Thornton Aviation

PROFILE & HISTORY

Over Three Decades of Excellence in Aircraft Services

Since 1984, Thornton Aviation has provided a wide variety of services to the aircraft industry. As a FAA Certified Repair Station, we offer aircraft maintenance and avionics services for a wide range of corporate/business aircraft including those operating under FAA Part 91 Regulations & 135 Air Carrier Certificate requirements.

Thornton Aviation prides itself in providing you with the highest quality maintenance services in our industry at competitive rates.

Convenient

We are located mid-field at Van Nuys Airport. We also work closely with Castle & Cooke Aviation who can accommodate your fuel & service needs 24/7.

Accessible

We are your “On Call, On Demand & By the Hour” maintenance provider. Plus NO “management fee”, unlike our competitors.

Reliable

Once your aircraft arrives, we conduct pre/post flight inspections and debrief with your crew to ensure a smooth transition process and efficient scheduling of any required maintenance.

Groundbreaking

Thornton Aviation was the first FAA Repair Station authorized to work on Experimental Aircraft.

A Track Record of Success

Thorton Aircraft Company: Aircraft Maintenance & Management in Van Nuys, CA

In 1981, Chuck Thornton acquired and rebuilt a discarded United States Air Force Northrop T-38A with the help of two mechanics. In 1984, it was returned to flying status, becoming the first civilian owned & operated T-38. That same year, a new hangar was built at Van Nuys Airport and Thornton Aviation was established.

Over the years, four more T-38’s and multiple Northrop F-5A/B/E aircraft would be acquired, overhauled and sold by Thornton. During this process, Thornton would become the first FAA Certified Repair Station approved to maintain experimental aircraft. Our Repair Station has now grown to encompass the repair & maintenance of a variety of the latest corporate & charter aircraft now available.

In 2011, Thornton Aviation teamed with Castle & Cooke Aviation to become their maintenance provider. In 2013 they completed a new hangar at our old location & we now share a beautiful 38,000 sq. ft. hangar. In 2021, Thornton Aviation added services at Burbank Airport at Hangar 89. Presently, Thornton Aviation has 25 full time employees including 17 FAA licensed mechanics.