Jet Aviation, Massport and PROCON raise 240,000 lb truss

Jet Aviation hangar - Bedford, MA

Bedford, MA In late August Jet Aviation, Massport and PROCON celebrated a raising of the beam (truss) on a new 40,000 s/f hangar under construction at the Boston/Bedford location. PROCON of Manchester, NH is the construction manager for the project, and SAA Architects and Design of Iselin, NJ is the design architect.

Raising the beam (truss) was a hazardous procedure requiring meticulous planning and precision crane maneuvers. Weeks of pre-planning included a presentation to Massport with a complete crisis management plan. Strategic planning culminated in a matter of hours as Astro Crane experts utilized two hydraulic cranes to hoist the 240,000-pound mammoth beam into place. It was a sight as the 300 feet long by 20 feet tall truss spanning the entire back of the hangar swung into position. Standing at the ready, were two A.S.P.E professionals guiding it into place and connecting it to the column. The remainder of the day was spent securing 66-bolt connections to the frame.

The beam raising process was an achievement seen and felt by all in attendance. Tim Johnson, program manager of construction at Massport was impressed with the process. He said, “Your entire team, including contractors, erectors, designers and engineers, worked in collaboration with the Massport for two weeks to develop a comprehensive work plan to support the critical tandem crane pick of this 300’ X 20’ 129 ton truss. I commend the team for their professionalism and willingness to work together in developing a sequence of erection that focused on safety as a top priority.”

The 40,000 s/f project underwent preliminary enhancements earlier this year when a 92,000 s/f ramp and apron upgrade were installed, along with two new roads accessing Hanscom Dr. In addition, two parking lots were added, one for MassPort and the second one for Jet Aviation clients, employees and visitors.

The new facility upgrade is designed to improve operational safety and efficiency with a capacity for the storage/maintenance needs of aircraft up to the Gulfstream G650 and a Global 6000. Plans also include a 16,000 s/f office and shop space, and a two-story 13,000 s/f FBO (Fixed-Base Operator), to accommodate the customized needs of the Jet Aviation clientele. Upon completion, the upgraded facility will feature a state-of-the-art architectural design with the emphasis on safety and efficiency.

Hanscom Field is one of the largest general aviation facilities in New England with significant storage facilities for private and corporate aircraft.

The highly anticipated Jet Aviation hangar and FBO located just 20 miles from Boston, is expected to be finished in early 2017.

Jet Aviation, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics, was founded in Basel, Switzerland in 1967 and is one of the leading business aviation services companies in the world. Close to 4,500 employees cater to client needs from more than 25 airport facilities throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia, North America and the Caribbean. The company provides maintenance, completions and refurbishment, engineering, FBO and fuel services, along with aircraft management, charter and staffing services. Jet Aviation’s European and U.S. aircraft management and charter divisions jointly operate a fleet of close to 300 aircraft.

PROCON is a single-source, architecture, engineering and construction management firm serving commercial developers throughout the Northeast. The 81-year-old, 3rd generation Company is built on integrity, lasting partnerships, and a steadfast commitment to client success. The Company’s one-stop-shopping approach to design, engineering and construction services means that at PROCON, every solution is just down the hall.