Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: You mentioned that Standard Aero is one of the largest independent engine repair and overhaul service centres and the largest Rolls-Royce model 250 approved maintenance centre on this planet. Does this mean that because of their size they are going to charge us above market rates?
A: Being the largest, Standard Aero has larger overheads than any other Rolls-Royce shop . Therefore, you would naturally assume that they are expensive. This is not the case and as a company they are, in fact very competitive. Ask us to quote for any engine, module or accessory and in comparison you will notice that we are not the most expensive in comparison to other shops. Our repair and overhaul services embody expertise, state of the art rework processes, custom build engineering solutions, excellent after sales support, second to none build quality and very strong relationships with the manufacturers. Therefore, not only will you see excellent value for money, but above all, peace of mind and guaranteed after sales service.
Q: I believe that larger organisations do not care about single, small operators or small maintenance facilities. As such, will I receive the same levels of service as their larger clients?
A: Standard Aero is set up as a small business unit. Every Sales Engineer, Sales Support Specialist and Director is readily available, and every single project, regardless of size is handled in a very controlled manner. Our priority is to help you achieve your goals. The best way to do this is to communicate efficiently and effectively with you, the customer. The earlier you can plan your repair and overhaul, the faster the turn around time will be. If you are unable to plan, don’t worry! We always have an alternative solution. For example, why not try our rental or exchange programs.
Q: If I choose to send my engine, module(s), component(s) or accessories to Standard Aero for repair, will I be able to see the work that has been carried out and the condition of the replaced, reworked or exchanged parts?
A: We always provide a detailed engineering report following the inspection of your engine, module(s), component(s), or accessories. These reports often include digital pictures with engineering comments that enable you to see what has been found. If that is not satisfactory, we will return all the parts that needed replacing so you can physically see what was wrong.
Q: If I need to rent an engine will I get charged a calendar fee and recertification fee as well as the rental hourly rate?
A: Not at all! Standard Aero will only charge an hourly rate. There are no other fees involved in renting an engine or module.
Q: Why should I send my engine to Standard Aero instead of using a local shop?
A: We are overhauling and repairing many more engines than any other shop. Therefore, we have the most experienced engineers in house. That means that we can quickly and efficiently repair and overhaul your engines, modules, accessories and components and have a much greater mean time between repairs and overhaul than anyone else. If distance is a problem, we can also help you with the logistics. Please contact us to discuss this matter.
Q: I fly less than 200 hours per year, why should I purchase a fully overhauled module when I can save money by buying a part life engine or module on the open market?
A: You can find many part-life modules on the market at various prices depending on their condition and who is selling them. However, there are risks associated with this.
There are two situations in which you can find yourself. The first option that could be proposed to you is the purchase of an engine or module that has been removed from an aircraft. The second option is to purchase an engine or module that has just been released from a repair facility.Let’s look at the first option...
Engines and components that have been removed from aircraft are usually proposed ‘as-is’ and you will therefore take a big gamble as you will be unsure as to the real condition of the unit(s). If the engine(s) / module(s) you purchased fail, you will have to invest further to repair it and this exercise rarely comes very cheap. This is without mentioning the safety implications!
Secondly, if you find a module that has been repaired by an approved or non approved shop, you will have to know what type of parts have been fitted and which repair processes, airworthiness directives and service bulletins have been embodied. You will also have to ensure that the company that has performed the repair has a very good reputation, capability and expertise in this field. Once you have managed to check all these parameters, you then have to do the maths! For instance you could purchase a turbine module that has been repaired by a shop. For the sake of the example, lets assume the turbine has flown 700 hours since it’s last overhaul. The turbine is on offer for $60K for an outright sale or perhaps $55k on an exchange basis (you will, of course have to ensure this is a fixed deal otherwise you can end up paying additional bills following the inspection of your unit). Overhauling your module would cost around $85k. You might think that you have saved yourself $30 to $40K. Actually, you are not saving anything at all as this turbine module will need to be sent to a shop for a HMI within 1050 hours. You can calculate the real cost to this as follows:
Buying a part life turbine with 700 hours since overhaul for $60k will cost you:
Remaining time before HMI = 1750-700 = 1050 hours left
$60,000.00 / 1050 Hours = $57.14 per hour
Sending your module for a full overhaul including four brand new wheels incorporating the latest modifications, custom built to your requirement at an average of $85K, overall will cost you:
Remaining time before HMI = 1750-0 = 1750 Hours left
85,000.00 / 1750 = $48,57 per hour!
Even if your turbine overhaul costs you $95K (which we consider to be the band for 2007 pricing) it will still remain at $54.28 per hour!
As you can see, in this case you are not getting any value for your money and you are also depreciating your asset (helicopter) if you want to sell it later on. In order for this option to genuinely save money and avoid any further risk to your asset you would have to purchase an identical turbine module with the very same time left before HMI at less than $51k. That is assuming that you can find a module that you can purchase outright. It would also need to incorporate all of the latest modifications and have the applicable warranties!
Please don’t fool yourself by buying Rolls-Royce model 250 engines and modules on the open market. Leave it to us. We are experts in this field and know precisely the mechanism in assessing the risks involved in purchasing and the true value of the modules and engines.
We are able to provide you with a set of solutions to decrease the cost of your repairs and overhauls. We are available to help you at any time, 24 hours a day, 365 days per year to assist you.
We can do all this at the same price or even less than you would pay to use a non Rolls-Royce approved shop or one of our competitors within the Rolls-Royce network.
