Twenty-five consecutive years is a long time to be in the aviation parts and servicing business, if your principal customers operate helicopters. The first practical helicopters have been around for less than 60 years. But it takes more than just endurance to become a Gold Seal Bell Helicopter customer service facility.

Aero Products, located in Show Low, Ariz., should know. It has been providing its customers with support solutions, spares and component servicing for a quarter century, and was recently awarded the Bell Helicopter Gold Customer Service Facility Seal of Recognition in recognition of the company's ability to manage Bell Helicopter fleet issues.

Each year, all Bell-approved customer service facilities (CSFs) undergo a strict audit process to ensure Bell customers get the highest level of customer support. The Bell Achievement Ranking System (BARS), which reached full network-wide deployment in 2008, measures Bell's authorized CSFs on multiple factors relating to the customer experience, including: technical competence of factory-trained maintenance technicians at a CFS; guaranteed inventory of spare parts; service comprehensiveness; business practices; inventory management; and facility quality.

“At Aero Products we continue to make investments in our facility, inventory, tooling and training to further enhance our ability to continue delivering high quality, professional service,” said Ted Johnson, founder and current president of Aero Products. Among the capital investments the company made, its new exchange program is designed to create a less expensive alternative for customers who need immediate replacement parts. The company is committed to continue expanding this new exchange program and its rental offerings. “We're excited to have received this recognition [from Bell Helicopters],” Johnson said.