Airworthy and Ready To Roar

by Marilyn Cox

I should be the last one to write about the airline industry. All I know is that planes have wings, engines and pilots. When I arrived at Western Skyways at 21 Creative Place, co-owner David Leis immediately put me at ease and gave me a tour of the facility. I also met co-owner Al Head and vice-president, Tom Barry. Seeing the facility, equipment and watching the employees at work was quite impressive. I felt inspired, excited and amazed. It's hard to believe all of this goes on right here in Montrose.

I might not understand the technology-and there is plenty of that-but I do understand customer service, reliability, great reputation, superior workmanship, pride and safety. The company consists of close to 100 highly skilled employees. The two side by side facilities include 130,000 square feet within the Montrose Regional Airport, so that customers can taxi right up to the door. Western Skyways' primary function is to rebuild and replace aircraft engines, both piston and turbine. Their standards exceed those required by FAA. A typical overhaul takes from four to six weeks. Western Skyways will pick up and deliver and can be on-site within an hour of receiving a call. They keep a large core bank of engines so that a plane with problems can have a replacement while their engine is down. .'\n average of 40 - 50 piston engines are rebuilt every month.

In addition to the engines, Western Skyways has an extensive parts department which includes new and rebuilt parts of every kind. They travel globally to gather, certify and supply parts for their own use as well as for outside sales. Matt Bean, who is in charge of the final assembly department, makes sure all checks and balances are in place. He said, "We take things extremely personal. Our customers taxi up here in their planes and a family unloads with a baby in a carrier. That's what it's all about. They need to know that we protect them and offer a safe product."

Customer testimonials come from all over the world. Mark Palm of Samaritan Aviation said, "We fly into remote areas in New Guinea. Western Skyways offers superior workmanship and outstanding service. With that kind of relationship and friendship, we can feel safe." Sandy Head, with Montrose Economic Development Council, stated, "Western Skyways is definitely a key addition to Montrose. Not only does it bring global sales to our area, it bring, in people who are excited to enjoy the surrounding beauty and recreation a: areas."