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Bobby Moffitt, a father and key player in Mint Turbines’ success, started at Mint Turbines in 1995. His career has let him play many roles in the aerospace and aviation industry, leading him to the role of Quality Assurance Manager. Bobby ensures the company meets different regulations and policies, as safety is paramount in the industry. Learn more about Bobby with our Q&A below.

How did you get started in the aerospace and aviation industry?

Well, I started getting into aerospace when I was 16. As soon as I graduated high school, I worked for a couple of years at an airframe shop in the town I grew up in. I’m relatively local. I grew up just 30 miles from here in Wellston.

How have you seen Mint Turbines grow since you started? 

When I started, I referred to it as a mom-and-pop shop. It was privately owned, and we were happy if we worked on ten engines a year. Of course, it made the people grow close. Seeing the growth throughout the years, Mint has steadily grown to where it is now, with almost 60 employees and roughly four times the working space. What keeps a person here is the people we work with, the employees and the management we have. Our goals line up, and it’s just an awesome place with a bunch of awesome people.

What does a day at Mint Turbines look like as a Quality Assurance Manager? 

It’s totally different every day for the most part, and that’s part of what I enjoy about it. You never know what to expect day-to-day. The main focus of my job is to keep everybody in line with different regulations, whether it’s FAA, ISO compliance, AS compliance, etc. Things are constantly changing, especially with growth and expansion. All your policies have to expand and grow with that. The day-to-day work varies—there is a lot of paperwork. I take care of all the engine log books and records like that, ensure they’re completed, and everything’s well documented and answer questions for the guys on the floor. I answer questions on interpreting technical data when needed.

Why is it important to have somebody as a Quality Assurance Manager in the overall operation? 

For the shop, safety is number one. We work in an industry where safety is paramount, and people’s lives are on the line. Anytime you’re dealing with aircraft, quality and safety go hand in hand. If you build a safe, quality product, people are less likely to get hurt. Aviation companies, or any company, could not survive without quality control. Everything we do centers around the quality assurance of the product. Every product you’re putting out the door has to meet the customer’s expectations, whoever that customer might be.

What is your favorite part about your job and working at Mint Turbines? 

By far, what’s kept me here this long is the people. I love what I do. I have a passion for it. After 28 years, I look forward to getting up and coming to work in the morning. I’ve always loved aviation and the people that work here. I would compare it to a family. We spend all day at work together, and there are times we spend weekends together. We help each other out even outside of the shop. Everybody knows the employees, their family members, and their kids. A lot of them are local, so kids play ball games together and things like that.

Are there any specifically memorable projects that you have worked on? 

A big project was obtaining our ISO and AS registration for the AS 9100 and the AS 91-10 standards. Quite a few of us had our hands in on that one. Anytime a company grows and brings on new engine lines, it’s remarkable to see how that comes together. I’ve been involved in accident investigations, FAA, and NTSB in the past for projects that I found interesting.

What steps do you take throughout the day to ensure that inaccuracies are caught and corrected? 

Yeah, we have a staff of quality inspectors who inspect the part that is going in the engine as they’re disassembling or assembling it. We have quality progressive inspectors standing there with them to inspect their work as they go. The technician will assemble a component and fill out his paperwork, then that component gets reviewed by a quality inspector. They have to sign off on the paperwork before moving on to the next phase. Documentation is critical, any key points of interest have an inspection point that gets inspected for product safety. We have a tool control program that monitors our tooling, how it’s used, how it’s stored and all that good stuff.

What do you do when you’re not at work?

I spend a lot of time with my four grown kids and three grandkids. One grandkid is on the way! Over the last few years, my wife and I built our own house on a farm. We have the little hobby farm that keeps me busy. Outside of that, I’m always helping somebody do something like remodeling houses and fixing things around the house. It keeps me busy in the evenings and all weekend.

Mint Turbines is an industry-leading FAA/EASA certified Part145 Repair Station, providing world-class service. For over 40 years Mint Turbines has provided maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for operators worldwide. Mint can provide professional service from a team of experienced technicians with an average of 20 years combined experience, industry-leading customer support and a quality assurance team.

Mint Turbines is now offering a PT6 Training Course, it is FAA Approved and qualifies for IA Renewal. The course duration is three days and can be done on the customer site or at Mint facilities. Hot Section Training can be done on the customer site, during an inspection.

The Training Course provides the technician with the skills to troubleshoot engine problems after understanding the theory of how the turbine engine works. This would also cause less downtime due to improved technical knowledge. On-site Hot Section Training enables the students to experience hands-on knowledge of the tooling required for the inspection, inspection requirements as well as learning requirements of the Maintenance Manual. Periodic inspection and maintenance requirements are also covered in the course to provide students with the skills required for line maintenance.

Mint Turbines strives to provide the best customer experience, with a high level of quality and competitive pricing. Contact us at www.mintturbines.com , or email us at CustomerSupport@mintturbines.com or call (918) 968-9561.

Mint Turbines has signed a new agreement with Ozark Aeroworks, LLC (“OZARK”), to be an Authorized Ozark Model T53 Service Center. This authorization allows Mint Turbines to provide maintenance, repair and overhaul services for T53 series engines. The agreement, signed at the annual HAI HELI-EXPO event in Atlanta, Georgia, in March, is for a period of five years.

OZARK recently acquired the T53 Type Certificate from Honeywell in 2022 to become the new Ozark Model T53 OEM. OZARK’s acquisition of the T53 Type Certificate has further strengthened its commitment to providing high-quality products and services to its customers.

Mint Turbines has been an authorized T53 Service Center for the last ten years and is one of only three authorized service centers in North America. Its experienced technicians are highly trained and certified to provide the best possible maintenance, repair and overhaul services to T53 series engines. This partnership with OZARK further strengthens Mint Turbines’ commitment to providing its customers with the highest level of service.

The T53 series engines covered under this agreement include the following:

Commercial Engine Models | Commercial Applications

• T53-13B: Bell 204, Bell 205
• T53-17A: Bell 205
• T53-17A-1: Kaman K1200 (K-MAX)
• T53-17B: Bell 205
• T53-17BCV: Bell 210, Eagle Single

Military Engine Models | Military Applications

• T53-L-13B: UH-1H Huey, AH-1H Cobra
• T53-L-703: UH-1H Huey, Huey II, AH-1H Cobra

“We are thrilled to partner with OZARK as an Authorized Ozark Model T53 Service Center,” Mint Turbines Vice President and General Manager David Norton said. “Our team of experts is dedicated to ensuring that T53 engines operate at their optimum level. We are confident that this new partnership will further enhance our ability to serve our customers’ needs.”

Headquartered in Stroud, Oklahoma, Mint Turbines has provided service for the Ozark Model T53 and Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A & PT6T series of gas turbine engines for more than 40 years, including maintenance, repairs, overhauls, exchanges, rentals, testing and field service support.

For over 40 years, Mint Turbines has been an industry-leading, FAA/EASA-certified Part 145 Repair Station offering full-service gas turbine engine Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services that support operators worldwide. We have a team of seasoned veterans in the industry, each possessing on average 20 years of individual experience. At Mint Turbines we take great pride in our customer service, Turnaround time (TAT), and unsurpassed quality assurance.

The aftermarket engine R&O industry is currently plagued with supply chain issues, labor shortages, and higher material/labor costs that drive both increased Engine overhaul costs and shop times. In a time where the industry average engine overhaul, TAT is 85 days Mint Turbines is proudly maintaining an industry-leading overhaul TAT average of 63 days and consistent overhaul event costs.

We attribute this high level of performance due to our updated facility/streamlined assembly line, operating efficiency, knowledgeable staff, agile part sourcing, and sublime subcontract vendor management—all this while providing top-notch quality engine overhauls that are synonymous with a Mint Turbines tag.

Our overhaul TAT is not only setting the standard, but this applies to our engine repairs and hot sections as well.

Many engine overhaul shops add weeks to TAT to embody higher cost new materials—on the contrary, Mint Turbines has internally developed FAA-approved DER repairs and maintains strong partnerships with aftermarket parts suppliers and component repair companies that allow us to utilize OHC materials, exchange components or repaired customer parts to keep the engine overhaul cost down for our customers.

In addition, lower engine overhaul TAT keeps aircraft downtime to a minimum, reducing customer need for rental engines. In turn, this eliminates tens of thousands of dollars of associated costs such as rental engine hourly and daily charges, engine removal and replacement, shipping and insurance.

Mint Turbines produces the best customer experience possible, with the highest level of quality, at the best price.  Find out more at www.mintturbines.com, email us at CustomerSupport@MintTurbines.com  or call us at (918) 968-9561.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Check out the latest update on the construction of our new test cells in Stroud, Oklahoma. Stay tuned for more updates!

Mint Turbines End of Year Recap

Wow! What a great year 2022 was for Mint Turbines! With the world fully opened back up, we were able to attend shows again and, most importantly, we embraced the opportunity to get out and see our customers. We enjoyed attending HAI and AAAA in 2022 because we were able to see all of our old and new customers. We’re looking forward to 2023 and all of the exciting events to come.

Mint Turbines experienced strong growth on T53 and PT6A, while T700 engine shop visits started. We witnessed old customers come back to us while gaining several new customers. Our team expanded with the hiring of several new employees. Additionally, we purchased new equipment that allows us to grow our offerings while starting various construction projects.

On T53, we started the year off with engine work from the Air Force contract we won at the end of 2021 and ended the year by winning the INL T53 contract. Not often do you experience two big wins on the same product line within the same year. In addition to our two big wins on the T53 product line, we also welcomed big wins on the PT6A product line. More success came with the signing of a 70-engine MRO support deal with a local operator/FBO, and we signed a large international contract to support an overseas customer. On the T700 front, we spent the first few months in the field and during the last half, we started to see shop visits.

Mint Turbines is in growth mode which allowed us to add several new people to the organization this year. We welcomed back two employees who had previously left us for other roles in Oklahoma and wanted to return to the Mint family. We started an apprentice program this year and are excited to add two new employees from the program to the Mint headcount. The additional position of a Latin America Sales Manager has yielded great rewards. We also promoted one of our mechanics to a PT6 Field Service Engineer position, giving us two fulltime service engineers for PT6. It’s always rewarding to watch team members develop.

We witnessed the T700 test cell being poured for its completion in early 2023. We expect the T700 test cell to be fully operational by the end of May. Mint also placed bids on three test cells out of Fort Rucker and won all three. This allows us to continue growing our offerings. Finally, Mint Turbines broke ground on a new four-test complex that should be completed in early 2023. Stay tuned for more information on these projects through the year.

All of this exciting news is not possible without our customers and employees. We want to thank our customers for allowing us to work on your engines. And to our employees, thank you for everything you do to take care of our valued customers.

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.