Rex Vaughan: the Man behind the Machine
A candid interview with key McDonald Racer #37 sponsor: Tulsa Aircraft Engines, Inc.
Tulsa Aircraft Engines, Inc. began sponsoring the team in 2004 and they have not only kept the team racing, but they have innovatively and continually increased the teams speed through continuous work on the aircraft’s engine.
Recently, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Rex Vaughan, president of Tulsa Aircraft Engines, Inc., for a candid interview to discuss new mechanical developments and Tulsa Aircraft Engines, Inc.’s overall participation in the National Championship Air Races.
The following interview is a “behind the scenes” look at how Tulsa Aircraft Engines, Inc. has innovatively played a key role in the development and success of the McDonald Racer #37 team and used that technology to make the best Pratt and Whitney engines in the country. Please take a moment to learn more about this nationally recognized firm by reading the interview below:
Jamie Mayer- McDonald Racer #37 Crew Member
Rex Vaughan- Tulsa Aircraft Engines, Inc. President
Jamie Mayer:
What is Tulsa Aircraft Engines, Inc. and what makes you different from your competitors?
Rex Vaughan:
Tulsa Aircraft Engines, Inc. is an overhaul shop that specializes in the overhauling and repairing of Pratt & Whitney R-985 and R-1340 AN-1, R-1340 GN radial engines. Throughout the years, our reputation was built up by Sam Thompson working closely with our customers and developing new standards to build stronger and more reliable engines. Customer loyalty and word of mouth has built Tulsa Aircraft Engines into an industry leader and international supplier of engines.
What makes us unique is not only our high standard for quality, but the fact that we build a custom engine designed for the application it is being used for. We pride ourselves in working one-on-one with our customers, even allowing them to participate in the engine overhaul. Unlike other companies, we allow customers to be present while we disassemble, build, and test run the engines. We want to increase the customers’ knowledge. Tulsa Aircraft engines have the best warranty available of any overhaul shop in the country and we pride ourselves in working with each individual customer.
Jamie Mayer:
Who makes up the Tulsa Aircraft Engines, Inc. team?
Rex Vaughan:
Sam Thompson, who I purchased Tulsa Aircraft Engines, Inc. from, continues with the company as a consultant and advisor. Jack Vaughan, Supervisor, is responsible for shop operations and is critical to our quality product and shop efficiency. Luis Corado, Chief Inspector/Mechanics, is incredibly talented and detail oriented to ensure we produce a consist and durable product. Jeremy Knepper, Keith Downing, Micah Thompson, Derik Vaughan, Kelly Legg, Kenny Meek, Abelardo Martinez, Brian Marshall, Branden Sumile, Jimmy Stidman and Mark Henshaw are all irreplaceable members of our Tulsa Aircraft Engines, Inc. team. (THANK YOU ALL).
Jamie Mayer:
Do you have a specialty when it comes to engine work?
Rex Vaughan:
Yes, my specialty is the overhaul of the Superchargers. I started building them in 1996 when I was promoted to supervisor and to this day, I’m still overhauling them. The Supercharger needs special attention because it turns 10 times to 1 turn of the prop. For instance, during the race if the pilot chooses to run the engine at 2600RPM then the supercharger is turning 26,000RPM’s.
Jamie Mayer:
Any new projects for the McDonald Racer #37 team? Are there any race engine mechanics you can share?
Rex Vaughan:
We have some new FAA approvals and secrets now available for the McDonald Racer #37 and we will be putting them to test this year at the 2012 National Championship Air Races. We test the McDonald Racer #37’s overhauled engine in our test cell under extreme conditions to identify and modify as necessary and then start the testing all over again. Countless hours go into one engine in order to ensure it’s a precision piece of equipment balanced within grams. It’s a labor of love with literally hours upon hours of testing until we get the best results for racing.
Our main concern is safety for the pilot and the airplane.
Jamie Mayer:
Any unique engine secrets you can share when it comes to the National Championship Air Races?
Rex Vaughan:
Many of our overhaul techniques are proprietary and this is why people ask for us by name. We have been building race engines since 1989, which is truly an art of its own. Many of our discoveries from racing are used to improve how we overhaul a standard engine and ensure maximum performance and reliability.
I really have to Thank Drew Schwieder, Owner of Heads by Drew for his mechanical abilities to aid in the overall high performance of our race engines. THANKS HAWG!!!!!!!
Jamie Mayer:
What is your background?
Rex Vaughan:
I was raised on a small ranch where my father (Jack Vaughan Sr.) and mother (Ann Vaughan) taught me to work hard and earn every penny that I have. I graduated from Alread High School in Arkansas in May of 1982, and went to work in September of 1982 for Airmotive Products Inc. In 1989 I resigned from Airmotive and moved to Tulsa Oklahoma to obtain my A&P license. The day I moved to Tulsa I contacted Sam Thompson at Tulsa Aircraft Engines and he asked me to be at work the next day. I am indebted to Sam Thompson for being my mentor and giving me the opportunity to work my way up in the company and eventually purchase it.
Jamie Mayer:
What are some of your goals for Tulsa Aircraft Engines, Inc. now that you’ve taken over ownership?
Rex Vaughan:
My goal is to continue to create new improvements and designs to the Pratt & Whitney engines. Tulsa Aircraft Engines will continue to be the number one overhaul shop of choice for the commercial and war bird community. Our new cylinder reconditioning process and numerous other approvals allows us to warranty engines longer and to build a better engine. My goal is to have the best quality engine that can be built.
Jamie Mayer:
Do you have anything else you’d like to share about Tulsa Aircraft Engines, Inc. or yourself?
Rex Vaughan:
Yes, our goal at Tulsa Aircraft Engines is to take the McDonald Racer #37 to the GOLD and to break the world record so cheer us on!!!! Also, I do want to say thanks to my wife, Iris for being patient with me and participating in my interests.
It takes more than just an engine to win a race. It takes a prop, propeller, good airframe and a pilot as well as a great crew to win the gold!
Now let’s go fast, win the Gold, and set new world records!