When most people see a helicopter carrying rooftop equipment across the sky, they’re witnessing only a small part of the work involved. Behind every successful helicopter pick is weeks of planning, coordination, and preparation designed to ensure the operation is completed safely and efficiently.

That preparation was on full display during a recent rooftop unit installation at Lee Mechanical’s Caledonia Fabrication & Logistics Facility, where 16 rooftop units (RTUs) were successfully lifted and placed using a coordinated helicopter operation.

The project showcased the collaboration, technical expertise, and safety-first approach that Lee Mechanical brings to commercial and industrial projects throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest.

While the helicopter installation itself took place in a matter of hours, the groundwork began well before the aircraft arrived on site.

Prior to the lift, Lee Mechanical teams carefully prepared the building for the incoming equipment. Structural steel was located and readied for installation, ductwork was set into place, and roofing crews sealed and weatherproofed rooftop penetrations. Temporary weather caps were also installed to protect the building until the rooftop units could be delivered and set.

These early project phases are critical to ensuring equipment can be installed efficiently once lift day arrives.

On the day of the installation, crews completed a series of final preparations before the first unit left the ground.

Temporary weather caps were removed, rooftop unit gaskets were installed, and all 16 RTUs were staged on the ground in a carefully planned sequence to streamline placement on the roof.

Executing a helicopter lift of this scale requires extensive coordination among multiple teams. Safety planning included securing the helicopter landing zone, temporarily closing surrounding roads, evacuating the facility during the operation, and conducting detailed safety briefings for all personnel involved.

Throughout the process, safety remained the highest priority.

Lee Mechanical partnered with Midwest Helicopter Airways Inc. to perform the aerial lifts. Their team provided exceptional organization and professionalism throughout the operation, including mandatory safety briefings that ensured all personnel understood the procedures, risks, and precautions associated with the pick.

The result was a smooth and efficient installation. All 16 rooftop units were safely placed in a remarkably short period of time, allowing the project to remain on schedule while maintaining the highest safety standards.

The operation was coordinated by Zach Karpinski and the Lee Mechanical team, with significant support from the company’s shop and safety departments. Their preparation and attention to detail helped ensure every aspect of the lift ran seamlessly from start to finish.

While the helicopter lift represented a major milestone, it was only one part of the overall project.

Following installation, Lee Mechanical’s mechanical, electrical, and controls teams completed the work necessary to bring the systems online. Steamfitters connected gas piping, electricians completed power connections, and controls specialists integrated the equipment into the building automation system.

This integrated approach reflects Lee Mechanical’s ability to provide complete mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, refrigeration, and controls solutions under one roof.

The project doesn’t end once equipment is installed and operational.

As part of Lee Mechanical’s commitment to long-term system reliability, the rooftop units will be supported through ongoing preventative maintenance. Regular inspections, filter monitoring, performance evaluations, and operational testing help maximize equipment lifespan, improve efficiency, and reduce the risk of unexpected downtime.

Projects like this highlight the planning, teamwork, and technical capabilities required to execute complex commercial and industrial installations successfully.

Whether coordinating a helicopter-assisted rooftop unit installation, supporting a facility expansion, integrating building controls, or providing ongoing preventative maintenance, Lee Mechanical continues to deliver comprehensive MEPF solutions for customers throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest.

For organizations seeking a trusted partner capable of handling projects from planning and installation through long-term service and support, Lee Mechanical remains committed to leading the way in MEPF solutions.