The Blackhawk Group is launching Blackhawk Engine Exchange, a dedicated business line established to reduce aircraft downtime and provide cost certainty for PT6A operators facing overhaul.

For many operators, the overhaul cycle is a significant operational hurdle, causing downtime, lost profits and unpredictable costs. Current industry-wide turnaround times average over 180 days, and operators face challenges with the predictability of timing and the distraction of having to manage the overhaul process including part shortages and associated lead times, all while having to juggle aircraft storage or rental engine management.

The Blackhawk Engine Exchange removes the uncertainty by offering immediately available, freshly overhauled engines through Pratt & Whitney Canada's Designated Overhaul Facility (DOF) network at fixed prices. Aircraft downtime drops from over 180 days to as little as two to three days with no rental engine, no multiple swaps, no waiting on long lead parts and no distraction managing the process. This keeps aircraft flying and operators focused on their missions. Operators also receive financial credit for engine cores exchanged for the newly overhauled Blackhawk engine.

The Blackhawk Engine Exchange is also ready to buy engines and engine parts from the market. Providing quick, high value, all cash offers, the Blackhawk Engine Exchange is the easiest and quickest source for owners and operators to get value from their engine and engine parts inventory.

“Blackhawk has set itself apart in the industry by replacing timed out engines with new, more powerful engines that increase performance. We now offer solutions for operators that want to retain their same engine type but cannot afford the distraction, uncertainty and downtime associated with overhauling an engine today,” says Dale Morrow, vice president of Blackhawk's Engine Exchange. “Now we can provide an engine upgrade, a ready-to-install overhauled engine or support you with overhaul management and guidance. Whatever you choose to do with your aircraft, Blackhawk's engine programmes and experts can support you.”

The Blackhawk Engine Exchange team brings decades of aviation experience to customers, providing an array of knowledge and support spanning engine maintenance, overhaul management, core valuation and engine upgrades. No matter what challenges owners and operators face with their turboprop aircraft, Blackhawk and the Engine Exchange team have the solutions and expertise to allow them to take control of their aircraft sustainment.