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March 19, 2024 12:37 am
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‘Strange Flying Machine’ Pays Visit To M.V.

by Catherine Ellerton
Moapa Valley Progress


The Erickson Sky Crane out of North Las Vegas, flew over the Moapa Valley on Saturday. It was working on installing a new radio tower in remote areas around the community.

The day began like any ordinary day on Saturday, January 26; and then…..

“WOW! Look at that giant mosquito!” I hollered as I looked into the sky above at a strange flying object that had just come into view. “It’s heading for the airport.”

My spouse glanced up and said, “Oh! Those were used in Vietnam to pick up downed aircraft.”

He then went back to fixing the tractor.

“Wow!” says I and off I went to the car and began my journey to the Perkins Field airport (being aware of the speed laws and proper driving techniques at all times).

I was surprised at how many cars were already there. We all joined ranks and marveled at the beast in the sky. Dandy Sutphin advised that it looked like the “Jolly Green Giant,” but was missing a major piece…..the middle. I advised that I thought it was called a sky crane and that it was used in Vietnam to pick up downed aircraft.

“Hmmmm,” he said. “If you look over on the ridge you will see that they are adding a second radio tower. I believe they are using this crane to do that.”

“Hmmmm,” added I.

Just then the beast disappeared from sight on the OTHER side of the airport. I hopped into my trusty car and took off (being aware of the speed laws and proper driving techniques at all times) hollering “E.T! E.T! Wait for me!”

Just my luck, as I arrived at said destination, the beast headed out over to the Mesa never to reappear.

The strange looking helicopter was the Erickson Sky Crane out of North Las Vegas. The sky crane is used to lift heavy equipment. It is also used on fires to carry the water buckets.

Lloyd Marshall, who was on hand, observed that the radio tower equipment and the helicopter were currently ensconced near the Hidden Valley Dairy turnoff of Interstate 15. When I turned in my story on Saturday evening, Progress Editor, Vernon Robison verified that he had seen it there that day off the freeway and stated that it looked like a helicopter that was missing some pieces. “Yah? Like the middle?” I added, with a smile.

My spouse reminded me that they had used one of those helicopter cranes in Butte, Montana, when they were assembling the Lady Of The Rockies Statute on the East Ridge. That was an exciting day and a good excuse to stand out in the sun, taking a break from work, watching the progress. The mid section arms had gotten caught in the skirt and the helicopter had to do a fast scoot down the mountain with the mid section coming behind. The pilot pulled up and out, the arms swung down and were placed perfectly. Only then, did we realize that we had all been holding our breath.

Once again, man’s fascination with the flying machine had been awarded.

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