WICHITA, Kan. — Aero-Mach Labs, which specializes in aircraft instrument repair, overhaul, and aerospace component support, has been named the 2025 SBA Great Plains Region Small Business Subcontractor of the Year. The award spans a six-state area, and notably, the company did not apply for the recognition—it was nominated by long-standing customer Textron Aviation Defense.
“This award isn’t about one person. It’s about all of us,” said Jason White, President of Aero-Mach. “It’s a reflection of the daily commitment our team shows to quality, reliability, and exceeding customer expectations.”
The company, which operates out of a multi-division campus in Wichita, has been part of the local aerospace supply chain for over 50 years. In addition to its MRO operation, it also includes Aero-Mach Wilco, a parts distribution business, and Aero-Mach TCO, a precision aerospace manufacturing division.
Together, the three units serve defense, business and general aviation customers around the globe, offering capabilities that range from FAA-certified instrument overhaul to aerospace manufacturing and legacy part sourcing.
Deep Local Roots, National Reach
Aero-Mach’s core business—aircraft instrument repair and overhaul—is bolstered by its FAA-certified Repair Station (NU2R044L) and authorizations from several OEMs. It specializes in servicing altimeters, gyros, fuel flow transmitters, and other critical flight instruments, many of which are used in defense aviation programs.
“This recognition—nominated by our customer, Textron Aviation Defense—is not just an award,” said Jeff Carnley, Owner of the Aero-Mach family of companies. “It’s a reflection of the character, consistency, and craftsmanship that defines the Aero-Mach team and everything they bring to our family of companies.”
The company’s parts distribution arm, Aero-Mach Wilco, manages over 25,000 square feet of aviation inventory, supporting legacy and current production aircraft from manufacturers like Cessna, Piper, and Beechcraft.
From on-demand parts sourcing to MRO and manufacturing Aero-Mach supports both OEM and aftermarket needs with repairs, overhauls, custom component manufacturing, including electrostatic discharge solutions for various fixed-wing platforms.
Focus on Service and Long-Term Partnerships
Aero-Mach leadership emphasizes that its growth and customer retention are driven not only by technical capability, but by customer service—something the company says is embedded in its culture.
“We’ve always said we’ll never treat any job as ‘too small,’” Speegle said. “Whether we’re working with a large defense program or a regional MRO, we show up the same way—with urgency, integrity, and the goal of solving real-world problems.”
While the company has supported national programs, it retains deep local ties, frequently collaborating with other Wichita-area suppliers and aviation firms.
SBA Award Reflects Broader Industry Shift
The SBA’s Subcontractor of the Year awards are part of its National Small Business Week recognitions and are designed to highlight outstanding performance by small firms that support larger federal contractors.
Aero-Mach’s win in the Great Plains Region, which includes Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota, positions the company as a standout supplier in the defense aviation MRO sector—a growing market amid rising demand for sustainment, legacy fleet support, and fast-turnaround repair services.
“This award reinforces the value of customer-nominated recognition in a technical, high-stakes field like aerospace,” said Speegle. “It tells us we’re delivering more than just parts or service—we’re delivering trust.”
About Aero-Mach Labs
Headquartered in Wichita, Aero-Mach has served the aviation industry for over 50 years through three divisions: aircraft instrument repair and overhaul (Aero-Mach Labs), aviation parts distribution (Aero-Mach Wilco), and aerospace manufacturing (Aero-Mach TCO). The company supports defense, general aviation, and OEM customers around the globe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What services does Aero-Mach Labs provide for aircraft instrument repair and overhaul?
Aero-Mach Labs offers FAA-certified aircraft instrument repair and overhaul, including full testing, calibration, and servicing of fuel system components and primary flight instruments such as fuel quantity indicators, fuel flow transmitters, altimeters, gyroscopes, and airspeed indicators. These services are supported by in-house diagnostics and factory-authorized capabilities for several avionics, instrument and airframe manufacturers.
2. How long does an average instrument repair or overhaul take?
Most standard instrument repairs are completed within 14 business days, depending on part complexity and availability. Expedited options are available for operators facing Aircraft on Ground (AOG) situations, and Aero-Mach’s team works directly with customers to minimize downtime.
3. Is Aero-Mach Labs certified to handle military or OEM-authorized instrument work?
Yes. Aero-Mach Labs operates as an FAA-certified Repair Station (NU2R044L) and is factory-authorized by multiple OEMs to perform testing and overhaul of military and civil aircraft instrumentation. The company supports both U.S. Department of Defense subcontractors and general aviation clients.
4. Can Aero-Mach assist with hard-to-find aviation parts or legacy components?
Through its Aero-Mach Wilco division, the company provides access to a 25,000 sq. ft. inventory of aviation parts, including legacy and new production components for Cessna, Piper, and Beechcraft aircraft. From general aviation aircraft to business aviation fleet operators Aero-Mach Wilco can keep your aircraft in the air. The team also offers “on-demand” sourcing assistance for clients that are AOG (aircraft on ground).