Fair Lifts and Harry Grodsky & Co., Inc Partner on Warehouse Helicopter HVAC Lift

Over a two-day period, Fair Lifts coordinated a helicopter HVAC lift for Harry Grodsky & Co., Inc at a warehouse in Plainfield, Connecticut, completing the project on September 26, 2025. The operation showcased how aerial precision and efficiency can solve complex access and ground limitation challenges. Utilizing multiple aircraft, the lift demonstrated the versatility of helicopter coordination in large-scale HVAC and construction projects.

Designing and Executing a Lift Built for Success

Harry Grodsky & Co., Inc, a respected Massachusetts-based construction and fabrication company, contacted Fair Lifts to manage the complex coordination of all new rooftop unit installations for a new warehouse in Plainfield, CT. Due to underground services and difficult crane positioning across the site, helicopter lifting was the ideal solution.

Fair Lifts coordinated two aircraft across the operation: the reliable Airbus Helicopters H125 (also known as the AS350 AStar) and the heavy-lift Airbus AS332 L1 Super Puma. Each aircraft was selected to handle different load requirements, optimizing cost and efficiency throughout the project.

The project involved a total of 158 rooftop units to be lifted and set onto the building’s roof, with weights reaching up to 5,800 pounds per lift. The equipment included:

• RTUs (Rooftop Units): 8 units
• MAUs (Make-Up Air Units): 24 units
• ERVs (Energy Recovery Ventilators): 4 units
• Split Condensers: 4 units
• Fans: 119 total

Across both days, 158 lifts were executed. The 50-foot tall warehouse had a maximum reach of 300 feet for most placements, with some units requiring an extended reach of up to 1,200 feet, adding a significant layer of logistical complexity.

Overcoming Ground Restrictions with Aerial Precision

The client had initially considered using traditional crane lifting methods; however, the construction site contained multiple underground utilities and sensitive services that limited the placement of heavy ground-based lifting equipment. Additionally, a crane lift would have required multiple setup positions around the site, increasing both time and cost while introducing additional risks of ground disturbance.

By choosing a helicopter HVAC lift, Fair Lifts provided a coordinated solution that minimized disruption to the worksite, reduced logistical complications, and offered a safer and faster alternative to ground-based lifting.

The Helicopters Behind the Lifts

The Airbus H125 (AS350 AStar) is a highly versatile light utility helicopter trusted for precision lifting operations in construction and HVAC installation. While the H125 has an external load capacity of approximately 2,800 pounds, it was used strategically for lighter rooftop units to optimize efficiency and control.

For heavier loads exceeding that limit, the Airbus AS332 L1 Super Puma was brought in on the second day to handle equipment weighing up to 5,800 pounds. This two-aircraft approach ensured cost-effective and safe handling of all unit weights across the installation.

Both helicopters provided the stability, reliability, and performance required to complete the project within schedule, while allowing precise placement even in confined or difficult-to-access areas of the roof.

Seamless Lift Coordination

Fair Lifts worked closely with Harry Grodsky & Co., Inc to coordinate all aspects of the lift, prioritizing safety from planning through execution. The comprehensive approach began with site evaluation, load calculations, and safety planning, including FAA compliance checks and equipment inspections.

During both lift days, crews synchronized their efforts with constant radio communication. A designated staging area allowed for efficient, pre-slung unit retrieval, and each aircraft operated under strict flight coordination protocols. The team established secure exclusion zones and followed all OSHA and FAA guidelines to maintain full compliance and ensure safety at every stage.

Advantages of Aerial HVAC Lifting

Helicopter lifting for HVAC installations offers several clear advantages over traditional ground-based methods. These include:

• Speed: Helicopter lifts significantly reduce the time required to set units compared to cranes, often completing large-scale installations in hours rather than days.
• Accessibility: The ability to reach difficult or obstructed roof areas without disturbing the surrounding ground or underground infrastructure.
• Precision: Advanced flight control systems allow for accurate placement of HVAC equipment, minimizing the risk of installation errors.
• Reduced Disruption: Minimal interference with on-site construction, traffic, and operations.
• Cost Efficiency: Using different helicopters for different load weights reduced operational costs while maintaining speed and precision.

Delivering Proven Results

The successful completion of the warehouse HVAC installation over two coordinated lift days in September 2025 highlighted the advantages of aerial construction support in large-scale commercial builds. All 158 units were safely installed within the planned timeframe, and no ground disturbance or equipment damage occurred during operations. The client’s satisfaction reflected the professionalism, efficiency, and precision that Fair Lifts brings to every coordinated project.

Trusted Aerial Lift Experts

Fair Lifts has developed a reputation for delivering dependable, efficient, and safe helicopter HVAC lift coordination services across the United States. Working with clients like Harry Grodsky & Co., Inc, Fair Lifts demonstrates its ability to adapt to complex site conditions while ensuring timely and professional execution.

If your site has crane access limits or underground services, choose the team that coordinated the Airbus H125 and AS332 L1 Super Puma helicopter HVAC lifts for Harry Grodsky & Co., Inc. Fair Lifts plans and manages every lift with precision and safety.

Call Jenessa Mercer at (951) 588 5887 or visit our contact page for a quote.

Photos and video provided by Kayla Ebner