Transporting a helicopter might seem as straightforward as flying from point A to point B. However, the logistics behind transporting these vehicles are far more complex and require careful planning, permits and expert personnel. Wide Load Shipping offers customized transport solutions for these occasions. We have the capability to transport every oversized load, wide load and super load.
In this case study, we’ll go over how our expert logistics team safely hauled a Robinson R44 helicopter by land. We developed a detailed hauling strategy to transport this aircraft by land for maintenance. Our team planned a route, hired qualified crews and gathered all needed permits to deliver the helicopter safely and within our client’s budget.
You can transport a lightweight helicopter like the Robinson R44 in several ways, including air transport on larger aircraft, container ships for overseas trips and land transportation on specialized trailers. These options are preferable in cases where the setting isn’t suitable for landing and flying the helicopter directly is less cost-effective.
Our client requested our logistics services to haul their personal Robinson R44 helicopter for maintenance. We assigned a personal logistics agent to our client and requested crucial information about the helicopter’s dimensions, the distance of the move and delivery deadlines. Highway transport in an enclosed shelter was the best option for ensuring a safe, affordable and fast delivery.
The Robinson R44 is considered a lightweight helicopter, weighing around 1,450 lbs, making it suitable for road transport. The main challenges of transporting this aircraft centered around securing its moving parts, loading and unloading it carefully and planning a route that avoided obstructions such as bridges.
The Robinson R44 helicopter has the following dimensions:
Other considerations included safe handling, as most Pilot Operating Handbooks (POHs) warn about handling the tail rotor guard, outboard part of the horizontal stabilizer, tail rotor and tail rotor controls when moving the helicopter. This makes loading, unloading and packing a complex task fit only for qualified professionals.
We analyzed our client’s requirements and studied the characteristics of the helicopter to create a thorough hauling strategy. We planned a route in advance, ensuring that there were no obstacles like bridges in the way. We also handled all navigating permits and regulations needed and hired an expert crew to ensure a smooth transport.
We transported the helicopter inside a fully enclosed shelter on a specialized trailer with retractable tarps. This method provided the highest protection from the elements, debris, theft and vandalism during transit.
We drained all fluids from the helicopter and disassembled key components like the blades, landing gear, antennas and batteries to facilitate transport. We secured all movable things and the helicopter’s exterior with shrink-wrapping and used blade tie-downs to prevent the wind from damaging them.
Thanks to our logistics agents’ efforts, we provided safe transport for the Robinson R44 helicopter. Our skilled drivers and workers were able to assemble and disassemble the aircraft and follow expert hauling techniques to keep it safe during transit. They maintained clear communication during the process, documenting the state of the cargo during every stage for insurance and reassembly purposes.
Wide Load Shipping offers safe, on-time delivery and quality service for your hauling needs. Contact us online for a free estimate or call us at (877) 792-5056 for more information about our complete personalized solutions
