Flying

Flying LED Video Walls

Flying LED installations suspend displays from overhead rigging, providing optimal positioning while keeping floor space clear. This method is standard for concert touring, broadcast studios, and professional venues.

Flying Components

Motors/Chain Hoists: Electric or manual lifting devices

Bridles: Multi-leg rigging spreading load to multiple points

Shackles: Rated connectors joining rigging elements

Steel/Wire Rope: Load-bearing cables connecting elements

Truss: Horizontal structure panels hang from

Hanging Hardware: Panel-specific attachment points

Rigging Configurations

Direct Hang: Panels attach directly to truss or overhead points

Truss Support: Horizontal truss spans between motors, panels hang from truss

Flying Frame: Pre-assembled frame lifted as complete unit

Trim Adjustment: Motors allow precise height positioning

Load Calculation

Critical calculations for safe flying:

Dead Load: Weight of LED panels, hardware, and rigging

Point Loads: Weight at each rigging point

Dynamic Factors: Additional factors for movement, wind, seismic

Safety Factor: Typically 5:1 or greater on all components

Example calculation:

• LED wall: 4,000 lbs
• Truss and hardware: 800 lbs
• Total dead load: 4,800 lbs
• Dynamic factor: 1.2x = 5,760 lbs design load
• 4 pick points: 1,440 lbs per point (before bridle angles)

Motor Placement

Distributed Loading: Multiple motors spread load evenly

Trim Height: Motors must provide adequate travel

Speed Matching: Multi-motor lifts require synchronized speeds

Secondary Attachment: Safety cables prevent total failure

Venue Coordination

Rigging Plot: Document all points, weights, and hardware

Advance Rigging: Call for venue to drop points/install motors

Venue Rep: Coordinate with house rigger for approvals

Insurance: Verify adequate liability coverage

Safety Requirements

Qualified Riggers: Trained, experienced personnel required

Inspection: All hardware inspected before each use

Documentation: Written rigging plan reviewed and approved

Secondary Safety: Backup attachment prevents catastrophic failure

Clear Zone: Area below flight path cleared during moves

Assembly Sequence

1. Verify venue rigging points and capacities 2. Hang motors at calculated positions 3. Install truss to motors 4. Level truss and verify positions 5. Attach hanging hardware to truss 6. Hang LED panels row by row 7. Connect power and data 8. Trim to final height 9. Complete safety inspection

Touring Considerations

Standardization: Consistent rigging across venues

Advance Documentation: Rigging requirements to venues early

Contingency Plans: Ground support backup for inadequate venues

Truck Space: Rigging hardware transport requirements