OUR COMPANY
The roots of HeliExperts International LLC (HEI) can be traced back to 1985 with the formation of Raymond A. Syms and Associates (RAS & A). Richard J. Hodgkins, Ray’s mentor, was a dual rated pilot, in various aviation management and regulatory positions to include being the Director of the Massachusetts Aeronautical Commission. Many of the materials and processes used by RAS & A, later HEI, can trace their roots back to those developed by Richard in his aviation career.
Created in January 2012, HeliExperts International was formed from the merger of RAS & A and RJ Alexander Consulting LLC. This merger incorporated the diverse technical capabilities and experience of Rex Alexander into the firm. On 9-30-2017, Rex left HEI to take a short-term position with Uber Technologies as their Head of Aviation Infrastructure. In this role, Rex assisted Uber in their initial development of infrastructure and technology to support the next generation of Urban Air Mobility. Upon concluding his obligations to Uber, Rex formed Five-Alpha LLC, a company specialized in Urban Air Mobility infrastructure research and development. Rex continues his collaborative relationship with the HeliExperts team and their efforts in traditional heliport development.
Collectively, the current HeliExperts team benefits from the experiences of more than 75+ combined years of highly specialized aviation, helicopter and heliport expertise. Our experience in FAA, military, corporate, offshore, and in air medical operations, aeronautical consulting, safety, heliport development, education, and litigation support are unmatched in the industry.
Both founding HEI members are active participants and contributors to the aviation and helicopter industries in multiple arenas of governmental rule making, regulatory policy authoring, aviation infrastructure design, technical research, education and training, safety initiatives and risk mitigation strategies.
HeliExperts team members have donated thousands of hours to and actively collaborate with; the Federal Aviation Administration, National Fire Protection Association, National Transportation and Safety Board, Transportation Safety Institute as well as numerous Aviation, Safety and Trade Organization, Groups and Associations. Due to these continuing efforts to promote helicopter safety, many of the design and safety enhancements that HeliExperts have initiated and promoted on behalf of its clients over the years have become standards within the code and best practice arenas.
Both founding members were instrumental in assisting the Transportation Safety Institute in Oklahoma City in developing the current Heliport Evaluation Training Course used to train FAA Inspectors throughout the U.S. on heliport evaluation practices and procedures.
