Hi Jim,
I must have deleted the e-mail reply I got (from someone on the TT
reflector) that listed some prices for helicopter lifts, but they were in
the kilobucks. However, at that time we were discussing lifting the whole
tower, not just the antenna so that would obviously have an effect on the
price. There are other problems, like finding an open area large enough to
build a MonstIR. My back yard is one of the most open areas available and
it wouldn't fit in there. I'd probably have to go to public open space or a
local park to assemble the monster and the chopper would have to puck it up
there and deliver it to my place. I'm in the middle of an R10 zoned area
(10,000 sq. ft. minimum lot size) so it's not like we are all on
postage-stamp PUD lots, but we aren't out in the country either. 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).
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
-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces@contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces@contesting.com]On Behalf Of Jim Lux
Sent: Wednesday, June 22, 2005 9:50 AM
To: JC Smith; 'Dale Martin'; towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] MonstIR install
At 07:55 PM 6/21/2005, JC Smith wrote:
>Hi Dale,
>
>I seriously considered the chopper option a few weeks ago. It's completely
>out of the question (as many on here pointed out at the time). Even if I
>could afford it (more than the tower and antennas combined)
Really? What were you quoted, out of curiosity? Around here (Los Angeles)
they use helicopters to install things like air conditioners on the roofs
of buildings and such, and it can't be all that expensive (as in not into
the many kilodollar range). We also used to hire helos to pick up and drop
things for special effects work, but that was a less price sensitive market.
> the local FAA
>wouldn't give permission due to my location.
Are you in some sort of prohibited flight area? You'll almost certainly
have to (or, more likely the helicopter folks will have to) go down to the
local FAA office to get a waiver, but fundamentally, that's just a matter
of paper pushing. We picked up and carried all manner of things for motion
picture production and shooting purposes all over the place in southern
California, and the only hiccup we ever had was when our intended flight
path happened to get to close to former President Reagan's house, so we to
modify the plans a bit. Mind you, we didn't try to do something like ask
to hover in the departure corridor for LAX.
> I do appreciate your making
>the suggestion though. Sometimes the obvious gets overlooked.
As you say, though, you might have insurmountable practical details for
your location. It would be useful to pass your information to the list
where it might get some others thinking "out of the gin pole
box". Construction technology has advanced since the days of the pyramids,
and some is remarkably reasonably priced (or might appeal to a ham who has
more money than spare time).
>73 - JC, k0hps@amsat.org
_______________________________________________
See: http://www.mscomputer.com for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless
Weather Stations", and lot's more. Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any
questions and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
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_______________________________________________
See: http://www.mscomputer.com for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless Weather
Stations", and lot's more. Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any questions
and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
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