Atlanta-based Rotorcorp is doubling its inventory of Robinson Helicopter parts in response to continuing supply-chain disruptions and rising costs, which it anticipates will extend into 2024. Rotorcorp is the largest reseller of Robinson parts in the world with more than 3,000 customers in 40 countries. The company is taking the action to “ensure that high-temp and high-urgency Robinson R22, R44, and R66 helicopter operators around the world can easily access the critical parts they need to keep flying safely.”
According to Rotorcorp, supply-chain problems and price increases were particularly acute for the Lycoming piston engines and related parts used to power R22 and R44 models. In fact, the engine manufacturer’s prices have increased by 25 to 30 percent while lead times for items such as cylinder kits are up to 12 months. Meanwhile, obtaining whole engines can take up to eight months.
“We are diligently monitoring the situation and striving to deliver creative solutions to this critical and growing problem,” Rotorcorp noted. It urged customers to place orders early for anticipated items such as complete Robinson overhaul kits. While the pandemic and associated disruptions hobbled some suppliers, Rotorcorp said it actually expanded its business thanks to an aggressive push into e-commerce during the period. This included providing live inventory stock counts of items available in its web store.