What an exciting and great year 2024 was for Mint Turbines! We had the pleasure of hosting several customers at our shop, and it’s always a highlight to showcase our facility and the work we do. As we look ahead to 2025, we’re excited about the opportunities and events on the horizon.
2024 Top Events Recap
We highlight several note-worthy events of 2024 including the NAAA Ag Aviation Expo in Fort Worth, TX, the Oklahoma Aerospace Forum, and the 2024 King Air Gathering. Click more for the full article including Español.
Empowering Excellence: Mint Turbines’ Commitment to Employee Development
At Mint Turbines, employee growth is a priority that fuels both personal and professional success. Recognizing the critical role of skilled technicians in aviation, Mint Turbines provides extensive opportunities for development through on-the-job training, certifications and hands-on experience with advanced equipment. From initiatives like the FAA-approved PT6 training course to proficiency in advanced CAD software, Mint ensures its employees stay at the forefront of technological advancements.
We also foster a collaborative work environment, encouraging our team to contribute to process improvements, such as automating entire workshops to save time and resources. By combining industry-leading training with a culture of continuous learning, Mint Turbines not only meets but exceeds the expectations of the evolving aviation industry.
This commitment to excellence ensures that our workforce is equipped to handle the latest challenges, empowering them to deliver top-tier service to clients across the globe.
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!
In the ever-evolving aviation industry, regulatory changes are constant, driven by advancements in technology, safety protocols and environmental goals. For companies involved in the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) of turbine engines, adapting to these new regulations isn’t just a requirement—it’s a critical component of providing reliable, safe and future-ready services. At Mint Turbines, we recognize that navigating these complex regulatory landscapes is essential for ensuring the continued success of our clients’ operations.
The past few years have seen a notable shift in aviation regulations, particularly in areas related to safety and environmental sustainability. Regulatory bodies, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), have introduced new guidelines that directly impact how MRO service providers like Mint Turbines conduct business. These updates range from stricter emissions controls to more rigorous safety inspections, all aimed at improving both operational safety and reducing the environmental impact of the aviation industry.
For example, recent changes in turbine engine regulations now require more frequent inspections and adherence to updated repair protocols to ensure higher levels of safety and reliability. Additionally, environmental regulations are placing a stronger emphasis on reducing the carbon footprint of aviation operations. These developments have a profound impact on the way we approach engine repair and overhaul services, demanding a proactive stance to meet the growing expectations of regulators, as well as passengers and environmental advocates.
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:
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.
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.
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.
