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Articles posted by bsmidt3671

When is a FAA Licensed Independent Overhaul Repair Shop the Best Choice?

Posted on October 23, 2013 by bsmidt3671 in Blog

A question that faces aircraft owners is whether to choose a factory-rebuilt engine or to go with a licensed independent overhaul repair shop like Signature Engines.

It comes down to a very personal decision, and what is right for one person isn’t always the right decision for another.  In this blog, we will discuss a few of the factors that will help you make an informed decision for your specific needs and expectations.

A great place to start is to talk with other owners who have recently had similar engine work and type done, such as Lycoming or Continental.  Learn from their experiences, both good and bad.  Ask them what they wish they had known before, during and after the process.

A close rapport with the team that works your engine is a deciding factor for many aircraft owners. With the independent overhaul shop, you have the option to talk with the owner and the team that will be doing the work.  So if you are looking for that personal touch and hands on relationship, choosing an independent overhaul repair shop is probably a more suitable choice.

Not all warranties are created equal.  Once you have the work done what is the shops warranty and reputation for performance? Ask for the warranty information in writing, and read it carefully.  Most overhaul repair shop and factory rebuilt engines will come with a warranty which guarantees each engine to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a specified amount of hours or one year from date of sale.  You will want to ask because the amount of hours and/or the time frame may vary.  It is also important to know what happens after the allotted hours or time expires.  Licensed overhaul repair shops such as Signature Engines offers a warranty that is prorated after 300 hours or one year after sale.

Let’s be realistic, no one is perfect…how does the shop or factory handle it when something goes wrong?  Ask them for a specific example.  Do they go above and beyond to rectify the situation?  In many cases if something does go wrong, this is when working with a licensed independent overhaul repair shop will be able to provide outstanding, personalized customer service that the factory just can’t compete with.

Ultimately the decision to choose a factory rebuilt engine or a licensed independent repair shop is based on the individual’s needs.  The key is to take the time to define what is wanted, needed and expected and then to find the shop that can deliver.

 

 

 

 

View Post continental, FAA licensed, independent overhaul repair shop, lycoming

The Key to Receiving Paramount Aircraft Engine Overhaul Service: Completed and Up-To-Date Logbooks

Posted on August 13, 2013 by bsmidt3671 in Blog

One of the benefits of working with a licensed FAA repair shop for the overhauling of your aircraft engine is that they provide thorough documentation of every step of your engine’s overhaul process.  It is equally as important that you provide completed, up-to-date logbooks to your overhaul repair shop.

It is acceptable to send copies, the important part is that the logbooks are completed and up-to-date as this helps to identify exactly what needs to be done to the engine.  For example, if you have recently replaced a turbo charger or other accessory, you won’t need to overhaul these components again.  This is also the time to check your propeller logs, if it’s close to needing work, this is the best time to do it.  The logbooks and crankshaft are also checked before disassembly to see if it may be under an AD notice.

Providing as much information about the engine as possible will help ensure that you receive the best service possible saving you time and cost.  Please share any experiences you have had with not providing adequate information to your overhaul repair shop or how providing up-to-date logbooks created a positive outcome.

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Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) vs. Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA)

Posted on July 26, 2013 by bsmidt3671 in Blog

In our previous blogs we have been discussing important considerations when overhauling your aircraft engine.  One of the most intensive debates is whether to use OEM or PMA parts.

What is the difference between using original OEM factory parts and FAA approved PMA parts? It depends on whom you ask.  If you ask an OEM manufacturer they will most likely adamantly tell you that if the OEM didn’t make it there is no guarantee that it will perform as well the original and could ultimately put lives in jeopardy.  If you ask a PMA manufacturer they probably will be unwavering in their position that not only are PMA parts equivalent to the OEMs, but they are in fact superior.  The PMA groups back their argument with the fact that they have the advantage of monitoring the performance of the OEM’s and then creating an improved part.

The PMA manufacturers also boast about offering their customers lower prices (around 40% lower) and greater availability (often same-day shipment). The OEMs counter with the threatening question, “Are you willing to risk lives for a cheaper part or to get the part sooner?” This question is daunting enough for some to stick with the OEMs regardless of price or availability.

Another myth that troubles the customer trying to decide between OEM and PMA is that if you install a PMA part your warranty will be void.  That is simply untrue.   The OEM must warrant their product just as the PMA needs to warrant their product.

At Signature Engines we offer customers their choice of OEM parts such as Lycoming and Continental or PMA parts such as Superior Air Parts and ECI.  Some customers only want factory parts in their engine, but fewer and fewer owners are making that request.  Reputation and cost are often the two factors that drive the decision.

What has been your experience with OEM or PMA parts?  What factors influenced your decision? We look forward to hearing your feedback!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Interviewing Your Aircraft Engine Repair Shop

Posted on July 11, 2013 by bsmidt3671 in Blog

It’s More Than OK to Ask Questions…It’s Imperative!

Interview your aircraft engine repair shop. Choosing an aircraft engine repair shop is a very important and personal decision, like choosing a doctor, which deserves due diligence on your part.  In both cases, your life depends on it!

In our previous blog, we talked about the many benefits and added layers of safety you receive by choosing an FAA licensed repair shop, so hopefully… we have already convinced you that is the best place to start.  There is more than one FAA licensed repair shop out there, so how do you choose the one that is best for you?

Ask questions. Lots of them. In this blog, we will cover one of them (more to come in upcoming blogs.) Ask about the team that will be overhauling your aircraft engine.

  • Who are they and what are they responsible for?
  • How long has the current management, main assembly technicians and inspectors been with the company?
  • Are they drug tested?

One of the benefits of working with an FAA licensed repair shop that we did not mention in our last blog is that the FAA mandates that a strict drug testing program is followed.  If there is frequent turnover of employees, it is unclear as to who is responsible for what part of the job or there is not a drug testing program in place, these could be indicators of problems with the people on the team.  People that you probably don’t want cutting your lawn, much less working on your aircraft engine. If geography allows for it, go and visit the shop and talk and meet with the team.  If not, phone interviews work as well.

Remember, when you need to have your aircraft engine overhauled, no one should care as much as you, so slow down and ask questions.

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How Important is it for Your Overhaul Repair Shop to be FAA Licensed?

Posted on June 19, 2013 by bsmidt3671 in Blog

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As discussed in the June issue of Cessna and Piper Flyer magazine, there are important considerations when choosing a repair shop for your aircraft engine when it needs to be overhauled.  The expert team at Signature Engines shares the following insight about the benefits of working with an FAA licensed repair shop:

–       There are set procedures that an FAA licensed repair shop must adhere to when overhauling an aircraft engine that are FAA approved.

–       Each station/step that the engine goes through during the overhaul has the required paperwork accompanying it.  The detailed paperwork is important for tracking because at some point a part could be included on an AD or Service Bulletin.  Why might this be an important? Here at Signature Engines, we keep a list of all our parts.  We know where we bought the part and when.  If you did not have this information documented, you would have to tear the engine a part to find out if the part in question is on your engine.

–       Checks and Balances. As with anything, two sets of eyes are always better than one.  The FAA requires that at every step the mechanic signs off on his/her work and then the inspector double checks that the work has been done correctly and also signs off.

–       Customers of FAA licensed repair shops have an added level of safety because the FAA is diligent about looking over our shoulder and holding us to a higher standard.

–       In addition, the FAA requires that our equipment is tested every year.

When interviewing any FAA licensed repair shop, it is also beneficial to ask what additional credentials they might hold.  Signature Engines is certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).  This is crucial to our European customers because they are required to work with an EASA certified repair station.  We are also certified to work with government agencies. We are certified experts at overhauling Lycoming and Continental aircraft engines.

While it is still crucial to interview any repair shop that may overhaul your engine (we will discuss those additional questions in our future blogs), working with an FAA licensed repair shop provides an extra layer of security and safety.

Please share any of your experiences working with an FAA licensed repair station and/or your experiences working with Signature Engines.

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Engine Overhauls 101

Posted on May 21, 2013 by bsmidt3671 in Blog

bill schmidtBe sure to look for the upcoming article in the June 2013 engine issue in Cessna and Piper Flyer Magazine, which features Bill Schmidt, owner of Signature Engines.

Bill will share 15 tips on what to consider when overhauling an engine.  Don’t miss out on Bill’s extensive experience in the business…over 40 years and counting!

Continue to check back with us on our blog.  In the coming weeks, Bill will be elaborating on each of the 10 tips and how it can help you or your customers to make informed decisions when an engine needs overhauling.

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GETTING TO SIGNATURE ENGINES

ABOUT
Signature Engines is an FAA-licensed repair station that has overhauled engines for customers around the world. Aviation Consumer Magazine ranked us among the top 10 engine overhaul sites in the U.S. based on customer satisfaction.

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SERVICES
We have a large inventory of Lycoming and Continental engines in stock, and we are an authorized service center for Superior Air Parts. Every Signature Engine is restored to factory-new specifications.

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TESTIMONIALS
Signature Engines has overhauled more than 2,000 engines for customers all over the world. We encourage you to contact them for testimonials about Signature’s commitment to quality and customer service.

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