German rotary operator DRF Luftrettung has had the time between overhaul (TBO) on its PW206B2 engines extended from 4,000 to 4,500 hours. The engines power DRF's fleet of 17 H135P2 helicopters.

The company submitted two of its PW206B2 engines that had reached 4,000 hours to Pratt & Whitney Canada for inspection. Based on the condition of those two engines, P&WC recommended the remaining fleet of engines could have their TBO interval increased by 500 hours. The German aviation authority Luftfahrt Bundesamt then approved P&WC's recommendation.

The extension enhances the value the engines provide to DRF Luftrettung and its EMS missions by keeping the aircraft flying longer and allowing the operator to fly its engine fleet for another 17,000 hours before incurring overhaul costs. The extension was granted because the engines fly a common mission under common operating and environmental conditions.