For the first Helihack trip, the crew flew in using skid-landings. This was soon discontinued as it was not effective.
The better technique has been the strop with rock climbers and equipment hanging on it. Climbers can be delivered to steeper ground where the pines are commonly situated.
These committed volunteers invest their own money and time into the project. The pilots, who are experienced at flying in mountain areas close to the ground, are paid. As an aircraft is expensive to run and maintain, the project costs an estimated $22,000 per weekend.
Helicopters utilized to date are the Bell 407, AS350 B3 Squirrel, Augusta Koala and Huey. Safety is of prime importance for this challenging and unique undertaking, so experienced pilots and capable aircraft are important. Bronte Heinrich was the pilot on the last few operations using Savannah Helicopters’ AS350 B3. He has extensive experience in firefighting, live-line power line repairs, longline, aerial filming, and aerial construction.
“A helicopter is really the only way to do this job safely and in a reasonable time frame,” Bronte says. “It’s very challenging flying, but also highly satisfying to see how
much has been done by the end of the weekend.”
The AS350 B3 is respected worldwide for its operational superiority compared to other single-engine turbine helicopters in its class. It still holds the world record for the highest-altitude landing and takeoff on Mount Everest at 8,848 meters (29,029 feet). Primary use of the AS350 B3 is in hot-and-high operational environments, where it excels. This makes it an ideal helicopter for the Helihack operations. The high-altitude mountainous areas often have unpredictable winds from a variety of directions.
Capacity is for a pilot and up to six passengers, with 4.5
hours of endurance
adding to its operational flexibility. The flat floor can easily be configured for aerial work such as the Helihack operation, firefighting, and passenger transport.
The Safran Arriel 2D engine provides 710 kilowatts of takeoff power and a maximum takeoff weight of 2,250 kilograms (approx. 4,960 pounds).
On a maintenance level, Airbus’ support of a worldwide service network ensures the machines experience as little downtime as possible.
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Jan/Feb 2022
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