By TTA Blog
When an ignition exciter fails, an aircraft engine doesn’t start — and a flight ends before it begins. These high-voltage components deliver the powerful spark that ignites an engine’s fuel-air mixture, and they do it under extreme temperatures, intense pressure, and constant thermal shock. Keeping them in reliable working order isn’t optional; it’s the foundation of every successful departure.
As Stanley Kowlessar, Sr., president and general manager at Thrust Tech Accessories (TTA), puts it: “Nowhere is that more apparent than when pilots begin the journey toward flight by initiating an aircraft’s engine start sequence.”
“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” ~ Mark Twain
TTA is an experienced MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) services company based near Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, with more than three decades of aviation expertise and a particular focus on ignition exciter support.
Expert MRO Support Across a Wide Range of Engines
TTA provides ignition exciter support for a broad range of turboprop, turbofan, and turbojet engines powering small, mid-sized, and larger aircraft. The company has deep experience with turboprop exciters for Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PT6 and PW100 series, as well as Honeywell’s TPE331 — one of the world’s most reliable engines, used across military, regional airline, agricultural, and general aviation applications.
“Increasingly, we’re also seeing more airlines and corporate operators turn to us for MRO needs on the CFM56,” says Kowlessar. The CFM56 is a high-bypass turbofan engine powering aircraft in the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 families, now operated by more than 600 companies and individuals worldwide. TTA also supports engine ignition exciters for the C-130 four-engine turboprop, widely used in military transport operations globally.
Flat-Rate Pricing and a Strong Warranty
TTA offers flat-rate overhauls, flat-rate exchanges, and outright sales in fully overhauled condition. “We put controls on costs for every required part and provide clients who need a full overhaul with what is essentially a new unit,” Kowlessar says. That commitment is backed by a two-year warranty on exciter overhauls — though in practice, TTA finds that many units continue performing well beyond the warranty period.
The Value of a Trusted MRO Relationship
For high-cycle regional, charter, corporate, or private operations, developing a relationship with an experienced MRO company before a problem occurs is essential. TTA holds 8130/EASA dual certification and U.K. CAA certification, giving clients international coverage alongside domestic expertise.
“Our clients can immediately turn to TTA’s skilled, experienced team to secure needed aircraft parts and effective solutions, in as timely a manner as possible,” Kowlessar adds. That speed matters most in an AOG (aircraft-on-ground) situation, where every hour of downtime has a direct cost. A faster resolution means the aircraft returns to revenue service sooner.
Reliability on the Ground Drives Performance in the Air
Whether an operator runs turboprop, turbofan, or turbojet engines, consistent performance in the air starts with a reliable ignition exciter on the ground. For airlines, corporate flight departments, charter companies, and private owners alike, equipment failures carry real consequences: delayed passengers, disrupted schedules, and potential long-term reputational damage.
“We are proud of our small — but extremely important — role in helping our aviation clients keep their fleets performing well,” says Kowlessar.
To discuss ignition exciter support or other MRO needs, contact TTA Sales at ttasales@thrusttech.com.
