On the morning of February 4th, 2026, the skyline over One Garden State Plaza Blvd in Paramus, New Jersey, looked a little different. While the rest of the city was just grabbing their second cup of coffee, Fair Lifts was already in the air. We partnered with LS Mechanical Corp to execute a high-precision HVAC overhaul that turned a potential multi-day logistical nightmare into a masterclass in aerial efficiency.
Utilizing the formidable Sikorsky S-61N heavy-lift helicopter, the lift crew swapped out eight massive rooftop units before most businesses even opened their doors. This marked our second successful collaboration with LS Mechanical Corp, proving once again that when it comes to complex commercial lifts, preparation is everything.
The Challenge: 8 Units Down, 8 Units Up
Left: Sikorsky S-61N maintains a high hover with the long-line extended. | Right: Ground crew prepares the rigging for the first rooftop unit extraction.
The mission was straightforward but demanding. We needed to remove eight aging units and replace them with eight brand-new systems on a 50-foot commercial structure. While seven of the units were standard commercial sizes under 2,000 pounds, the eighth was a different beast entirely. Weighing in at 7,400 pounds, this heavy hitter required specialized lift calculations and surgical precision to seat correctly on the curb.
Location was another hurdle. Paramus is one of the busiest retail corridors in the region. A traditional crane would have swallowed up the parking lot, blocked access lanes, and dragged the project out for days. By choosing a helicopter lift, we bypassed the ground congestion entirely, keeping the site footprint small and the timeline even smaller.
The Workhorse: Why the Sikorsky S-61N?
The Sikorsky S-61N heavy-lift helicopter in a stationary hover.
For a job with varying weights and a tight schedule, the Sikorsky S-61N is the ultimate tool. Its twin-engine reliability and rock-solid hover stability allow it to transition seamlessly from “light” lifts to the 7,400-pound heavy lifting required for the final unit.
The lift crew meticulously calculated every variable, including current temperatures and fuel weight, to ensure the aircraft stayed within its optimal performance envelope. When it came time to place the heavy unit, the communication between the pilot and the rooftop signal team was flawless.
Coordination, Compliance, and Leadership
Left: Aerial view of the Sikorsky S-61N transporting a unit in mid-flight. | Right: Close-up of the secure four-point rigging holding the 7,400-pound load.
Weather delays are part of construction in New Jersey, and this project required multiple reschedules before the final February 4th lift date. Throughout each shift, Irene Pabst of LS Mechanical Corp managed city permits and regulatory compliance with precision. Every time the schedule moved, the paperwork moved with it, ensuring full approval and zero administrative delays once conditions cleared.
On site, strong leadership carried that same discipline to the rooftop. Chris Bonner demonstrated exceptional coordination as contractor lead, ensuring units were prepped for extraction and replacements staged for immediate installation. His preparation and steady oversight helped turn a weather tested schedule into a seamless HVAC lift execution.
The Results: Back in Business by 10:00 AM
Left: Precision hover established as the crew secures the HVAC unit. | Right: Successful vertical lift as the S-61N clears the unit from the roof curb.
The timeline speaks for itself:
- 07:30 AM: Aircraft arrival and final safety briefing.
- 08:00 AM: Removals begin. All 8 old units cleared from the roof.
- 09:00 AM: Installation starts. New units are flown directly to their curbs.
- 10:00 AM: Mission complete. The S-61N departs the site.
In just two and a half hours, the entire HVAC system was refreshed. There were no cranes blocking traffic, no frustrated tenants, and no wasted days.
Partner With the Precision Experts
Ground crew performing final adjustments as the Sikorsky S-61N precision-sets a 7,400-pound unit onto the roof curb.
At Fair Lifts, we don’t just provide a helicopter. We provide a complete logistical solution. From the first FAA filing to the final set on the roof, we handle the details so you can focus on the build. Whether you are dealing with a 50-foot retail center or a high-rise tower, our team brings the experience and the heavy metal to get the job done right.
To discuss a precision helicopter HVAC RTU lift plan for your next project, call Jenessa Mercer at (951) 588 5887 or visit our contact page today.