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Construction Helicopters.Inc
Downtown Detroit

 

      Sunday March 12, I was on my way to Anna Scripps Conservatory located on Belle Isle, a small inland on the Detroit river just east of Downtown Detroit. In my car, windows down and moon roof open, it was a beautiful day to be out. Stopped at a light and heard the unmistakable sound of a helicopter hovering, my head was on a swivel looking around trying to locate the helicopter. Moreover, wondering what type is it? And what's it doing Downtown. Surrounded by buildings, I couldn't see anything. The light turns green and I drove a block up and to the right hovering about 10 feet in the air is a gorgeous Sikorsky S-61N. I'm thinking ..... Turn right now and find somewhere to park! Luckily, I found a meter right in front of where the Sikorsky was hovering. I jump out of my car, popped the truck, grab my camera and starting shooting.



Con helo 12.JPG Con helo 1.JPG Con helo 10.JPG Con helo 11.JPG
Con helo 2.JPG Con helo 3.JPG Con helo 4.JPG Con helo 5.JPG
Con helo 6.JPG Con helo 7.JPG Con helo 8.JPG Con helo 9.JPG




  The S-61 is owned by Construction Helicopters, Inc based out of Ypsilanti, Michigan. Construction Helicopters is a professional aerial crane services lifting things since 1980. They're services also include passenger charter, internal cargo, and wild fire suppression and operate throughout the United States as well as Canada. They were hired to lift and place three cooling fans to the roof of the Blue Cross Blue Shield building located in the heart of the city. After successfully placing the fans, they landed and refueled on the spot. I walked over and asked could I walk around the helicopter and take a few photos. Never hunts to ask? Got the ok and started shooting. Talked to the crew chief, real down-to-earth guy. (pilot was busy with preflighting to go back home). When talking to the crew chief, He ask " Want to check out the inside?" Heck Yeah!!! The inside was striped to the bone. Cockpit was untouched, but no inside seats or panels. It was pretty amazing to see that old girl still in action.  Go downtown to shoot some flowers, but get to see a lift helicopter in action.



Con helo 13.JPG Con helo 14.JPG Con helo 15.JPG Con helo 16.JPG
Con helo 17.JPG Con helo 18.JPG Con helo 19.JPG Con helo 20.JPG
Con helo 21.JPG Con helo 22.JPG Con helo 23.JPG Con helo 24.JPG
Con helo 25.JPG Con helo 26.JPG Con helo 27.JPG Con helo 28.JPG




Special thanks to the Crew of Construction Helicopters, Men and Women of the Detroit Police Department, as well as Orville Rigsby.

Equipment use:
Canon EOS 20D
Canon EF-S 17-85 mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro Lens
All pictures were resized for the web.
All pictures taken by: Steven Far148 Lewis
All pictures are protected by  US copyright.







 
İSteven Lewis