and Lots of Planning!
Flyhouse is no stranger to large and challenging projects, but often the behind-the scenes requirements, deadlines, and extensive planning add an extra level of complexity.
Early in 2022, Flyhouse responded to an RFP by Kupono Government Services on behalf of the US Navy for a Capping Ceremony Truss System to be installed at the Naval Station Great Lakes. We understood that managing the contract intricacies, administrative regulations, and adhering to the tight timeline would be key to the success of the project. While most contracts focus on the onsite installation time, this specialty project for a US government facility required a level of transparency unparalleled. Right from the start, our team took great care to outline all the hours needed for the behind-the-scenes logistics, often not discussed in detail during bid.
After a nearly nine-month selection process, Flyhouse was awarded the contract during the 3rd quarter of 2022 and went straight to work. We were able to finalize our custom system design, breakdown our milestones, and translate each item into the government required CDRL documentation. Next came a deep dive into the systems and software engineering process. Then in late summer 2023, we began in-house fabrication and were thrilled to finally put a year of planning into action! But we weren't just fabricating any hoist. This custom Flyhouse hoist was integrated into its own access platform (approx. 15’ L x 7’ W x 8’ H), essentially creating a large enclosure and a safe walking surface with railings for use in daily system checks and maintenance. One single hoist replaced the three hoists that were previously needed to move the 150’ of truss required for the capping ceremony.
Finally last month, our installers got started. Fortunately, the facility was in a shut-down phase without any scheduled ceremonies. In under two weeks, Flyhouse removed the former system and then raised the new 5000# capacity motor assembly into position. The final week was set aside for intense system testing and commissioning, including a process known as a cold-start. This particular requirement involved the entire automation system that operates the truss system to be shut down and fully re-started from the ground up, including loading all software needed to run the system. All of this work perfectly scheduled by our tenacious project management team, our behind-the-scene heroes.
The system is now successfully in use for new graduate cadets, and Flyhouse is already busy planning the next project. That’s how we fly!
