Heli Mart

About Heli Mart

Heli-Mart, Inc. operates as a specialized supplier of parts and services for the global helicopter industry. The company was established in 1973 by Don Nichols and Jim Gustafson, two U.S. Navy veterans who had previously worked at what would become Hughes Helicopters. Their initial venture was an advertising circular listing helicopters for sale, which they used to generate leads for aircraft sales, notably capitalizing on a booming venison recovery market in New Zealand that heavily utilized the Hughes 500 model.

The business quickly pivoted from aircraft sales to parts distribution, establishing itself as a key supplier. Its clientele encompasses helicopter operators worldwide, including those in airborne law enforcement, military, and sectors using aircraft for intensive long-line work. The company's business model is centered on the distribution of a comprehensive, on-shelf inventory of both original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and after-market (PMA) parts, enabling same-day worldwide shipping to minimize operator downtime. Revenue is generated through the sale of these spare parts and through its service offerings.

Heli-Mart specializes in supporting the MD 500 series but also stocks parts for a variety of other light and medium helicopters, including models from Bell, Airbus, and Schweizer. In addition to parts sales, the company provides overhaul and repair services through its wholly-owned, FAA-approved subsidiary, California Aero Components (CAC). This subsidiary focuses on MD500/600 series and Schweizer helicopter components, offering inspection, repair, and overhaul services performed by experienced technicians. The company is headquartered in Irvine, California. In 2013, founder Don Nichols retired, and Ed Brown, who had operated the company alongside him, assumed the roles of president and full owner.