A lifting system for removing and installing equipment on aircraft. The lifting system comprises a base and a lifting assembly supported by the base. The lifting system also comprises linear outriggers and at least one offset outrigger. The linear outriggers and the at least one offset outrigger are connectable to the base to provide additional stability for the lifting system during operation. The lifting assembly includes a boom having telescoping sections. The boom may be tilted about a horizontal axis relative to the base and rotated about a vertical axis relative to the base for increased maneuverability around and increased access to the aircraft.