Seine Kreise am Himmel ziehen. Von links und rechts. Rauf und runter. Völlig schwerelos. Frei wie ein Vogel. Was sich Jung und Alt oft erträumen, kann im Burgenland (Österreich) Wirklichkeit werden: Bei einem luftigen Flug in 22 Meter Höhe mit „Leonardos Flugmaschine“ – nur eine von vielen Attraktionen im Familypark in St. Margarethen, die Kinderaugen leuchten lässt und Spaß für die ganze Familie bringt. Spaß, den hatten auch die Techniker des Freizeitparks bei einem Inhouse-Seminar von Festo Training and Consulting direkt vor Ort in St. Margarethen. An zwei Tagen drehte sich alles um die Themen „Pneumatik und Elektropneumatik“ – und ausnahmsweise nur am Rande um Karussells. Und von denen gibt es im Familypark unweit des Neusiedler Sees reichlich: Rund 60 kleinere und größere Attraktionen hat Österreichs größter Freizeitpark auf 145.000 Quadratmetern Fläche zu bieten.
Abenteuerliche Vielfalt
Von der nostalgischen Dampfl ok-Tour durch Wald und Wiese bis zur spektakulären Fahrt mit der Achterbahn, lebt der Park insbesondere von seiner Vielfalt. Nicht umsonst gibt es neben vier unterWasserspielplätze, Musiktheater, Restaurants, Klettergärten, die von circa Mitte März bis Ende Oktober geöffnet haben. 633.000 Besucher tauchten alleine 2016 in die burgenländische Abenteuerwelt ein – Tendenz seit Jahren steigend. 2018 begeht der Familienbetrieb sein 50-jähriges Jubiläum – und zwar gut gerüstet. Oder besser gesagt: gut ausgebildet.
On the safe side
One topic in particular was the main focus of attention: correct maintenance. “For us, the safety of our guests always has top priority. This means that all the equipment is always optimally maintained, and that we have to respond immediately to any possible malfunctions”, says Michael Lichtenberger, Familypark Operations Manager. “Most of our attractions are equipped with pneumatic components, such as cylinders and valves, and applications range from roller coaster brakes to the security gates at the entrance. This is why we always want to be fully up-to-date with our training.” How do pneumatic circuits work? What’s the best way of preparing compressed air? What kind of hazards might occur with outdoor attractions? And how can we control things, to either increase or reduce speed? These are the central questions. “It was important for us to raise our employees' awareness as much as possible, for example of the issue of efficiency and the costs incurred when compressed air disappears into a void,” explains Lichtenberger.
Much practice, more attention
The contents of the seminar certainly didn't disappear into a void, as demonstrated by the participants’ attitude. “Even though our employees came from many different areas, the seminar was extremely instructive for everyone. This is thanks to the highly competent trainer from Festo,” says Erik Kovács, Technical Director of Familypark, who above all praised the large amount of hands-on experience: “The theoretical part is often forgotten after a while, but what you remember is what you actually see and try out for yourself." Junior manager, Dominik Müller, who is responsible for work and operational safety, sees things in the same way: “The topics were very well prepared. This is important, because the attractions and the safety of our guests are very dear to us.” And then he continues with a grin: “You know that from school. Most people fall asleep during theoretical lessons, but as soon as there’s something to be experienced everyone wakes up. The mix was perfect at our seminar – and nobody fell asleep.”
With individuality to new heights
Just as each park attraction is special, the course was matched to the participants’ individual needs. “The things we were interested in were brought to the team in an exciting way,” sums up operations manager Michael Lichtenberger on a positive note. “We defined what sort of knowledge we needed, and that’s exactly what we got from Festo – perfectly in line with our requirements.” And he is pleased to have taken another step forward with his employees in order to reduce the risk of downtime to a minimum and to further enhance operating safety.
So, nothing stands in the way of absolute family fun and soaring to new heights in the future. For example with Leonardo da Vinci’s flying machines, from which the following quote originates: “When you once experienced flying, you’ll tread the earth with your eyes raised to the sky for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.”