“QHD, ICAO-Code: ETIE” That’s what you would have heard when approaching the Heidelberg Army Heliport. Today we explore the history of this special airfield. The Heidelberg Army Heliport, previously known as Heidelberg Army Airfield, holds a unique place in the city’s history. It is a former military airfield of the US Army. It is located in the Kirchheim district of Heidelberg.
After the American aircraft moved to Mannheim and Wiesbaden in September 2002, it became a heliport. As part of the conversion of US Army sites in Schwetzingen, Heidelberg, and Mannheim, the heliport was handed over to the German Federal Real Estate Agency on April 30, 2014. Part of the area was used by the agricultural machinery manufacturer John Deere.
The airfield’s story began after the US Army established a base in April 1945. On August 23, 1948, the former Großdeutschland Kaserne became the seat of the American headquarters. Initially, the runway was just a grass area. It was not fortified until 1954. The expanded airfield had two runways. One ran roughly north-south measuring 401 x 12 meters. The other ran roughly east-west measuring 1067 x 30 meters.
In 2013, the USAREUR headquarters moved to Wiesbaden. This led to the closure of the airfield. Its use as a civilian airfield was unlikely. This was due to the dangerous approach from the east and the short runway. Additionally, the K9706 district road crosses the eastern part of runway 08/26. Some residents of the neighboring Pfaffengrund district had complained about aircraft noise. After its conversion to a heliport, it was only used for medical emergency aid. It also supported public safety measures and US Army facilities.
From November 2014 to May 2016, the world’s leading agricultural technology manufacturer John Deere temporarily leased the area. John Deere has plants in nearby Mannheim and Bruchsal. They used the airfield for product presentations under practical conditions. They also used it for training sales partners.
The head of the Army Aviation Department of USAREUR/7A was responsible for managing the Heidelberg Army Heliport. Initially, the 207th Aviation Regiment was stationed in Heidelberg. It was renamed the 214th Aviation Company. In 2006, it was attached to the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade.
The facility covers 15.6 hectares. According to other information, it covers 16.8 hectares. Without the landing areas, 1.8 hectares are built upon. There are 14 buildings including the tower, eight halls and five other buildings. These buildings have one or two floors.
The Heidelberg Army Heliport played a vital role during its active years. It supported military operations and local emergency services. Today, the area is undergoing redevelopment. It offers new opportunities for the city of Heidelberg. The airfield once echoed with the sounds of military aircraft. It now stands as a testament to Heidelberg’s ever-changing landscape.