What Flint Aero does

Flint Aero, Inc. is a family-owned aircraft parts manufacturer headquartered at 1942 Joe Crosson Drive in El Cajon, California, founded in 1967. The company specializes exclusively in FAA-PMA-approved auxiliary fuel tank systems for Cessna single-engine aircraft, operating under more than a dozen Supplemental Type Certificates that cover the Cessna 150, 152, 170, 172, 175, 180, 182, 185, 206, 207, 210, and 337 series. Its product portfolio is organized into three families: internal tip tanks that fit inside the outermost wing bays, extended tip tanks that replace factory wingtips and add up to 39 gallons of capacity, and lightning-resistant tanks with proprietary aluminum-mesh construction for turbine-powered aircraft using Jet A fuel. Each complete installation kit includes the tank, transfer pumps, check valves, fuel line, switches, gauges, fuses, hardware, and STC documentation.

The company's underlying technology is handcrafted laminated fiberglass, with anti-abrasion strips, internal ribbing for structural integrity, and (in turbine variants) an aluminum mesh layer plus electrical bonding system for lightning protection. Flint Aero earns revenue through one-time kit sales priced between $6,465 and $13,963 depending on the Cessna model, an aftermarket parts catalog (fuel senders at $140, fuel pumps at $275, gauges at $120, fuel caps at $60–$130, O-rings at $2–$25, and other consumables), and a factory tank rebuild service for aging units. The go-to-market model is direct sales via phone (619-448-1551), website contact forms, and a certified installer network including O&N Aircraft Modifications (PA), Soloy Aviation Solutions (WA), and Indy Aero (IN). Key personnel are family members Dennis Hamblin (sales) and Kyle Hamblin (accounting). The company has no external funding, no subsidiaries, and is privately held.

Name

Flint Aero

Legal name

Flint Aero, Inc.

Website

https://flintaero.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1967

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Flint Aero is a family-owned, FAA-PMA-approved manufacturer of handcrafted laminated fiberglass auxiliary fuel tanks and turnkey installation kits for Cessna single-engine aircraft, founded in 1967 and based in El Cajon, California. It sells direct to aircraft owners, FBOs, and certified installers worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aviation Auxiliary Fuel Tanks

NAICS

Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413)

SIC

Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728)

akta.pro primary industry

Nacelles, Fairings & Aerodynamic Structures (IMABAEAE)

Keywords

• Auxiliary fuel tanks
• FAA-PMA approved parts
• Cessna aircraft modifications
• Laminated fiberglass tanks
• General aviation supplies

Headquarters

HQ city

El Cajon

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Auxiliary Fuel Tank Installation Kits: Complete turnkey installation kits sold as one-time purchases. Kits include tanks, hardware, transfer pumps, check valves, fuel line, wire, switches, gauges, fuses, installation drawings, and STC documentation. Prices range from $6,465 to $13,963 depending on Cessna model.
2. Replacement Parts and Components: Individual components including fuel senders ($140), fuel caps ($60-$130), fuel pumps ($275), circuit breakers ($43), switches ($11-$20), gauges ($120), O-rings ($2-$25), lens covers ($85), and overhaul kits ($17.50).
3. Tank Rebuild Services: Factory rebuild services for aging or damaged tanks returned to Joe Crosson Dr facility. Process includes visual inspection, pressure testing, repair estimation, and certification with follow-up pressure test.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Flint Aero manufactures and distributes handcrafted laminated fiberglass auxiliary fuel tanks exclusively for Cessna single-engine aircraft, sold as FAA-PMA approved complete installation kits with hardware, pumps, wiring, gauges, and STC documentation. Product lines include Internal Tip Tanks, Extended Tip Tanks, and Lightning Resistant Tip Tanks, plus a full catalog of replacement components and factory tank rebuild services.

Product overview

Flint Aero is a family-owned aircraft supply store and Parts Manufacturer (PMA) specializing in FAA-approved auxiliary fuel tank systems for Cessna aircraft since 1967. The company offers three main product lines: Internal Tip Tanks (which fit inside wing bays for Cessna 150D through 210 series aircraft), Extended Tip Tanks (which bolt onto wing tips replacing factory tips for Cessna 185, 206, 210, and 337 models), and Lightning Resistant Tip Tanks (with enhanced lightning protection for turbine-powered aircraft using Jet A fuel). Each complete installation kit includes the tanks, caps, mounting and plumbing hardware, transfer pumps, check valves, fuel line, wire, switches, gauges, fuses, installation drawings, and STC documentation. Flint Aero also provides a comprehensive catalog of replacement parts including fuel senders, pumps, valves, switches, circuit breakers, gauges, fuel caps, O-rings, and placards, along with rebuild services for aging tanks.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Internal Tip Tank Kit (Cessna 150D-210 Series) FAA-PMA approved laminated fiberglass internal tip tanks that fit inside the outermost two bays of Cessna wings, adding 24 gallons total (23 usable) of auxiliary fuel capacity. Tanks slide in through the wing end without requiring skin removal and include built-in rib for structural integrity. Complete kit includes hardware, transfer pumps, check valves, fuel line, switches, gauges, and STC documentation. Covers Cessna 150D and later, 152, 170, 172, 175, 180, 182, 185, 210, 210A-C, 210-5, 210-5A. Price: $6,465.00.
• Extended Tip Tank Kit (Cessna 185) Fiberglass extended tip tanks that bolt onto wing ends and replace factory tips for Cessna 185 (A-E), A185E, A185F models. Adds 28-30 gallons of fuel capacity depending on model, increases gross weight to 3,600 lbs, and adds 36 inches to wing span. Requires painting to match aircraft. Price: $13,167.00.
• Extended Tip Tank Kit (Cessna 206F-G) Fiberglass extended tip tanks for Cessna U206F, TU206F, U206G, TU206G, 206H, T206H models. Adds 30 gallons total (29.8 usable) of fuel capacity. Increases gross weight by 200 lbs to 3,800 lbs total. Includes STC SA4366WE documentation. Price: $12,648.00.
• Extended Tip Tank Kit (Cessna T206H/206H) Fiberglass extended tip tanks for Cessna 206H and T206H models. Adds 30 gallons total (29.8 usable) of fuel capacity. Features 36-inch span increase for improved climb performance and additional 3-4 knots cruise speed above 10,000 feet. Requires painting. Price: $13,201.00.
• Extended Tip Tank Kit (Cessna 210G-R) Fiberglass extended tip tanks for Cessna 210G-R series, P210N, and P210R models. Adds 33 gallons total (32.5 usable) of fuel capacity. Features 26-inch span increase for improved climb and additional cruise speed benefits above 10,000 feet. Requires painting. Price: $12,760.00.
• Extended Tip Tank Kit (Cessna 337 Skymaster) Fiberglass extended tip tanks for Cessna 337 series Skymaster including turbine variants. Adds 39 gallons total (38.6 usable) of fuel capacity. Increases gross weight to 4,630 lbs and adds 52 inches to wing span. Subject to Airworthiness Directive AD-2011-15-11. Price: $13,963.00 (with AD Accomplishment additional $2,205.00).
• Extended Tip Tank Kit (Early 206, 207, 210D-F) Extended tip tanks for early Cessna 206 through 206E, 207, and 210D-F models. Adds 28 gallons total (27 usable) of fuel capacity. Fiberglass construction with comprehensive installation hardware included. No Flight Manual Supplement required. Price: $12,058.00.
• Lightning Resistant Tip Tank Kit (Cessna LS206F-H) Specialized fiberglass tip tanks with aluminum mesh lightning protection layer and aluminum roof plate for turbine-powered aircraft using Jet A fuel. Adds 30 gallons of fuel capacity. Includes elaborate electrical bonding system for lightning strike protection. Drawing ID FALS206. Price available on quote request.
• Lightning Resistant Tip Tank Kit (Cessna LS210G-R) Lightning-resistant fiberglass tip tanks for turbine-powered Cessna 210G-R models using Jet A fuel. Adds 33 gallons total (32.5 usable) of fuel capacity. Features aluminum mesh construction, composite fuel caps, quick drains, and electrical bonding system for lightning strike protection. Drawing ID FA2100. No gross weight increase. Price available on quote request.
• Tank Rebuild Services Factory rebuild services for aging or damaged Flint Aero tanks returned to the Joe Crosson Dr facility in El Cajon, CA. Process includes visual inspection, pressure testing, repair estimation, certification, and follow-up pressure test. Rebuilds existing tanks to extend service life beyond the typical 15-25 year lifespan.
• Replacement Parts and Components Comprehensive catalog of replacement components for Flint Aero auxiliary fuel tank systems, including check valves, sniffler vent valves, 12V and 24V fuel pumps (transfer rates of 45 gal/hr and 30 gal/hr respectively), quick drains, fuel senders ($140), 12V/24V rocker switches, toggle switches ($11), Klixon circuit breakers ($43), Stewart Warner fuel gauges ($120), Westberg dual needle gauges, Newton and Wisco fuel caps ($60-$130), O-rings ($2-$25), lens covers ($85), fuel cap overhaul kits ($17.50), and various filler neck and fuel drip placards ($3-$10). Designed as direct replacements for existing Flint Aero installations.

Quantifiable outcome

• Internal tip tanks add 24 gallons (23 usable) for Cessna 150-210 series
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• CiES CorporationcoreTechnology or IntegrationCiES fuel senders are approved for all Flint tanks supplied for single engine Cessna models. However, the CiES senders are not approved for use with the Flint-supplied gauges; customers must use one of the gauge options approved by CiES. CiES senders are more durable and resistant to corrosion issues when tanks are left dry compared to standard resistance senders.
• O&N Aircraft ModificationscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerFactoryville, PA-based aircraft modification facility that installs Flint Aero extended tip tanks on Cessna P210N Silver Eagle aircraft (N142BC, N4576K).
• Soloy Aviation SolutionscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerOlympia, WA-based company that installs Flint Aero tanks on Soloy Turbine T206H conversions (N5010Y).
• Indy AerocoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerGreenfield, IN-based aircraft modification facility that installs Flint Aero tanks on Cessna T206H aircraft (N6200B).
• Shop Air PlainsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThird-party retailer that sells the Flint Tank Easy Open Tool through shopairplains.com.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights3 records

Direct peers

• Micro Aerodynamics: Micro Aerodynamics manufactures vortex generators and aerodynamic performance products for general aviation aircraft, including many Cessna models. Comparable to Flint Aero as a Cessna- and GA-focused aerodynamic performance upgrade manufacturer selling STC'd hardware through certified installers and direct sales.
• CiES Corporation: CiES Corporation designs and manufactures FAA-approved fuel quantity senders for general aviation including all single-engine Cessnas covered by Flint Aero tanks. Directly comparable as a complementary fuel-system component partner integrated with Flint's installations, addressing the same pilot/customer.
• Soloy Aviation Solutions: Soloy Aviation Solutions performs Cessna turbine conversions (e.g., T206H) and is an established Flint Aero installation partner. Comparable as a Cessna aftermarket modifier and customer channel for Flint's extended tip and lightning-resistant tank products, overlapping in the same turbine Cessna niche.
• Air Plains Services: Air Plains Services offers STC'd engine and avionics upgrades plus component parts for Cessna 172/175/180/182/210 aircraft. Comparable to Flint Aero as a Cessna-focused STC aftermarket modification specialist; Air Plains also appears in Flint's customer gallery as a third-party reseller of Flint tooling.
• Knots2U: Knots2U is a Cessna-focused aftermarket parts and modification company that supplies STOL leading edges, tips, and performance upgrades for Cessna 150/152/170/172/180/182 aircraft. Highly comparable to Flint Aero as a niche, STC-driven Cessna parts specialist serving the same pilot customer with complementary modification products.
• Dakota Cub: Dakota Cub specializes in Cessna 170/172/180/185 modifications including STOL kits, big tire/leg conversions, and engine upgrades. Comparable to Flint Aero as a niche Cessna modification company targeting the same owner-operator and backcountry pilot customer segment with STC'd hardware.

Regional players

• Wag-Aero: Wag-Aero supplies Lycoming engine STC kits, parts, and modifications primarily for Cessna and Piper general aviation aircraft. Comparable to Flint Aero as a GA aftermarket parts and STC modifier, but with primary emphasis on engine conversions rather than aerodynamic/fuel system upgrades.

Broad incumbents

• Aircraft Spruce & Specialty: Aircraft Spruce is the largest broad-line general aviation parts distributor and also markets proprietary branded components. Comparable to Flint Aero as a GA parts supplier, but operates across thousands of SKUs and many aircraft types rather than focusing exclusively on a single modification category.
• Textron Aviation (Cessna): Textron Aviation owns the Cessna brand and produces new single-engine turboprop and multi-engine piston aircraft as well as Citations. Comparable as the OEM whose airframes define Flint Aero's addressable fleet, but operates at vastly larger scale and does not focus on aftermarket auxiliary fuel systems for legacy piston models.
• Unison Industries (L3Harris): Unison Industries, part of L3Harris, manufactures FAA-PMA-approved ignition, sensor, and fuel system components for general aviation and commercial aircraft engines. Comparable to Flint Aero as a PMA-approved GA component manufacturer, but at far larger scale and broader scope across many aircraft platforms.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Compliance17 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 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 Flint Aero