Acquisition of longtime Oregon aviation company adds FAA-certified avionics capabilities and establishes a strategic airport presence for Becklin Holdings’ growing aerospace and defense portfolio

GRANTS PASS, Ore., Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Becklin Holdings today announced the expansion of its aviation and aerospace capabilities through the acquisition of Chief Avionics, an established provider of avionics products and services based at the Grants Pass Airport (3S8) in Southern Oregon. The transaction advances the company’s strategy of building an integrated portfolio of specialized businesses serving the aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Chief Avionics will retain its name and continue operating from its Grants Pass Airport location, providing avionics installation, upgrades, and service—as well as over-the-counter product sales—to aircraft owners and operators across the general aviation market. The company specializes in navigation, communications, and other advanced aircraft electronic systems.

Central to Chief Avionics’ capabilities is its status as an FAA-certified repair station, authorizing the company to perform specialized maintenance and alterations on aircraft and aviation equipment in accordance with federal requirements. The certification represents an important addition to Becklin Holdings’ growing aviation and aerospace platform.

Chief Avionics was founded by longtime aviation entrepreneur Dana Blix, who previously established Chief Aircraft as a catalog-based supplier of aircraft parts and accessories before expanding into avionics installation and related services. Blix later sold Chief Aircraft but retained Chief Avionics, building the company into a trusted avionics provider with a loyal customer base throughout the region.

“Mr. Blix has built an extraordinary reputation in the industry, and I have admired the way he approaches his business for years,” said 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. I am incredibly proud to have the opportunity to carry Mr. Blix’s legacy forward while giving Becklin Holdings a true aviation presence.”

Becklin Holdings plans to build on Chief Avionics’ existing operations while investing in new opportunities, including expanding its custom avionics panel and upgrade business to include pre-assembled panels that can be configured, built, and shipped ready for installation. The acquisition also enhances Becklin Holdings’ custom sheet metal fabrication capabilities, strengthening support for both its portfolio companies and OEM partners. The Company also plans to strengthen Chief Avionics’ digital and e-commerce capabilities, giving customers greater access to avionics and related products from leading industry manufacturers.

“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 and understands the aviation community we serve,” said Blix. “I am proud of Chief Avionics’ legacy, and I believe Becklin Holdings has the resources, capabilities, and long-term commitment to build on that foundation while preserving the standards our customers have come to expect.”

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

About Becklin Holdings

Becklin Holdings is a privately held portfolio of companies focused on advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defense, and related industries. Its portfolio includes, among other companies, ECS Composites, a designer and manufacturer of advanced composite solutions and ruggedized protective systems; Stubborn Mule Manufacturing, a precision metal manufacturing company; Nail Spring Ranch, a private conference and event destination in Oregon; and Chief Avionics, an FAA-certified avionics repair station and aviation services company in Grants Pass, Oregon. Led by Founder and Chairman Sterling Becklin, Becklin Holdings invests in businesses with specialized capabilities, strong reputations, and opportunities for long-term growth and collaboration across its portfolio.

About Chief Avionics

Chief Avionics is an FAA-certified repair station located at the Grants Pass Airport (3S8) in Grants Pass, Oregon. The company specializes in aircraft avionics sales, installation, upgrades, and service, providing customers with navigation, communications, and other advanced electronic systems for a broad range of aircraft. Built on a decades-long tradition of aviation expertise, craftsmanship, and customer service, Chief Avionics serves aircraft owners and operators while providing both installed avionics solutions and over-the-counter product sales.

Media Contact
Gaffney Bennett PR
Becklinholdings@gbpr.com 

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SOURCE Becklin Holdings