At 11:34 AM 6/23/2005, JC Smith wrote:
>Hi Jim,
> We are 5
>miles outside the local class D airspace and well under the SFO class B so I
>guess FAA permission is possible, depending on how low they would have to
>fly. I'm only a mile from the center of Walnut Creek (a major downtown
>business district).
Flying time from one point to another is the least of the charges for the
helicopter, so if you wind up assembling the antenna in one place where the
helo picks it up, and then they fly 10 minutes to where your tower is.
For instance, they might be willing to let you assemble the antenna (and
rig it for the lift) at the helicopter company's base on the
airport. Finding a big flat area 50x50 feet wouldn't be a problem at most
airports (Buchanan Field, for you, I would expect, but maybe one of the ag
flying companies might be a better bet). That would also give them a
chance to see how big it is before the helicopter is in the air and to give
you useful advice on how to sling it, etc.
Another place to consider is something like a football field at a local
high school or community college, or even the parking lot at these
places. You'll definitely want a place that the helo can set down before
making the lift, just so you can meet up with the pilot and discuss things
like wind, abort plans, etc. Depending on the braveness factor, the pilot
may also want a load cutaway that can be triggered in an emergency. The
last thing the pilot wants is to get your giant antenna hung up in some
trees and be unable to fly away because the cable is connected to the
helicopter.
>Another concern is service. I'd have to plan on hiring the chopper again at
>some point, as I don't know any antenna that will last "forever." Still, it
>might be good to know if it is even possible, and at what cost. Perhaps the
>gentleman who responded previously would do so again, and any one else with
>experience with helicopter lifts. I'll check with the local FSS and see
>what I can find out.
>
>73 - JC, k0hps@amsat.org
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