Helicopter Crane Solutions for Challenging Lifts
When ground cranes face access, reach, or staging limitations, helicopter cranes provide a flexible solution for placing equipment and materials. Fair Lifts helps contractors plan and execute aerial lifting operations tailored to their project's requirements.
Limited Ground Access
Reach rooftops, confined sites, and difficult locations where conventional crane setup is restricted.
Extended Reach
Move equipment across obstacles, structures, and terrain that complicate traditional lifting operations.
Efficient Installation
Complete multiple equipment placements within concentrated lifting windows to reduce project disruption.
Project-Specific Planning
Match aircraft capabilities, lift requirements, and site logistics to the demands of each operation.
Trusted by clients across North America and worldwide:
What Are Helicopter Crane Services?
Helicopter crane services lift and position equipment and materials in elevated, remote, or restricted locations where conventional cranes face limitations.
Rooftop Equipment Installation
Lift and position HVAC units, generators, and mechanical equipment on commercial and industrial rooftops.
Heavy Lift & Industrial Projects
Transport and place heavy machinery, structural components, and specialized equipment at challenging worksites.
Tower & Infrastructure Construction
Support tower assembly, structural installations, and infrastructure projects where aerial placement improves site access.
Tell us what you're moving and where it needs to go. We'll help you determine the next steps.
Call 1-800-318-8940 anytime. Free, no-obligation quotes, often same-day.
When Does a Helicopter Crane Make Sense?
A helicopter crane is worth considering when conventional crane operations create access, logistical, or scheduling challenges that aerial lifting could resolve.
Call 1-800-318-8940 anytime. Free, no-obligation quotes, often same-day.
Helicopter Crane or Ground Crane?
The right lifting method depends on the work, the site, and the requirements for placing each load.
01
Ground Crane
A conventional crane may be appropriate when:- The work area is accessible.
- There is sufficient room for equipment and setup.
- The operating radius is manageable.
- Multiple lifts can be completed from an established position.
02
Helicopter Crane
A helicopter may be appropriate when:- The installation point has limited ground access.
- Terrain or surrounding structures restrict crane positioning.
- Equipment needs to be placed at an elevated or remote location.
- Staging space is limited.
- Several set locations are difficult to reach from the ground.
03
Combined Approach
A project does not always require a single lifting method. A ground crane may handle accessible portions of the work while a helicopter places loads in locations that are difficult or impractical to reach conventionally.Fair Lifts can evaluate the available options before you commit to an approach.
What Determines the Right Helicopter Crane?
Fair Lifts considers load specifications, site conditions, and operational requirements to identify the right aircraft and lifting approach.
Load Requirements
Weight, dimensions, center of gravity, lifting points, and quantity determine aircraft and rigging needs.Pickup and Set Locations
Pickup and placement locations influence flight paths, staging, access, and lift logistics.Flight Path and Site Conditions
Elevation, structures, approach paths, and weather affect aircraft performance and planning.Rigging and Ground Preparation
Weight, dimensions, center of gravity, lifting points, and quantity determine aircraft and rigging needs.Schedule and Project Logistics
Installation timelines, lift quantities, site access, and contractor schedules shape preparation.
Call 1-800-318-8940 anytime. Free, no-obligation quotes, often same-day.
Planning a Helicopter Crane Project
Successful helicopter crane operations require coordination before the aircraft arrives. Early planning helps identify site requirements, establish the lifting approach, and prepare the project team.
1. Establish the Lifting Approach
We evaluate the helicopter requirements and consider ground crane or combined approaches when appropriate. The objective is to determine a practical solution for the actual work.2. Coordinate the Operation
Fair Lifts coordinates the aircraft and applicable project requirements, including rigging, scheduling, permits, staging, and communication with the project team.3. Prepare the Site
The lifting plan must account for load preparation, ground crews, access to pickup and set locations, equipment readiness, and the coordination required for the operation.4. Execute the Lift
The aircraft and ground teams carry out the operation according to the established plan, subject to the pilot's operational and safety decisions and prevailing conditions.Planning ahead gives the project team a clearer understanding of what the lift requires before the aircraft arrives on site.
Tell us what you're moving and where it needs to go. We'll help you determine the next steps.
Call 1-800-318-8940 anytime.
Helicopter Crane Projects
Every helicopter crane project has different requirements. The following project examples should demonstrate how aerial lifting addresses specific installation challenges.
Heavy Equipment Installation Above the Las Vegas Strip
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino redevelopment required approximately 100 aerial lifts in a demanding urban environment. Fair Lifts arranged a Sikorsky S-64E Skycrane to position air handling units weighing up to 16,000 pounds, overcoming the access and staging limitations of conventional cranes.
Specialized Electric Aircraft Lift for DHL
Transporting a fully assembled ALIA CX300 electric aircraft required careful handling and extensive logistical planning. Fair Lifts arranged a Sikorsky S-61 helicopter to complete the lift to the Port of Wilmington, managing specialized rigging, airspace requirements, and infrastructure closures along the route.
Remote Vehicle Recovery Using a K-MAX Helicopter
Recovering a stranded vehicle from a steep Utah ravine required a solution beyond conventional ground equipment. Fair Lifts arranged a Kaman K-MAX helicopter to retrieve the vehicle and deliver it to an accessible location, demonstrating the versatility of aerial lifting in challenging terrain.
Tell us what you're moving and where it needs to go. We'll help you determine the next steps.
Call 1-800-318-8940 anytime.
Why Work With Fair Lifts?
From aircraft selection to lift-day logistics, Fair Lifts brings the resources, experience, and project support needed to execute complex helicopter crane operations.
Nationwide Aircraft Network
Specialized Lifting Experience
Simplified Project Management
Flexible Lifting Solutions
Our goal is to simplify complex lifting projects with the right aircraft, experienced support, and a plan built around your needs.
Call 1-800-318-8940 anytime.
Have a Helicopter Crane Project to Plan?
Share your project details and we'll help determine the right lifting approach.
Helpful Project Information
Project location
Load weight and dimensions
Pickup and placement locations
Number of lifts
Desired installation date
Site photos or plans
Known access or staging limitations
Bring Us The Project Requirements And We'll Help Evaluate The Transportation Options And Logistics.
Call 1-800-318-8940 anytime.
Explore Other Lift Solutions
Heavy Lift Helicopters
For precision placement of heavy equipment, structures, and construction materials.
Pipeline Helicopter Services
For transporting materials and equipment along remote pipeline routes.
Tower Construction Helicopters
For transporting and positioning tower components, equipment, and crews.
Call 1-800-318-8940 Today
Free, no-obligation consultations available.