Becklin Holdings has acquired Chief Avionics, an avionics products and services provider based at Grants Pass Airport (3S8) in southern Oregon. The deal extends Becklin Holdings' portfolio of specialised businesses across the aerospace, defence and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Chief Avionics will retain its name and continue operating from its existing Grants Pass location, providing avionics installation, upgrades and service, along with over-the-counter product sales, to general aviation owners and operators. The company specialises in navigation, communications and other aircraft electronic systems, and holds FAA repair station certification authorising it to carry out specialised maintenance and alterations on aircraft and aviation equipment.

Chief Avionics was founded by Dana Blix, who earlier established Chief Aircraft as a catalogue-based supplier of aircraft parts and accessories before expanding into avionics installation. Blix later sold Chief Aircraft while retaining Chief Avionics, building it into an established provider with a loyal regional customer base.

“Mr Blix has built an extraordinary reputation in the industry, and I have admired the way he approaches his business for years,” says Sterling Becklin, founder and chairman of Becklin Holdings. “Chief Avionics is a legacy brand, and we have no intention of changing what has made it successful.”

Becklin Holdings plans to build on Chief Avionics' existing operations while adding new capabilities, including pre-assembled avionics panels that can be configured, built and shipped ready for installation. The acquisition also adds to Becklin Holdings' custom sheet metal fabrication capacity, supporting both its portfolio companies and OEM partners, alongside plans to develop Chief Avionics' digital and e-commerce sales channels.

“I have known Sterling and the Becklin family for many years, and it was important to me that Chief Avionics move forward with an owner who respects what we have built,” says Blix.

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.