Brian Harbaugh, right, hands the “Parts Scholar Award” to RG Gomez of Legacy Aviation Services during the 2015 Twin Commander University As you may have read in the Flight Level Newsletter or on the website, I am retiring at the end of 2021. In fact, as I write this, I can count the remaining days on one hand, making this column one of my last and most important tasks as I close out roughly 13 years supporting our storied airplanes.
I suppose it’s the case with all retirements, but I look forward to the next chapter with both excitement as I pursue new opportunities and nostalgia over my many years with Twin Commander Aircraft and other aerospace manufacturers. Although I’ve worked for a number of aerospace companies, Twin Commander is the only airframe I’ve had the pleasure to bear the responsibility for, and supporting the community is one of my proudest professional achievements.
You already know this, but Twin Commanders are unique in aviation. Revered by owners and a design ahead of its time, the long history of unique missions, celebrity pilots, and incredible performance gave the airplanes a cult following during their production years. That’s true of many airplanes, but what makes ours unique is that they have remained viable for nearly four decades after the last one left the factory in Oklahoma. The reason why is simple. There is a community of support that is unmatched for legacy aircraft.
Not to throw shade at other manufacturers, but you’d be hard pressed to name another airplane of the same vintage that enjoys such strong factory support, and more importantly, strong support in the field. In fact, I think the independent shops that make up the Twin Commander Factory Authorized Service Center network are the airplane’s secret weapon. Without the knowledge and support of the people who own and operate these facilities, the airplane wouldn’t be as viable as it is today.
These facilities represent the best our community has to offer. They have close working relationships with the factory, and frequent communication benefits everyone involved, most of all owners. When you take your Twin Commander to a service center you are guaranteed to receive the most expert service, the best selection of parts, the most up-to-date service guidance, and a depth of knowledge that is simply impossible to find at other facilities.
Supporting an aircraft no longer in production isn’t easy; it requires a unique set of skills. Manufacturers of new airplanes worry about ramping up production, making yearly updates, training, and sales networks. We must focus on keeping supply channels open. It’s not a given that suppliers will continue to manufacture parts for our airplanes, and making sure they do is always job one. I’m incredibly proud of the work our team has done in recent years to ensure owners and operators will have the best possible access to critical replacement parts and upgrades.
One way our team has known where to target our resources is through the service center network. In many cases these companies also operate the airplane, leading to first-hand experience that mirrors the needs of their customers. Their reports to us at the factory are one of the many benefits a close network brings to owners.
So, as I leave you to spend more time fishing and managing home projects, my advice is to take your Twin Commander to a Twin Commander Factory Authorized Service Center. I am confident it’s where you will receive the best possible service. I know the deep knowledge the technicians and management have of our beloved airplanes, and I’m extremely confident of their abilities to keep you flying in top shape.
