GE Aviation is now offering its TrueChoice Commercial Services maintenance plan for its T700 helicopter engine, including for the Sikorsky S-70i Firehawk and commercial UH-60 Black Hawks, the Lynn, Massachusetts-based engine maker announced today. As part of that announcement, it has signed an exclusive authorized repair and services provider agreement with Brightwater United Aero Group (UAG) to cover certain non-military customers flying the engine, the variants of which include the -701D on the Firehawk and -701C/D on commercial Black Hawks.
Connecticut-based Brightwater UAG and Brightwater Arista Aviation Services Group in Alabama join the network of GE-licensed MROs supporting the engine through the agreement, which covers the repair, upgrade, lease, and exchange of T700 engines and parts. That includes new OEM parts as well as used, serviceable parts that meet OEM standards.
“This specific helicopter marketplace is rapidly expanding and wanted an OEM sponsored solution,” said UAG president Jamie Gelder. “We, at UAG and Arista, are delighted to participate with GE in servicing an incredible group of customers who operate this equipment providing a range of essential missions.”
Also covered under the agreement are civil and municipal operators of used Black Hawk helicopters purchased through the U.S. Army Black Hawk Exchange and Sales Team (BEST) program, GE Aviation said. More than 100 million flight hours have been accumulated on the turboshaft and turboprop T700/CT7 engine family.