A recent helicopter lift for an HVAC rooftop unit, performed for Lennox National Account Services in Midland Texas, demonstrated the precision and coordinated planning Fair Lifts provides for commercial property operators. This case study reviews how Fair Lifts managed the aerial removal and installation of a complete system for an Oakley retail location on September 5, 2025, utilizing a Eurocopter AS350B3 Astar helicopter.
The Situation on the Ground and the Client Behind the Call
Lennox National Account Services provides advanced climate control solutions for commercial properties across the United States. Their team manages installation, replacement, and support for complex mechanical systems.
The Oakley property in Midland required a rapid, low disruption method to replace a rooftop unit situated at the center of a mall structure. Given property access limits and crane restrictions, the client chose an aerial lift solution from Fair Lifts for safe and precise execution.
How the Midland Mall Setting Influenced the Plan
A view of the building structure and staging area for the HVAC rooftop unit helicopter lift.
The Oakley retail suite is located within a busy commercial mall, presenting logistical challenges for mechanical replacement. The unit’s central roof location traditionally requires large ground equipment and causes significant property disruption. Crane access was limited due to restricted boom angles and maneuverability.
Fair Lifts determined a helicopter lift would reduce ground congestion, shorten project time, and eliminate risks from extensive crane setup. The Eurocopter AS350B3 Astar was utilized for its lift capability, precision handling, and proven performance in commercial aerial construction.
How Each Component Shaped the Strategy
The 2002 EUROCOPTER AS 350 B3 sits at rest in the staging area.
The project required multiple aerial picks: removal of the existing unit and curb adapter, followed by placement of a new curb adapter and installation of the new rooftop unit with accessories. Each stage demanded expert load balancing and coordination between the aerial team and rooftop crew.
Component Weights
- Total operational weight for the assembled system was approximately 1297 pounds
- Base unit net weight was 1160 pounds
- OAS Econ component weight was 83 pounds
- Exhaust assembly weight was 9 pounds
- Coil hail guard assembly weight was 45 pounds
Accurate load analysis ensured operational safety and efficiency throughout all lifts.
The Teamwork That Carried the Lift From Start to Finish
The rigging crew prepares for the lift.
Fair Lifts developed a comprehensive plan addressing staging, safe handling, crew communication, property safety, and post lift verification. Project lead Jesse oversaw the work from evaluation through completion, ensuring accurate scheduling, clear communication, and consistent onsite coordination. With his leadership and the support of the Fair Lifts team, this partnership based approach allowed the complex operation to proceed smoothly in a high traffic environment.
The First Challenge: Clearing the Roof
The first sequence involved detaching and lifting the existing rooftop unit. After the crew secured attachment points, the helicopter executed a steady vertical ascent, cleared the mall structure, and transported the unit to a drop zone. The subsequent removal of the existing curb adapter demonstrated similar coordination and aircraft stability.
Installing the New System With Accuracy and Control
The “Astar” lifts an HVAC unit to the be placed on the rooftop.
The new curb adapter was flown to the rooftop and placed in precise alignment with the building’s mechanical interface. The helicopter’s consistent hover allowed the crew to guide it into position with minimal manual correction.
Next, the new rooftop unit and its accessories were flown to the installation point. Aircraft stability allowed rooftop technicians to secure the components immediately upon landing.
Where Aerial Lifting Made All the Difference
The lift helicopter sits in the staging area with the HVAC unit delivery truck.
A ground based crane would have required extended setup, a larger crew, increased property disruption, and greater logistical complexity. Crane radius constraints could have necessitated oversized equipment and street closures.
The helicopter lift provided rapid execution, reduced tenant downtime, eliminated heavy ground traffic, and minimized disturbance to mall operations. This combination of efficiency, safety, and cost awareness makes helicopter service a preferred solution for central roof mechanical replacements.
The Expertise Behind Every Fair Lifts Aerial Operation
One of the new HVAC rooftop units after installation.
Fair Lifts delivers precise and professional aerial construction services nationwide by combining skilled pilots, experienced project managers, and modern aircraft. This approach turns challenging rooftop replacements into safe, efficient operations, as demonstrated by the successful Midland Texas lift and its clear advantages in locations with limited access.
If your site has crane access limits or challenging roof top unit locations, call Jenessa Mercer at (951) 588 5887 or visit our contact page for a quote.