Mark Huber is an aviation industry veteran who has worked in the flight training, aircraft sales, aircraft component, and airport development businesses. He has flight time in more than 50 different and diverse aircraft, including helicopters, aerobatic aircraft, vintage warbirds, jet fighters, business jets and turboprops, and transport-category aircraft. He has jumped out of several of these—on purpose—with a parachute. His defense and aviation journalism has been published in a variety of national and international periodicals.

Contributor

Mark Huber

Columbia Helicopters will become the total logistics support provider for all operators and maintainers of the GE Aviation T58 and CT58 turboshaft engines with the sole exception being the T58-400B engine model used for executive transport by the U.S. government. Under the deal, GE has licensed Columbia to produce all procurable spare parts under GE's FAA production certificate and using OEM drawings and specifications.

 


This activity will commence following FAA approval and update to Columbia’s production limitation record. Columbia has purchased a considerable inventory from both Sikorsky Aircraft Company and GE, and will soon begin selling directly to other engine owners and maintainers.

 


Columbia intends to analyze fleet trends and future needs to provide T58 and CT58 customers with adequate resources and parts production volume that will continue into the foreseeable future, thereby maintaining the commercial viability of the engines. In addition to parts manufacturing and distribution, Columbia will become the source for engine technical publications and for technical support with respect to T58 and CT58 operational and maintenance issues.

 


The transition of support from GE to Columbia is expected to take approximately four months. Following the transition, GE, as the T58/CT58 FAA type certificate holder, said it will remain highly involved with the program and maintain responsibility for engine configuration control.

 


“The T58 is one of the most reliable helicopter engines in the world,” said Marc Joslow, GE Aviation’s program manager for turboshaft and turboprop military programs. “Created under a development contract with the U.S. Navy awarded in 1953, the T58 was GE’s first small turbine engine and was instrumental in the evolution and popularity of helicopters as a mode of transportation. We look forward to partnering with Columbia Helicopters to further build upon the T58 legacy.”

 


Columbia operates a fleet of tandem-rotor helicopters in various capacities worldwide. The company also provides a range of life-cycle support and MRO services and holds the type and production certificate for the Columbia Model 234 Chinook and type certificate for Columbia Model 107-II Vertol and Columbia Model CH-47D Chinook. Columbia also is a factory-authorized service center for the Honeywell T55-714 and is a Navair-approved MRO facility.

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Columbia Assumes Support for T58 Engines

GE Will Retain Type Certificate

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Commercial shipments nearly doubled, while new military program brought in more than $80M

Bell Soars in 3Q with Higher Civil Helo Deliveries, FLRAA

Charles Alcock

Japan General Aviation Service is already a customer for the larger 429 model

Bell Appoints Japanese Dealer for 505 Helicopter

Matt Thurber

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Plan will help ensure long-term job stability for Portugal workforce

Avincis Strengthens Portugal Helicopter MRO Base

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

Twin-engine aircraft will be based at Broome in Western Australia

PHI Adds H175s to Australian Energy Support Fleet

Kits are retrofittable to 429s with existing single- or dual-hook systems

Onboard Talon Dual Cargo Hook Approved in Bell 429

ORRA encourages helicopter companies to go beyond traditional risk management

Operators Enrolling in VAI Risk Accreditation Program

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

More In Rotorcraft

Bell Soars in 3Q with Higher Civil Helo Deliveries, FLRAA

Commercial shipments nearly doubled, while new military program brought in more than $80M

Bell Appoints Japanese Dealer for 505 Helicopter

Japan General Aviation Service is already a customer for the larger 429 model

Avincis Strengthens Portugal Helicopter MRO Base

Plan will help ensure long-term job stability for Portugal workforce

PHI Adds H175s to Australian Energy Support Fleet

Twin-engine aircraft will be based at Broome in Western Australia

Onboard Talon Dual Cargo Hook Approved in Bell 429

Kits are retrofittable to 429s with existing single- or dual-hook systems

Operators Enrolling in VAI Risk Accreditation Program

ORRA encourages helicopter companies to go beyond traditional risk management

FAA Issues Special Airworthiness Cert for Skyryse One

Single-flight-control user interface makes helicopter flying safer and easier

Blade Helo Shuttle Service Returns to 2024 NBAA-BACE

Helicopter flights will be available to transport attendees between the Las Vegas Convention Center and Henderson Executive Airport

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN