Fair Lifts successfully completed an HVAC helicopter lift on August 11, 2025, for Etec Mechanical at a large distribution facility located at 21504 Cox Road in Sutherland near Petersburg Virginia. The project involved the removal of 122 existing rooftop exhaust fans, each weighing approximately 800 pounds. With crane access deemed cost prohibitive, Fair Lifts provided a safe, efficient, and cost effective aerial solution utilizing a Bell 206 LongRanger helicopter.
Etec Mechanical: A Leader in Building Systems
The client, Etec Mechanical, is a trusted provider of mechanical services with expertise in preconstruction services, construction services, design build services, and building service and maintenance. Their team has built a strong reputation across Virginia for handling complex building systems projects and ensuring efficient mechanical solutions for large facilities.
A Project Demanding an Aerial Solution
Aerial view of a warehouse distribution center.
This distribution facility project required extensive preplanning and precision. The scope included:
- Removal of 122 rooftop exhaust fans
- Each unit weighing 800 pounds
- Lifts completed one at a time for safety and precision
- Building height of 32 feet with lifts staged from 350 feet away at the building edge
The Aircraft: Bell 206 LongRanger
For this operation Fair Lifts utilized the Bell 206 LongRanger, a versatile light utility helicopter well suited for precision lifting in urban and industrial environments. Known for its stability, extended cabin space, and payload capacity, the LongRanger is a reliable choice for HVAC projects requiring repeated heavy lifts.
Its ability to maneuver in restricted spaces and maintain precise hover control ensured that each of the 800 pound units could be safely removed and installed without delays or safety compromises.
Bell 206 LongRanger Helicopter
Helicopter lifts with the Bell 206 LongRanger are especially advantageous in projects where cranes would require significant staging or where access limitations make ground equipment impractical.
Meticulous Planning and Coordination
From the initial consultation phase through execution, Fair Lifts coordinated closely with Etec Mechanical, the general contractor, and the facility end user. Ana Rachidi, the Project Manager, provided full support throughout the planning and execution process.
She oversaw project pricing, scheduling, safety considerations, and final logistics to ensure every stakeholder understood their role and responsibilities.
Mission Execution: Precision Aerial Work
Rooftop HVAC units
The aerial lifts were executed with efficiency and precision. Each of the 122 exhaust fans was carefully removed one by one. Despite the project scale and the equipment weight, the Bell 206 LongRanger handled each load with stability, allowing the rooftop crews to secure the units quickly.
The aerial approach minimized disruption to facility operations while reducing overall project time compared to ground based lifting alternatives.
The Verdict
Following project completion, Etec Mechanical left Fair Lifts a five star Google review, highlighting the professionalism and expertise demonstrated during the process:
“Our company (eTEC Mechanical Corp.) worked with Fair Lifts for a helicopter lift in order to remove existing rooftop HVAC equipment at a large distribution center near Petersburg VA. Ana Rachidi (Project Manager) served as our primary contact, and guided us through the entire process from pricing, to planning, and through project completion. She was very patient and flexible throughout the process, as this was our first experience coordinating this type of work.
Fair Lifts representatives attended meetings with our group, general contractor, and end user to ensure the site needs and responsibilities for each party were clear. All site logistics and safety concerns were considered and agreed upon. Fair Lifts also provided the proper documentation and communications to all AHJs (FAA, local fire/EMS, and local police). The execution of the actual work went seamlessly. We would certainly recommend Fair Lifts to anyone considering a helicopter lift.”
– David Hodge, Etec Mechanical
The Winning Strategy
The decision to use a helicopter lift instead of cranes was essential for the success of this project. Crane access to the site would have required extensive mobilization and staging costs that were not feasible. By choosing an aerial solution, the project avoided unnecessary expenses while ensuring safe and efficient handling of all rooftop units.
Key benefits of choosing Fair Lifts for this HVAC helicopter lift included:
- Eliminating costly and time consuming crane mobilization
- Minimizing disruption to distribution center operations
- Reducing overall project completion time
- Providing safer and more precise placement of heavy rooftop units
- Streamlined communication with regulatory agencies and local authorities
Fair Lifts Commitment to Excellence
Contact Fair Lifts for your next rooftop HVAC helicopter installation
This project demonstrates Fair Lifts’ commitment to providing specialized helicopter services for mechanical contractors and facility operators. Our turnkey solutions integrate safety planning, logistics coordination, and regulatory compliance, setting us apart as we support contractors nationwide with reliable aerial services for HVAC equipment and specialized materials.
The Etec Mechanical partnership shows how our aerial solutions excel where traditional ground equipment is impractical or cost prohibitive.
Start Your Project with Fair Lifts
To learn more about how Fair Lifts can support your upcoming HVAC or equipment lift project, call Ana Rachidi at (470) 462-2225, or visit our contact page to request a quote.
From initial planning through safe and precise execution, Fair Lifts delivers helicopter lift solutions designed to elevate your operations.