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Senior Reduction Gearbox Technician

Bobby is pictured above with a gearbox in process of being completely torn down before the entire unit goes through cleaning and on to inspection ahead of being reassembled and sent to the test cell.

A 29-year veteran at Mint Turbines, Bobby Dickinson started in our shop with tear down and cleaning work before moving into his current role as the Senior Reduction Gearbox Technician. His career has taken him all over the world, but these days he spends most of his time in the shop working on gearboxes. Learn more about Bobby with our Q&A below!

How did you get started in aerospace and at Mint Turbines?

When I started in 1994, the company was called Consolidated Heliflight. I knew the owner at the time and called him to ask about coming to work here. The next thing I knew, I was here and have stayed with Mint Turbines for 29 years. I’m the oldest person out on the floor and have the most seniority. That just means the guys like to make fun of me!

I started with the tear down and cleaning and ultimately moved into the senior technician role. I’ve been all over the world fixing these gearboxes on helicopters. I’ve also done light machine work and a variety of other things. I can also operate the Pratt Whitney Test Cell.

What are some of the exciting places your work has taken you over the years?

I’ve been to Papua New Guinea three times, Africa twice, Canada, Spain, Korea, Venezuela, Trinidad, Tobago and many other places.

What does your day look like at Mint Turbines?

These days I do very little travel and spend most of my time working in the shop. I mainly work on the gearboxes which I really enjoy. They can be very challenging to get through the Test Cell sometimes, but I enjoy the challenge. I’ve been doing this a long time.

What are some of the most memorable projects you’ve worked with Mint Turbines?

I worked with a company developing PMA parts – an aftermarket part for a Pratt & Whitney engine. It was something I had never been involved with before and all the details to build it were very interesting.

Additionally, a few years ago, I was in Nigeria working on a helicopter that was on a humanitarian mission to deliver food, water, fuel and supplies to those in need.

What has kept you at Mint Turbines for 29 years?

We have a really good group of people working here. I’ve been here the longest, but we have another one or two who have also been here more than 20 years. We’re all well-rounded and work well together. We’re always picking on each other, which helps break the tedious nature of our work. It makes for a good work environment when you get along with your coworkers.

Also, I’ve met people from all over the world and still keep in touch with my customers often. I like what I do and it’s close to home. I really enjoy the gearboxes. It’s been a very enjoyable ride so far.

What are you doing when you’re not at work?

If you ask my wife, she’ll say anything I can do to get out of doing work around the house! I really like to fish and hunt; I got a decent 7-point buck this season. A funny story about hunting, my wife and daughter did not like deer meat, so I cooked hamburgers one night without telling them it was deer meat. They both ate them and said it was the best hamburger they’d eaten. They weren’t very happy when I told them it was deer meat. Now, my daughter hunts more than I do!

Mint Turbines Announces a New Multimillion-Dollar Test Cell Complex

Mint Turbines is in growth mode and, as a result, we have some very exciting news! We are in the process of establishing a multimillion-dollar test cell complex. The complex will house four test cells: an APU test cell, our second T700 test cell, a T55 test cell and, finally, an open cell for anticipated future growth. The new test cell complex came to fruition after Mint Turbines placed and won bids on three test cells out of Fort Rucker. This victory allows us to continue growing our offerings which benefits our customers and employees in equal measure.

As briefly noted in our end of year recap, we witnessed the footing being poured and readied for the pad to be poured in early January.  We expect the new building to be finished by the end of February. By the end of March or early April, the APU test cell should be fully operational.  The second T700 cell will come online later after the containerized T700 test cell is fully operational.  The third test cell will fulfill a need for an additional T55 Shop for new customers for Mint; we expect this test cell to be operational sometime in 2024.

Mint Turbines remains committed to the highest levels of quality workmanship, service and reliability. Since 1981, our reputation has been built on superior customer service and support. Our field service and customer support are crucial aspects of our dedication to customers and quality work. This new test cell complex further illustrates our commitment to meeting the needs of our customers now and in the future.

Other benefits of this exciting new addition include the creation of new jobs down the line. Providing employment opportunities for members of our communities further enhances the quality of life for everyone. We look forward to utilizing this exciting new test cell complex to benefit customers and employees as we continue to promote progress within our company.

Stroud, Oklahoma. November 07, 2022 – MINT Turbines, LLC, one of M International’s three premier MRO facilities, is pleased to announce the addition of Phil Cusolito as their new Regional Sales Manager for the Western United States.

Phil has over 30 years of aviation experience including most recently as Regional Sales Manager for 18 years at P&WC. Additional previous experience includes 12 years serving as a Jet Engine Technician in the USAF, 4 years’ experience working as a Customer Service Representative/Customer Service Manager on P&WC PT6A & PT6T at UNC Airwork in Miami Fl, 3 years’ experience as P&WC PT6 Program Manager at National Airmotive Corporation in Oakland CA, and 3 years as Vice President with Atech Turbine Components in Auburn MA. He has held an FAA Aircraft & Powerplant license since 1991 and attended Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Airport Management Associate degree and Air Science Bachelor’s degree programs.

“I’m thrilled to have Phil join the MINT Turbines Team,” stated David Norton, General Manager of MINT Turbines. “He’s a long-time industry veteran with great customer focus and technical ability who’ll drive further growth and capability to help lead MINT Turbines into the future.” As the latest member of the MINT Turbines team, feel free to contact Phil to discuss how he can help support all your Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A and PT6T engine, accessory, component, and field service needs.

About MINT Turbines

MINT Turbines has been providing over 40 years of unmatched service excellence for both the Honeywell T53 and Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A & PT6T series of gas turbine engines including maintenance, repairs, overhauls, exchanges, rentals, testing and field service support unequaled within the industry. Their level of excellence was achieved by directing all efforts and resources towards efficient, high-quality production plus outstanding customer service and support. We are proud of our quality achievements as one of the few Service Centers in North America to achieve both ISO 9001:2015 and AS9110C certifications.

About M International

Since 1978, M International has been a leading global provider of aftermarket technical, MRO and supply chain management services for the aerospace and defense industry. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, M International holds several distribution and representation agreements. In addition to MINT Turbines, M International is also the parent company for Airborne Engines Ltd (Delta, B.C., Canada) and Southwest Fuel Systems, LLC (Stroud, Oklahoma), a Triumph-approved Service Center for T53 Fuel Components and now with added Rolls-Royce M250 Hydromechanical Unit (HMU) MRO capability. Both MINT Turbines and Airborne Engines are also Honeywell authorized Service Center’s for the complete line of T53 gas turbine engines and related components.

Mint Turbines field service technicians assist a customer in the Congo during a UN peacekeeping mission.

Mint Turbines is committed to the highest levels of quality workmanship, service and reliability. Since 1981, our reputation has been built on superior customer service and support. Our field service and customer support are crucial aspects of our dedication to customers and quality work.

At Mint Turbines, our field service technicians and customer service team are the face of our company, providing stellar support to our customers. Specifically, our field service technicians work to meet the maintenance and repair needs of customers’ equipment with analysis and diagnosis, troubleshooting and installation processes, and the overall maintenance support to ensure equipment is working properly to ensure successful missions for our customers. This service covers our primary product offerings across PT6, T53 and T700 engines.

Our field service technicians are the face of the company as they interact with our customers. We not only provide mechanical and technical services, but we also provide sales and expertise.

By providing high-quality services, we have expanded our customer base beyond the U.S. to places such as China, El Salvador and Kazakhstan. Our field service technicians have been all over the world with our customers from Colombia, Haiti, Arizona, Germany, Puerto Rico, Texas and Austria to Chile, Lebanon, California, Florida and more. We serve various clients from military, firefighting and law enforcement to agriculture, aerospace and corporate.

Field service technicians are usually out in the field more than 60% of the time, but you can catch them on the shop floor occasionally. Our field service technicians are ready to go within a 24-hour timeframe as customers need.

“Field service just happens – it depends on the demand. The difference of Mint Turbines is that our phone is never off, and the relationships we build with our customers to provide solutions. If one of our engines has an issue, we take it personally,” Mint Turbines Field Service Technician Charlie Bacon said.

Customers can call us anytime for help with anything, such as troubleshooting. Sometimes, we can fix the issue on the phone. Other times, we may have to pack our tools and go to the customer anywhere in the world, which we are glad to do.

“Typically, when customers call and need our service, they are AOG (aircraft on ground) which means they are losing revenue. This makes our prompt response to their needs crucial to getting back to work,” Mint Turbines Field Service Technician Gilbert Palacios said.

We also offer training to our clients to keep them updated on the latest technology, new repairs and upgrades as we strive to constantly develop and improve our product. We work to arm our customers with training so they can troubleshoot simple fixes on their own if desired.

“Field service is not just a job – it’s a lifestyle. You are on call 24/7. To me, this is my life, and I enjoy doing it,” Charlie stated.

Currently, Charlie is also helping stand up our T700 program, authorized by GE for the U.S. restricted category of Blackhawk Engines. “I’m having a blast doing it,” he shared.

PT6 Technician and Field Service Technician 

Robert Haile has been with Mint Turbines for nearly 19 years. He started in the paint shop and currently serves as a PT6 Technician and Field Service Technician with more than 23 years of experience. Robert was instrumental in securing a five-year 70-engine deal with Southwest Aviation Specialties in Tulsa, Oklahoma – Mint Turbines’ largest commercial project.

In Robert’s role, he travels worldwide to meet the needs of customers, which is his favorite part of his job. Learn more about Robert with our Q&A!

What is your title at Mint Turbines, and how long have you worked here?

I am a PT6 Technician and a Field Service Technician. The first time I worked at Mint Turbines, I was here for 13.5 years. A buddy I rode four-wheelers with worked here and got me started in the paint shop back in the day.

I live in Stroud and drove past Mint Turbines time and time again growing up. I only knew they did something with aircraft. Once I started working here, I realized there was a broad horizon right in my backyard. I left for six years before returning to work at Mint Turbines as a Field Service Technician and have been back for about five years now.

What does your day look like at Mint Turbines?

To start my day, we figure out what needs to be assembled or disassembled. From there, I may be building an engine, tearing an engine down or helping install an engine in the test cell. In my job, there are a thousand different things I could be doing, even possibly packing up my tools to leave to go to California, the Congo, Guatemala or elsewhere to meet with our customers. I’m typically not in the shop; I am likely traveling to meet customer needs in the field.

This year, I helped secure a five-year 70-engine deal with Southwest Aviation Specialties in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The company previously worked with a shop where they were limited in what they could do for them. We were able to help with things like PMA or DER parts and price breaks in addition to the customer service we can provide from the Jenks Airport, just 40 minutes away. Through the work and customer service we’ve provided to the company, I’ve built a good relationship with the owner which helped solidify the new deal.

What has been your most memorable project or experience at Mint Turbines?

This year, Gilbert Palacios and I traveled more than 36 hours to Africa to support an engine change during a UN peacekeeping mission. We replaced a twin-pac engine in an aircraft used for patrol and medical missions. While there, Gilbert and I pulled together money to support children at a local orphanage.

Watch a timelapse video of our engine change in the UN via our Facebook Page here.

What is your favorite thing about working at Mint Turbines?

Right now, I think my favorite part is being able to travel and go places that I’ve never been. I really enjoy the face-to-face interaction with the customers and meeting their needs. Eventually, I’d like to move into the Sales Department because I enjoy helping people get their plane or helicopter going and seeing them happy because they’re back making money again.

What are you doing when you’re not at work?

Most of the time, I’m working on or riding dirt bikes. My son and I go riding quite often and work and tinker with them – that’s all we do.

It’s been a busy quarter for the Mint Turbines team with our participation in shows across the world, including Farnborough International Airshow, EAA AirVenture OshKosh, ASE, FIAC and more. Whether you attended or missed this year, give our recap of each event below a read to hear how high-profile events like these provide ample opportunities for small businesses like Mint Turbines.

Farnborough International Airshow | July 2022 | Farnborough, England

Mint Turbines Chief Strategy Officer Chris Van Denhende and International Sales Manager Holger Beh at the Farnborough 2022 airshow. 

Every two years, our industry gathers for one of the world’s biggest aerospace events – the Farnborough International Airshow (FIA).

This was the first year Mint Turbines participated in the Farnborough International Airshow. While we have customers in the European market with our T53 Engines, we wanted to participate in this event in 2022 as some of our new product offerings will interest this market. Events like this will help further expand our foothold in Europe. We made several connections at the event, especially with a few prior customers.

Mint Turbines joined Oklahoma ACES and Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt as the largest-ever Oklahoma delegation. Together, the Oklahoman team met with more than 70 executives about aerospace in Oklahoma. Our company is a great example of a small business doing well in Oklahoma’s industry. We provided firsthand information about the workforce and what it’s like doing business in the state. Read the official FIA recap here.

An unexpected element of the 2022 FIA was the record-breaking temperatures in the UK! One day during the conference, it was a scorching 104.4 Fahrenheit, which made it interesting to talk business in our suits all day with no AC.

EAA AirVenture OshKosh | July 2022 | Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Mint Turbines joined the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission and community partners at the annual EAA AirVenture OshKosh. We sponsored the Oklahoma Fly-In Luncheon for the second year with U.S. Senator (OK) Jim Inhofe and EAA CEO Jack Pelton. There are a lot of owner-operators that attend this event, providing ample opportunity to network with decision makers. This year’s event welcomed beautiful weather with a record-breaking 650,000 people in attendance and more than 10,000 aircraft. Review EAA’s recap of OshKosh here.

Aircraft Survivability Equipment Symposium (ASE) | September 2022 | Lexington, Kentucky

For nearly 40 years, the Aircraft Survivability Equipment Symposium (ASE) has brought the industry together to create life-saving solutions for soldiers, repairers and officers. Mint Turbines attended the event to network and listen to informative panels. Check out the ASE recap here.

Gilbert Palacios (Sr. Field Service Engineer) and Carlos Contreras (Latin America Sales Manager) attended CIAM in Cancun, Mexico.

Mint Turbines also had representation in the Feria De La Industria Aeroespacial Columbiana FIAC in Madrid, Cundinamarca, Columbia and CIAM in Cancun, Mexico, this past June.

Director of Customer Service Katrina Clovis

Katrina Clovis is a treasured employee at Mint Turbines. Her journey here began 16 years ago when she started in logistics. She is now working as the director of PT6 customer service. Katrina has two kids and loves doing anything that involves being with her family whether it be hanging out at home or quick weekend trips. Her passion and dedication shine throughout Mint Turbines.

Q&A:

How have you moved up at Mint Turbines?

I started in logistics and after a while, I was moved into the logistics manager position. I loved it, but a few years later I transitioned into customer support as a PT6 customer service manager. Now, here I am as the director!

What is your favorite thing about customer service at Mint Turbines? 

Having the opportunity to work with people all around the world is pretty rewarding. I have been able to make lasting friendships with customers everywhere. I’m a passionate person, and this role is no exception. I love to provide customer support to match our quality of service.

How does the customer service team work with the rest of the team at Mint Turbines?

We all work very closely; we have customers all over the world and in many different time zones. With that, you may get a 4:30 am call or a 10:30 pm call on a Saturday night. Our customers know they can reach us at any given time. Our goal is to earn the trust of our customers and hopefully build that long-term relationship with them and be their one-stop shop. If something comes up, the whole Mint team is on board and does what is needed to ensure we take care of our customer. If we need to get someone on a plane to support a mission, that’s what we do. The availability and willingness of myself and my team helps our customer support be one of the best out there – I’m a little biased.

How did you get started in aerospace and at Mint Turbines?

I graduated high school in Stroud, OK, and went to get my real estate license. It was a good learning opportunity, but it wasn’t what I wanted to do. Stroud is a small town; everyone knows everyone and I had a really good friend that worked at Mint Turbines. She gave me a call and said she needed support in logistics and told me about Mint Turbines. It was a no-brainer, and I’ve loved it ever since.

What does your day look like at Mint Turbines?

For me, I’m either emailing or on the phone most of my day. In between that, I am quoting customer jobs or helping move jobs through the shop to meet deadlines or getting jobs shipped out. Following up on completed jobs that we’ve done is also a big part of what I do. I like to ensure the customer is happy with the complete process and let them know we are here to help any way we can. At the end of the day, the production guys and the mechanics are the rockstars. The talent and knowledge they have is amazing.  They treat each and every engine as if they were repairing or overhauling and putting their own families in the aircraft. Our team takes a lot of pride in the safety and quality of what we do. They are the ones that put out one of the best products in the industry, I simply handle all the communication, try to make it a great experience and hopefully earn our customers trust along the way, so they keep coming back.

What are some of your most memorable experiences while at Mint Turbines?

Seeing Mint Turbines grow is the most rewarding part of being here. When I started, we were all in one building basically, seeing the expansion over the years in our shop and operations has been pretty neat.  The aviation industry is fascinating to me, and I take pride in being part of it.

Tell us about your life outside of work.

Family is my number one joy and the most important thing to me. I have two kids. My son is 16 and my daughter is 10. They are both involved in a couple of different sports and activities, so they keep us very busy and on the go most of the time.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I genuinely love what I do and not a lot of people can say that. Mint Turbines has treated me very well and allowed me to grow within the company. They’ve been here for many different moments of my life, and they are very supportive of not just myself, but also my family. I get to come to work and be close to my kids at the same time as well as love what I do and work with some awesome people.

Mint Turbines traveled more than 36 hours to Africa to support an engine change during a UN peacekeeping mission.

Mint Turbines ventured to a remote area in Africa to help a UN peacekeeping mission by replacing a twin pac engine. Robert H. and Gilbert P. led the expedition, taking them 36 hours to get to the aircraft used for patrol and medical missions. Throughout their trip, they offered nothing but support and kindness to our customer and the African community.

The 36-hour trip there included plane rides, multiple car rides and even a boat ride to get to this remote location. Robert and Gilbert spent 12 days aiding UN soldiers in replacing the twin pac engine. There are also many entities in the area that include the Chinese, Russian and other government agencies.

While in the area, the Mint Turbines employees noticed several children in need and wanted to do something about it. Together, they pulled money together for a local orphanage where they donated supplies.

Children celebrate receiving donations from our Mint Turbines employees.

Robert and Gilbert exemplified our company’s dedication to not only customer service, but to the community around you. We are proud to have extraordinary clients, employees and friends.

Watch a timelapse video of our engine change in the UN via our Facebook Page here.

Mint Turbines attended HAI 2022 held in Dallas and it didn’t disappoint! Being able to see and connect with our customers is always a great time. Our diverse customer base allows us to support clients from all over the world in many different aspects. Attending HAI and other shows throughout the year allows for crucial one-on-one meetings and conversations that in turn helps ensure we are offering top-notch customer service as well as the best quality they can get for their product.
On Tuesday morning, the T53 team attended the OZARK Symposium on T53 engines. Ozark has acquired the Type Certificate for the T53 from Honeywell. They had a lot of changes to discuss as the new TC holder and a new system to access manuals was introduced. Our very own Charlie Bacon presented at the Restricted Category Symposium on Wednesday morning. After meeting customers, we ended the day with a Customer Appreciation Happy Hour on Wednesday. We filled our booth up with customers and friends; we appreciated everyone stopping by to say hi and have a drink with us. We closed the last day out on Thursday with more customer meetings.
HAI 2022 was one of the best on record. We got to see our customers in person, make new connections and see the market thriving again as it was before COVID-19 shut it down. The meetings seemed to have more detailed content and there was a relief on everyone’s face that we could be out in public, meeting and shaking each other’s hands. We look forward to seeing everyone again in 2023 at HAI. We are truly grateful for each of our customers and look forward to being able to continue to offer support for the many opportunities ahead. Mint Turbines has the best customers in the world, and we are very eager and excited for our future and all of the great things to come!