(Photo above courtesy of Precise Flight)
As 2016 comes to an end, Precise Flight, Inc. in Bend is focusing on continued growth through diversification, new products and a highly anticipated new business launching in 2017.
Precise Flight, headquartered in Bend, is a supplier of advanced technology to the aviation industry including lighting, oxygen and electromechanical technologies.
Since its inception in 1980 and first product in 1982, Precise Flight has continued to develop innovative safety solutions for every type of aircraft and plans to continue bringing new products to the aviation industry in the coming months.
“Precise Flight is always actively cultivating new ideas to bring to the aviation industry as well as to other industries. In 2017 Precise Flight will be introducing a new portable multi-port oxygen system designed for emergency medical response teams and disaster response teams. We’re excited about this product and see broad market opportunities, including military,” said Doug LaPlaca, Precise Flight CEO.
The new product would improve upon the company’s existing portable oxygen systems. In June 1998 Precise Flight purchased Nelson Oxygen Equipment which gave the company the ability to supply portable oxygen to pilots.
Precise Flight currently manufactures aviation oxygen systems that are pilot tested, pilot approved and offer a lifetime warranty. The oxygen systems are packaged to offer a solo pack which meets the oxygen needs of one person, a tandem pack for two people and plane packs for up to eight people.
LaPlaca joined Precise Flight in July of 2016 after serving as Visit Bend’s president and CEO for nine years.
“For over 36 years, the culture at Precise Flight has been based on innovation and superior customer service. Since coming on board as the company’s CEO, I’ve committed myself to continuing and supporting that culture every way I can. It’s an amazing company. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to be part of it and I’m inspired to do everything I can to make it even better,” LaPlaca said.
In recent months Precise Flight has targeted priorities in growth and diversification of the business. The company has positioned for significant growth in 2017 by developing new business partnerships and developing plans for launching a new company.
“Precise Flight is actively pursuing growth and diversification. We made investments in our resources in 2016 and we are now well positioned for significant growth in 2017,” LaPlaca said.
The company plans to grow within their many aviation divisions by continuing to develop innovative safety products and intends to launch a new business in 2017.
“The new business will leverage our expertise in aviation safety products and expand our target to non-aviation consumers,” LaPlaca said.
One of Precise Flight’s latest accomplishments is a new business partnership with Airbus Helicopters. The partnership was announced in September and is a supply agreement for the Pulselite Bird Strike Prevention System to be offered as an option on all Airbus Helicopters models marketed in the United States.
“Our partnership with Airbus Helicopters makes our Pulselite System a standard safety option on all their models. Our partnership with Airbus Helicopters marks a major milestone for Precise Flight, and positions the company strongly for growth in the global rotorcraft market,” LaPlaca said.
The Pulselite System was one of Precise Flight’s first products and launched in 1984. The Pulselite system provides increased aircraft recognition through the use of flashing existing aircraft external lights. This product is currently available for nearly every type of aircraft and is used on over 20,000 aircrafts worldwide.
The Pulselite System is manufactured on site in Bend and helps prevent bird strikes which are a common problem in aviation. Bird strikes result in millions of dollars in damages for airlines worldwide, pose risks for pilots and passengers and result in flight delays and cancelations.
The pulsing lights help birds recognize the approaching aircraft and react sooner to avoid a collision. The Pulselite System not only reduces bird strikes but additionally increases aircraft recognition to avoid collisions with other aircrafts.
In July of 2005 Precise Flight launched the sale of the newest member of its product line, the PreciseLite High Intensity Discharge (HID) Aviation Lighting. The PreciseLiteHID was first available for purchase at Oshkosh, and aviation enthusiast’s festival held annually in Wisconsin.
The product improved upon the original Pulselite design by offering a 35-watt HID lamp which produces six times the lumens of a standard bulb. The whiter light is closer to that of natural sunlight which provides a greater light output for a safer and more illuminated landing and taxi. The new design makes an aircraft more visible in the air and on the ground in addition to reducing power consumption.
Most of Precise Flight’s customers are outside the State of Oregon. However, the company does provide products to local aircraft manufacturers. Additionally, the company offers 3-D prototyping and small batch production for local companies through its Precise Prototyping branch of the business.
The company uses a Stratasys 400mc and has an expert engineering team that is capable of producing custom projects quickly and with precision. They offer conceptual prototyping, design verification and functional testing which helps streamline the development process while reducing costs and helping get a product to market faster.
“The outlook for growth at Precise Flight is excellent. 2017 is going to be a very good year, and the plans in place for 2017 will secure long-term growth for the company for many years to come. We are diversifying our revenue streams, which is critical for our long-term growth and stability,” LaPlaca said.
Precise Flight plans to continue growing as a company and expects to offer safety products that exclusively fit their customer’s needs while delivering a family of quality aviation solutions. The company currently has thirty full-time employees and a worldwide sales network that markets aviation safety and performance products for experimental, general aviation, corporate, commercial and transport category aircraft.
Location: 63354 Powell Butte Road, Bend, Oregon 97701
Website: https://www.preciseflight.com/
CEO: Doug LaPlaca
Owner: Brad LeHuquet
No. Employees: 29
Year Established: Founded in 1980 with first product launch in 1982.
Product/Service: Aviation safety products for commercial and general aviation.
Hot News: Company pursuing growth and diversification. Launching a new business in 2017 and recently announced a new partnership with Airbus Helicopters.
Outlook for Growth: Introducing a new portable multi-port oxygen system designed for emergency medical response teams and disaster response teams. Continuing to develop innovative safety products.
