Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/853420
Celebrating our 33rd year of publication • Visit us online at www.worldfencenews.com Celebrating our 33rd year of publication • Visit us online at www.worldfencenews.com August 2017 American Fence Company of Phoenix, Ariz. recently completed a perimeter security project at the Min- den-Tahoe Airport in Douglas Coun- ty, Nev., near Lake Tahoe. It is one of the leading general aviation airports in the Lake Tahoe region. It was a big job, it was a tough job and it included some unusual features. But project manager Daniel Chaney and superintendent Mike Channing, together with the American Fence branch in Las Vegas, completed the project on time despite challenging conditions and special installation requirements. Aerial banner towing firms oper- ate out of Minden-Tahoe Airport, and one of the most unique aspects of the project is what is known as a tow hook deflector, critical to the safety of tow plane operations. It is installed at the threshold of runway 30G. Aerial or airplane banners are at- tached to the plane using a tow hook (shaped like a whiffle ball). During approach, if planes are too low the banner and towing rig can become caught in the fence. The purpose of the tow hook deflector is to provide a smooth surface to protect the main fence line and deflect the tow hook if it becomes necessary. American Fence Company and Chaney worked closely with the gen- eral contractor, Trade West Construc- tion, on the tow hook deflector. In addition to exacting specifica- tions for height and angle, the signa- ture checkerboard paint job had to be perfect, as the checkerboard acts as a visual aid to guide pilots on approach. Asked to describe the biggest challenge and how it was overcome, Chaney said, "We had many weath- er obstacles – freezing temperatures, snow, rain, and more rain, mud, high- way closures. Most important, we had a tight schedule to keep. Mike Chan- ning did a great job of interacting with the inspector, engineer and general contractor." In addition to innovative features like the tow hook deflec- tor, American Fence Company also constructed a great deal of conventional chain link fence. This particular project called for 33,000 lineal feet of 8' + 1' chain link and barbed wire fence and 25,000 lineal feet of wildlife deterrent fence. The wildlife fence was 5' nine gauge, installed in an excavated trench. After being hog ringed to the bot- tom of the chain link fence, the trench was backfilled to prevent wildlife from burrowing under it. The Fed- eral Aviation Administration reports that, nationally, coyotes and deer are among the most frequent land ani- American Fence Company has seen it all "Tow hook deflector" just one of the twists on Minden-Tahoe Airport fence project mals that stray onto runways, a list that also includes turtles, skunks and alli- gators. Chaney and American Fence also installed 11 Tymetal aluminum gates with HySecurity hydraulic op- erators. The entire project was completed in 90 calendar days, during one of the worst winters on record in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The Governor of Nevada declared a state of emergency, and then amended it to a higher level of emergency as snow and rain buffet- ed the state. The main highway to the project flooded, requiring a 20 mile detour for the crews. Despite these challenging conditions, everyone from the project owner to the general contractor was pleased with American Fence Company's performance. Tracy Beck of Trade West Con- struction said, "From start to finish, Dan Chaney and American Fence Company were great to work with. This was a very demanding project that they brought in ahead of sched- ule. We look forward to working with them in the future, and we recom- mend them for the toughest projects." Established in 1948 and based in Phoenix, American Fence is a na- tionally recognized industry leader that has been professionally install- ing and manufacturing fence for over 65 years. The company has 17 offic- es in eight states, providing products and services including temporary fence panel rental, commercial and industrial installation, and materials for fencing contractors and the do-it- yourself market. The High Security Perimeter Fencing division provides crash rated bollards, gates, and fenc- es for military installations, data cen- ters, and other sensitive corporate projects. American Fence operates its own tube and pipe mill and chain link weaving machines, and manufactures their own custom fabricated iron fence. For more information on the company and its products and ser- vices, visit www.americanfence.com. Shown in top photo at left is the tow hook deflector installed at the threshold of the runway used by aerial banner towing operators. During ap- proach, if planes are too low the ban- ner and towing rig can become caught in the fence. The purpose of the tow hook deflector is to provide a smooth surface to protect the main fence line and deflect the tow hook and banner if necessary. Center photo, a section of the 33,000 lineal feet of 8' chain link + 1' barbed wire perimeter fence. Bot- tom photo, a detail of the chain link wildlife deterrent fence that was at- tached to most of the perimeter fence and trenched in to prevent burrowing. (American Fence Company photos) See more photos on page 14