If you’re looking to get your plane fueled, serviced or maintained; then Waco Regional Airport (ACT) is surely the place for you. Its numerous top-notch GA companies include RAM Aircraft, Texas Aero, Blackhawk Modifications, CenTex Aerospace, JAG Aviation, Myrisca Air and Air Impressions.
"Most airports have maybe one or two specialized shops," says Airport Manager Joel Martinez. "But we have seven facilities, all world-renowned in their respective focuses."
Of these, RAM Aircraft (www.ramaircraft.com) is an engine overhaul business and GA support center. In addition to overhauls, the company provides performance upgrades, propellers, and PMA-new parts for the Beech Bonanza A36s and F33s; A36TCs; B36TCs; Beech Baron 58s, 58Ps and 58TCs; Cessna T210s, T206s, 340s, 340As, T310s, T320s, T310Rs, 421Cs, 421Bs, 414s, 414As, 402Cs, 402Bs and 172s; and Piper PA-28s.
"RAM was founded in 1976 with a focus on engineering airframe and engine improvements to provide many of GA’s most popular airplanes with enhanced performance and reliability," says Martinez.
Texas Aero (www.texasaero.com) is a 10,000-square-foot GA facility, which opened at ACT in March 2000. It provides reliable aviation service, fuel, maintenance, interior refurbishing and aircraft sales. The company’s proprietors have owned and operated corporate aircraft for over two decades. "As a result, they understand the importance of reliable aviation service," adds Martinez.
As a recognized leader in providing engine performance solutions to turbo–prop fleets, Blackhawk Modifications (www.blackhawk.aero/Home.aspx) has the largest installed fleet of STC twin-engine, turbo-prop upgrades. Because of this, the company is the largest non-OEM buyer of new Pratt & Whitney turbo–prop engines in the world. Blackhawk moved into a newly built 13,000-square-foot hangar at ACT in August 2006. "Using advanced technology, knowledge and methodology, the company is able to keep production levels at their peak while maintaining low overhead," says Martinez.
Another company located on ACT’s premises, CenTex Aerospace (www.centex.aero), offers an expanding inventory of replacement parts and STC modifications to keep Beechcraft King Airs, Barons, Bonanzas and Cirrus SR-22s flying in top shape. It also offers engineering and certification services to companies ranging from large aircraft manufacturers to small repair stations.
"CenTex has a staff of highly-skilled, experienced certification engineers and test pilots," explains Martinez. "The facility is well-equipped to support and conduct certification flight testing of aircraft weighing up to 30,000 pounds."
ACT’s next company of note is FAA-certified inspection, management and maintenance facility JAG Aviation (www.jagaviation.com). "These guys are just great," says Martinez. "There’s not a problem they can’t handle."
Myrisca Air (www.myriscaair.com) is a modification research and development maintenance facility specializing in turbo-prop engines. The company assists Blackhawk and Centex, and its representatives travel overseas and do work in Africa. Additionally, Myrisca exports aircraft parts and aircraft and serves as a general maintenance facility. "Their customers rave about them," adds Martinez. "Myrisca is truly a first-class operation."
The final company, Air Impressions (www.airimpressions.com), has proven itself as a world-class provider of repair and maintenance for twin-engine Cessna aircraft. As a certified Cessna Service Center and Parts Dealer, its goals include achieving the highest standard of customer satisfaction available in its industry—as evidenced by its high rate of return customers.
"Air Impressions has built its knowledgeable reputation through hard work and high standards," says Martinez. "Its employees’ combined experience working on these aircraft totals more than 150 years."
As one of three airports in McLennan county, ACT sees more than 140,000 passengers a year and sits in an ideal setting. Texas State Technical College serves the area in an educational capacity, while McGregor serves primarily GA—leaving ACT in the position to service the aviation community as a backdrop for maintenance and manufacturing operations.
"That’s not to say we’re only a commercial air service airport," explains Martinez. "We’re really versatile—our unique setting provides for aeronautical manufacturing, engine modification and air service all at one place with no conflict whatsoever.”
For more information, call 866-359-9226 or visit www.wacotexas.com/Airport/airport.htm.
