The Engine OEMS desire to bring independent Part 145 repair shops into their authorized repair networks is clear. It has been well understood that a large portion of OEM profits are generated from aftermarket sales, which is lowered when there are independent shops out-of-network that are performing comparable work. OEMS limiting support makes financial sense from their perspective but it greatly reduces customers options. As an independent DER, my customer base is primarily independent repair shops and I hear their concerns. I will highlight the two ways I see repair shops most impacted and pain points; PMA Parts and Test Cell Correlations.
FAA approved Part 145 Repair Shops that are within an Engine OEMS repair network are required to only utilize OEM parts, which is rational but forcing a company to bypass PMA parts is costing the end user additional money and potential schedule impact. FAA Approved PMA parts have consistently been shown to be as safe or safer than their OEM equivalent, cheaper, and generally readily accessible. We have touched on those points multiple times before and our clients still are providing feedback that those same issues still exist. The question is, when will the OEMS allow shop and engine owners the leeway to utilize PMA parts without voiding their warranty?
After an engine is overhauled, its post overhaul engine run should be completed in a correlated test cell to ensure proper engine performance. The test cell correlation can be OEM performed or performed by a 3rd party facility (that was OEM correlated). Within the last few years there has been a strategic change by the OEMS and they are beginning to stop correlating test cells outside their network and/or greatly increasing their price where it is not financially feasible for small shops. The risk is present that some shops may do the unthinkable and continue testing engines with a test cell that has not been properly correlated, once correlated that has expired (typically good for five years), or after a major facility modification. The best way for repair shops to stay approved is to utilize the 3rd party facilities in conjunction with competent engineering staff.
Summary:
Businesses make decisions that are best for their bottom line, we understand it and want you to do the same. The good news is, here at Prime Propulsion we are always working for our customers. We work with you to understand your needs and find a workable solution. If you need any assistance with your PMA parts or Test Cell Correlations, do not hesitate to contact us.
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