Spirit Aeronautics

What Spirit Aeronautics does

Spirit Aeronautics (DBA for Spirit Avionics Ltd.) is a veteran-owned FAA Part 145 avionics maintenance, modification, and engineering services provider founded in March 2000 by Rick Ochs in Columbus, Ohio. The company operates two FAA-certified repair stations — a 120,000 sq ft facility at KCMH (Columbus) and a 70,000 sq ft facility at KFTW (Fort Worth, TX, opened August 2021) — supported by approximately 30 aviation professionals. Its service portfolio spans avionics systems integration and cockpit modernization (NextGen compliance, ADS-B, FANS 1/A, RNP/LPV), in-house engineering and FAA/DoD airworthiness certification, structural maintenance and heavy modifications, 24/7 AOG emergency response, aircraft modification kit manufacturing with FAA-PMA parts and laser wire marking, cabin management systems (integrating Bongiovi speaker-less audio, Gogo Avance L5 connectivity, and Alto/Mid Continent switch panels), and authorized parts distribution and exchange.

Spirit Aeronautics serves three primary customer segments: business aircraft owners and operators (corporate flight departments, aircraft management companies, and individual operators of Gulfstream, Bombardier, Citation, and Learjet platforms), U.S. military and federal agencies (USAF E-9A Widget, U.S. Navy F-5E COTS upgrades, U.S. Coast Guard G550 special missions, NASA HU-25A Guardian, FAA flight inspection aircraft), and downstream MRO and depot customers. Named engagements include a 13-month Honeywell FMS 6.1 upgrade program covering 11 Citation 750 X aircraft for one of the world's largest private aviation companies.

Revenue is generated primarily through professional services (labor hours for installation, certification, and maintenance) and hardware sales (parts distribution and modification kit kitting), supplemented by a smaller subscription/recurring stream resold from Honeywell MSP-Avionics and Collins CASP extended warranty programs. The go-to-market is enterprise sales-led — direct to corporate flight departments and government procurement — augmented by deep OEM channel positioning as an authorized service center and dealer for Honeywell (Premier Dealer status awarded March 2023), Collins Aerospace, Universal Avionics, Garmin, and L3Harris. Pricing is universally quote-based, with CASP contracts requiring 100-250 minimum annual flight hours on one-or-three-year terms. The company is privately held by the Ochs family with no disclosed institutional investment, and leadership transitioned in 2024 with Amanda Ochs succeeding founder Rick Ochs as CEO.

Name

Spirit Aeronautics

Legal name

Spirit Avionics Ltd.

Website

https://spiritaeronautics.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Spirit Aeronautics is a veteran-owned FAA Part 145 repair station providing avionics integration, airworthiness certification, and aircraft maintenance services to business aviation operators and U.S. military/federal agencies from two facilities in Ohio and Texas.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aircraft Avionics & MRO Services

NAICS

Support Activities for Air Transportation (4881), Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413), Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing (33641)

SIC

Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728), Aircraft (3721), Aircraft Engines & Engine Parts (3724), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)

akta.pro primary industry

Fixed-Wing Aircraft Conversion & Modification (STC/Completions) (IMABAAAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Airframe Maintenance & Repair (EDAOAFAA), Business & General Aviation Aircraft Manufacturing (IMABAAAC)

Keywords

• Aircraft avionics services
• Avionics systems integration
• Aircraft maintenance repair
• Cabin management systems
• FAA part 145 services

Headquarters

HQ city

Columbus

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Aircraft Maintenance & Repair Services: FAA Part 145 certified repair station services including scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, structural repairs, and heavy modifications. Revenue generated through labor hours and parts markup.
2. Avionics Installation & Systems Integration: Complete avionics retrofit and modernization services including cockpit modifications, cabin management systems, and NextGen compliance upgrades.
3. Parts Distribution & Exchange: Factory-authorized rotable parts distribution and exchange services for Honeywell and Collins Aerospace components. Drop-ship services directly from OEM for rapid delivery.
4. Extended Warranty Programs (MSP/CASP): Resale of Honeywell MSP Avionics and Collins CASP extended warranty programs at discounted rates. Provides recurring revenue stream through annual renewals.
5. Modification Kit Manufacturing & Kitting: Custom aircraft modification kit manufacturing, kitting, and logistics services for MRO and military depot customers.
6. Engineering & Airworthiness Certification: Design, engineering, and FAA/DOD airworthiness certification services for complex aircraft modification projects.
7. AOG Emergency Services: 24/7 Aircraft On Ground emergency support services with quick response teams for Ohio Valley, Midwest, and Dallas/Ft. Worth areas.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Spirit Aeronautics delivers FAA Part 145 certified aircraft maintenance, avionics systems integration, cockpit and cabin modifications, airworthiness certification engineering, and military/government modification programs for business jets, rotorcraft, and special missions platforms. Core revenue is generated through maintenance labor, avionics installation projects, OEM rotables distribution, modification kit manufacturing, and resold extended warranty subscriptions (Honeywell MSP, Collins CASP). Operations are conducted from FAA Part 145 repair stations in Columbus, OH and Fort Worth, TX, supported by 24/7 AOG mobile teams.

Product overview

Spirit Aeronautics is a veteran-owned small business founded in 2000, providing a comprehensive suite of aircraft avionics and maintenance services. The core offerings include avionic systems transformations, airworthiness certification engineering, and FAA Part 145 certified aircraft maintenance and repair. The product portfolio centers on avionics modernization solutions including cabin management systems (with integrated Bongiovi speaker-less audio, Gogo connectivity, and switch panels), cockpit modifications, and FOQA data analysis. Extended warranty programs include Collins CASP (CASP/CASP Elite/CASP Essential tiers) and Honeywell MSP Avionics, both providing comprehensive coverage with unlimited exchanges and 24/7 support. The company also offers Citation X Honeywell 6.1 FMS upgrades, military/government programs with FAA-PMA kit manufacturing, and AOG emergency services from two Ohio and Texas locations. Services are delivered through authorized dealer relationships with all major avionics OEMs including Honeywell, Collins Aerospace, Garmin, Universal Avionics, L3Harris, and others.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Avionic Systems Transformation Complete avionics systems modernization integrating leading edge electronics into all makes and models of aircraft and rotorcraft, including NextGen operations compliance, airworthiness certification, and installation services for business aircraft operators and military/government customers.
• Aircraft Maintenance & Structural Repairs FAA Part 145 certified maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for business aircraft operators, including flight line, scheduled and unscheduled services at two repair station locations (KCMH and KFTW).
• Aircraft Engineering & Airworthiness Certification Design and engineering services meeting FAA and DoD airworthiness certification approval requirements, including flight deck modifications, program management, and technical support for complex aircraft modification projects.
• Cabin Management Systems Customized cabin management and entertainment systems integrating latest cabin and connectivity technologies, including speaker-less audio (Bongiovi), connectivity systems (Gogo), and cabin control panels (Alto Aviation, Mid Continent Controls) for business and VIP aircraft.
• Cockpit Modifications Avionic system transformations for cockpit upgrades including NextGen airspace requirements, cockpit connectivity, safety systems, human factors, and installation of flight deck equipment from all major avionics OEMs.
• Military & Government Programs Prime contractor services for DoD and special missions aircraft operators, including COTS avionics integration, aircraft modification kit manufacturing (FAA-PMA), kitting, wire harness manufacturing, and structural fabrication for US Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, NASA, and federal agencies.
• Aircraft On Ground (AOG) Services Emergency, on-call maintenance support with quick response teams available 24/7 for the Ohio Valley, Midwest, and Dallas/Ft. Worth areas, providing aircraft emergency services to operators requiring rapid return-to-service.
• Citation X Honeywell FMS 6.1 Upgrade Honeywell FMZ-2000 Flight Management System Version 6.1 software upgrade for Cessna Citation X aircraft, required for FANS 1/A mandate compliance and navigation database updates, including LPV, RNP, and vectors-to-final capabilities. Spirit Aeronautics is the first non-OEM service center to perform this upgrade.
• Collins Avionics Service Program (CASP) Extended warranty program covering Collins Aerospace avionics and cabin equipment with unlimited exchanges, rentals, and repairs. Available in CASP, CASP Elite, and CASP Essential tiers, priced per flight hour with 100-250 minimum annual flight hours and one-and-three-year contract terms.
• Honeywell Maintenance Service Plan (MSP) Avionics Fixed pricing extended warranty contract for Honeywell avionics providing full coverage on exchange and repair services, no charge loaners, 24/7 AOG support, and factory-backed support. Spirit Aeronautics holds Honeywell Premier Dealer status.
• Exchanges & Overhaul Parts Services Avionics exchange and overhaul parts services from OEMs such as Honeywell and Collins Aerospace, including AOG parts support with drop-ship services and rotable component logistics.
• Aircraft Modification Kit Manufacturing Complete modification kit manufacturing and logistics including FAA-PMA kit manufacturing, A and B kit manufacturing, laser wire marking, electrical and mechanical installation kits, and full parts traceability for MRO and military depot customers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Aircraft returned to service without missing scheduled flights after AOG support
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, strategic and minor.

• HoneywellcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 March 2023Honeywell Premier Dealer status awarded March 2023. Provides access to improved pricing, services, and support. Spirit Aeronautics is a trusted handler of Honeywell rotables and leading advocate for Honeywell MSP-Avionics program. First non-OEM to perform FMS 6.1 upgrades for Citation X.
• Collins AerospacecoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized dealer and service center for Collins Aerospace avionics and cabin equipment. Offers Collins Avionics Service Program (CASP) to customers with unlimited exchanges, rentals, and repairs.
• Universal AvionicscoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized dealer for Universal Avionics, an Elbit Systems company, providing sales and service support for their avionics products.
• GarmincoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized Garmin dealer for aviation products including GTN series navigators and GDL series ADS-B receivers.
• L3Harris TechnologiescoreTechnology or IntegrationFirst authorized distributor for L3Harris Flight Data Connect and Express Readout services for North America (announced June 2021).
• Bongiovi Acoustic LabsstrategicTechnology or IntegrationPartnership to deliver deeply immersive speaker-less audio technology for aircraft cabins using patented Bongiovi DPS signal processing technology.
• Youth Aviation AdventureminorOthersNon-profit educational organization founded by VP Steve Wathen that runs programs across the US exposing youth to aviation technology and careers.
• Baker AviationstrategicChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHost partner at Meachum International Airport (KFTW) providing 70,000 sq ft hangar facilities for Spirit's Dallas/Ft. Worth operations.
• ATSA (Advanced Technology Systems)strategicImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerContractor Logistics Support team for US Air Force E-9A Widget aircraft modification program. Spirit is sub-contracted through ATSA for complete technical support including engineering, kitting, and airworthiness certification.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Jet Aviation: Jet Aviation (a General Dynamics subsidiary) is a global business aviation services company offering FBO, MRO, avionics, and completions at dozens of facilities worldwide. It competes with Spirit Aeronautics on avionics modernization and scheduled maintenance for business jets across the US and globally, with substantially more infrastructure and capital backing.
• Duncan Aviation: Duncan Aviation is one of the largest independent business aviation MROs in the US, operating a network of FAA Part 145 facilities plus an engine shop, with full avionics, airframe, paint, and interior services. It competes with Spirit on Honeywell and Collins avionics installations across multiple aircraft platforms and has significantly more locations, employees, and capacity.
• Gulfstream Aerospace: Gulfstream Aerospace is the OEM for a major share of large-cabin business jets Spirit Aeronautics services, and operates its own global service network with in-house avionics and airworthiness capability. As a broad incumbent it competes with Spirit's avionics modernization work for its own airframes, while also being a downstream customer for Spirit's modification kit manufacturing and engineering support.

Direct peers

• Western Aircraft: Western Aircraft is a Boise, ID-based full-service business aviation company offering MRO, avionics, parts distribution, and aircraft sales. Its authorized dealer relationships with Garmin, Honeywell, and others and FAA Part 145 operations make it a direct competitor for avionics modernization programs Spirit Aeronautics pursues.
• West Star Aviation: West Star Aviation is a privately held business aviation MRO operating multiple FAA Part 145 facilities across the US (East Alton, IL plus additional locations) with avionics, airframe, engine, paint, and interior capabilities. It is a direct competitor on avionics retrofit and airframe maintenance for the same OEM (Honeywell, Collins, Garmin) authorization stack Spirit relies on.
• Banyan Air Service: Banyan Air Service is a Fort Lauderdale, FL-based business aviation services company operating an FBO and Part 145 MRO with avionics, airframe, and engine capabilities. It competes with Spirit Aeronautics for Citation, King Air, and similar fleet avionics maintenance and modernization business at the southeastern end of Spirit's geographic reach.
• Elliott Aviation: Elliott Aviation is a multi-location US business aviation MRO (headquartered in Moline, IL) with avionics, airframe, engine, paint, and interior capabilities. It is a direct competitor to Spirit Aeronautics for avionics installations, airframe maintenance, and pre-owned avionics upgrades for King Air, Citation, Hawker, and similar fleets.
• Constant Aviation: Constant Aviation is a Cleveland, OH-based business aviation MRO with multiple FAA Part 145 facilities across the US and broad avionics, airframe, and paint capabilities. It directly competes with Spirit Aeronautics for the same Gulfstream, Bombardier, Citation, and Learjet fleet customers in the Midwest region and beyond, with overlapping authorized dealer relationships with Honeywell, Collins, and Garmin.
• Pentastar Aviation: Pentastar Aviation is a Waterford, MI-based business aviation services company offering FBO, aircraft management, charter, and MRO including avionics. Its Part 145 avionics capabilities and location at a Midwest airport position it as a regional direct competitor to Spirit Aeronautics' Ohio and Texas operations.
• Atlantic Aero: Atlantic Aero is a Greensboro, NC-based Part 145 business aviation MRO with avionics, airframe, engine, and AOG services. It is a comparable direct peer for Spirit Aeronautics for FAA Part 145 maintenance, avionics installations, and aircraft-on-ground emergency services on legacy business jets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/spiritaeronaut
• Facebookfacebook.com/SpiritAeronautics
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/spirit-avionics-ltd

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Spirit Aeronautics