UK manufacturer of electronically controlled propeller systems Dowty Propellers has established Washington-based Pacific Propeller International (PPI) as a Dowty authorised repair and overhaul facility for metal-bladed propellers installed on CASA 212, Jetstream 31, Merlin and Metro/Merlin aircraft.

Under the terms of this agreement, Dowty will provide training, technical data, equipment and support to assist in establishing new repair and overhaul capability. Additionally, it will provide ongoing engineering and technical assistance, as well as perform specialised repair processes to support PPI's ongoing maintenance operations.

“PPI's repair and overhaul expertise ensures high-quality OEM-backed maintenance services to customers operating and maintaining our metal propellers,” says Dowty services executive Henry Johnston. “This will enable our own repair and overhaul facilities to focus their efforts and know-how on composite blade propellers. PPI has been repairing metal blade propellers for decades, and we are confident its expertise in servicing and supporting operators with these propeller types will be of great benefit to customers.”

PPI's aerospace group president Tim Gellerson adds: “We look forward to a great partnership and maintaining the excellent customer service that both of our companies currently provide.”

To date, Dowty has delivered more than 23,000 advanced composite blades, with the lead blade logging over 45,000 hours of flight time.