News

United States Air Force Awards Pacific Propeller International Exclusive $74M 54H60 Series Propeller Overhaul Contract Through Foreign Military Sales Program

KENT,WASHINGTON -JULY 24, 2023 The United States Air Force has awarded Pacific Propeller International (PPI) a sole-source five-year $74 million dollar repair and overhaul contract supporting foreign militaries operating the Lockheed C-130 with 54H60 propeller and components. For decades, global C-130 operators have used the tough, reliable 54H60 Hamilton Standard propeller system in a wide range of operating environments.

The effort will provide overhaul repair capability for the United States Air Force (USAF) and multiple Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers throughout the world by establishing a worldwide solution to accomplish depot-level maintenance (OLM), consisting of, but not limited to, inspection/repair/overhaul/transportation and modification of 54H60 Series Propellers, Propeller Blades, and Integrated Oil Control (IOC), including applicable Safety of Flight (SoF) modification, and Time Compliance Technical Orders (TCTOs).

With 50+ years’ experience maintaining this propeller, PPI was selected as the MRO industry leader already well-established internationally with the C-130 community.   “This dynamic new FMS maintenance channel efficiently provides operators a smooth link to our experienced, technical experts, dedicated support team and state-of-the-art facility and equipment,” states Jeff Heikke, PPI and business group CEO.  “Our goal was to incorporate new, stringent technical and inspection standards while improving throughput and turn time for our customers.”

Although the program is primarily focused on Foreign Military Sales, the USAF has the option to utilize the PPI contract for MRO services supporting urgent or overflow requirements for the U.S. military C-130 fleet.

Buddy Tobin, PPl’s Vice President Sales, knows dearly the customers’ needs and recognizes the solutions and value this contract provides.  “We understand military fleet readiness is the highest priority. As the premiere MRO facility for 54H60 propeller services, our reputation delivering safe, high-quality props, and having the resources, assets, and production to back it up were essential during preparation and negotiation.” PPl’s international reputation was built on strong relationships and face-to-face discussions. “Our team is ready to meet with each FMS Country Manager and operator directly.” adds Buddy Tobin.

“Having unmatched MRO services and the most efficient delivery turn times of propeller systems in the industry, with two complete production lines, is not only a function of capacity and productivity, but it also relies on having the necessary parts and components on-hand,” says Jared Flynn, PPl’s General Manager. “Our team has done a fantastic job of preparing for the workflow, and a 54H60 parts inventory second to none. Sourcing challenges had to be resolved and we did just that. We are ready.”

https://www.defensedaily.com/contract-awards/contract-award-pacific-propeller-international-llc-doing-business-as-ppi-kent-washington-22804292/


USAF FMS Awards PPITS a Strategic Propeller Shop Contract

USAF FMS Awards PPITS a Strategic Propeller Shop Contract

December 15, 2022

AUBURN, WASHINGTON – The United States Air Force has awarded PPI Technical Services (PPITS) a strategically important, long-term contract to develop and establish a turnkey maintenance and repair back shop for the Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) C-130 Aircraft. The shop’s purpose is to provide the Philippine Air Force with sufficient equipment and technical know-how to repair the propellers of its C-130 fleet, providing mission readiness in a critical region of the world. This effort underscores the importance of the relationship between the U.S. and the Philippines. “We are once again pleased to be the chosen company to provide such important back shop capabilities to such an important U.S. Ally. This selection underscores the U.S. Government’s confidence in PPITS.” Said George Canovas, Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) of Precision Aerospace Products, PPITS’ Parent Company.

The Philippines Air Force has taken a forward-leaning approach to maintain its air fleet, with the support of the U.S. Air Force and PPITS. In support of the Philippines’ efforts, PPITS has been tasked to provide a comprehensive C-130 propeller facility to include in-depth training of its technicians. The PPITS contract is groundbreaking as it has been established to ensure the long-term sustainability of the transferred capabilities and equipment. To this end, PPITS has been contracted for multiple years and will continue fully supporting the PAF as a long-term
strategic partner, ensuring the highest technical capabilities and the latest equipment. PPITS will also provide its proprietary KIAN MRO (Maintenance Repair and Overhaul) software to ensure the long-term consistency and management of every propeller serviced through its back shop.

A few of the specific capabilities the back shop will have once completed are elements of the complete C-130 Hercules propulsion system. These include hydraulic testing, metallurgical non-destructive testing, propeller blade plating, propeller blade maintenance, and full system assembly and installation.

The USAF selected PPITS for its expertise in setting up similar shops for U.S. partner nations across the globe. PPITS has demonstrated tremendous cost efficiency and unmatched training success with the technical knowledge of the C-130 propeller system that is necessary and required. PPITS is known worldwide as the go-to source for large propeller technical services, training, and back shop setup.

The PAF maintenance and repair facility will be staffed primarily by PAF technicians. PPITS will have several representatives and technical experts working alongside PAF technicians, supporting them 24 x 7 for the duration of the contract. This contract is also expected to create new technical jobs and opportunities utilizing the most up-to-date systems and training on the C-130 propeller system.

Historically, the PAF has had limited maintenance capabilities for its C-130 fleet propellers. As a result, the PAF has had limited ability to effectively maintain their C-130 propellers and gain the complete operational cycles typically achieved in situations with sound ongoing maintenance practices and resources. The contract awarded to PPITS will ensure that the challenges seen by PAF in the past are corrected.

PPITS has undertaken similar projects and is ready to get this one launched,” said Rusty Von Querner, Director of Operations at PPITS. “We have built a strong relationship with the PAF over many years and understand the PAF’s needs. We also understand the complexities of ensuring this and other back shop remain current and have developed a long-term sustainability program as part of this effort,” said George Canovas.

For more information, please contact PPI Technical Services [email protected] or [email protected],

call +1.253.872.7767 or visit our website https://ppitechservices.com


Precision Aerospace Products, LLC Signs Agreement with Philippine Aerospace Development Corporation for Future Project Collaborations

Precision Aerospace Products, LLC Signs Agreement with Philippine Aerospace Development Corporation for Future Project Collaborations

December 15, 2022

Bellevue, Washington based Precision Aerospace Products has decades long relationship with Philippine Air Force as a primary aircraft maintenance contractor. Offering its aerospace maintenance and overhaul expertise to assist US partner nation company with its growing needs. 

Bellevue, Washington – Precision Aerospace Products, LLC (PAP) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement with Philippine Aerospace Development Corporation (PADC) to create a collaborative relationship between the two companies that combines their respective areas of expertise for potential military and civilian aviation and aerospace projects. PAP is the parent company to two aerospace maintenance and repair companies: Kent, Washington based Pacific Propeller International and Fort Worth, Texas based C&S Propeller. PAP also owns Pacific Propeller International Technical Services (PPITS).  PPITS specializes in providing aerospace capabilities through the establishment of maintenance repair and overhaul facilities as well as training and equipment sourcing. PAP companies have provided maintenance and repair along with training services to the Philippine Air Force for many years.

The Philippine Aerospace Development Corporation (PADC) was established in 1973 as the government’s arm for the development of the Philippine aviation industry. The driving motives for its establishment are self-reliance, national security and technology transfer.

With the agreement now in place, the two companies can offer a broader and higher level of aerospace maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities within the Philippine nation. With such a deep technical knowledge base and experience now in place, the scope of project opportunities for the new entity are significant.

The Precision Aerospace Products companies are known worldwide for their unmatched expertise in the area of aircraft propulsion and large propeller systems. This knowledge and support can be used throughout both Philippine’s military and civilian general aviation communities, both fixed wing and rotor aircraft. The Philippine nation’s military has extensive operations using large transport aircraft such as the Lockheed C-130 Hercules. The country also utilizes a large fleet of helicopter aircraft such as the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk.

Pacific Propeller International Technical Services (PPITS) helps establish maintenance repair and overhaul facilities as well as training and equipment sourcing. With economic growth and demand for Philippine products and services increasing (both military and civilian) PPITS sees opportunity with PADC. Building out, staffing and training aviation maintenance facilities will be increasing in demand.

George Canovas, Chief Compliance Officer for Pacific Propeller International led the agreement effort and negotiated for Precision Aerospace Products. “We’re all proud of the result this Memorandum of Understanding brings to PAP and its subsidiaries. We’re also grateful to PADC in having the entrepreneurial vision and confidence in our team to make this happen. Between our two organizations, the scope of our capabilities and level of aerospace maintenance, repair and overhaul knowledge is certainly significant and hard to beat. We look forward to what the future holds for us.”

Visit www.precisionaerospaceproducts.com and www.padc.com.ph for more information about both companies.


Pacific Propeller International, LLC – Leading and Not Following

Pacific Propeller International, LLC – Leading and Not Following

March 3, 2022

Kent, WashingtonPacific Propeller International, LLC (PPI) – Standing ready to assist, PPI is poised and actively assisting humanitarian and other efforts in the Ukraine conflict by delivering urgently needed C-130 propellers. The C-130 Hercules is a heavy lift aircraft capable of delivering food, humanitarian and medical supplies in the harshest of conditions and locations. Our products may be only propellers, but our mission is to support our US DOD and its NATO allies.

“Knowing PPI can deliver, we have again been asked to be a close participant in an active conflict. Confidence in PPI’s quality and unsurpassed mission readiness has propelled PPI on to the front lines. Supported by the US government, PPI is addressing the urgent and immediate needs of our allies by returning overhauled propellers to service in as little as two weeks. This is truly a groundbreaking effort and one we take seriously. We have overcome parts shortages and demonstrated to the world that we cannot be stopped. At our core, in our DNA and our corporate mission, we are about Knowledge, Relationships, and Solutions.” Said Jeff Heikke, CEO of Precision Aerospace Products and Pacific Propeller International.

“Our role in this endeavor is to rapidly deploy a critical component of the C-130 Hercules to provide crucial lifesaving and other support to the people of Ukraine and support the mission of our allies. We see a humanitarian catastrophe unfolding, PPI has not missed a beat and has been working around the clock to provide unequaled services in support of this global effort.” Said George Canovas, Corporate CCO and Executive Vice President of PPI-Technical Services.

“PPI has garnered a global reputation as a center of excellence in the world of C-130 propeller repairs and overhauls. Our tradition has always been to overcome adversity and meet challenges head-on. From the operational level, we have bolstered our operations to meet a challenge as we are seeing today. With the addition of new internal engineering support and an eager workforce, we continue to be the best company in the industry.” Said Jared Flynn, General Manager, PPI.

Visit www.pacprop.com for more information about the Pacific Aerospace Product group.


Pacific Propeller International, LLC (PPI) – Upgrades its internal Engineering Capabilities

Pacific Propeller International, LLC (PPI) – Upgrades its Internal Engineering Capabilities

March 3, 2022

Bellevue, Washington – PPI and C&S Propellers, members of the Precision Aerospace Products (PAP) group of companies is meeting the challenges of its expansive growth by partnering with IAC in Fort Worth, Texas, merging IAC’s and PAP’s deep core of innovative and advanced engineering teams.

In October 2021, IAC and PAP signed a Strategic Teaming Agreement focused on expanding PAP’s core business in propeller blade overhauls and repairs. The association with IAC has opened the door to meet PPI’s strategic growth initiatives and now includes cutting-edge rotor aircraft blade repairs and engineering support. PAP has capitalized on the opportunity to build upon its core knowledge with over 100 years of cumulative engineering experience by expanding into a similar market. The PAP/IAC strategic partnership opens the doors to a new line of blade repairs and brings together two of the industry’s most renowned engineering groups. Both companies have an extensive history in propeller and rotor blade repairs.

Jeff Heikke, CEO of PPI and the Precision Aerospace group of companies, stated: “PPI is already recognized as a cutting edge engineering powerhouse, having been the first to engineer a solution for the new and complex requirements under T.O. 3H1-18-3 Rev 0. PPI continues to focus on being the first to engineer solutions and new approaches to extending the life of C-130 and P3 propeller systems. At our core, in our DNA, and as our corporate mission, we are about “Knowledge, Relationships and Solutions.” We are proud to announce IAC’s integration into our engineering team, underscoring our long-term objectives and mission.”

IAC is recognized as a disruptive growth leader in the rotor blade market, paying dividends. “We are at the center of leading-edge technology in the rotor blade market with unparalleled solutions in our industry.” Said Randy Steven, CEO of IAC. “We are poised and eager to assist and continue our reputation as a market disruptor by applying new solutions and innovations in the propeller and rotor blade industry.”

“The partnering of PAP and IAC is just the beginning. PAP will continue to lead in engineering innovations well into the future.” George Canovas, Corporate CCO and Executive Vice President of PPI-Technical Services.

With the addition of IAC’s engineering group, the transformation of the PAP Group of Companies has hit another milestone – conceived and executed in a deliberate and precise manner. This is just the beginning. Stay tuned, there is more to come.
Visit Pacific Propeller International LLC and International Aviation Composites Ltd.  for more information about the Pacific Aerospace Product group.


Pacific Propeller International Achieves Capability for the New 54H60 Overhaul Technical Order Requirements

Pacific Propeller International Achieves Capability for the New 54H60 Overhaul Technical Order Requirements

U.S. Air Force Technical Order 3H1-18-3 Change 35, Supplement 9 is latest revision for Hamilton Standard 54H60 Propeller

Kent WA – July 15, 2020 Pacific Propeller international (PPI), a member of the Precision Aerospace Products (PAP) Group, has successfully implemented a proven and repeatable process to overhaul and repair the Hamilton Standard 54H60 propeller. The 54H60 propellers are used on the C-130 Hercules and P-3 Orion aircraft, which are part of the U.S. strategic arsenal and also heavily relied upon by U.S. allies, commercial and international military operators.

Precision Aerospace Product’s significant investment in PPI’s engineering and modern machining equipment has resulted in PPI being the only company to achieve the new stringent Technical Order (TO) requirements. This successful development by PPI will provide immediate relief to U.S. military and International Customers that have been waiting for a resolution to return props to service for nearly three years. COO and President, Tim Gellerson, commented on awaiting the new technical processes, “I am very proud of the PPI team. They were given a very tough project and they implemented with great determination and success.”

If you would like to continue reading the article, please click the hyperlink below.

https://precisionaerospaceproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/PPI-54H60-Rev-PR-Jul20.pdf


Jorge Canovas joins Precision Aerospace Products as the Chief Risk, Compliance, & Administration Officer

Jorge Canovas joins Precision Aerospace Products as the Chief Risk, Compliance, & Administration Officer

Kent, Washington – April 20th, 2020

Jorge Canovas, Corporate Vice President, Precision Aerospace Products LLC
George Canovas, Chief Risk, Compliance, & Administration Officer, Precision Aerospace Products LLC

Precision Aerospace Products (PAP) CEO Jeff Heikke is pleased to announce the addition of Jorge Canovas (George) to the executive team. George will serve as the Chief Risk, Compliance, & Administration Officer.

George joins the PAP executive team after years of success in compliance and export law. He also served at Raytheon, as Corporate Vice President of Trade Operations & Compliance, and taught as a professor at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

George brings extensive compliance and legal experience to our executive team. George’s decades of international business experience complements our global business base and will provide key guidance on new international programs and contracts.” – Jeff Heikke, PAP CEO

The 25 years of proven experience managing large complex compliance issues for global corporations make George an incredibly valuable addition to the leadership team and our plans of aviation sector growth. We are proud to have George join the PAP executive leadership team and look forward to the addition of his proven leadership experience.


Precision Aerospace Products, LLC Organizational Changes

Precision Aerospace Products, LLC Organizational Changes

Kent, Washington July 1st, 2019 –Precision Aerospace Products, LLC {PAP} has made a key organizational change. “This change bring focus on expanding our competencies, developing new products/services, and more effectively utilizing our people and their skills across the PAP Group.” – Jeff Heikke CEO of Precision Aerospace Products.

New Vice President of Sales, Precision Aerospace Products

Buddy Tobin, Vice President Sales, Precision Aerospace Products LLC
Buddy Tobin, Vice President Sales, Precision Aerospace Products LLC

Buddy will be leading the sales effort for the PAP Aerospace Groups. Mr. Tobin will transition out of his current role as Vice President & General Manager of C & S Propellers, located in Fort Worth, Texas.

Buddy began his life in aerospace as an A&P mechanic in 1992. He has had increasing roles of responsibility throughout his career. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Maintenance Management, an Aircraft Inspection Authorization, and a Project Management Professional certification. Buddy brings extensive aerospace experience with over ten years in senior management and dynamic leadership. These skill sets will help propel PAP in the growth arena.