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Hartzell Propeller is proud of our strong and growing global network of Recommended Service Facilities (RSF), which guarantees our customers always have access to the finest propeller repair, maintenance, and overhaul services available on Hartzell products. We’re also proud of the deep-rooted relationships we’ve established with the leadership teams and skilled technicians behind these exceptional independent repair stations, who share our commitment to quality, safety, and excellence.

One of Hartzell’s longest-standing RSFs is Piedmont Propulsion Systems (PPS), based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. A member of the First Aviation Services Inc. family of companies, PPS provides industry-leading propeller maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for major airlines, cargo operators, military fleets, governments, and private operators worldwide.

Since the prop shop was founded in 1948, it has earned a reputation across the industry for quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. PPS’s modern 66,000+ square-foot facility includes state-of-the-art temperature and humidity-controlled composite repair shops, non-destructive test and inspection capabilities, and multiple paint booths, all with numerous health, safety, and environmental protections in place.

In the early 1970s, PPS formed a trusted relationship with Hartzell Propeller and soon became a Recommended Service Facility, a designation the company has maintained ever since.

Piedmont Propulsion Systems prop shop 

“Being a Hartzell Recommended Service Facility is invaluable because it’s a complete partnership,” said Sammy Oakley, Vice President and General Manager of Piedmont Propulsion Systems. “I’ve enjoyed working with the Hartzell team through the years because they treat their Recommended Service Facilities like family. Whenever we need any kind of product support or had technical questions, they have always been very responsive, which helps us provide the highest quality for our customers.”

Oakley is retiring in January 2022 after 35 years of service with Piedmont Propulsion Systems. Looking back, he says some of his fondest memories were visiting Hartzell’s headquarters in Piqua, Ohio for training sessions.

“Hartzell has always been at the forefront of propeller technology, especially when it comes to next-generation composite blades,” said Oakley. “It was always a highlight to learn how to maintain, repair, and overhaul composite blades from the industry leader.”

“My first-ever flying experience was actually for a trip to Hartzell in 1987, not long after I started with the company,” added Oakley. “The warm welcome that Hartzell showed me that week has stuck with me throughout my entire career. Our partnership started out fantastic, and it still is today.”

Several members of the Hartzell team recently joined Piedmont Propulsion Systems in Winston-Salem to celebrate Oakley’s well-deserved retirement and thank him for his years of service, support, and friendship.

If you’re near North Carolina or just passing through, be sure to visit Piedmont Propulsion Systems for any propeller service needs. To learn more, visit their website.

Located throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, Hartzell’s selected RSFs ensure that owners and operators are never more than a short flight or drive away from a repair center. Find your nearest Hartzell’s Recommended Service Facility here.