Since 1986 Harry Weisberger has been a contributor to Aviation International News and a regular member of its HAI and NBAA convention news editorial staff. He was previously a marketing communications specialist for Sperry Flight Systems in Phoenix, providing information involving the general aviation, airline, defense and space market segments. His aviation journalism activity has also included writing and editing for Flight Training, Business Aviation Safety Journal, Private Pilot and Arizona Flyways (for whom he interviewed Barry Goldwater and Paul Tibbets. He has also contributed to Smithsonian Air &amp; Space and Aero magazines. He served 5-1/2 years on active duty with the U.S. Navy as a radar intercept officer in F4 Phantom jet fighters, followed by Naval Air Reserve duty as a patrol plane navigator. Weisberger’s journalism career began at the Santa Ana Register (now Orange County Register) where he was a beat reporter and copy desk editor. He holds a commercial pilot license with instrument rating, has logged 1,980 pilot hours and has owned or been a partner in five general aviation aircraft.

Contributor

Harry Weisberger

At its booth here at NBAA 2014, Timken is highlighting its parts manufacturer approval (PMA) and bearing repair services. In September the company announced the year-end closure of its turbine engine overhaul and repair business. No more orders for turbine O&amp;R are being accepted, said Larry Shiembob, director of Timken Aerospace Aftermarket operations in Mesa, Ariz. He added that Timken (Booth 3028) expects to clear its overhaul and repair backlog by the end of October.

 


“We’ve been talking to a number of people interested in acquiring the assets. That’s everything in the overhaul and repair inventory, including tooling and the engine test cells we put into operation in 2010,” noted Shiembob.

 


The 34 employees in the engine overhaul and repair operation comprise a unique skillset, he said, “So companies have been coming to do on-site interviews with our O&amp;R associates. We’re confident that most will find work elsewhere. All will receive severance and outplacement assistance.”

 


O&amp;R has contributed about one third of the total aerospace aftermarket operation’s business. The Timken Aerospace Aftermarket operation plans to offset the revenue no longer coming from turbine engine O&amp;R by moving its focus onto the re-introduction of PT6 reduction gears, expansion of the Timken turbine blade business and continued strong demand for bearing overhaul services at the Timken facility in Los Alamitos, Calif.

 


Shiembob said the reintroduction of PT6 reduction gears, which have now passed their first inspection period of 500 hours, “is so far looking good. We have sold about 40 sets of gears to date. We’re also still progressing on certification of a new turbine blade for the PT6A-60 series,” anticipated by mid-2015. He added, “Our turbine blade demand for the PT6A-27/28 series has literally doubled this year.” It was also a record year for Timken sales of Bell medium helicopter replacement parts, from main rotor grips to strap fittings and various gears and shafts.

 


He said the corporate rationale for terminating the turbine O&amp;R business was “…recognition that the market has changed significantly since we got into that business ten years ago. Its profitability has not been what we were expecting. That market was getting crowded, and it became harder to differentiate ourself and our product offering.

 


“We excel where the market appreciates our engineering and technical know-how. After the sharp 2008 economic downturn, I don’t think the general aviation market has recovered yet. We see less demand now, due to decreased activity and flight hours. Businesses are flying a heck of a lot less. Some may have even decided it’s not worth keeping an airplane anymore.”

 


He added that Timken is in the process of reorganizing its entire aerospace business, noting that aerospace is considered a strong strategic fit within the Timken organization. “It plays to our high level of technology in markets where our expertise is essential.”

Timken Refocuses on Turbine Engine Parts Business

The company’s aerospace aftermarket business is exiting the turbine engine overhaul business.

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