Steel will be placed by helicopter to construct a new, larger deck in the Gneiss Cave area on June 22.

You’ll want to keep your eyes toward the sky over Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park on Friday, June 30.

On this day,  the Park’s old elevator motor will be airlifted out of the elevator penthouse via a specialized helicopter—called the S64-F, which can carry a load of up to 25,000 pounds. As part of the project to restore the elevator to service, the helicopter will carry in a new engine and parts weighing around 12,500 pounds.

A photo of the S64-F.

According to Erickson Aviation Services Company, who will be conducting the flight on June 30, the large load will require three pilots to maneuver the aircraft.

Four workers will hookup the motor for transport and four workers are also required to unload the apparatus. An additional radio person will also be stationed at pickup and delivery locations for communication purposes.

Because of safety reasons and the precision needed for each one of this job, the Park will be closed to the public during this flight date.

The date is contingent upon weather, so the closing day may change based on the forecast. For the latest updates on Park closings, visit ChimneyRockPark.com or facebook.com/chimneyrockparknc.