Heliportation, an exceptional operation
The 60-metre high tower weighs about 20 tonnes and is therefore too heavy for the maximum load the helicopter can carry, which is 4 tonnes. To carry out the mission safely, the teams had to cut the tower into six pieces. The top part was unbolted but a system of hooks was used to hold the two parts together. Once the teams are on the ground, they pull on a long rope that releases the hook. The helicopter can then take the topmost piece away, while the teams stand at a safe distance. The operation is repeated 6 times.
To evacuate the various parts of the pylon, the path taken by the helicopter avoided flying over the houses by skirting the edges of the quarry. A removal area was set up on land far from the site.

Thanks to the expertise of the Omexom teams, the operation was carried out in complete safety.