What Pacific Continental Engines does

Pacific Continental Engines (PCE) is an FAA-approved Part 145 Repair Station (TZ3R885L) founded in 1961 and headquartered in Simi Valley, California, specializing in the overhaul and repair of Continental and Lycoming aircraft piston engines. The company serves the general aviation community, including individual aircraft owners, flight schools, and maintenance facilities, providing new limit major overhauls, engine exchange programs, propeller strike inspections, and a full suite of component repair services including cylinder, crankshaft, connecting rod, fuel system, magneto, oil pump, and starter adapter overhauls. PCE's technical capabilities are anchored by in-house non-destructive testing (NDT) with an ASNT Level III technician on staff, computerized engine balancing, specialized machining and plating (chrome/nickel), and compliance with all applicable FAA airworthiness directives and OEM service bulletins.

The business operates multiple revenue streams: quote-based engine overhauls and component services (50% deposit at signing, 25% at midpoint, balance on completion), factory engine exchange programs reducing lead times to 4–12 weeks for popular Continental and Lycoming models, an online parts e-commerce storefront with components priced from $21.95 to $12,013.95, Garmin avionics sales and installation at its Van Nuys Airport location, Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR-T) certifications, and FAR 91.411/91.413 altimeter/transponder inspections. PCE holds factory distributor relationships with Precision Airmotive, Marvel Schebler, Tempest, and Garmin, and offers Standard (12/500, 24/500) and Elite (24/500, 36/100) engine warranties. Pricing includes a 15% flat AOG (Aircraft On Ground) expedite fee for in-house work, waived if the promised date is not met.

The company is privately held and family-owned, led by President and CEO John Jackson for over 40 years, with a total team of approximately six employees across technical, inspection, purchasing, and administrative functions. Go-to-market is sales-led via website quote requests, phone, and email, with PCE covering inbound freight on overhaul orders within the contiguous United States. Customer testimonials indicate multi-year (10–13 year) relationships with flight schools and aviation service businesses, supported by payment flexibility during customer growth phases.

Name

Pacific Continental Engines

Legal name

Pacific Continental Engines

Website

https://pceonline.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1961

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Pacific Continental Engines is a family-owned, FAA-approved Part 145 Repair Station specializing in Continental and Lycoming piston engine overhauls, engine exchanges, avionics services, and DAR-T certifications for general aviation owners, flight schools, and maintenance facilities across the United States.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aircraft Engine Overhaul and Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul (MRO)

NAICS

Printed Circuit Assembly (Electronic Assembly) Manufacturing (334418), Motor Vehicle Gasoline Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing (33631)

SIC

Aircraft Engines & Engine Parts (3724), Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728)

akta.pro primary industry

Cylinder Heads, Blocks & Rotating Assemblies Machining/Rebuild Services (TLAKALAG)

akta.pro secondary industry

Avionics Integration, Wiring Harnesses & Installation Kits (IMABAFAL)

Keywords

• Aircraft engine overhaul
• Piston engine repair
• FAA repair station
• Aviation parts sales
• Aircraft maintenance services

Headquarters

HQ city

Simi Valley, CA

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 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. Engine Overhaul Services: Complete engine overhaul services for Continental and Lycoming engines, including full disassembly, NDT inspection, dimensional inspection, precision reassembly, and full final test. New limit major overhauls include new cylinders, camshaft, and lifters.
2. Engine Exchange Program: Exchange engines available with cores processed and ready for parts order and final assembly. Reduces lead times for popular Continental and Lycoming engine models.
3. Parts and Components Sales: Sale of engine parts including cylinder kits, carburetors, fuel pumps, crankcase assemblies, starter adapters, and other components. Prices range from $21.95 to $12,013.95.
4. Component Repair and Overhaul: In-house repair and overhaul of accessories including magnetos, fuel systems, connecting rods, crankshafts, cylinders, oil pumps, rocker arms, and starter adapters.
5. Avionics Services: Garmin avionics sales, service, software updates, and installation services. New installation capabilities expanding with recent hires.
6. FAA Inspection Services: FAR 91.411 and 91.413 inspections for altimeter/transponder systems at FAA approved repair station (TZ3R885L).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Pacific Continental Engines (PCE) is an FAA-approved Part 145 Repair Station that overhauls Continental and Lycoming aircraft piston engines to factory-new tolerances and limits. The company offers complete engine major overhauls, propeller strike inspections, cylinder and crankshaft repair, fuel system and magneto services, NDT inspection, engine exchange programs, Garmin avionics sales and installation, and Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR-T) certification services. Customers ship engines to PCE's Simi Valley, CA facility, with parts and merchandise also sold through its online shop.

Product overview

Pacific Continental Engines is an FAA-approved Part 145 Repair Station (TZ3R885L) specializing in the overhaul of Continental and Lycoming aircraft piston engines. The company operates as a factory distributor for Precision Airmotive, Marvel Schebler, Tempest, and Garmin International, offering a full-service engine shop in Simi Valley, CA and avionics installations at Van Nuys Airport. The core product portfolio centers on engine major overhauls performed to factory new tolerances, including the proprietary new limit major overhaul program featuring new cylinders, camshaft, and lifters. Supporting services include propeller strike inspections, cylinder repair and overhaul, fuel system services (CMI and Lycoming), crankshaft and connecting rod repair, NDT services, magneto and oil pump overhaul. The company also provides Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR-T) services, FAR 91.411/91.413 inspections, and Garmin avionics sales and installation as an authorized dealer. Engine exchange programs are available for popular Continental (O-470, TSIO-520, TSIO-550, IO-360, IO-550) and Lycoming (O-320, O-540, IO-360, IO-390, IO-540, TIO-540) models. Warranty offerings include Standard Engine (12/500, 24/500) and Elite Engine (24/500, 36/100) plans. The company has served the general aviation community for over 50 years since founding in 1961, led by President/CEO John Jackson.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Engine Major Overhaul

Quantifiable outcome

• Elite Engine Warranty available with 24/500 or 36/100 coverage options
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• Precision AirmotivecoreTechnology or IntegrationFactory distributor for Precision Airmotive products including fuel system components. Provides access to genuine OEM parts for fuel system repair and overhaul services.
• Marvel ScheblercoreTechnology or IntegrationFactory distributor for Marvel Schebler carburetors and components. Supports in-house repair and overhaul of these accessories.
• TempestcoreTechnology or IntegrationFactory distributor for Tempest aviation products. Provides access to quality replacement parts for engine services.
• Garmin InternationalcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized Garmin dealer providing sales, service, software updates, and installation of Garmin avionics products. Original Garmin dealership acquired in early 1990s from Airhart Avionics.
• FAA Certified Outside VendorssupportingTechnology or IntegrationFAA certified outside vendors provide specialized services including chrome and nickel plating, crankshaft grind/nitrite/CAD plating. PCE maintains relationships with qualified vendors for services not performed in-house.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Air Repair Inc: Independent aircraft piston engine overhaul shop specializing in Continental and Lycoming engines, with comparable FAA Part 145 services, exchange engine programs, and component repair capabilities directly overlapping PCE's offering.
• Anderson Aeromotive: Specialty Continental and Lycoming engine overhaul shop offering factory-trained engine services, accessories, and exchange programs analogous to PCE's, serving a similar general aviation customer base.
• Gulf Coast Avionics: Authorized Garmin avionics dealer and installer providing sales, installation, and service of the same Garmin product line PCE carries, making it a direct competitor in PCE's secondary avionics business.
• Top Gun Aerospace: Aircraft piston engine and accessory overhaul facility offering similar major overhaul, cylinder, crankcase, and accessory services for general aviation engines, competing for the same owner-operator and flight-school customers as PCE.

Emerging players

• Avidyne: Avionics manufacturer offering an alternative glass cockpit and ADS-B product line that competes with Garmin in the same retrofit market where PCE's Garmin installation services compete for customer spend.

Others

• Tempest Aero Group: Manufacturer of aftermarket Continental and Lycoming replacement parts (spark plugs, filters, cylinders) for which PCE is a factory distributor; an enabling supplier whose product roadmap influences PCE's overhaul economics.
• Aircraft Spruce & Specialty: Major distributor of aircraft parts and accessories, including Continental and Lycoming components that overlap with PCE's parts catalog; functions as an alternative parts channel for the same customer base rather than a direct overhaul competitor.

Broad incumbents

• Continental Aerospace Technologies: OEM manufacturer of Continental piston engines, the other half of PCE's core engine platform. As an incumbent that both builds new engines and licenses the overhaul ecosystem, Continental directly competes for service revenue that PCE relies on.
• Garmin International: Manufacturer of the avionics line that PCE sells, installs, services, and supports as an authorized Southern California dealer. Garmin is a broad incumbent whose product roadmap and dealer program govern PCE's avionics growth path.
• Lycoming Engines: OEM manufacturer of the Lycoming piston engine line that PCE specializes in overhauling and rebuilding. Lycoming is a broad incumbent whose distribution, parts, and warranty programs directly shape PCE's service economics and supply access.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/pacific-continental-engines

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 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 Pacific Continental Engines