Helicopter Lifting and Construction
Our Capability
Australia’s leader in precision aerial lifting solutions.
McDermott Aviation is a leading provider of helicopter lifting and construction services across Australia, delivering safe, efficient and reliable solutions for complex, complex and remote operations. Our fleet includes heavy-lift, medium and light helicopters – including the Bell 214B/ST, Bell 204, Bell 206L LongRanger, Bell 47, AS355 Twin Squirrel and AS365 Dauphin – enabling us to match the right aircraft to each task and environment.
For more than 40 years, we have supported major projects across mining, oil and gas, utilities, exploration, construction, infrastructure and salvage. Our clients rely on us to deliver in locations where conventional access is limited or impossible. We are also a trusted partner to crane operators, engaged when ground-based lifting is not feasible or where helicopter solutions provide a safer, faster or more cost-effective outcome.
Our lifting capability spans a broad range of applications, including structural steel, HVAC units, generators, machinery, plant equipment, construction materials, dredging components, high-rise installations, tower construction and deconstruction, and remote infrastructure delivery.
Why Use a Helicopter?
Minimal setup time
Access where cranes can’t operate
Reduced site disruption
No ground footprint
Rapid mobilisation
Cost-effective for difficult lifts
When to Use McDermott Aviation
Remote Area Sites
We frequently support operations in locations without road access or where ground transport is impractical. Helicopters allow rapid movement of heavy loads to remote, isolated or weather-affected sites.
Difficult Access
Helicopters provide critical access where terrain, vegetation, urban density or heritage constraints make conventional lifting methods unviable. McDermott Aviation specialises in delivering safe and precise lifting solutions in these complex and often high-risk environments.{readmore}
Our teams have successfully completed operations across:
- Mountain ranges
- National parks and walking tracks
- High-rise and commercial buildings
- Marine environments, navigational beacons and offshore platforms
- Remote coastal and inland locations
We have delivered materials into protected national parks, replaced power infrastructure in rugged terrain, installed walkway bridges on dam walls, transported concrete into waterfalls and canyons, and executed complex lifts in dense urban environments.{readless}
Rapid Response Operations
When time is critical, McDermott Aviation delivers fast, efficient aerial lifting solutions to support urgent and time-sensitive operations.{readmore} Helicopters can significantly reduce project timelines by transporting personnel, equipment and materials directly to site, often eliminating the delays associated with ground access, crane mobilisation and complex site logistics. In many cases, a helicopter can complete a lift and depart before a crane has been fully assembled and commissioned.
By minimising time on site, helicopter operations can also reduce disruption to surrounding infrastructure, neighbouring properties and ongoing operations. Backed by experienced crews, specialised equipment and a commitment to operational excellence, we provide responsive support when every minute matters.{readless}
Minimal Footprint
Where ground disturbance must be minimised - such as heritage areas, conservation zones or dense urban environments - helicopter lifting provides an efficient, low-impact solution.
Precision Placement
Our pilots are recognised among the most skilled vertical reference operators globally. Highly proficient in long-line operations, they consistently place loads with centimetre-level precision. Their experience across demanding international environments underpins exceptional accuracy, control and operational discipline.
Lifting & Rigging Equipment
Fully Equipped for Complex Lifts
Our lifting fleet is equipped with long-line capability up to 100 m (300 ft) and a wide selection of certified rigging and load-handling equipment, including:
- Endless and webbing slings
- Shackles
- Cargo nets
- Bulk-handling bags
- Four-leg soft and chain slings
- Remote hooks for pilot-actuated release
- Rotary contact swivels
- Lightweight concrete kibbles (1 m²)
All equipment is electronically registered, tagged and tested in accordance with regulatory and manufacturer requirements.
Support
McDermott Aviation provides complete operational support for lifting projects, including:
- Qualified dogmen/loadmasters
- Field engineers and fuel systems
- On-site refuelling and maintenance support
- Access to fixed-wing aircraft for rapid movement of crew and equipment
Prior to all operations, detailed risk assessments are undertaken. Complex activities are managed under site-specific JSEAs and SWMS to ensure safe, compliant and controlled operations. Our experience operating in dense urban areas and complex airspace ensures all required CASA approvals are obtained before work commences.
Which Aircraft Do I Need?