Aerial work by helicopter

Helicopters play an essential role in the completion of operations in difficult and inaccessible terrain, and are widely used for power line and wire stringing, pole and pylon placement, tower construction, antenna installation, transportation of heavy goods, and the delivery of supplies to high quota refuges.

This type of work requires experience and technological innovation, in the form of pilots and machines able to complete the tasks to perfection. Sling load operations, which have become indispensable for many sectors, are always performed by highly trained and expert pilots. Using the Ecureuil AS 350 B3 helicopter, SAM is able to transport cargo weighing up to 1400kg at low altitudes.

Main Activities

• Transportation of supended cargoes
• Stringing and inspection of high quota powerlines
• Pipeline inspection
• Installation of rockfall barriers
• Aerial photography and filming

Civil Protection and Environmental Surveillance

Over the last few years SAM Helicopters has accumulated considerable experience in the identification and suppression of forest fires. From 1997 to 2001, the company was responsible for reconnaissance throughout Campania, as part of the region's fire prevention program.

In the year 2000, SAM Helicopters stipulated a contract with the Italian Government and the department of Civil Protection for the employment of 3 Erickson S-64F helicopters to be used in the fight against forest fires.

In addition, for 4 years SAM Helicopters has been responsible for the prevention and suppression of forest fires in the Basilicata region and, since 2008, provides a service of reconnaissance and suppression of forest fires for the region of Sicily.

Main Activities

• Fire fighting
• Forest fire spotting and reconnaissance
• Traffic monitoring
• Detection of unauthorized construction work
• Natural disaster emergency response
• Detection and control of pollution of coastal waters and rivers

Emergency Resue and Air Ambulance

From July 1997 to September 2001, SAM Helicopters provided air ambulance services for Naples' A.Caldarelli Hospital, service for which a fully equipped bi-turbine EUROCOPTER EC 135 T1 was used to transport a crew comprised of pilot, flight technician, medic and professional nurse.

From July 1997 to January 2002, a ECUREUIL AS 355 F2 IFR helicopter, positioned in the company's Bellizzi base, was placed at the disposal of Salernos' S.Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi D'Aragona Hospital.

In addition to providing services to public administrations, SAM Helicopters also works in collaboration with a number of charities and voluntary associations including ANPAS, the Italian Red Cross and Soccorso Amico.