About A&P Helicopter Services
With decades of combined experience, our team delivers safe, reliable, and mission-critical helicopter solutions. Learn more about the values that drive us, the people who make it happen, and the fleet that powers our operations.
Our Story
From humble beginnings to industry leadership, A&P Helicopters has been serving the aviation community with dedication and excellence for over three decades.
The Beginning
The two original founders of A&P Helicopters established the company in 1988 to meet the demand for local helicopter services. They named it A&P after their wives' initials, aiming to be listed first in the yellow pages that year.
New Leadership
In 2005, Craig and Vickie Compton acquired the business. Craig, a second-generation aviation enthusiast, grew up in the industry, with his father founding AVAG, an aerial application business, in the 1950s, where Craig began his career as a pilot. At just 29, he took ownership of AVAG and now serves as Vice President of A&P, leveraging his extensive experience in aviation and business.Vickie entered aviation after meeting Craig and has since held various roles at A&P, including finance, safety, HR management, and even stepping in to drive a fuel truck when needed. Today, she is the CEO & President, playing a vital role in mentoring the next generation of leaders within the company.
Continued Growth
After the acquisition, they brought on Erik Vandagriff as Director of Operations and Chief Pilot, successfully integrating the newly acquired MD500D with their existing Bell 206B Jet Ranger and Bell UH-1H "Huey." Since those early days, A&P has expanded to 54 employees, a fleet of 11 helicopters, multiple service vehicles, and a 24,000-square-foot hangar.
Our Core Values
The deeply held beliefs and driving forces that our organization stands for. These are the boundaries and clear expectations of how we work, the stands we take even if it costs us, and the filter for how we take action, behave, and make decisions.
Teamwork
At A&P, we need each other to succeed—no one achieves greatness alone. With humility and trust, we honor each person's unique contributions. We commit to one another through challenges, communicate with candor, and actively support each other. We avoid gossip and negativity, choosing instead to build unity and have each other's backs.
Innovation
Innovation is constant at A&P. We place high value on fresh ideas and bold thinking, embracing change as a key element of success. Every team member actively seeks ways to improve efficiency, enhance safety, and drive us toward greatness—from operations and maintenance to ground support and administration.
Growth
We're committed to the personal and professional development of every team member. Through training programs, certifications, and skill-building initiatives, we foster an environment where continuous improvement is encouraged and celebrated. We expect everyone to embrace lifelong learning, growing stronger and more capable together.
Excellence
We take pride in being highly skilled professionals who consistently deliver the best results in our industry. Excellence is not a destination but a continuous pursuit. By striving for excellence in every task, we achieve unparalleled safety and efficiency, setting the standard in our field.
Responsibility
We take full ownership of our actions with a self-employed mindset, tackling challenges proactively. We empower our people by delegating tasks and trusting their judgment, allowing them to rise to new levels of performance. As a high-performing team, we thrive on the freedom to operate independently and deliver exceptional results.
Meet Our Leadership Team
Ready to Partner with A&P?
From HVAC lifts and powerline operations to aerial surveying and construction support, we bring proven aviation expertise to your project. Let's talk about how we can support your mission.
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