Fair Lifts recently completed a highly successful HVAC helicopter lift for Newman-Dailey Resort Properties (NDRP) at the Blue Mountain Beach Condo in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. The project was completed on February 23, 2025, marking a significant milestone for NDRP, who had never used helicopter lift services before. Traditionally reliant on cranes, NDRP turned to Fair Lifts when faced with logistical limitations at this unique four-story beachfront site.
Pre-Lift Assessment: Weight, Dimensions & Airspace
Located on Lupine Road in the scenic Blue Mountain Beach area, the condo site posed numerous challenges for conventional lifting equipment. The structure’s four-story height and tight perimeter space rendered crane access impractical, especially on the southern side of the building. Cranes couldn’t safely reach that elevation, and moving units across the roof from the north side would have been unsafe due to their weight, which ranged from 1,200 to 1,400 pounds.
Understanding the critical need for precision and speed, Fair Lifts coordinated a helicopter-based solution using the reliable Eurocopter AS350B. Known for its agility and performance, the AS350B proved to be the perfect aircraft for this operation, capable of safely lifting and lowering HVAC units with pinpoint accuracy in challenging coastal conditions.
Permits, Safety & Flight Paths
Eurocopter AS350B in the staging area
Prior to execution, our experienced team managed all essential permitting and aviation logistics. This included:
- CAP (Congested Area Plan) approval
- FAA flight plan coordination
- Site and neighborhood evacuation protocols
Given the tight quarters and the building’s proximity to residential units and beach access pathways, careful communication and planning with local officials, property managers, and first responders were essential. These steps ensured a safe operating environment for our team and the community throughout the lift process.
The Lift Breakdown: Weight, Logistics & Execution
Fair Lifts was tasked with lifting two brand-new HVAC units to the rooftop while removing two outdated systems for disposal. Each unit weighed up to 1,400 pounds. Precision was vital as there was minimal room for error on the rooftop staging area. The pilot, Alan, and the ground crew worked seamlessly to guide each unit into place with coordinated radio communications and visual cues.
The lift was completed in just a few hours—well within the operational window—and without disruption to the neighboring properties or beach traffic.
Project Highlights
- Client: Newman-Dailey Resort Properties (NDRP)
- Location: Blue Mountain Beach Condo, Lupine Road, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
- Date: February 23, 2025
- Structure Height: 4 stories
- Units Lifted: 2 new HVAC units
- Units Lowered: 2 existing HVAC units
- Weight Range: 1,200 to 1,400 pounds
- Aircraft Used: Eurocopter AS350B
A First for NDRP
Lift crew on standby with the Eurocopter AS350B in the staging area
This marked the first time that NDRP utilized a helicopter solution for an HVAC replacement project. Their team was initially skeptical but quickly became advocates for the approach after seeing the time, labor, and logistical advantages of using a helicopter HVAC lift.
The operation showcased the ability of aerial solutions to streamline installations that would otherwise be cost-prohibitive or physically impossible. From site assessment through completion, Fair Lifts delivered a seamless, end-to-end experience that exceeded expectations.
Client-Validated Excellence
NDRP shared their appreciation for the Fair Lifts team with a 5-star review on Google:
“Fair Lifts has been a phenomenal company to work with. We needed to install two new HVAC units on a 4 story condo building. Fernanda made the process seamless from start to finish, staying in contact and helping navigate through the entire project. Alan, our pilot, and his ground team kept my team well informed on the day of the lift and completed the project in what seemed like record time. Fair Lifts will be our go-to company in the future. Thank you and your team again!”
Aircraft Spotlight: Eurocopter AS350B
The Eurocopter AS350B, often referred to as the AStar, is a single-engine light utility helicopter widely respected for its versatility and load-lifting capabilities. For this project, its impressive external load capacity of over 2,500 pounds, responsive handling, and ability to operate in constrained environments made it the ideal choice.
In tight coastal environments like Blue Mountain Beach, its agility was essential for maneuvering around rooftops, minimizing rotor wash impact, and ensuring the safe delivery of HVAC equipment.
HVAC Units Airlifted in Santa Rosa Beach
Trust Fair Lifts for Your Next Aerial Project
Fair Lifts is proud to support construction and HVAC professionals across the United States with custom helicopter lift services. With a highly experienced team, a proven track record of safety, and a fleet of trusted aircraft, we continue to provide value where other methods fall short.
Whether you’re replacing HVAC systems, installing rooftop equipment, or accessing hard-to-reach structures, Fair Lifts delivers precision, safety, and professionalism with every lift.
To learn more about how a HVAC helicopter lift can help streamline your next project, contact Fair Lifts today or call Fernanda Fernandes directly at (703) 940-0733 to receive a custom quote and expert guidance.