Story ID: 5102914MxReports
Propulsion International Signs Alaskan TPE331 Mx Plan
By: David A. Lombardo
Caption: Plan includes upgrading the engines to comply with the latest service bulletins.
Word Count: 169
The Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, awarded a contract to Propulsion International to provide its Honeywell-backed Group Maintenance Plan (GMP) for the division’s two TPE331-10T-powered Twin Commanders.

“During our summer fire season our two Twin Commanders act as first responder and air attack aircraft throughout Alaska. Therefore, it is critical that they are ready to dispatch anytime on short notice,” said Steve Edwards, aviation maintenance inspector, Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry. Enrolling in the program includes bringing the four engines up to the latest Service Bulletin compliance standards.

“Upgrading to the latest service bulletins is a major step in being able to operate to Honeywell’s extended inspection and overhaul program. Operators on GMP whose engines qualify for the extension can extend their hot section inspection to 3,500 hours and the overhaul to 7,000 hours,” said a Honeywell spokesman. “This adds value to the engines and aircraft, while dramatically reducing the operator’s hourly maintenance costs.”