FAQs
OEM Manufacturing Frequently Asked Questions
Why do customers choose PCS?
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Customers choose PCS because of our competitive pricing, engineering expertise, responsive customer service, and commitment to solving difficult problems. We combine the capabilities of a major aerospace supplier with the accessibility and responsiveness of a smaller organization. When challenges arise, we work collaboratively with customers to find practical solutions.
Does PCS serve international customers?
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Yes. PCS supports customers worldwide and has experience supporting international aerospace programs. International customers may be required to provide payment prior to shipment depending on customer history, location, and contractual terms.
How do I request a quote?
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Customers should contact Lewsi Benton, OEM Division Manager, to begin the quoting process. A mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) is typically executed prior to the exchange of technical information. Once in place, customers should provide available CAD models, drawings, specifications, quality requirements, terms and conditions, forecasted volumes, and delivery requirements to support proposal development.
Email: lewsi.benton@phoenix-mi.com
Phone: (989) 739-7108 Ext. 216
What engineering support does PCS provide?
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PCS provides engineering support throughout the product lifecycle, including tooling design, CAD modeling, process development, prototype development, reverse engineering, material selection, structural analysis, repair development, and customer drawing creation as part of awarded development programs. Our engineering team works closely with customers to transition concepts into producible aerospace-quality components.
What certifications, approvals, and customer authorizations does PCS maintain?
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PCS maintains AS9100 certification, FAA approval, EASA approval, NADCAP accreditation for metal bonding, and ITAR/DDTC registration. PCS is also an approved supplier for major aerospace companies, including Pratt & Whitney, Pratt & Whitney Canada, and Rolls-Royce.
PCS maintains Pratt & Whitney Canada-approved processing capabilities, including a certified Phosphoric Acid Anodizing (PAA) line qualified to CPW 597 requirements and a certified clean room qualified to CPW 249 requirements.
How does PCS ensure product quality?
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Quality is integrated throughout the manufacturing process through material traceability, documented process controls, dimensional verification, mechanical testing, non-destructive testing, and advanced inspection methods. PCS utilizes Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs), laser shearography, ultrasonic inspection, bond testing, and other inspection technologies to ensure products meet customer and regulatory requirements.
Can PCS support both prototype and production programs?
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Yes. PCS supports projects ranging from early-stage prototypes and development programs to low-rate production and long-term manufacturing contracts. Our facilities include approximately 130,000 square feet of primary manufacturing space, a dedicated fabrication facility, and cold storage capabilities to support customer requirements.
What types of composite products does PCS manufacture?
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PCS manufactures advanced composite structures and assemblies for commercial aerospace, defense aerospace, medical, and industrial applications. Our capabilities include structural components, engine-related composite assemblies, PMA products, soft tooling, hard tooling, and complex composite assemblies. A significant portion of our manufacturing business supports jet engine fan case programs for major aerospace customers.
What industries does PCS serve?
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PCS serves commercial aerospace, defense aerospace, military programs, medical device manufacturers, OEMs, and aftermarket customers. Our manufacturing operations support both domestic and international customers across highly regulated industries.
What manufacturing processes does PCS offer?
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PCS supports a wide range of composite manufacturing processes including prepreg layup, wet layup, vacuum bagging, autoclave curing, out-of-autoclave processing, compression molding, bonding and assembly, machining, trimming, and finishing operations. Our facilities are equipped to support prototype, low-rate, and long-term production programs.
FAA Repair Station Frequently Asked Questions
How does PCS verify the integrity of repaired components?
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PCS utilizes a comprehensive suite of inspection and non-destructive testing methods, including laser shearography, liquid crystal inspection, ultrasonic testing, bond testing, tap testing, eddy current inspection, fluorescent penetrant inspection, dimensional verification using CMM equipment, and mechanical testing. Additional radiographic (X-ray) inspection services are available through qualified local industry partners when required.
What certifications, approvals, and customer authorizations does PCS maintain?
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PCS operates an FAA Part 145 Repair Station and maintains EASA approval, AS9100 certification, and NADCAP accreditation for metal bonding. PCS is also an approved supplier for major aerospace manufacturers, including Pratt & Whitney, Pratt & Whitney Canada, and Rolls-Royce.
PCS maintains Pratt & Whitney Canada-approved processing capabilities, including a certified Phosphoric Acid Anodizing (PAA) line qualified to CPW 597 requirements and a certified clean room qualified to CPW 249 requirements.
What makes PCS different from other repair stations?
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At PCS, we believe customers should talk to us before giving up on a component. Our team has extensive experience developing repair solutions for aging, legacy, and difficult-to-repair aerospace components. Through engineering expertise, repair development, and a commitment to keeping aircraft flying safely, we often help customers find alternatives to costly replacement or scrap decisions.
Think you're stuck? Talk to us first.
Why do airlines and operators choose PCS?
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PCS is known for maintaining a lower scrap rate than many repair providers by developing innovative repair solutions that safely return components to service. Customers value our ability to support legacy components, reduce replacement costs, and keep aircraft flying while maintaining full regulatory compliance.
What is PCS's typical repair turnaround time?
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Repair turnaround times vary depending on component condition, damage extent, spare part availability, raw material availability, and any required repair development activities. PCS works closely with customers throughout the repair process to provide accurate status updates and realistic delivery expectations.
How do I submit a component for repair evaluation?
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Customers should contact Jamie Godsey, Repair Station Division Manager, or Nicole Hall, Operations and Planning Manager, to begin the evaluation process. Customers should provide all available information, including part numbers, serial numbers, damage descriptions, photographs, platform information, and desired delivery requirements.
Additional contact information can be found on the OUR TEAM page.
Can PCS repair components that have been scrapped by another repair station?
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In some cases, yes. If a component has been deemed unrepairable due to a lack of approved repair data or development resources, PCS may be able to evaluate the component and develop an approved repair solution. Depending on the engine platform and nature of the damage, DER-approved repairs may be pursued where applicable.
What types of aircraft components does PCS repair?
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PCS repairs a wide variety of composite and bonded aerospace structures, including nacelles, fan cowls, thrust reversers, flight control surfaces, acoustic liners, oil seals, engine-related composite components, cargo aircraft components, military aircraft components, and other composite aerospace structures.
Who does PCS support?
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PCS provides repair services for major passenger airlines, cargo operators, aircraft leasing companies, component brokers, OEMs, MRO providers, military customers, and general aviation operators.
What engine platforms does PCS support?
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PCS maintains repair capabilities for more than 2,000 part numbers across major commercial aviation engine platforms, including CF6, CFM56, GE90, PW2000, PW4000, and V2500 engine families. Customers are encouraged to contact PCS to determine whether a specific component is eligible for repair.