PPS secures repair and overhaul contract from USCG

US-based First Aviation Services subsidiary Piedmont Propulsion Systems (PPS) has won a five-year contract from the United States Coast Guard (USCG).

First Aviation Services provides repair and overhaul as well as rotables management and related engineering services to the aviation industry throughout the world.

Under the contract, PPS will provide repair and overhaul services for the Hamilton Sundstrand 14RF propeller systems installed on the USCG’s HC-144A Ocean Sentry aircraft fleet.

Launched in 2006, HC-144A is manufactured by Airbus Military and serves as a medium range surveillance and maritime patrol aircraft.

The USCG operates a fleet of 18 HC-144A, which is based on the proven Airbus CN235 tactical airlifter and maritime patrol aircraft built by Airbus Defense and Space.

Piedmont Propulsion Systems general manager Sammy Oakley said: "We’re very proud to be able to serve the USCG’s very important mission and maintain its aircraft propellers to the highest standards."

The aircraft has reliably performed a broad range of missions including search and rescue, homeland security, disaster response and national defence.

The HC-144A fleet is currently being upgraded under the Ocean Sentry Refresh project, which on completion will see each aircraft re-designated as an HC-144B.

PPS provides aircraft propeller repair and overhaul services for the US Government, including existing contracts and subcontracts supporting the US Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, Department of Transportation, Department of Commerce and Department of Justice.

The company also serves as a Hartzell and McCauley authorised service centre and has considerable market share for Hamilton 14SF/RF, Dash 8, ATR, EMB-120 and DHC-6 platforms.