PHI, Inc.

To trace the progress of PHI over the past 62 years is to chart the development and growth of the helicopter’s increasing value to the offshore oil & gas industry and the Air Medical industry. The company’s technological and procedural innovations have contributed to the progress of every segment of the industries we service. Helicopter manufacturers, other commercial helicopter operators, and everyone involved in the offshore rotary-wing flight, have benefited from the storehouse of knowledge accumulated and shared by PHI.

PHI, Inc. began operations in February 1949. Seismograph crews were battling their way through a foreboding stretch of Louisiana marsh and swampland. Using ground vehicles (marsh buggies) was a very slow and arduous way to traverse this type terrain.

Out of desperation, the late Jack Lee, the seismograph company’s president, envisioned that the helicopter might be the solution to their transportation problem. He explained his predicament to Robert L. Suggs and M. M. Bayon. Their “fleet” of three small helicopters soon proved that the rotary-wing aircraft indeed was a feasible solution to the problem.

From that meager beginning, PHI has grown and progressed to the point that it is now known throughout the world as the most experienced of all commercial helicopter operators.

Today, under the leadership of our Chairman/CEO, Mr. Al A. Gonsoulin, PHI serves the oil and gas industry in every phase of its activities. PHI crews and helicopters have flown almost every conceivable type of mission in coastal waters and in some of the most remote locations on the globe.

PHI, Inc. Air Medical Division operates domestically, with over 65 bases, PHI provides air medical transportation services for hospitals and medical programs throughout the continental United States. The aircraft dedicated to these segments are specially equipped to accommodate emergency patients and emergency medical equipment.

It isn’t surprising that PHI has recorded a number of “firsts” and other superlatives along the way to its 62 years of leadership in the commercial helicopter field. As an indicant of the nature and significance of some of those accomplishments, here is a partial listing of those attainments:

First commercial helicopter operator authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration to conduct IFR “off airways” flight operations in the Gulf of Mexico.

Pioneered the basing of helicopter operations at offshore locations.

First to design and construct offshore re-fueling facilities for helicopter operations.

First helicopter mid-air recovery of a sub-orbital missile payload.

Established world’s most comprehensive offshore radio network that ties PHI’s Gulf Coast bases with offshore bases.

First commercial helicopter operator to use electronic data processing for parts, inventory control, maintenance, records, etc.

Pioneered in the establishment of comprehensive training programs for its own pilots, mechanics and technicians.

Leads the industry in continuous research and development efforts, evaluation of the latest helicopter and equipment for offshore use and in keeping abreast of helicopter parts technology.

Pioneered in the establishment of offshore navigation techniques and procedures, through creation of its own flight route structure, communication network and weather services.

Pioneered in the development of dozens of airborne support techniques in the offshore oil and gas operational environment.

Leads its industry in the development of methods to “sling load” heavy equipment by helicopter.

Was the first commercial helicopter operator to operate helicopters under IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) conditions without the aid of autopilot systems.

First commercial helicopter operator to log historic milestone of 1,000,000; 2,000,000; 3,000,000; 4,000,000; 5,000,000; 6,000,000; 7,000,000; 8,000,000; 9,000,000; and 10,000,000 flight hours.

Operates the world’s largest commercial heliport (Amelia, Louisiana), which features 46 helipads, complete fuel and maintenance facilities and air-conditioned passenger lounges.

Maintains the well-know PHI tradition of being first to evaluate and adopt/reject the latest technology available, whether it be a new model helicopter from Russia or a different method of accomplishing old tasks.

Has attained a safety record that is second to none in the helicopter industry. Many safety awards have been awarded to the company, including recognition plaques from the Helicopter Association International. Indeed, PHI’s total commitment to safety is said to be the basis for all operational procedures and company policies. And the company routinely presents safety briefings to its customers in the oil and gas industry to provide for smoother, safer, more efficient use of helicopters in the offshore environment.

First to use the S-76 in air medical transport.

First to use the S-92 in the Gulf of Mexico.