Helicopter working at Aquarius

The IRMA storm damaged our Air Conditioning Water Cooling Towers. They need to be replaced. The Cooling Towers were delivered a few weeks ago. They are in the West Parking Lot.

It is time to put them in the roof of  both buildings. The new towers are very heavy. They will be disassembled in parts so they can be transported to the roof in stages. For this an helicopter will be used. As you can imagine some safety and security measures are very much needed.

In addition there will be no Air Conditioning service during the removal of the old damaged Cooling Towers and the reassemble and installation of the brand new Cooling Towers. This will take about 12 days. When the Cooling Towers are in place the Apartments and the Hallways will have Air Conditioning again.

We should have a cool summer. Patience, collaboration and neighborly behavior is a must. Aquarius Residents have had their share of inconveniences but if we all work together we should achieve our objectives. We can do it.

Bellow is the notice and additional information provided by the Building Management. Please be aware of the two critical dates: March 16 and  March 20/

NOTICE TO OWNERS BOTH TOWERS BUILDING A/C WILL BE SHUT DOWN BEGINNING

FRIDAY MARCH 16, 2018. @9:00AM

THE SHUT DOWN IS FOR APPROX 12 DAYS PLEASE PLAN FOR AN ADDITIONAL DAY OR TWO IN THE EVENT OF ANY UNFORSEEN CIRCUMSTANCES.

THE HELICOPTER LIFT DATE IS SET FOR;

  TUESDAY MARCH 20, 2018. @9:00AM

THE FOLLOWING THINGS MUST HAPPEN ON TUESDAY

1. Aquarius Parking west parking Lot in front of buildings need to be evacuated the day of the lift with no access to any personnel other than VMECH, Midwest, and security (This area will be the Main landing and staging area for Helicopter (Arrangements are being made)
2. Aquarius Beach Area Needs to be clear of people for the day of the lift, as this will be the emergency alternate landing area for helicopter. Two crowd control personnel are needed to keep are clear
3. Top Floor of both North and South Towers (PH LEVEL) will need to be Evacuated the day of the lift until helicopter work is finished.
4. 100 Ft clearance around Helicopter Unloading Zone (UNIT SETPOINT). NORTH TOWER is fine, For SOUTH tower we will need to clear a few parking spaces of THE RESIDENCES by FAA regulations. (SEE 100’ FAA Regulation)
5. We will need a total of 10 crowd control people

1.  Side walk (qty 4)
2.  Residence top parking (qty 2) we should only have 1 person here, no need for two
3.  South boundary control (Qty 1)
4.  North Boundary control (Qty 1)
5.  Beach control (Qty 2)

The helicopter  lift will last approx. 8 – 10 hours.

I have attached the Lift Service Agreement with list list of requirements for the lift for your review.   These are FAA regulations and we must be in compliance.

If you park in the west lot and plan on moving your vehicle for the day please advise so I do not have to account for your car.

WE DEFINITELY UNDERSTAND HOW FRUSTRATING THE DAYS WITH NO AC WILL BE. WE SINCERELY APOLOGIZE FOR THE INCONVENIENCE AND ARE HERE TO HELP YOU THROUGHOUT THIS PROCESS!

Safety and Operational Instructions from the Helicopter Firm

Helicopter Airways, Inc – Nationwide Service

PRE-LIFT CHECKLIST

Since wind caused by  helicopter rotors is strong, the following safety precautions MUST be taken BEFORE the arrival of the helicopter.

PREPARING THE AREA

1. All loose materials of any type (the lighter the more hazardous it is) MUST BE REMOVED   OR ADEQUATELY WEIGHTED DOWN, BOTH AT THE PICK SITE AND THE SET SITE! For example: Items that roll or slide easily, loose plastic sheeting or tarps plywood, loose hoods or vents, insulation, shingles and other roofing materials must be covered, weighted down or secured. **loose awnings must be secured**

2. Notify any other “trades” working in close proximity to the helicopter pick and setting sites, to protect any of their loose materials in a similar manner.
3. When selecting a staging area we need an area approximately 100 feet by 150 feet for landing, fueling, etc.
4. Try to locate units so helicopter has a clear approach to roof. We must block off all streets that we have to cross.
5. Federal regulations prohibit other workers, not connected with the job, from working on the two floors directly beneath areas where units or lifts are to be set. Notify other trades to VACATE THE IMMEDIATE AREA DURING THE LIFT OPERATION. This includes the flight path from the pick point to the set point.
6. If the pick site is sandy of dusty, water or other means should be used to thoroughly soak the area before and during the lift operation.

GETTING THE UNITS READY

1. Offload units a minimum of 100 feet from public roads, houses, open stores, etc. Space units a minimum of 5 feet apart. If you have questions on where to offload / flatbed stage the units, call our office *DO NOT STACK UNITS.
2. All crating and packing materials must be removed from the units and the pick site prior to our arrival!
3. Attach lifting eyes if they are available (minimum 1-1/2 hole).
4. If there are no lifting eyes, raise the units on a 2 x 4 or 4 x 4 so that nylon slings can be used.
5. Be sure units are well clear of overhead obstructions such as power or phone lines, pipes, roof overhangs or extension arms on transmission or other towers. (Helicopter length from tip to tail is 65 feet; main rotor diameter is 58 feet).
6. When units must be precision set: Number the units (on the side) and number the curbs (or frame etc.) with the same number. Place the numbers on each unit and curb so that when the numbers are lined up, the unit is facing the proper direction for final connection, etc.
7. Have the lifting order written down with copies available for your people in charge on the ground and on the roof.
8. Midwest will provide standard rigging (cables, straps and shackles). If you have any questions about rigging, please call our office.

ARRIVAL OF HELICOPTER

1. We will be at jobsite approximately 30 minutes before beginning the lift(s).
2. Our crew will inspect the pick site and set site and confirm the controlled area is void of people. Safety dictates that WE CANNOT WORK UNTIL THESE SITES ARE CLEARED AND SECURED!
3. Our crew will hold a safety briefing with those persons responsible for attaching, detaching and directing the loads into place. All persons involved should have hard hats with chinstraps and protective safety goggles.
4. In order for you to obtain maximum benefits from the helicopter, Midwest will conduct briefings relating to the manner in which
   the helicopter work will be performed. Work will begin only when mutual agreement pertaining to said work is reached. Failure
   on the part of the Contractor to cooperate with us shall give Midwest the right to (a) stop performance of the work or (b) leave
   the job, with the Contractor liable to Midwest for the liquidated damages as specifically provided for in the principal construction
   agreement (Bid/Proposal or Contract). In either event, Midwest shall have no liability to contractor for consequential damages.
5. A normal flight crew consists of a pilot and two signalmen, one at pick site and one at the set site. Even though they are equipped with headsets and two-way radios, more effective coordination will take place if both pick site supervisor and set site supervisor each have a copy of the lift schedule.

PLEASE DISTRIBUTE THIS CHECKLIST TO YOUR FIELD SUPERINTENDENT.

READ AND ACKNOWLEDGED BY                                                   COMPANY