Duncan Aviation Technicians Complete Pratt & Whitney PW500 Factory Training, Begin First Overhaul

Duncan Aviation Engine Technician Teddy Tesfaye participates in factory authorization training on the Pratt & Whitney PW500 series engine. Click image for high-res download.

LINCOLN, NEB. — As part of Duncan Aviation’s Pratt & Whitney Canada DOF (Designated Overhaul Facility) authorization, eight Duncan Aviation engine technicians have successfully completed rigorous factory authorization training on the Pratt & Whitney PW500 series engine and have begun their first overhaul. This achievement marks a significant step forward as the company prepares for the opening of its new engine overhaul facility in Lincoln, Nebraska, in early 2026.

The four-week, hands-on training brought together technicians from Duncan Aviation’s Lincoln, Nebraska, and Battle Creek, Michigan, MRO locations, and engine Rapid Response Team members. Under the guidance of two Pratt & Whitney instructors, the team disassembled and reassembled a PW545A engine, gaining experience with tooling, balance training on turbine wheels and assemblies, and the complete process of cleaning, inspecting, and repairing parts.

“It is always nice to put what we know through the maintenance manual into practice,” said Brian Harms, Engine Team Leader. “Performing the training hands-on is a great way to learn.” Harms noted that the shared training experience solidified the team, boosting their confidence and streamlining communication and teamwork.

Alec Pusateri, Duncan Aviation’s Pratt & Whitney Engineer, participated alongside the technicians, playing a crucial role in translating complex manual information and data into practical applications. Harms appreciates Pusateri’s ability to “consume massive amounts of detailed information and present it in a way that is easier to understand and more useful.”

Immediately following the training, the newly authorized team began its first official PW500 series engine overhaul. The overhaul is progressing well, with the team currently assessing parts for repair or replacement. Once complete, the engine will undergo test cell runs at Pratt & Whitney before entering Duncan Aviation’s engine rental pool.

Harms understands why customers like the PW500 series engine. “It is well built, the tolerances are tight, and it performs well. It has a good reputation in the industry and is reliable.”

The PW500 engines are installed on popular business aircraft, like the Cessna Citation and Embraer Phenom. Many operators of these aircraft rely on Duncan Aviation to provide them with comprehensive airframe services and are excited for the DOF to come online.

Harms says customers like the idea of their engines staying at Duncan Aviation for an overhaul rather than being shipped elsewhere.

New Pratt & Whitney Canada DOF Facility

The new Duncan Aviation Pratt & Whitney Canada DOF is currently under construction in Lincoln, Nebraska, and is scheduled to be fully operational in early 2026. This dedicated facility will focus on the overhaul and maintenance of both PW300 and PW500 series engines.

"We have provided maintenance services for Pratt & Whitney Canada PW300 and PW500 engines for decades," said Scott Stoki, Manager of Engine Services, Pratt & Whitney. "Our new DOF facility will play a crucial role in strengthening our engine overhaul services, providing even greater support and efficiency to our customers."

About Duncan Aviation

Duncan Aviation is an aircraft service provider supporting the aviation needs of business aircraft operators, government agencies, and other aircraft service providers. Services include major and minor airframe inspections, engine maintenance, major retrofits for cabin and cockpit avionics systems, full paint and interior services, engineering and certification services, fabrication and manufacturing services, and preowned aircraft sales and acquisitions. Duncan Aviation also has international aircraft components solutions experts available 24/7/365 at +1 402.475.4125 who can handle any aircraft system problem with immediate exchanges, rotables, loaners or avionics/instrument/accessory repairs and overhauls. Complete service facilities are located in Battle Creek, Michigan; Lincoln, Nebraska; and Provo, Utah. We also have dozens of other facilities strategically located throughout the United States to provide customers with scheduled regional support and the quickest response possible to avionics, engine and airframe Aircraft On Ground (AOG) situations.

For more information about any of Duncan Aviation’s services, call +1 402.475.2611 or visit https://DuncanAviation.aero/services