RP: What will be your fondest memory of the industry?
I really enjoyed the 10 years that I spent directly supporting operators of P&WC engines, and I always appreciate meeting our customers. We are fortunate to have so many dedicated, loyal customers who have
propelled us to reaching
1 billion hours of flight across all our market segments. This and the PT6 60th anniversary are two major milestones P&WC is celebrating this year. I had the great fortune to meet many customers at airshows and at other events over the years. It is always humbling to see how our engines have made a difference in people’s lives (especially with helicopter EMS customers) and seeing firsthand their
professionalism and dedication,
and learning how the crews have saved the lives of so many patients. To see how EMS crews intervene on what is potentially the worst day of a person’s life and bring medical assistance to them is remarkable. When I hear how these customers depend on our engines, it re-energizes me to ensure our engines contribute to their essential missions.
The quest to decarbonize mobility creates unique challenges in vertical flight. With more than two-thirds of commercial helicopters being turbine powered, Jet A/A1 fuel is the most significant energy source for helicopters. The arrival of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) will provide the most significant way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from
RP: If you could give only one piece of advice to new people coming into the industry, what would it be?
Follow your dreams and passion. There are so many opportunities in the helicopter industry, and we need people from diverse backgrounds to help shape the future. Vertical flight is at an inflection point with revolutionary designs of aircraft, and a great race between different sources of energy. How will 100% electric, hybrid, or engines using traditional fuels disrupt the helicopter industry? We need the best and brightest to help tackle these challenges.
RP: In your view, what is the greatest challenge for the helicopter industry at this moment in time?
flight. Today all Pratt & Whitney gas turbine engines are certified for flight with up to 50% SAF. In the future, aviation’s proportion of greenhouse gas emissions may approach 25% of global emissions. It is important that we enable use of 100% SAF. Helicopters have unique technical challenges for fuel (e.g. the effect of lifting the fuel from the tank, often under the cabin floor, up to the engine), as well as the logistical challenges of many remote refueling sites. Therefore, the design of future 100% SAF has to take into consideration helicopter requirements.
Do you know someone who would be a good subject for Meet a Rotor Pro? Email your suggestion to the editor-in-chief:
lyn.burks@rotorpro.com
rotorpro.com
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