With fans, compressors, combustors, turbines, mixers and nozzles, it’s more than obvious that a jet engine has copious amounts of moving and functioning parts. Each fragment performs specific operations that help propel and keep an aircraft airborne. However, just like most pieces of high-tech machinery, many of these parts are subject to wear and tear, and in order for jet operators to get the most out of their engines, it’s important to keep them in prime condition.

For more than 20 years, Hale Aircraft, Inc. has kept to its explicit mission of keeping aircraft engines in a state of peak performance. From its multiple-type engine service, repair and overhaul capabilities to emphasis on personal customer service and leasing options, the company is positioned to address the continuing challenges of being a superior repair station. With its experienced staff and aggressive visionary ownership, it’s poised for growth in the new decade.

“These economic conditions require clients to look for value-oriented, yet quality-ensured services,” says Robert Hale, the company’s founder, owner and president. “We have similar capabilities to the name-brand manufacturers; however, we also have the logistics and flexibility to continually outperform competitors. Being private and more entrepreneurial, we’re able to keep overheads low and pass those savings on to our clients while maintaining our quality focus.”

Originally opening in 1988, the once Texas-based Hale Aircraft relocated 25 miles south of Atlanta, Georgia, to Hampton, Georgia’s Tara Field (4A7) in 1990. During that time, the company primarily serviced the Learjet CJ610 and the Falcon 20 CF700 engines; however, as market demands changed, so did the company, offering repairs and overhauls to Pratt & Whitney’s JT15D engines in 1993 and the PT6 in 2006. This includes overhauls, hot sections, fuel nozzle recertification, balancing and grinding.

“We have a test cell that’s Pratt & Whitney certified, which is a big deal,” says Hale. “It’s been correlated and licensed by the manufacture, making us one of the largest independently owned 15D-overhaul-capable facilities.”

Testing an engine in a 15,000-pound, thrust-rate capable computerized testing cell certainly has its advantages. Combined with refinishing, welding and non-destructive testing capabilities—consisting of chemical, magnetic and eddy-current analysis—Hale Aircraft has the ability to perform all the necessary examinations to keep your engine operating with unparalleled safety.

In addition to its unique mechanical options, Hale Aircraft’s keen attention to its customer’s concerns and needs continues to set it apart from competitors. Its industry benchmarked service process starts as soon as an aircraft owner lands with their issue and then concludes with them departing, problem solved.

Hale has this practice down to science. Every step of the way, the company’s representatives encourage aircraft owners to offer feedback and ask any questions during maintenance. Hale and his entire staff work to eliminate any “surprises” that might come up, yielding an outstanding customer experience.

“We hear this all the time from our new and repeat customers, but it’s really second nature to give great customer service,” he mentions. “I’m the owner, and the clients have full access to me. I’m not hiding behind a desk or in another building. I’m right here where they are. We make sure they don’t feel like a number waiting in line; we give direct personal service.”

No repair jobs can be completed without an elite mechanical staff, and Hale has some of the best. The overhaul process is completed by its team of A&P mechanics and factory-trained technicians. In fact, Pratt & Whitney has sent its representatives to Hale’s operation to conduct classes and keep Hale’s workforce up-to-date on the latest technologies. Factory-training is something the entire company holds to the highest standards. In turn, it reflects on the staff’s expertise in troubleshooting and engine knowledge. Moreover, its non-destructive testing technicians, as well as its welders, undergo routine recertification.

Housed next to Hale Aircraft, Hale Leasing Co., Inc. has provided a popular engine-leasing program since 1992 offering an alternative to repairs and overhauls. Hale Leasing offers various engines and can even lease them on either a short- or long-term basis.

“Some operators aren’t in the position or have the desire to get their engines overhauled,” Hale says. “And for some companies, the leasing option is just more cost-effective.”

Basically, the company removes a client’s old engines and installs its own. It then takes on the responsibility for the parts and maintenance needs—besides basic oil changes.

While the industry’s average overhaul costs between $180,000 to as much as $350,000, for as little as the first month’s lease upfront, Hale can get you off and flying again. Based on the number of hours operated, an amount per hour and a minimum per month, the company has found a cost-effective method to meet the needs of its clients.

Furthermore, many operators see it as an advantage, because it allows them to control the operation’s cost. And if there are problems with the engine, then the expense doesn’t fall on the client.

“It’s a viable option to keep pilots in the sky,” Hale adds. “In times like these, there are too many jets sit parked because people come up on a costly situation like a double overhaul. All in all, we’ve had some clients continuously lease engines from us. In fact, we have some customers still leasing today who began the process with us in 1992.”

Additionally, in the past year, Hale Aircraft has initiated and expanded on an airframe repair program, which subsequently has grown due to the demands of its clients. Furthermore, Hale Aircraft offers round-the-clock AOG services, literally worldwide.

Corporate jet operators now have the benefit of a one-stop shop, providing outstanding customer support coupled with economical engine solutions. Hale Aircraft has the capabilities to perform light to heavy airframe inspections, including non-destructive testing.

“We didn’t design this program; our customers did,” says Brent Luzier, airframe department manager. Luzier, who has A&P and factory training certification, as well as a bachelor’s degree in aerospace, also adds, “Our customers utilize our airframe department as though it were their own in-house flight department. We work around their schedules and needs. I consider myself just as concerned as the customer about an aircraft missing a flight or a deadline.”

As in Hale’s engine program, the incorporation of factory-trained, airframe-ratted technicians, and years of experience, has really benefited its customers.

“We offer everything a large scale operation would, including equipment, capabilities and training.” Luzier says. “We just do it on a more customer-oriented level.”

Hale’s airframe repair business augments its list of amenities. Hale’s expansion of services, along with its customers’ on-going satisfaction will require the company to eventually build an additional hangar.

“We’ve been in the business for a long time now; we know what people want and how they want to be treated,” Hale concludes. “We have quality people and services here to keep our customers flying.”

For more information, visit www.haleaircraft.com.