Career and Background
ÖAMTC Emergency Pilot: Rainer has worked for over 26 years with the ÖAMTC Flight Rescue (Flugrettung). He is a captain and served as a base manager for the Christophorus 7 helicopter in Nikolsdorf, Alpin Heli 6 Zell/See and Intensive Transport Helicotper C33 Wr. Neustadt Austria. He served as an Safety and Quality Manger too. Many training courses and workshops were completed in Los Angeles, USA, Eurocopter Germany as well as advanced training through the ÖAMTC Air Rescue College.
Military Background: He previously served as a military pilot for 14 years.
Career Highlights: He has performed over 9,000, and by some reports up to 45,000 total flights, including complex, high-altitude mountain rescues.
Space Aspirations: He is an active member of the "Swiss Space Tourism" project (#00098) and seeks to travel to space within the next ten years, requiring 500,000 US Dollars for the endeavor.
Training and Qualifications
Astronaut Training: Rainer has begun training for his space mission, including:
Zero-Gravity Training: Completed a parabolic flight, earning a certificate.
Upcoming Training: Planned 6G-force training in Germany (2026).
Pilot Certifications: Holds an CHPL for Helicopters EASA.
Specialized Courses: Night Vision Goggles (NVG) advanced rating, PC7 aerobatic training, and simulator training for the Eurocopter H135 Helionix.
Awards and Recognition
Weightlessness Training for Space: His completion of the zero-gravity training is considered a major milestone in his preparation for the space trip.
Active Member #00098: Recognized by Swiss Space Tourism as an active member.
Current Membership Austrian Space Forum
Personal Facts
Born: April 29, 1966, in Klagenfurt, Austria.
Physical Fitness: Despite being 59, he is described as top-fit and has not taken a single sick day in his professional career.
Interests: Plays tenor saxophone and enjoys motorcycling.
Note: This information is based on public profiles and reports from November/December 2025..
Portrait 40 years of service
Klaus Rainer is a well-known Austrian air ambulance pilot. He gained media attention through his decades of experience as a rescue pilot, during which he flew thousands of missions and saved countless lives. Kleine Zeitung Current focus areas of his career include: Space training: Since 2024/2025, Rainer has been intensively preparing to fly into space as a space tourist. He is completing special training programs and is considered a Carinthian pioneer in this field. "Xwing Klaus": Under the pseudonym Xwing Klaus, he combines his passion for aviation on social media. He also uses this platform for educational projects, such as giving lectures at the Kapfenberg Aviation Technical College. Kleine Zeitung: He is often referred to as "Captain," which reflects his rank as the pilot in command of the air ambulance service. You can find more about his personal story and a spectacular rescue mission on the Grossglockner in the profile on the ÖAMTC website. Further insights into his astronaut training can be found on his Instagram profile, "Xwing Klaus". Are you interested in his career in air rescue or more in his current space project? Member of Austrian Space Forum.
Military Operation
from 1986 - 2000
I completed my training as a military helicopter pilot in Zeltweg and Langenlebarn from 1986 to 1987. In 1992, I became a flight instructor and flew for the Austrian Armed Forces until 2000. I served in the Air Force for 14 years.
Photo credit (c) Bundesheer/Group
EMS Operation
the intensive care transport helicopter Christophorus 33 in Wiener Neustadt. Our area of operation covers all of Austria From 2000 onwards, I worked for the ÖAMTC air rescue service, serving as an operational pilot, flight safety officer, and in other roles. To this day, I actively fly on and neighboring countries.
Photo credit (c) Franz Lackner, Flightinstructor SIM Center Rotorsky, Fire Brigade Hospital Nord Vienna, Eurocopter, ÖAMTC EMS Rescue.
Night Vision Goggles
In our EMS air ambulance service, we use night vision goggles for night flight operations. This allows the crew to land in open terrain, not just on hospital helipads, bases, or airports. Landings are possible at any emergency location after careful reconnaissance, provided there is sufficient space. Highways, meadows, remote farms, even forest clearings or landings in high mountains are all possible with these night vision devices.
RotorSky Linz H135 Simulator
Welcome to RotorSky Your dream can come true – become a pilot – and RotorSky will support you throughout your entire piloting career. RotorSky specializes in guiding and supporting you from the very beginning of your flying career – from obtaining your license and maintaining it to earning instructor ratings, if you wish. For more information, please call +43 664 2644347 or email fly@rotorsky.at. Photo Credit (c) RotorSky
