Our Story & History
For more than half a century, aircraft maintenance has been part of North Adams’ industrial landscape. What began as a corporate flight department for a local manufacturer has evolved into one of the Northeast’s most respected aircraft maintenance facilities — a company rooted in technical expertise, community, and the enduring legacy of aviation innovation.
The Early Years: Sprague Aviation
Turboprop East traces its origins to Sprague Aviation, a subsidiary of the Sprague Electric Company, which operated its main factory right here in North Adams — in the same complex that now houses MASS MoCA.
Sprague Aviation maintained and operated a small corporate fleet that included several Beechcraft Twin Bonanzas, known for their reliability and versatility. In the 1960s, the company expanded its fleet with two Beechcraft King Air 90s, beginning a relationship with the King Air line that continues to define our business today.
Growth and Transition
As operations expanded, additional hangars and support buildings were constructed at Harriman & West Airport (KAQW), including the hangar we proudly occupy today.
When Sprague Electric closed its North Adams operations in 1985, an employee of Sprague Aviation purchased the aviation division and renamed it Turboprop International. Under that new banner, the company continued to grow, specializing in turboprop maintenance and developing deep expertise with the Beechcraft King Air.
Becoming Turboprop East
In the summer of 1995, the company was acquired by Harry Patton, who rebranded it as Turboprop East — a name that reflected both its geographic roots and expanding service area across the northeastern United States. The business continued to refine its specialization in King Air maintenance, avionics, and custom upgrades, earning a reputation for precision and customer trust.
Today
Now under the ownership of Mark Candiloro and Jeff Beisiegel (as of 2023), Turboprop East continues to honor its long heritage while embracing the technology and innovation driving modern aviation. From its origins within Sprague Electric to its current role as a leading FAA-certified maintenance facility, Turboprop East’s history reflects more than just aircraft — it’s a story of craftsmanship, continuity, and the spirit of flight.