Precision Avionics & Instruments, Inc. Joins Precision Aviation Group

August 12, 2004

For years, Precision Heliparts, Inc. (PHP) of Atlanta, GA, has been a preferred choice for helicopter maintenance, repair, and upgrades. Now fixed-wing operators can choose the same level of quality service, thanks to PHP’s acquisition of Precision Avionics & Instruments, Inc. (PAI).

A Shared Past

Incorporated in 1994, Precision Heliparts began as a collaborative venture between its current owners and the original owner of Precision Avionics & Instruments. At the time, PAI was an FAA/JAA Instrument and Accessory Repair Station that was well-established in the fixed-wing/regional airline market, which was looking to expand into helicopters.

In the hot market of the late 1990s, PAI’s original owner sold the company to Dallas Airmotive/BBA, leaving PAI and PHP totally independent of each other. But for the next six years the two companies maintained a very close working relationship, even continuing to share the same building and address.

A Chance to Reunite

Post 9-11, the aviation industry changed. In 2003, Dallas Airmotive/BBA decided PAI was no longer a strategic fit in their group of companies. The reason: One of PAI’s strong core competencies had been supporting turboprop aircraft used by regional airlines. In the U.S. regional jets had largely displaced turboprops and PAI’s revenues were declining.

Ironically, what was bad for Dallas Airmotive/BAA was good for PHP. “Almost half of our helicopter business is international,” explains Scott James, PHP’s Marketing Director, “and international operators frequently fly both aircraft and helicopters. For instance, we have a Middle Eastern customer with DHC-8s and helicopters; and a Pacific Rim customer with an EMB-120 Brasilia, two Twin Otters, a KingAir 200, and helicopters. Beech KingAirs are widely used by a number of helicopter operators; and PAI has tremendous Beechcraft support capability in both instruments and electrical accessories.”

Solid Growth

When Precision Heliparts Canada, Inc. – a PHP wholly-owned company operating in Vancouver- is factored into the mix, annual revenues of the newly expanded PHP are $18 million now, and expected to grow to $20 million in 2005. “We are very proud of our record,” says James. “PHP started with one person operating literally in a storage closet. In 10 years, we have grown to 50 people with offices in two countries and customers all over the world.”

The secret to PHP’s successful growth is to find, develop, and keep good people.”We are always looking for superior people to work for us and our clients,” says James. “It is an old cliche, but your people really are your greatest asset. We try to keep our employees happy and motivated. Without good people you cannot enjoy solid, sustainable growth.

“Our experience has been that simply growing sales is the easy part of the business,” he adds. “The real task is continuing to give good service at the same time. Keeping your quality up and mistakes down while everyone is running at full steam requires talented people; that’s what we’ve got at PHP.”

Solid performance backed by motivated employees: this is what PHP offers.

About PAG

Others Sell Parts, We Sell Support.

PAG is built on the trust of our customers, and our team members are an important part of our successful, growing business that is committed to customer service. We’ve built our legacy on our ability to respond and deliver the highest quality.

At PAG, employees get the exchange of talent, experiences, and resources of multiple companies all while working for one. With 20 Repair Stations, and over 850,000-square-feet of sales and service facilities in the United States, Canada, Australia, Singapore, and Brazil – PAG’s 24 locations and customer-focused business model serve aviation customers through Supply Chain and Inventory Supported Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (ISMRO®) services. PAG is one of only 11 companies, outside of OEMs, to collectively hold all FAA certifications.

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About the author: Mark Tyler dedicated the majority of his
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mechanic to director of maintenance. As vice president and
general manager of Precision Aircraft Services, Tyler now serves
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law enforcement, private owners, etc. When not at work, he can
be found spending time with his family or sitting in a tree stand.

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