Grants Pass, Ore. – September 18, 2026 -- Becklin Holdings has acquired Chief Avionics, an FAA-certified avionics repair station based at Grants Pass Airport (3S8) in Southern Oregon, adding certified aircraft maintenance capabilities and a physical airport footprint to its aerospace and defense portfolio. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Acquisition adds FAA-certified repair station status to Becklin's growing platform
Chief Avionics' FAA certification authorizes the company to perform specialized maintenance and alterations on aircraft and aviation equipment under federal requirements. The company will retain its name and continue operating from its Grants Pass Airport location, providing avionics installation, upgrades, service, and over-the-counter product sales to general aviation aircraft owners and operators. Its core focus spans navigation, communications, and other advanced aircraft electronic systems.
Founder Dana Blix built the business after selling his earlier venture, Chief Aircraft
Chief Avionics was founded by aviation entrepreneur Dana Blix, who previously built Chief Aircraft into a catalog-based supplier of aircraft parts and accessories before expanding into avionics installation. Blix sold Chief Aircraft but retained Chief Avionics, growing it into a regional avionics provider with a loyal customer base. Sterling Becklin, Founder and Chairman of Becklin Holdings, said he has admired Blix's approach to the business for years and does not intend to change what has made Chief Avionics successful.
Becklin Holdings plans to expand pre-assembled panel production and e-commerce sales
Becklin Holdings intends to build on Chief Avionics' existing operations by expanding its custom avionics panel and upgrade business to include pre-assembled panels configured, built, and shipped ready for installation. The deal also strengthens Becklin Holdings' custom sheet metal fabrication capabilities, supporting both its portfolio companies and OEM partners. The company additionally plans to enhance Chief Avionics' digital and e-commerce capabilities to broaden customer access to avionics products from leading industry manufacturers.
Deal expands Becklin's portfolio alongside composites and precision metal manufacturing units
The acquisition follows Becklin Holdings' existing investments in advanced manufacturing and aerospace, including ECS Composites, a maker of advanced composite solutions and ruggedized protective systems, and Stubborn Mule Manufacturing, a precision metal manufacturing company. Chief Avionics now becomes the company's dedicated aviation services and repair station asset within that portfolio.