When Milton Costa of 12 Stones LLC landed his King Air C-90 at Stroud Municipal Airport on October 7, he needed a critical hot section inspection, and he needed it fast. Thanks to the Mint Turbines team, his aircraft was fully inspected and ready to fly again within two days.
Tell us who you are!
I am Bill Jones, and I work as a Test Cell Operator at Mint Turbines.
How long have you been at Mint Turbines?
I have been with Mint Turbines for 14 years.
We spend most of our time talking about engines and the work that we do, but this quarter, we wanted to highlight something that runs even deeper than the work we do: our roots as a veteran-owned business.
For us, that’s not just a line on a website. It’s the heartbeat of how we operate.
Something as small as a fuel nozzle can turn quick downtime into a big-time setback.
Over time, nozzles can wear down, clog or crack, which affects fuel efficiency and, more importantly, flight safety. When nozzles aren’t flowing correctly, the combustor experiences uneven fuel distribution, creating localized hot spots. This uneven temperature profile accelerates wear in the hot section, particularly on turbine blades and vanes, thereby reducing overall service life and increasing maintenance costs. That is why we recommend regular fuel nozzle overhaul and inspection.
Mint Turbines has launched one of the only GE-approved restricted category T700 Test Cells in the world, offering faster turnaround times, advanced diagnostics and cost-effective testing for operators who need engines back in service quickly. Whether you’re supporting medevac, firefighting or law enforcement missions, this new test capability is designed to keep you ready.
Two years ago, Mint Turbines inked an agreement with Ozark Aeroworks, LLC, to become an Authorized Ozark Model T53 Service Center. This partnership has since redefined our approach to T53 engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO). Signed at the HAI HELI-EXPO in Atlanta, Georgia, for a five-year term, this certification built on our decade-long legacy as one of only three authorized T53 service centers in North America.
We’ve recently had the pleasure of hosting several community tours to educate students and give a behind-the-scenes look at our facilities. We opened our doors to Stroud High School and East Central University students who were eager to learn about the inner workings of aircraft engine maintenance and repair.
During our tours, we walked students through our day-to-day operations, from the precision of engine inspections to the collaborative problem-solving behind every maintenance task. We aimed to create an environment where curiosity is welcomed, and every question is an opportunity to learn. It was amazing to see students light up as they discovered how theory meets practice in real-world applications.
What is your name and official title at Mint Turbines?
My name is Mike Horwath, and I am the Director of Quality and Facilities at Mint Turbines.
How did you start working in aviation?
I joined the United States Army at the age of 17 and proudly served for 26 years. Throughout my military career, I specialized as a Helicopter Repairer and Aircraft Turbine Engine Repairer while also taking on a wide range of additional roles as needed to support mission success.
What is your favorite part about working at Mint Turbines specifically?
The best part about working at Mint Turbines is the people and the satisfaction of knowing that we are the best at what we do.
In January, we had the privilege of hosting a group of 32 students from East Central University’s Stonecipher School of Business for a career exploration tour. Ranging from freshmen to seniors, these students had the opportunity to explore career paths in Oklahoma’s Aerospace and Defense Industry.
The tour was led by Chris Van Denhende, an ECU alum and Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) Regent, who shared insights into the exciting opportunities available in aerospace and within our operations. The visit provided valuable exposure to one of Oklahoma’s thriving industries.
This marks the second time Mint Turbines has been selected as a model aviation company for ECU students, and we are honored to play a role in inspiring the next generation of professionals.
Want to learn more about careers at Mint Turbines? Check out our career opportunities at https://www.mintturbines.com/careers/
