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.