What is aerial work – and what are helicopters used for
in Sweden?

The helicopter is a unique machine – it can hover, lift heavy loads, land on small surfaces and reach places no other vehicle can. That versatility is what makes it invaluable in aerial work, a category that covers every kind of practical mission beyond passenger transport and sightseeing.

What does "aerial work" mean?

Aerial work is about utility missions with a helicopter – where the flight is carried out as a working tool rather than as transport. It can be lifting, transporting, inspecting or documenting something from the air.

In Sweden, aerial work is used for:

• Helicopter lifts for construction and assembly – when material has to be placed on roofs, rocks or inaccessible locations.
• Tree felling and clearing – in cooperation with arborists.
• Archipelago transport – material, equipment and construction logistics to islands without roads.
• Inspections of power lines, masts and wind turbines.
• Firefighting and fire watch.
• Survey flights – wildlife and forest.
• Sampling – for example water sampling on lakes.
• Photo and film production – when stability and precision in the air are required.

Helicopter lifts – where precision meets power

One of the most common aerial-work missions is the helicopter lift. It's often used for:

• Construction sites where a crane can't reach.
• Roof lifts, chimneys, antennas and masts.
• Material transport in terrain without road access.

A helicopter can lift anything from a few hundred kilos to several tonnes, depending on the model. The lift is done with specialised equipment (cargo hook and lifting slings), guided by ground crew over radio. The benefits are minimal ground impact, short installation times and high precision.

A lift that would take hours with a crane can sometimes be solved in minutes with a helicopter. Read more about how we work with cargo lifts and archipelago transport.

Cooperation with arborists – efficient tree felling from above

One of our most requested aerial-work missions is tree felling and clearing in difficult terrain. With a helicopter we can:

• Transport felled trees away from archipelago islands, steep slopes and areas without roads.
• Lift out logs and brush quickly and in a controlled way, with minimal ground impact.
• Support arborists in precision work via lines and lifting points where millimetre accuracy is needed.
• Increase on-site safety by avoiding heavy machinery near buildings and sensitive ground.

This is a clear example of how aerial work can replace cranes and heavy machinery, while at the same time reducing time and environmental impact. Popular tree-felling tasks include extracting timber, clearing after storms, safe take-down near buildings and clearing in nature and waterside areas. See more on our page about tree care & arborist work.

Our helicopters for aerial work

Arlanda Helicopter AB has several aircraft adapted to different types of aerial work. All are equipped for external loads and have experienced pilots with a long track record in precision missions.

🚁 Bell 206L LongRanger

An industry classic, perfect for lighter lifts and inspections. Known for its stability and reliability.

🚁 Eurocopter AS350 B3e

A powerful helicopter used worldwide for aerial work in demanding environments. It handles heavy lifts, high temperatures and large altitude differences – and is one of our most-used aircraft for construction lifts and line inspections.

🚁 Bell 206LT TwinRanger

With two engines it offers extra safety on missions over water or built-up areas. Often used for construction missions in urban environments.

🚁 EC130 / ACH130

Our quieter and more modern models, mainly for photo and film missions where a low noise level is important.

Pricing example and quote request

The cost of aerial work varies depending on the type of mission, weight, flight time and accessibility. A simpler lift might be a few thousand SEK, while larger construction lifts require more planning and equipment.

We offer free advice and quotes on all missions. Contact us at Arlanda Helicopter AB to discuss your project.

Summary

• Aerial work is when the helicopter is used as a working tool – to lift, transport, inspect or film.
• It's widely used in Sweden in construction, energy, film and rescue services.
• Arlanda Helicopter AB has long experience in precision lifts, line inspections and tree felling.
• In cooperation with Sweden's arborists we offer efficient and safe solutions for hard-to-reach environments.