Helicopter Crew Helps Port on Imperial Beach Pier Project

Monday, 16 November 2009
Contact: Dale Frost (619) 686-6461

A Huey helicopter was used to lift and then set three 60-foot-long piles on the Imperial Beach Pier to strengthen the structure. This marks the first time a helicopter was used on a Port construction project.

The work is part of a more than $600,000 Port District maintenance project to ensure the pier’s continued safety and longevity.

The innovative pile setting was devised by contractor NEWest Construction Company, Inc. and subcontractor Western Foundations & Shoring, Inc.  Weight restrictions on the pier prevented the more common use of a crane to set the piles.  The Huey helicopter is owned and operated by El Cajon-based Blackhawk Helicopters, Inc.

Although it took only 20 minutes of helicopter work to set the piles, the operation was planned and orchestrated over eight months and involved gaining approval from the Federal Aviation Administration.

“We got the job done,” said Richard Edwords, Director of Operations for Blackhawk Helicopters, Inc.

The pier will remain closed throughout the week as other upgrades are made to the 1,500-foot steel and timber structure.

The project will be completed in March 2010 and includes replacing 20 percent of the deck boards, repairing portions of the steel ramp/stair structure and replacing guardrail post supports. Originally constructed in the 1960s, the pier was renovated and extended in 1986.

---