Aircraft Accessories of Oklahoma was founded in 1959 by WWII aircraft repair specialists Jay L. Gentry and B.H. “Pop” Popplewell. Focusing on general aviation at first, they soon established a strong reputation of creating goodwill by doing good work, maintaining short turn times, and offering a solid warranty program.
As business expanded and their reputation spread, the partners quickly outgrew the old house they had converted into their aviation shop. Needing to expand, they built a larger facility on the site in 1963. This expansion allowed the partners to add additional equipment and capabilities.
By 1969, Aircraft Accessories of Oklahoma Inc. became a global leader in aircraft inspection, repair, and maintenance. Soon, another facility expansion would be needed.
In 1972, Aircraft Accessories of Oklahoma became a corporation owned by “Pop” Popplewell and his two sons, Richard, and James “Pete” Popplewell. Richard and Pete began working with their father in the shop at age 15. They both received additional vocational and business training to complement their experience.
In 1973, Aircraft Accessories of Oklahoma purchased Martin’s Aircraft Fuel Metering Service. This acquisition allowed the company to expand into carburetor and aircraft fuel injection system overhauls. After receiving factory training, Pete oversaw the new fuel shop and began training incoming technicians. This company growth again required a facility expansion.
Over the past 50 years, Aircraft Accessories of Oklahoma has continued to expand its product offerings by adding turbine prop governors and by developing distribution agreements with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like Weldon Pumps and Rapco Fleet Support. Now, the company is one of the largest aviation distributors for Weldon Pumps.
In 2019, Aircraft Accessories of Oklahoma celebrated 60 years in business. In true AAOK fashion, we celebrated this anniversary by expanding our facilities again, adding a 2,800sqft office and aircraft component warehouse. This newest building features two updated quality control inspection areas and a large shipping & receiving loading dock.
Despite the expansions and changes, our core value has not waivered – Creating goodwill by doing good work. Aircraft Accessories of Oklahoma now operates under the direction of Richard Popplewell and the Popplewell family. We continue to grow, adding new repeat customers nationally and internationally by the day.