Soaring to Success: Helicopter-Assisted HVAC & Battery Swap on a Remote Mountaintop

Project Overview

ADB recently completed an ambitious HVAC and battery removal/replacement project, utilizing a helicopter to transport equipment to a remote mountaintop site. This complex operation, which required nearly a year of careful planning, showcases ADB's expertise in executing challenging telecommunications projects under difficult conditions.

Project Highlights

This project required coordination with a helicopter operation, and it involved months of careful planning, coordination with the helicopter company, and multiple internal scoping calls to ensure a smooth execution. The project's success relied heavily on collaboration between our skilled technicians, construction managers, and on-site representatives.

Key highlights include:

Precise Coordination: Extensive efforts by our lead installer and HVAC Construction Manager ensured the landing zone was approved and secured well before scheduling. We also worked with technicians to confirm ATV accessibility for the access road and provided all necessary weights and dimensions of the equipment to meet the helicopter's safety requirements.
Perfect Conditions: Although an inclement weather contingency date was set for September 18th, the weather on September 16th was ideal, which allowed the project to proceed smoothly on schedule.
Efficient Execution: The helicopter arrived at 9:00 AM on September 16th, and our teams flawlessly coordinated the logistics of transporting materials and equipment to the mountaintop site while swapping out the old equipment for new batteries and HVAC units.

Project Details

Location: The project took place at a site on top of a mountain in Moretown, VT.
Team: The team consisted of 6 installation technicians, 1 HVAC Construction Manager, 2 riggers, and 1 pilot.
Scope of Work: Our crews traveled to Vermont on September 15, 2024, and used ATVs to access the mountaintop site, prepping for the helicopter's arrival the following day. On September 16th, the helicopter transported the necessary materials and equipment to the site, with multiple ATV trips required for the roughly 1.5-mile journey up the trail. While some crews managed the helicopter loads, others installed the batteries and HVAC units in accordance with the standards, ensuring the entire scope was completed that day.

Challenges and Solutions

The remote location and reliance on helicopter transportation presented unique logistical challenges. Our team meticulously planned each aspect of the project, including securing approvals for the helicopter landing zone, arranging access via ATVs, and ensuring that every piece of equipment met the weight and safety requirements for aerial transport.The excellent weather on the day of the helicopter pick allowed us to avoid the contingency plan, keeping the project on time and within budget.

Conclusion

This HVAC and battery replacement project demonstrates ADB's capability to handle complex logistical challenges and deliver quality results under unique conditions. The successful completion of this helicopter-assisted operation highlights our commitment to precision, safety, and collaboration in serving our clients.

With our expertise and dedication, ADB continues to support critical infrastructure projects nationwide, ensuring reliable and effective service for our customers.