Four Seasons Aviation Ltd., Sprint Mechanical Inc., and Lifting Gear Hire Canada, Inc. (LGH) demonstrated their combined capability in aerial construction September 2-4, 2017 at the Canadian International Air Show in Toronto, Ontario. The team worked together to lift cargo up to 4,500 lbs. with Four Season’s newly acquired Sikorsky S-58T helicopter, Sprint’s mechanical expertise, and Lifting Gear Hire’s rental rigging equipment.
The partnership was born earlier this year when Sprint Mechanical sought out a solution for difficult rooftop HVAC installations in instances where utilizing a crane wasn’t an option. Sprint’s expertise is in mechanical, not aviation – Four Seasons Aviation met all of Sprint Mechanical’s qualifications to include Transport Canada approvals, a base of operations, mechanical staff, piloting staff, and they were seeking ways to expand into new markets.
It took extensive research to determine the correct helicopter for these specialized operations as it had to be able to lift the biggest rooftop units and it had to be certified to fly over busy city areas while doing so. The team decided upon the Sikorsky S-58T helicopter. With upgrades and safety features added, it can lift up to 4,500 lbs. The interior cargo space is 18’ long and 6’2” high, and can carry up to 17 people or 4,000 lbs. of cargo. Four skids can be loaded with a forklift through the side door and swing open tail section.
True to both Sprint and Four Season Aviation’s value toward partners who specialize, Lifting Gear Hire Canada was brought on board for their specialty in safe, high capacity lifting and rigging rental equipment. Lifting Gear Hire has an extensive inventory of high capacity lifting, rigging and moving equipment in their rental fleet in Toronto, Ontario. With LGH’s excellent safety record along with their thorough inspection and maintenance – it just made sense to continue to partner with companies with the same high quality and safety standards.
The Canadian International Air Show (CIAS) is Canada’s largest and longest-running aviation display; and one of the largest air shows in North America. The demonstration of aerial construction lift capability with the Sikorsky S-58T helicopter was performed once daily each day of the air show. Over its six-decade-plus history, the CIAS continues to thrill air show fans from around the world each Labour Day weekend.