Employee Spotlight: Donnie Abbott

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.

(more…)

Employee Spotlight: Donnie Abbott2024-11-05T02:14:14+00:00

Beyond the Runway: Mint Turbines’ 2024 Events and Customer Engagement

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.

Beyond the Runway: Mint Turbines’ 2024 Events and Customer Engagement2024-04-16T16:19:25+00:00

Mint Turbines’ Commitment to the Community

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.

Mint Turbines’ Commitment to the Community2024-04-16T16:12:17+00:00

Ace Aeronautics and Mint Turbines Sign Partnership Agreement to support the Legacy UH-60 Black Hawks

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.

Click here to view original Press Release in PDF format

Ace Aeronautics and Mint Turbines Sign Partnership Agreement to support the Legacy UH-60 Black Hawks2024-02-27T07:33:26+00:00

Mint Turbines Luke K. Employee Spotlight

In this interview, Luke Keigley, a T700 Field Service Engineer at Mint Turbines, shares his journey from the Air Force to his current role, providing insights into his dynamic workdays and proudest moments, including working on the B1 Bomber project. As a history buff, he reveals his favorite aircraft and discusses his hobby of building model aircraft. Luke joined the team in 2023 and has shown his skill and attention to detail throughout his time at Mint Turbines.

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

Hi, I am Luke Keigley, a T700 Field Service Engineer at Mint Turbines. I have had the pleasure of working at Mint Turbines for 10 months.

How did you start in the aerospace industry and at Mint Turbines? What is your educational background?

I got started by joining the Air Force back in 2003 and became a propulsion specialist for turboprops and turboshafts. And that’s pretty much how I got into this position. Then, my education is up to an associate’s degree through the Air Force.

What does your typical workday look like at Mint Turbines?

Day to day, my job kind of changes. One day, I might be tearing into an engine, doing compressor blending on the T700, changing out different components, and things like that, or I might be working on helping them get the test cell up and running so we can start running and testing engines. I like that it’s always something new.

(more…)

Mint Turbines Luke K. Employee Spotlight2024-11-05T02:14:50+00:00

Food Pantry Article – Q4

In December, the Mint Turbines team came together to donate 582 pounds of food and other necessities to the Stroud Food Pantry.

The donation played a crucial role in meeting the needs of the Stroud community, ensuring that individuals and families facing economic challenges had access to essential food items. The Stroud Food Pantry, a vital resource for those in need, fights hunger year-round.

“Our employees and family have come together to make this donation possible,” Mint Turbines Vice President and General Manager David Norton said. “We donated 582 pounds of food this year and are committed to giving back annually to make a difference in the lives within our community.”

Mint Turbines has committed to donating annually to the Stroud Food Pantry to continue to uplift lives in Stroud.

Food Pantry Article – Q42024-01-09T22:48:49+00:00

Reflecting on a Year of Excellence Mint Turbines’ Year in Review 2023

What a busy year 2023 was for Mint Turbines! We attended several shows, and it was great to see all our customers. We’re looking forward to 2024 and all the exciting events.

Mint Turbines experienced strong growth on the PT6A and T700 lines. We gained several new customers this year, as well as signed several multiyear agreements. The PT6T test cell received a facelift. We completed the structure of the four-test cell complex and took delivery of our new T700 test cell from Test Logic.

On T53, we won the Tunisian Air Force Contract and received our first two engines for the INL contract. We signed a four-year agreement with GDC for PT6A work and several long-term engine agreements with other customers. On the T700 front, we are adding several new restricted category/public use owners and operators to our customer list.

We witnessed the construction of the new four-test cell complex, the delivery of the T700 test cell and the makeover of our PT6T cell. We made a new Mint commercial utilizing all of our talented employees. Keep watching for more information on these projects.

All we accomplished is not possible without our wonderful customers and dedicated 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 care for our valued customers.

Reflecting on a Year of Excellence Mint Turbines’ Year in Review 20232024-01-09T22:40:47+00:00

Recap of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023, held from July 24-30 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, was a week filled with aviation innovation, thrilling air shows, informative displays and insightful speakers. Mint Turbines was honored to attend and support this year’s event.

Mint Turbines was represented by Jason Chambers, who was present during the week to engage other professionals in discussions about Mint Turbines’ work specializing in T53, PT6A, PT6T and T700 Restricted-Category engines.

Thank you to those who took the time to interact and converse with the Mint Turbines team.

One of the highlights of the event was the Oklahoma Fly-In Luncheon, sponsored by Mint Turbines, which took place on Saturday, July 29, in the Pober Pixie Tent on the EAA Grounds. The luncheon featured esteemed speakers, including Oklahoma Governor J. Kevin Stitt, U.S. Senator (ret.) Jim Inhofe and EAA CEO Jack Pelton. This event provided a unique platform for networking and exchanging ideas, further enhancing the sense of community among aviation enthusiasts.

For those who missed this fantastic opportunity, we encourage you to mark your calendars for future events by visiting the events section of our website. Additionally, if you’re interested in learning more about Mint Turbines’ work or attending future events, follow our social media.

 

Recap of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 20232023-10-12T20:36:54+00:00

The PT6 Advantage: Why the PT6 Engine is an Industry Leader

The PT6 engine is a renowned gas turbine engine operating on Jet A fuel, consisting of modular components that function through air. Its standout features lie in its exceptional reliability and popularity, provided it receives regular maintenance. What sets the PT6 engine apart from its counterparts are its various models, sizes and horsepower options, catering to a wide range of aircraft types. Its low maintenance requirements and remarkable durability ensure a long lifespan, making it a preferred choice among aviation professionals.

Mint Turbines is an unparalleled expert in PT6 engines, distinguishing itself from other shops through our comprehensive expertise and unwavering commitment to quality and safety. With a longstanding history in the industry, Mint Turbines specializes in overhauling PT6 engines, boasting an in-depth understanding of every intricate aspect of these engines. Our services extend beyond repairs, encompassing hot section inspections and other critical maintenance tasks. What truly sets Mint Turbines apart is our stringent focus on quality and safety, approaching every task with the utmost seriousness and precision.

Gilbert Palacios, Field Service Engineer at Mint Turbines, holds a PT6 course emphasizing proper operation and underlines the importance of understanding the engine thoroughly. For more information or to sign up for the course, please contact Gilbert Palacios at gpalacios@mintturbines.com.

The PT6 Advantage: Why the PT6 Engine is an Industry Leader2023-10-18T21:49:16+00:00

Gilbert Employee Spotlight Interview

This quarter, we had the opportunity to sit down with Gilbert Palacios, a seasoned Field Service Engineer at Mint Turbines. With a 16-year tenure, Gilbert graciously shared insights into his career and experiences at Mint Turbines.

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

I have been at Mint for 16 years and now work as a PT6 Senior Field Service Engineer.

How did you start in the aerospace industry and at Mint Turbines? What is your educational background?

I began my journey 30 years ago, transitioning from a background in construction to becoming a mechanic. My interest in aerospace was piqued while considering a position at American Airlines.

What does your typical day look like at Mint Turbines?

My days involve troubleshooting, testing cells, engaging in sales activities, servicing customers, attending meetings and ensuring our operations run smoothly. At Mint Turbines, we offer 24/7 support so my days always look a little different.

Do you travel within your position at Mint Turbines?

Yes, indeed. I recently visited Quebec, Canada, on a customer-focused trip, engaging in various activities related to our services.

(more…)

Gilbert Employee Spotlight Interview2024-11-05T02:18:37+00:00
Go to Top