Vector Aerospace completes first P&WC PT6A-140 engine overhaul at South African facility

Vector Aerospace, a global independent provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, has successfully completed its first full engine overhaul on the Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PT6A-140 turboprop engine at its facility in South Africa. The PT6A-140 engine powers the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX, and is also offered as an upgrade for earlier models of the 208 Caravan family.

Vector's South African facility, located at the Lanseria International Airport, Johannesburg, was appointed a Designated Overhaul Facility (DOF) for the PT6A-140 engine in July 2014, and is currently the only independent DOF for this engine model. This location is also a P&WC Distributor and Designated Overhaul Facility (DDOF) for other models in the PT6A engine family, including the PT6A-114/114A variants used on previous versions of the Caravan.

“This overhaul represents the second major milestone for the South African facility in less than a year,” says Jeff Poirier, president of Vector's Engine Services - Atlantic division, “the facility having successfully completed its first full engine test on the PT6A-140 turboprop last June. These achievements are proof-positive that our entire South African team has the expertise to execute to the highest quality and technical standards.”

Vector's South African facility has full hot section exchange kits, fuel nozzles and a complete line of accessories available. It also offers engine overhaul service, testing, and inspections for sudden stoppage and lightning strike PT6A events.

Operators in Africa also benefit from the support of Vector's Mobile Repair Team (MRT), which is composed of 150 dedicated employees specifically focused on MRT operations globally. Its MRT operation is designed around a 'Quick Turn Around' and 'Travel Ready' philosophy to support its customers' needs 24/7. The majority of Vector's team members are licensed A&P technicians, who have either worked in a service center or as an MRT in their careers, and who on average benefit from more than 30 years of experience in their field.