VAI Member Spotlight: Helicopter Specialties Inc., Wisconsin, USA Part 145 repair station offers maintenance, repairs, engineering, painting, and other services for a wide range of helicopter models. Their name simply says it all: Helicopter Specialties Inc. (HSI). This company knows helicopters inside and out. HSI is a full-service FAA Part 145 repair station and completions provider specializing in rotorcraft. The company is based in two modern hangars at the Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport (KJVL) in Janesville, Wisconsin—a straight flight northwest from Chicago, Illinois, and southwest of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. HSI provides custom interiors, heavy maintenance, engineering services, structural repairs, and painting for all types of helicopters. In fact, its Part 145 certificate specifically notes 24 models of Airbus, Bell, Enstrom, Leonardo, MD, and Robinson helicopters for advanced repairs. In addition to its focus on rotorcraft, HSI operates a full-service avionics shop for sales, repairs, and installations on a variety of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. It is an authorized dealer and service center for many popular avionics brands. Company History Jim Freeman, a Wisconsin native and lifelong aviation enthusiast, founded HSI in 1999. He received his A&P license after high school and earned his helicopter ratings while working as a mechanic. Freeman eventually landed a job at Omniflight Helicopters, where he gained considerable experience maintaining a fleet of air medical helicopters, later becoming a company technical representative. Through his experience with Omniflight pilots and mechanics over the years, Freeman built a network of contacts that would eventually become customers and support his move to start HSI. Freeman established HSI with a primary focus on air ambulances, and the company continues to grow under his leadership. Custom medical interiors and components for US and international operators remain a large part of HSI’s business. The company, also an OEM-approved service center for Airbus, Bell, Enstrom, and Robinson helicopters as well as Safran helicopter engines, maintains a robust inventory of parts and components for a wide range of helicopter models. A Shop Made for Helicopters HSI operates out of state-of-the-art hangars designed for the modern workplace and the Wisconsin climate. Insulated skylights in the walls and ceilings allow natural light into the work areas while keeping the hangars from losing heat on cold days. In-floor heating helps protect the aircraft while keeping employees comfortable during Wisconsin’s winters. Wireless workstations provide mobility for employees, who can remain connected to the HSI repair station documentation system while moving around the shop. Additional HSI services include custom aircraft painting, including the ability to perform complete strip-and-paint projects for existing aircraft. The company’s two large paint booths can accommodate small piston to large twin-engine helicopters. HSI also provides pre-purchase inspections, aircraft consulting, and import and export services for shipping and delivery, including wrapping, crating, paperwork processing, and freight services. Over the years, HSI has received recognition from various local and international organizations, including the Aviation Business of the Year award from the Wisconsin Aviation Trades Association; multiple Diamond and Gold Awards of Excellence for aviation technician training from the FAA; the Eddy award from the Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce; and a Wisconsin Emerging Small Business designation from the US Small Business Administration. Hi, I'm Chris DeJoy
