Phelan Haulage Assists with Sea King Blade Installation at NELSAM
Visitors to the North East Land, Sea and Air Museum (NELSAM) were treated to an impressive piece of heavy-lifting craftsmanship recently, as Phelan Haulage supported the museum team with the installation of rotor blades onto their iconic RAF Sea King Rescue helicopter.
The operation unfolded across a damp winter’s day, but the weather did little to deter the enthusiasm of museum volunteers, engineers, and the Phelan Haulage crew. Their task: to manoeuvre the sizeable, delicate Sea King blades safely into the hangar and into position for refitting.
Images curtesy of a volunteer of the North East Land, Sea and Air Museum (NELSAM)
Precision Work with Serious Equipment
The job called for one of Phelan Haulage’s specialist crane-equipped lorry, boasting a 30-metre reach. The team positioned the vehicle at the mouth of the hangar, deploying stabilisers before extending the crane arm high above the museum aircraft.
Each helicopter blade, long, weighty and requiring careful handling, was slung and lifted with slow, considered movements. The hangar became a hive of activity: volunteers guiding the lift, engineers positioning ladders and equipment, and spotters ensuring every movement happened safely. Inside, the bright yellow Sea King waited, its rotor head ready to receive the blades.
A Unique Backdrop of Aviation History
The lift also offered a striking setting. Alongside the Sea King stood NELSAM’s collection of classic aircraft, from fast jets to early aviation replicas. At one stage, the crane worked above a First World War-era monoplane suspended mid-air, an image that perfectly captures the museum’s blend of historic eras.
The whole scene demonstrated the value of professional haulage support for heritage organisations. Moving aircraft components is no small feat, and Phelan Haulage’s experienced team provided the skill and equipment needed to handle the job efficiently and safely.
