A & P Helicopters Inc.

A & P Helicopters Inc., located at 1778 Richvale Highway in Richvale, California, presents a complex picture for potential clients. While classified under categories like travel agency, a thorough analysis of its services and customer feedback reveals a business deeply rooted in industrial, agricultural, and utility aviation rather than mainstream tourism. For any customer seeking its services, understanding this core identity is fundamental to setting correct expectations.

Established in 1988 and under new ownership since 2005, the company has grown significantly to a team of 54 employees with a substantial fleet of 11 helicopters. Their operational focus, as detailed on their official website and through their project history, is on heavy-duty, specialized tasks. This is not a company you would typically contact for a simple scenic flight over the local landscape. Instead, their expertise lies in precision long-line lift operations, power line construction, aerial support for firefighting, and other demanding commercial services. Their fleet, which includes powerful aircraft like the Bell 205A1, UH-1H Huey, and multiple Bell 407s, is built for utility and heavy lifting, not for casual air tours. They are an FAA Part 133 (External Load) and Part 135 (Air Carrier) certified operator, underscoring their professional and regulatory standing in the aviation industry.

A Reputation for Industrial Excellence

For clients in the construction, utility, and civil engineering sectors, A & P Helicopters has cultivated a strong reputation. Positive feedback highlights the company's efficiency and professionalism in complex projects. One client, Mark Crismon, praised the crew for completing a project involving the placement of penstock access stairs under budget and ahead of schedule, specifically noting that their safety and accuracy were "second to none." This sentiment is echoed by another reviewer, Pablo Linares, who described them as an "Excellent Helicopter Operator" with a "paramount safety culture in maintenance" rated at "A++." These accounts paint a picture of a highly competent and reliable partner for demanding industrial tasks that require private flights for cargo and personnel.

The company's portfolio showcases impressive feats, such as lifting 124 HVAC units onto the roof of an Amazon fulfillment center in a single day. This level of logistical capability is what defines their business. They provide services year-round, including high-mountain winter operations for surveys and data collection, and even assist with specialized tasks like helicopter-assisted tree removal. For commercial or governmental entities needing these specific services, A & P Helicopters appears to be a formidable and experienced operator.

Conflicting Views and Serious Concerns

Despite the praise from industrial clients, the company's overall public rating of 3.9 stars is dragged down by significantly negative experiences. The most alarming feedback comes from a former employee, Ricardo Nodhal, who posted a one-star review with serious allegations. He claimed the company's culture was poor and that he was unjustly terminated after a health issue. More critically for potential customers, he alleged major safety lapses, stating that "aircraft were flying with open discrepancies" and that the company lacked a sufficient number of trained mechanics for its expanding fleet. He explicitly warned potential clients to "think twice when hiring this company," asserting that safety was not its top priority.

These are grave accusations that directly contradict the glowing safety reviews from other clients. This stark difference in perception creates a difficult situation for a prospective customer. On one hand, there are testimonials to an "A++" safety culture; on the other, a whistleblower account of systemic failures. While the allegations come from a single former employee and could be influenced by personal disputes, they cannot be entirely dismissed and represent a significant point of concern that any potential client should weigh.

The Misleading 'Travel Agency' Tag

The confusion for the general public largely stems from its business classification. Individuals looking for a tour operator to provide helicopter tours or other recreational sightseeing excursions are likely to be disappointed. This is clearly illustrated by a three-star review from Keith Lander, who noted he "Couldn't find any information about sightseeing charter flight." Another five-star review from John Love, while positive, hints at the same issue: "Great place if I could only talk em into a ride."

These experiences underscore the reality that A & P Helicopters is not structured like a conventional travel agency offering pre-packaged vacation packages or on-demand tourist flights. Their website and service descriptions focus exclusively on utility services. While they do perform passenger transport, it is typically in the context of industrial projects, such as ferrying workers to remote sites, rather than for leisure. Anyone seeking recreational flights should approach this company with the understanding that such services are not their primary business and may not be available.

Operational Information

For those whose needs do align with the company's specialized services, it's important to note their operational hours and contact details. A & P Helicopters operates Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and is closed on weekends. The facility has a wheelchair-accessible entrance. Direct contact is recommended to discuss the specifics of any potential project.

• Address: 1778 Richvale Hwy, Richvale, CA 95974, USA
• Phone: (530) 742-4119
• Website: www.aphelicopters.com
• Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM