Celebrating 65 Years of Goodwill and Good Work
This year marks our 65th year serving pilots, aircraft owners, shops, and aviation schools from our facility here in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
For us, 65 isn’t just a number. It represents the thousands upon thousands of customers who have trusted our team, the dozens of talented technicians who have supported our shop, and the three generations of Popplewells who have steered Aircraft Accessories of Oklahoma through changing times.
All year long, we’re celebrating this hard-earned milestone not just for ourselves, but for the exceptional community we’ve built together. A community of dedicated flyers and fixers who believe in the value of a job done right.
From Propellers to Progress: Reflecting on 65 Years of Steady Growth
In 1959, with World War II a not-yet-distant memory, two aircraft repair specialists set up shop in an old house on the northern side of Tulsa. At first, Jay L. Gentry and B.H. “Pop” Popplewell focused on general aviation. At the time, the aviation industry in Oklahoma was booming. It seemed that every business in the state was serving either general aviation or the petroleum industry—and often both.
Almost immediately, Pop and Gentry outgrew the old house-turned-shop. As word of their reliable work, short turn times, and solid warranty program spread, so did demand for their services. In 1963, they completed the first of several on-site expansions, adding new capabilities and state-of-the-art equipment to the shop.
By 1972, it was clear Aircraft Accessories of Oklahoma had carved a permanent place in the industry, staying true to its promise of “creating goodwill by doing good work.” To keep the legacy alive, the company became a family affair, transitioning ownership to Pop Popplewell and his sons, Richard and James “Pete” Popplewell—two boys deeply instilled with the same service dedication and aviation spirit.
Several building expansions and thousands of satisfied customers later, today AAOK sells and services aircraft accessories for piston engine aircraft, warbirds, turbo prop planes, helicopters, and more. Our 10,000 square-foot facility and 35+ fine technicians continue to apply the same precision and attention to every service, from the same Tulsa site Pop and Gentry established 65 years before.
We’re Committed to Our Customers and Our Local Community
Over the past six decades, we’ve helped shape Tulsa—and Tulsa has shaped us. The bond between community and company is inseparable, and we wouldn’t be the internationally known and trusted shop we are today without the central foundation of this city and the great people in it. For us, Tulsa isn’t just our headquarters. It’s the community our talented technicians and caring support team call home.
What’s Next for Aircraft Accessories of Oklahoma?
We’ve come a long way since 1959, but one thing isn’t changing: Our commitment to quality, innovation, and community. Because around here, creating good will by doing good work isn’t just a saying. It’s how our specialists and customer support team approach every overhaul, service, repair, and interaction.
We can’t predict what general aviation will look like in 2025 and beyond. But we can assure you, we’ll continue to offer the same family-owned, small shop experience that’s defined our reputation for the past 65 years.
If you have a story to share about a time AAOK has helped you get back in the air or exceeded your expectations, would you share it?
We’d love to feature a few stories from customer experiences over the years. Just send your message to airacc1@airacc.com or follow us on Facebook or Instagram to connect.