CASE STUDY
Big Bar Ferry Line Pull: Heavy Lift Drone Logistics Across the Fraser River
Location
Big Bar Ferry, British Columbia
Service
Heavy Lift, Precision Aerial Logistics
Industry
Infrastructure & Engineering, Infrastructure & Transportation
Rapid Mobilization for Critical Infrastructure Support
At 9:00 PM on a Sunday evening, In Flight Robotics received a call to assist with a critical line pull operation at Big Bar Ferry in British Columbia's Fraser Canyon.
The requirement was urgent. Traditional methods presented logistical challenges, safety concerns, and operational delays. The team needed a solution that could be deployed quickly, safely, and efficiently.
By 5:00 AM the following morning, the In Flight Robotics crew was mobilized and en route, collecting specialized equipment in Kamloops before continuing to the remote ferry crossing, located 72 kilometers down a winding gravel road deep within the Fraser Canyon.
By midday, operations were established and mission-ready.
The Challenge
The Big Bar Ferry operates using a reaction ferry system spanning approximately 1,100 feet across the Fraser River.
Canadian Wire Rope Works and Upslope Millwright & Rigging required a lightweight but high-strength pulling line to be installed across the river as part of maintenance work on the ferry system.
Traditionally, this process would have involved using a manned trolley system, manually pulling the line across the river while placing support shivs along the route. The process is labour intensive, slower, and exposes personnel to additional operational risk.
The remote location, limited site access, active work environment, and river crossing logistics added further complexity.
The Solution
In Flight Robotics deployed a DJI FlyCart 100 heavy lift drone to complete both logistical support and the primary line pull operation.
Upon arrival, the team established operations and battery charging infrastructure within minutes.
During setup, another operation on site required relocation of the drone staging area. The FlyCart platform enabled rapid redeployment of equipment and personnel support resources without impacting operational readiness.
Before the line pull began, the ferry crossing had been shut down, limiting access to the far side of the river.
To solve this challenge, the FlyCart was used to transport batteries, landing zone equipment, and rigging components across the river, establishing a fully supported remote landing zone for the operation.
The Operation
Once Canadian Wire Rope Works and Upslope Millwright & Rigging completed their preparations, the line pull commenced.
Operational Summary:
• DJI FlyCart 100 heavy lift drone
• River span: 1,100 feet
• Average line load: approximately 35 kg
• Wind conditions: 2–3 m/s, gusting to 7 m/s
• Total operational duration: approximately 3 hours
• Total flights: 9
• Line pull completed in approximately 7 minutes
The FlyCart was flown into position, attached to the first shiv in the trolley system, and began pulling the line across the Fraser River.
The line was successfully installed in a matter of minutes.
Safety First
Safety was a primary consideration throughout the operation.
Several contractors were actively working on site, requiring close coordination and communication between all crews.
Specific operational procedures were developed for:
• Wind speed limitations
• Line entanglement scenarios
• Overweight and overload conditions
• Emergency abort procedures
• Secondary and tertiary landing zones
All personnel involved in the operation were briefed on emergency procedures before work commenced.
Wind conditions were continuously monitored using both local weather data and the FlyCart's onboard telemetry systems.
Despite challenging terrain, confined landing zones, dust, and mid-river wind exposure, the aircraft remained stable and predictable throughout the mission.
Results
The operation demonstrated two significant advantages of heavy lift drone logistics.
Faster and Safer Line Pulling
The drone-assisted line pull significantly reduced the time and complexity associated with traditional methods while minimizing personnel exposure during the installation process.
Remote Logistics Support
The ability to move batteries, rigging equipment, and operational supplies across the river in seconds eliminated repeated movements using the manned personnel basket and streamlined the entire workflow.
The operation is estimated to have saved between one and two hours compared to traditional methods while improving overall site efficiency.
Why It Matters
This project highlights the growing role of heavy lift drones in infrastructure maintenance, industrial logistics, and remote-access operations.
By combining rapid mobilization, specialized equipment, and disciplined operational planning, In Flight Robotics was able to provide a safe, efficient solution to a challenging infrastructure task in a demanding environment.
For clients operating in remote locations, heavy lift drone logistics can reduce risk, improve efficiency, and create new options where traditional methods are slow, costly, or difficult to deploy.
Project Partners
This operation was completed in support of:
Canadian Wire Rope Works
Upslope Millwright & Rigging
We appreciate the opportunity to support their teams and thank them for their trust throughout the project.
Need Remote Logistics or Heavy Lift Drone Support?
In Flight Robotics provides heavy lift drone logistics, infrastructure support, remote-access solutions, and industrial UAV operations throughout British Columbia and Western Canada.