Precision Avionics & Instruments, Inc. joins Precision Aviation Group

 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."