Piedmont Propulsion Systems Expands Q400 MRO Capability

Dec. 18, 2013
PPS's latest expansion includes a new investment in several complete R408 propeller assemblies available for loan, lease and exchange.

Winston-Salem, NC, December 16, 2013 – Piedmont Propulsion Systems, LLC (PPS), a wholly owned subsidiary of First Aviation Services Inc., announced today a further expansion of PPS’s R408 propeller maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO)
capabilities. The Dowty R408 propeller is an advanced, composite six-blade propeller system, designed specifically for the highly successful Bombardier DHC-8 Q400 regional turboprop.

PPS has successfully served dozens of Q400 operators worldwide since receiving FAA approval in 2012 to provide MRO services for the R408 propeller system. The company has earned several long term support agreements with marquee Q400 customers, including airlines in North America, South America, Europe, Africa and Asia.

PPS’s latest expansion includes a new investment in several complete R408 propeller assemblies available for loan, lease and exchange. Furthermore, PPS has increased its stock of R408 subsystem piece parts and has dedicated over 20,000 square feet of production space to the R408 propeller system. Together, these expanded capabilities allow PPS to offer industry-leading service levels.

PPS is considered one of the world’s premier propeller overhaul facilities and has overhauled over 10,000 composite blades
and other propeller components including those manufactured by Dowty and Hamilton Sundstrand. PPS is qualified to repair propellers for the entire Bombardier DHC-8 product line which includes the -100, -200, -300 and Q400. Piedmont Propulsion Systems, LLC’s recently
expanded facility in Winston-Salem, NC.

“When we entered the Q400 market we were confident the program was going to be a success, but the market reaction has exceeded all expectations” says Sammy Oakley, Vice President and General Manager of PPS. “We have now expanded our loaner pool,
spares inventory, test equipment and trained technicians to support the higher level of demand in addition to investing in a world class facility.”

“With high energy costs driving direct operating costs for regional and military operators we are expecting the turboprop market to continue to develop internationally,” Mr. Oakley continued, “and we look forward to growing with our customers.”

About Piedmont Propulsion Systems (www.piedmontpropulsion.com)

Piedmont Propulsion Systems, LLC, a subsidiary of First Aviation Services Inc. offers extensive component maintenance and overhaul capabilities to the commercial, regional, corporate and general aviation industry through its facilities in North Carolina. PPS has 65 years of experience in propeller maintenance overhauls and is an FAA and EASA  Part 145 Repair Station. PPS is a Hartzell and McCauley authorized service center and also has factory trained Dowty and Hamilton technicians. PPS has the majority market share for the Hamilton 14SF/RF, Dash 8, ATR, EMB-120 and DHC-6 platforms.

About First Aviation Services Inc. (www.firstaviation.com)

First Aviation Services Inc. (FAvS), located in Westport, Connecticut, is a leading provider of repair and overhaul, rotables management and related engineering services to the aviation industry worldwide. FAvS’ principal operating subsidiaries are Aerospace Turbine Rotables, Inc. (AeTR) in Wichita, Kansas, and Piedmont Propulsion Systems, LLC (PPS) in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. FAvS also owns a minority interest in Aerospace Products International Inc., based in Memphis, Tennessee. More information about FAvS and its subsidiaries may be found on the company’s website, www.firstaviation.com.