From humble beginnings in 1911, StandardAero has developed the gold standard of excellence for providing high-quality aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO). For more than a century, the world’s largest independent engine maintenance company’s reputation for superior work on a variety of powerplants has led to continual improvement and growth.
In 1967, StandardAero was contracted to provide MRO on the engine for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CH-136 Kiowa fleet. Through this work the company developed a strong expertise on the engine, allowing it to improve build consistency and resolve several issues with the model, including gearbox vibrations, fuel consumption, compressor erosion and smoking.
In time, these improvements became a part of StandardAero’s stock overhaul for all M250 engines and modules, and together the improvements were packaged as the company’s Optimum Build standard.
Golden opportunity
Celebrating a golden 50 years of M250 overhaul and repair services in 2017, StandardAero continues to build and grow, both in size and reputation.
More than 3,500 professional, administrative and technical employees work in a dozen major facilities in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, with an additional 13 strategically located regional service and support centers.
For the M250 series specifically, StandardAero offers specialized service facilities in Concord, North Carolina; Winnipeg, Manitoba; Richmond, British Columbia; Singapore; and Sydney, Australia. The helicopter program has received Rolls-Royce’s Customer Satisfaction award for seven straight years.
While the Rolls-Royce M250 series is now a tried and true engine, StandardAero’s core value to continue to improve engine reliability and life continues to lead to additional improvements.
Optimum build for each customer
StandardAero understands one size certainly does not fit all. An M250 engine used at sea level from a helipad does not face the same conditions as one working with heavy loads at extreme altitude in unimproved landing sites. To assure the best service to each customer, StandardAero sends an engineering team into the field to identify mission profile differences.
“While we provide the Optimal Build, these aspects of our custom build model allow us to best serve each individual customer to assure the best engine for the lowest operating cost,” Hughes explained. “We don’t recommend conversions and modifications if a customer isn’t going to experience a viable benefit. Conversely, when we see ways a customer can get more out of their engine, we provide those options as a part of the overhaul.”
Another 50 years
It’s no question why the M250 series is synonymous with StandardAero, given the significant service and quality contributions the company has made over the past half a century. However, the company knows its reputation remains only through innovation.
“Our current AMROC agreement goes through 2018 and we’re hopeful to renew for a new term after that. It’s safe to say we’re committed to the long-term sustainability of this program,” said Hughes. “Here’s to another 50 years.”