P
inal Air Park, where Evergreen is located, was built in 1942 and known as Marana Army Air Field. During WWII the base was a training command supporting west coast training operations as part of the 50,000 Pilot Training Program. The facility was closed in 1948 and taken over by Pinal County and leased to various tenants during the Vietnam War, notably Intermountain Airlines, a company that was used to supply operations in Southeast Asia, Air America and Continental Air Services. Subsequently, other companies occupied the facility until Evergreen took over the lease in 1979. Today, the company says it continues to build on the overall business unit in offering first class aircraft maintenance, overhaul, repair and storage to its customers. “We are the largest Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in the world with a proud and storied history and think Evergreen is the aviation solution for next generation aircraft, new classics and we actively support advanced tech programs,” according to a spokesperson. The company feels it holds a unique status in offering services to include the total lifespan of the airframe. Clients include cargo and passenger airlines, government units, major leasing companies, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM’s) and private aircraft as well. Some of their customers represent fleet-type aviation businesses worldwide contracted with Evergreen. As a fun they mentioned well-known celebrities have paid visits to the site including Bruce Willis, who toured the facility for a movie location shoot.
Storage
The number of aircraft stored or maintained at Evergreen varies and the facility can accommodate up to 400 aircraft at one time if needed. During the past year, there have been up to 215 aircraft on site. Reactivation of company aircraft has brought more business to Evergreen as the economy begins to improve. Most of the business coming in to the facility is referral business says Evergreen. The storage process follows the OEM’s
requirements and airline maintenance guidelines. For example, short-term storage of a Boeing 757 requires Evergreen to review and follow detailed requirements and programs. The process begins with inspections followed by maintenance that can include the total airframe nose- to-tail. Long-term service of the same
aircraft includes a more comprehensive and detailed program focusing on the preservation of the expensive components including engines, landing gear and electronics. Long-term storage presents some unique challenges, as components must be protected, secure and free from the elements. Storage fees vary—for example—a fee for one year supporting a wide body generates approximately $130,000 and smaller aircraft like the 727 and 737 generate $70,000 in annual revenue. Contracts for each aircraft include specifics such as requested maintenance, internal and external, storage time-lines and delivery dates back to the client.
Overhaul
Major overhaul includes C- & D-checks— the most comprehensive and detailed maintenance of the aircraft. The C-checks are required every 18 months by the FAA. In fact, the FAA performs periodic audits of the maintenance records to insure Evergreen is within the required (FAA) standards and certifications. Some audits may include inspection of the aircraft as well. Evergreen has consistently received high marks from the FAA with 25 Evergreen technicians receiving the FAA Diamond Award – the highest award for excellence in maintenance and service.
Evergreen’s Own Evergreen maintains their own fleet of aircraft, Evergreen International Airlines, that support transporting military and commercial cargo. In addition, Evergreen’s next-generation 747 Super Tanker, the next generation fire fighting aircraft the company has expended over 50 million dollars in outfitting, presently supports the U.S. Forest Service and Global Relief efforts. The Super Tanker holds a payload of 20,000 gallons of fire agent (seven times that of the government’s largest air tankers). The aircraft was used in fighting the major fires in Israel in 2010 and a major factor in helping contain the blaze. The super tanker is stationed at Evergreen with all maintenance and schedules managed out of their facility as well. In addition, this 747 stands out as it is “one of a kind” aircraft. The supporting Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) is held by Evergreen and been approved by the FAA.
Recycling Evergreen is a founding member of AFRA (Aircraft Fleet Recycling Association), a sustainability association backed by Boeing and other major leaders in the airline industry. When an airplane is dismantled
Evergreen Maintenance Center (EMC) flight line experts at work.
for recycle, Evergreen uses a local recycling plant in Tucson. Components such as electronics, computer chips, etc., are marketed to interested airlines or private buyers. Evergreen’s sister company, ETI (Evergreen Trade Inc.), markets and sells these components. Most all of the engines removed from the aircraft are owned by leasing companies and while on site, are sealed and given quality checks.
Interiors, Museum and Workforce
In addition to airframe maintenance, Evergreen offers services in complete tear down and restoration of aircraft interiors. These can be very elaborate for some of the private VIP owners.
Another division of the business includes
restoration of vintage aircraft for the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in McMinnville, Oregon. The museum includes the famous, Hercules, H-4, Spruce Goose, flown briefly by the designer and pilot, Howard Hughes (Hughes Aircraft) on November 2, 1947. The aircraft is the world’s largest by wingspan, the worlds
Aviation Maintenance |
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