PF Fishpole Hoists

Just beyond the taxiway, where commercial jets cool between flights and technicians work against the clock, precision matters more than power. A single operator, a narrow maintenance window, and a 400-pound power unit component tucked beneath the belly of a commercial jet—handling must be flawless, the component undamaged, and safety cannot be left to chance. An inch too far is an inch too costly. Usually, this job takes a crew—and time they don’t have. But not today. The PF Fishpole Hoist is already mounted and ready. One technician steadies the hoist, checks the barrel assembly, and begins the lift. No hesitation, no wasted motion. The unit slides free like it was designed to.

One person. One hoist. One less delay on the runway. That is the promise of PF Fishpole Hoists.

For over five decades, the company has specialized in aircraft maintenance lifting systems designed to make complex tasks safer, faster, and remarkably efficient. Each unit is engineered for single-person setup and offers the strength to handle demanding tasks, while remaining light enough for quick, solo installation. Though larger components—like Boeing’s APU systems—typically require two operators for lifting and lowering, the hoists give crews the flexibility to adapt, reduce downtime, and keep operations moving. From worm drives that prevent accidental drops to load limiters that protect both aircraft and crew, the company quietly delivers the kind of reliability that keeps flights on schedule—and out of the hangar.

“Our hoists are lightweight, reliable, and designed for one-person setup and operation. That is what sets us apart. We are always refining the design to make sure it is safer, easier to use, and better for our customers,” says Nick Weder, owner.

Meeting the Needs of Modern Aviation

PF Fishpole Hoists’ customer base spans commercial airlines, MRO facilities, defense operations, and teams that demand reliability in high-stakes, high-pressure environments. The company’s hoists are available in both manual and pneumatic-powered versions, giving customers the flexibility to match tools with their workflow and ergonomic needs. The powered units reduce physical strain on operators, making repeated lifting tasks less difficult while maintaining precision and control.

One of the company’s standout innovations is its load-limiting system, which caps lifting capacity at 550 pounds—just above the aircraft’s intended threshold. The system prevents structural damage caused by operator error, such as over-torquing or failing to remove bolts before hoisting. This makes the tool essentially fail-safe.
In one notable case, a major MRO facility experienced aircraft damage during routine maintenance using a conventional hoist. After learning about PF Fishpole Hoists’ built-in load limiter, the facility chose to retrofit every hoist in its operation, aligning safety protocols with smarter tools.

Combined with a worm gear system that prevents drops and annual calibration services offered directly by PF Fishpole Hoists, the equipment is designed to perform—and protect. The company’s support team also handles certification and maintenance, keeping tools compliant and dependable over the years.

Built by Engineers, Refined by Experience

Behind the product is a team that understands the challenges of the maintenance bay from both technical and operational perspectives. Weder, an engineer and former contract toolmaker, joined PF Fishpole Hoists seven years ago and was quickly tapped to lead the company. In 2024, he took full ownership. Since then, he has modernized service agreements, streamlined manufacturing, and introduced layered quality control processes to meet the increasing complexity of aircraft and regulatory requirements.

PF Fishpole Hoists’ production and inspection teams work closely with customer service specialists to ensure fast turnaround and tailored support. Every hoist is treated as a tool that directly affects safety and efficiency on the floor—not just a product. In a move to expand its footprint, PF Fishpole Hoists is now establishing a global partner network. These select distributors and service providers meet the company’s exacting standards, giving customers around the world faster access to support and expertise.

In the complex aviation maintenance ecosystem, where tools rarely get second chances, PF Fishpole Hoists are designed to get it right the first time—quietly, precisely, and reliably.

Aircraft crews may sign off with “Roger that,” but on the hangar floor, PF Fishpole Hoists makes sure the job is already done.