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What is your name, where are you from and what is your position at Mint Turbines?
My name is Eric, and I’ve been working at Mint Turbines for almost 13 years. I’m currently a T53 mechanic, though I’m on track to move into a quality technician role soon.

How did you start out in the aerospace industry, and what is your educational background?
Before joining Mint Turbines, I worked here briefly, then enlisted in the Air Force as a military police officer. After serving, I returned to Mint Turbines and transitioned into my current role as a mechanic. Most of my training has been hands-on learning here at the shop.

What does your typical workday look like at Mint Turbines?
First, I focus on making sure everything is laid out meticulously and ready to build. I like to keep things organized and ensure quality from the very start of the process. My day-to-day is pretty routine at this point, but I genuinely enjoy the work.

What is your favorite thing about working at Mint Turbines?
I love the challenge of the work and the team atmosphere. The people here are great, and I enjoy the four-day work weeks (four 10-hour shifts). That kind of schedule is hard to beat!

What is one of the most memorable projects you’ve worked on?
One of the standout projects for me was the K-Max helicopter project. We overhauled 11 T53 engines for this relatively new aircraft in the industry at the time. It took a couple of years, but it was an exciting challenge.

In your opinion, what sets Mint Turbines apart from other companies in the industry?
Our quality and our facilities are unmatched. We have some of the best equipment in the industry, including state-of-the-art test cells, which makes a huge difference in the quality of our work.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
I love spending time with my family—my wife and two kids keep me busy with soccer and pom. When I do get some free time, you’ll find me on the golf course.

At Mint Turbines, we are deeply grateful for your continued support and are thrilled to unveil our newly designed customer referral program! This initiative is crafted to reward you for spreading the word about our exceptional turbine services and products.

How It Works:

1. Refer a connection to Mint Turbines.
2. Have your connection complete our customer survey following their first service and mention your name.
3. Both of you will receive a certificate for a complimentary Fuel Nozzle Cleaning. Easy as that!

Our referral program is more than just a reward system; it’s a way to build a stronger, more connected community of satisfied customers who trust and rely on Mint Turbines for outstanding service. By inviting others to experience our top-notch services, you contribute to a network of informed and satisfied turbine users.

For more details, visit https://www.mintturbines.com/customer-survey/.

Thank you for being a valued part of Mint Turbines. Let’s work together to spread the word and keep our turbines running smoothly!

What is your name, and what is your title at Mint Turbines?
Hi, my name is Jay-R. I am the Customer Support Manager, and I also assist with government contracts.

How long have you been at Mint Turbines?
I was the lead inspector from 2011 to 2021 and have been working in my new position since, so about 13 years.

What drew you to the field?
I had spoken to other people in the industry and those who have worked at Mint Turbines. Conversations with industry peers and long-time employees only reinforced its reputation. The fact that many had been with the company for years was a strong endorsement. Joining Mint Turbines was an easy decision—it advanced my career and allowed me to work in my hometown.

What type of education did you receive to get your foot in the door?
Just a high school diploma! When I started at Mint, they offered on-the-job training, which was great. I got to train under them to get my repairmen card, which was a great opportunity. Mint is really great about helping people build their careers.

How do you stay updated with industry trends and changes in government regulations?
My role involves daily interactions with various government personnel. Working on the government contract side, I engage with experts in different fields, gaining valuable insights. I continuously attend about every trade show in Oklahoma and attend helicopter shows. All of these experiences help me stay current and informed.

What does your typical workday look like?
I travel a lot in the first quarter of the year for different shows and educational opportunities. For the remaining part of the year, I’m mostly in the shop! I ensure that all of our customers are well taken care of, make sure we hit deadlines, have parts available, etc. Working with government contracts, we have a lot of important deadlines, and I really help keep them on track.

In your position, how do you ensure that safety is paramount?
Being on the shop floor in my past position, I can firsthand tell you that safety is our priority. We have a very good reputation for the safety of our employees and our customers with their engines.

Can you share a memorable experience or project you’ve worked on?
It’s really neat to work on government contracts. Navigating that world has taught me a lot.

How do you ensure that the customer always feels communicated to and comfortable with the process?
For most of my customers, I’ve gained a very close relationship with them. I will even call a majority of them my friends. I check up on them often, a simple text or call, making sure they know we are here for them if they need anything.

What is your favorite thing about working for Mint Turbines?
When you come to work, you aren’t just around friends or coworkers; you are surrounded by family. We get pretty close. I mean, Katrina and I work hand-in-hand and communicate on a daily basis, along with the logistics team, management team, shop team, etc. We communicate very well together and have worked with some of them since day one.

Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I really enjoy golfing and spending time with friends and family.

Mint Turbines awarded the 2024 Rob Ruck Scholarship to three outstanding students, each receiving $2,500. Named in honor of M International’s President and COO Robert Ruck, this scholarship celebrates the academic and extracurricular achievements of these exceptional students.

This scholarship, requiring a 3.25 GPA or higher and open to those pursuing higher education in any field, was presented at the Stroud Awards Ceremony by Rob Ruck on May 13, 2024.

The recipients included Makenna Hall of Stroud, Peyton Gaylord of Davenport and Andrew Clovis of Stroud. These students were selected due to their accomplishments, leadership and community engagement.

Meet Donnie Abbott, a seasoned CNC programmer, machinist and mechanical designer at Mint Turbines. Donnie’s passion for mechanical design and CNC machining spans more than 25 years, with a recent focus on automation initiatives to streamline operations. He prioritizes safety and continuous learning to stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry landscape.

What is your name, where are you from and what is your position at Mint Turbines?
I am Donnie Abbott from Bristow, Oklahoma, and my position is a CNC programmer, machinist and mechanical designer.

How long have you been at Mint Turbines?
I have been at Mint Turbines for two and a half years.

What initially drew you to mechanical design and CNC machining, and how did you develop your passion for it over the years?
I started out as a machinist in VOTECH and have been in the industry for 25 years. I got into CNC programming about seven years ago because I wanted to advance myself further. Mechanical design came with getting into programming because the classes run hand-in-hand.

With your extensive experience in mechanical design and CNC machining, can you share some of the most memorable projects you’ve worked on at Mint Turbines LLC?
I led the initiative to automate the whole machine shop, saving us time and money. It took me about a year to accomplish. I am always looking for ways to improve our processes.

How has your Solidworks certification and proficiency in CAD software enhanced your ability to create and modify 3D models and drawings of turbine components and assemblies?
These certifications and educational qualifications have empowered me to significantly enhance our shop. With proficiency in CAD software, I can maximize the efficiency of our machines, ensuring optimal performance. I highly advise anyone in this field to pursue these certifications. As automation becomes increasingly prevalent, staying on top of industry trends and advancements is crucial for success.

How do you keep up?
Our industry is advancing every day. Technology has moved leaps and bounds forward in the years I have even been around. AI will take off faster than we can imagine, so we must be ready for it. I keep up by checking LinkedIn and YouTube, ensuring I stay educated and up to date.

In your position, how do you ensure that safety is paramount?
Safety is one of the highest priorities. We wear safety glasses, PPE and whatever the job calls for. We do it as safely as possible. I ensure all safety locks and doors are where they need to be, sometimes triple-checking them.

What is your favorite thing about working for Mint Turbines?
I would have to say my favorite thing about working for Mint Turbines is the people. We work with some high-quality people that are a great group. The company has cared for me very well since I have been here, and I am grateful.

Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
My wife and three kids keep me pretty busy, with softball and all sorts of activities. I also like to hunt and fish, anything that is outdoors really.

Participating in aviation events is integral to Mint’s strategic approach to nurturing customer relationships and expanding networking opportunities within the dynamic landscape of the aviation industry. These events serve as crucial touchpoints for fostering meaningful connections and showcasing our latest innovations. They are also valuable tools for gathering feedback from diverse perspectives within the aviation community. These interactions reinforce existing relationships and pave the way for new collaborations and insights, driving continuous improvement and innovation within our operations.

Mint Turbines maintained an active presence in major aviation events from January to March, emphasizing innovation, collaboration and consumer-centric solutions. From the Northeast Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) to the Aero Oklahoma gathering, Mint Turbines showcased its commitment to the industry, fostering interactions and driving change.
This past week, our team attended the MRO Americas Conference & Exhibition, which served as a pivotal platform for Mint Turbines to connect with key players in the maintenance sector. This demonstrated our unwavering commitment to ensuring aviation fleet reliability.

As we continue to chart our course in the aviation industry, we invite you to stay updated on our event schedule through our social media channels, email newsletters and website’s dedicated “events” tab. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to forge new connections and collectively shape the future of aviation.

We’re thrilled to share that Mint Turbines recently contributed to the Food Pantry Fundraiser hosted by Stroud High School. With a commitment to community well-being, 100% of Mint Turbines proceeds were donated to support the local food bank in Stroud, Oklahoma.

At Mint Turbines, we firmly believe in the importance of giving back to the communities we serve. Supporting initiatives like the Food Pantry Fundraiser aligns with our values and reinforces our dedication to making a positive impact where it’s needed most. By contributing to causes like this, we aim to help alleviate food insecurity and support those in need within our community.

Mint Turbines is committed to continuing to support local initiatives and make a difference in the lives of our neighbors. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient community.

HAI – 2024 – Anaheim, California

Ace Aeronautics and Mint Turbines have signed a partnership agreement aimed at building worldwide support for the Legacy Black Hawk Fleet that has been acquired through the US Army Black Hawk Exchange and Sales Transaction Program (BEST). The partnership will focus on the team’s ability to perform repair and refurbishment to the airframe and powerplant, as well as mission upgrades.

Under the agreement, Ace will assist Mint in performing field services at Ace Aeronautics’ facility in Guntersville, Alabama, and other off-site locations, on a variety of engines which support both the restricted category and public use markets including the T700-GE-700, -701, -701A, -701C and -701D aircraft gas turbine engine models.

Mint under license with GE will focus on restricted category/ public Use T700 engines installed on Sikorsky-manufactured EH-60, HH-60, UH-60, or S-70 helicopters that have a valid Restricted Category Certificate or Public Use Exemption issued by a Civil Aviation Authority. Mint in partnership with Ace will perform T700 inspections, borescopes, and minor repairs while at the Ace hangar complex, and can perform major engine repairs and upgrades (700 to 701D) at Mint’s MRO facility in Stroud, Oklahoma, which is completing a $5M upgrade to include a new state of the art test cell complex.

Ace Aeronautics, an FAA Part 145 Repair Station operating in Guntersville, AL provides innovative and long-term airframe and avionics solutions to commercial and government aviation users worldwide. In support of the Sikorsky manufactured UH-60, and S-70 helicopters, Ace is holder of RTC #R00005RC and STC #SR01944WI which is the Ace Deck Garmin 5000 cockpit upgrade.

Mint Turbines operates in Stroud, Okla., located halfway between Oklahoma City and Tulsa. With nearly 40 years of turbine engine overhaul experience, Mint has successfully repaired, overhauled, and tested thousands of Pratt & Whitney PT6T series power sections, combining gearboxes, PT6A Turboprop engines, and T53 series engines. Mint is in the process of completing full overhaul capabilities on T700 restricted category or public use engines.

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