Blog Archive

KCAC Aviation Celebrates 60 Years as a Trusted Aviation Partner

Olathe, Kansas — May 28, 2026 — KCAC Aviation is proud to celebrate its 60^th anniversary, marking six decades of growth, service, and commitment to the aviation community. 

Founded on May 16, 1966, at Johnson County Executive Airport (KOJC) as Erhart Aviation, the company began with a vision to provide exceptional aircraft sales and aviation services to the Kansas City region. Shortly after opening, the company became one of the first authorized Piper Aircraft dealers in the country and evolved into Kansas City Piper before eventually becoming Kansas City Aviation Center — now widely recognized as KCAC Aviation. 

As general aviation expanded during the 1970s and 1980s, KCAC Aviation grew alongside the industry, broadening its capabilities beyond aircraft sales to include maintenance, avionics, charter operations, aircraft management, and fixed-base operation (FBO) services. Over the decades, KCAC Aviation expanded its footprint at Johnson County Executive Airport through the construction of multiple facilities and aircraft hangars, evolving into one of the Midwest’s premier full-service aviation organizations. 

A pivotal moment in the company’s history came in 1991, when KCAC Aviation became part of the Peterson Manufacturing Corporate Group, headquartered in Grandview, Missouri. This acquisition provided long-term stability and resources that helped position KCAC Aviation for continued expansion, while preserving the company’s strong customer-focused culture and commitment to aviation excellence. 

Another major milestone followed in 2000 when KCAC Aviation became an authorized sales and service center for Pilatus Aircraft. Today, KCAC Aviation continues to represent the Pilatus brand through both its headquarters in Olathe and its Pilatus sales office located at DuPage Airport in West Chicago, Illinois, extending the company’s reach and customer support throughout the Midwest. 

Now employing 117 team members, KCAC Aviation serves customers throughout the Midwest and beyond while remaining grounded in the values established in the company’s early years: integrity, customer service, and a passion for aviation. 

Earlier this month, KCAC Aviation commemorated its anniversary with a special celebration that brought together past and present employees to honor the company’s history and recognize the people who helped shape its success over the last six decades. 

“This milestone belongs to the employees, customers, and partners who have made KCAC Aviation what it is today,” said KCAC Aviation General Manager Tony Mateer. “We deeply appreciate the support and investment from our parent company Peterson Manufacturing and we remain committed to building a culture where our people thrive and our customers always come first.” 

As KCAC Aviation looks toward the future, the company remains focused on investing in its people, expanding its capabilities, and delivering exceptional aviation experiences for generations to come. 

About KCAC Aviation 

KCAC Aviation is a full-service aviation company headquartered at Johnson County Executive Airport in Olathe, Kansas. Services include aircraft sales, charter, maintenance, avionics, aircraft management, and fixed-base operations (FBO). KCAC Aviation is an authorized dealer and service center for both Pilatus Aircraft and Piper Aircraft, with an additional Pilatus sales office located at DuPage Airport in West Chicago, Illinois. 

Media Contact:

Carrie Gicante

KCAC Aviation, Director of Marketing

Johnson County Executive Airport (OJC)

15325 South Pflumm Rd., Olathe, KS 66062

Direct: 913.324.1214

cgicante@kcac.com  | www.kcac.com

KCAC Aviation Expands with New 30,000-Square-Foot Maintenance Hangar

Olathe, Kansas – August 27, 2025 – KCAC Aviation is proud to announce the opening of its new 30,000-
square-foot maintenance hangar at Johnson County Executive Airport (KOJC). This new facility doubles
KCAC’s service capacity, allowing the company to support and maintain the growing fleet of Pilatus and
Piper aircraft across its sales region.

“The addition of a second dedicated maintenance hangar gives our team the space and resources they need
to complete inspections and overhauls more efficiently, which means improved workflow and less downtime
for our customers,” said Preston Estes, Director of Maintenance for KCAC Aviation.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held on August 13, 2025, brought together county officials, airport
commissioners, industry partners, customers and KCAC team members. General Manager Tony Mateer,
along with KCAC’s A&P maintenance technicians, cut the ceremonial ribbon—recognizing the team’s hard
work and dedication and celebrating a facility that is truly their own.

“This hangar is more than additional space—it’s an investment in our people, our customers and the future
of KCAC,” said Mateer. “With a facility of this size, we can support Pilatus and Piper owners more efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety that our customers and employees deserve. It’s an exciting milestone for our maintenance department and the entire KCAC team.”

The new facility marks one of the largest expansions in KCAC’s nearly 60-year history, enabling the
company to streamline aircraft maintenance services, accommodate larger projects and enhance customer
support.

About KCAC Aviation
Founded in 1966, KCAC Aviation is a full-service aviation company based at Johnson County Executive
Airport (KOJC) in Olathe, Kansas with an additional Pilatus sales office at DuPage Airport in West Chicago,
Illinois (KDPA). In addition to being a factory-authorized Pilatus and Piper sales and service center, KCAC
also provides avionics service, aircraft parts, charter and management, as well as FBO services. With nearly
six decades of experience, KCAC is committed to delivering the highest levels of safety, service and support
for aircraft owners and operators across the region.

Media Contact:
Carrie Gicante
Director of Marketing
Email: cgicante@kcac.com
Office: 913.324.1214
www.kcac.com

Olathe, KS – August 19, 2025 – KCAC Aviation is proud to announce the appointment of Preston Estes as its new Director of Maintenance. With over three decades of aviation maintenance experience and deep ties to the Pilatus PC-12 program, Preston brings extensive technical expertise and proven leadership to KCAC’s expanding maintenance operations. 

A native of Illinois, Preston began his aviation journey at Southern Illinois University, earning an Associate of Applied Science in Aviation Maintenance Technology and receiving his A&P license in 1992, followed by his Inspection Authorization (IA) in 1995. He started working on Piper PA-46 aircraft before moving into Pilatus PC-12 maintenance.  His connection to the Pilatus PC-12 dates back to the aircraft’s U.S. debut in 1994, when he was responsible for maintaining the first PC-12 delivered stateside at a Pilatus and Piper service center in Central Illinois. 

Preston went on to serve as a PC-12 field service engineer and Pilatus technical representative, where he traveled the world supporting the PC-12 fleet and strengthening relationships across the Pilatus network. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Service at Skytech, Inc., a factory-authorized Pilatus and Piper aircraft sales and service center.

“Preston brings an exceptional depth of experience to our maintenance team and a strong dedication to putting the customer first,” said Tony Mateer, General Manager of KCAC Aviation. “We are thrilled to welcome him to KCAC and look forward to the leadership and insight he will provide.” 

Olathe, KS – (4/5/23) KCAC Aviation was honored with two distinguished awards from Pilatus Business Aircraft Ltd., during the Swiss aircraft manufacturer’s annual sales meeting in Nashville, TN. KCAC received both the Pilatus Class Center Spirit Award as well as the Pilatus Sales Achievement Award.

The Pilatus Class Center Spirit Award recognizes the organization that fully embodies Pilatus Class attitudes and behaviors in every aspect of their operations, from sales and marketing all the way through to pilot training. The recipient is chosen not only for their commitment to representing Pilatus, but also for creating a positive experience for their customers.

The Pilatus Sales Achievement Award was presented to KCAC for their outstanding sales performance in 2022. KCAC earned this honor by having the highest volume of delivered aircraft of any worldwide Pilatus Authorized Sales Center.

“We are pleased to recognize KCAC Aviation for their outstanding sales performance as well as their commitment to consistently demonstrating the values and principles that define Pilatus Class,” said Thomas Bosshard, President and CEO of Pilatus Business Aircraft Ltd. “KCAC’s team consistently goes above and beyond to provide Pilatus customers with the highest level of service and support, and this award is a testament to their hard work and dedication.”

“I am thrilled and honored that KCAC Aviation was chosen as the recipient of these two prestigious awards from Pilatus Business Aircraft,” said Tony Mateer, KCAC’s General Manager. “These awards are special to us because they recognize the contributions made by every member of our team. We take great pride in our partnership with Pilatus, and we look forward to continuing to provide our customers with the best service and support possible.”

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About KCAC Aviation
KCAC Aviation is a Pilatus Authorized Center providing sales and service throughout a nine-state territory, which includes Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Wisconsin. Founded in 1966, KCAC offers a complete lineup of FBO services at its headquarters at Johnson County Executive Airport (KOJC) in Olathe, KS. KCAC also has a Pilatus Sales Office at DuPage Airport (KDPA) in West Chicago, IL, along with Pilatus PC-12 Authorized Service Centers at Eagle Creek Aviation in Indianapolis, IN (KEYE) and Premier Jet Center in Eden Prairie, MN (KFCM).

KCAC Media Contact:
Carrie Gicante, KCAC Aviation, Director of Marketing
913-324-1214; Carrie Gicante

Eagle Creek Aviation, which is part of the Jet Access family, is now fully certified to work on all Pilatus PC-12 models, including the new PC-12 NGX, at their Eagle Creek Airport (KEYE) location. They join Premier Jet Center in Eden Prairie, MN as a satellite PC-12 maintenance and repair center based within KCAC’s Midwest Pilatus territory.

“The addition of Eagle Creek as a Pilatus Authorized PC-12 Service Center demonstrates our commitment to delivering top-quality service throughout our territory,” said Tony Mateer, KCAC General Manager. “It was important for us to partner with a center that shares our commitment to providing excellent customer service. We’re excited to welcome Eagle Creek to the Pilatus Authorized Service Center Network.”

“We appreciate this opportunity to work with Pilatus and KCAC to better serve PC-12 owners in Indiana and the surrounding area,” said Scott Dillon, President of Maintenance at Eagle Creek Aviation. “One of our company’s primary goals is to ensure that every aircraft we work on is as safe and flight-ready as possible, and that’s why we treat each customer’s aircraft as if it were our own.”

In the four decades that Eagle Creek Aviation has been in business, the company has established a reputation for providing their customers with exceptional aircraft maintenance and repairs. Eagle Creek’s easy-to-access location in Indianapolis should ensure high-quality aircraft care for Pilatus owners and operators in Indiana and throughout the Upper Midwest.

“We join with KCAC in welcoming Eagle Creek Aviation to the Pilatus Authorized Service Center Network,” said Thomas Bosshard, President and CEO of Pilatus Business Aircraft Ltd. “As a global leader in the aviation industry, Pilatus appreciates how important convenient access to top-quality service can be to our owners and operators. The addition of Eagle Creek in Indianapolis is another example of our commitment to bringing ‘Pilatus Class’ service closer to our customers worldwide.”

About KCAC Aviation:
KCAC Aviation is a Pilatus Authorized Center providing sales and service throughout a nine-state territory, which includes Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Wisconsin. Founded in 1966, KCAC offers a complete lineup of FBO services at its headquarters at Johnson County Executive Airport (KOJC) in Olathe, KS. KCAC also has a Pilatus Sales Office at DuPage Airport (KDPA) in West Chicago, IL, along with Pilatus PC-12 maintenance and repair centers at Eagle Creek Aviation in Indianapolis, IN and Premier Jet Center in Eden Prairie, MN.

KCAC Media Contact:
Carrie Gicante, KCAC Aviation, Director of Marketing
913-324-1214; Carrie Gicante

Eagle Creek Aviation:
Eagle Creek
317-293-6935; MXSales

The phrase “Swiss made” is synonymous with quality, precision and functionality. With a long heritage in manufacturing and craftsmanship, products created in Switzerland epitomize the highest standards in reliability, stability and attention to detail.

Pilatus aircraft are no exception. Manufactured in Switzerland, Pilatus holds the same trademarks of all Swiss made goods. No feature is overlooked, no feat of engineering too great for the engineers behind these powerful aircraft.

In developing the PC-12 PRO and the new super versatile jet, the PC-24, the craftsman at Pilatus strive to create the finest aircraft, focused on manufacturing excellence, old-world craftsmanship and the pursuit of precision. Pilatus owners enjoy the aircraft’s refined styling and steadfast performance. And the unique combination of Swiss engineering and craftsmanship creates an incomparable flight experience.

Built on a Heritage of Swiss Manufacturing

Watches. Chocolate. Cheese. Each of these Swiss-manufactured products, lives up to its reputation for exceptional quality. Since the 15th century, when Swiss watches first emerged, Switzerland has been known for its manufacturing practices. Pilatus upholds this heritage of manufacturing distinction. In fact, many second- and third-generation employees work at Pilatus, bringing with them the knowledge and know-how of their ancestors before them. From efficiency to versatility, they create aircraft that meet the highest standards of excellence.

Created Using Old-world Craftsmanship

Pilatus merges state-of-the-art technology with traditional Swiss craftsmanship to create extraordinary aircraft. Nowhere can this craftsmanship be seen more than in a Pilatus cabin. From the custom leatherwork, to the rare-wood cabinetry and fine upholstery, the manufacturer’s attention to detail shines through. Each piece is crafted to meet customer requirements, with both form and function taking front seat.

Committed to the Pursuit of Precision

Pilatus boasts of its reputation for “over-engineered precision.” The manufacturer’s engineers meticulously inspect each component to ensure it will deliver the best results and performance for customers. And, Pilatus aircraft live up to these high standards of precision and quality. Each aircraft is designed with customer feedback and mission completion in mind. The Pilatus PC-12 PRO and PC-24 take engineering to a higher level, while keeping functionality and safety first and foremost.

When you purchase a Pilatus aircraft you gain a plane with all the hallmarks of a Swiss-made product – dependability, quality and performance. To learn more about Pilatus and how a PC-12 PRO or PC-24 can take your business to new heights, contact the KCAC sales team at 913.324.1250.