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At Hartzell Propeller, we’re proud to collaborate with general aviation aircraft modifiers who go above and beyond to help aircraft owners get the most performance and value out of their airplanes.
This month, we’re spotlighting Davis Aviation, whose STC expertise, customer-first approach, and global reach have made them a trusted name in Cessna single-engine aircraft propeller and engine conversions for over 30 years.
Davis Aviation traces back to 1996 when crop duster and Cessna pilot Bob Davis purchased the Cessna 188 engine conversion STC from Bonaire Aviation. Bob set out to build a company focused on smart, high-performance solutions for legacy aircraft. In 1998, Davis Aviation acquired the full STC product line from Bonaire Aviation, which comprised 34 STCs and laid the foundation for Davis Aviation’s success as a standalone STC company.
Today, Davis Aviation is based in Bristol, Tennessee, and is led by Donna Jones, who worked with Bonaire Aviation to develop and improve the 550 STCs for the single-engine Cessna line. She now oversees all aspects of Davis Aviation, from sales and service to logistics and customer support.
What sets Davis Aviation apart is its singular focus on “drop-in” type STC conversions specifically for Cessna single-engine aircraft. Their conversion kits are shipped directly to the customer’s FBO for installation by their preferred mechanic, minimizing downtime and maximizing value.
These drop-in engine and propeller conversions provide meaningful performance improvements, especially in takeoff, climb, and cruise. Upgrading to newer-generation engines and propellers also offers lower maintenance costs and enhanced safety margins.
“Extending time between overhauls is important, especially for Part 135 operators who depend on aircraft availability,” explained Donna. “Our turnkey products make it easy for our customers to upgrade and get back to flying stronger and safer for longer.”
Davis Aviation holds engine and propeller STC options for some of the most popular Cessna models, including the Cessna 185, 188, 206, 207, T206 turbo, and T207 turbo aircraft. The company also distributes other STC product lines for Cessna 180, 182, 210, and T210 models.
The company specializes in STC kits that upgrade older IO-470 and IO-520 engines with more powerful IO-550 engines. Customers have the option to pair their engine STC with a propeller kit package and other parts and accessories such as engine baffling, alternator, exhaust, and controls. Davis Aviation also offers standalone propeller-only STCs, including several Hartzell Top Prop propeller upgrades for legacy Cessna aircraft, like the new Voyager propeller for Cessna Skywagons.
Davis Aviation has maintained a strong relationship with Hartzell Propeller since the early 1990s, with Bonaire Aviation incorporating Hartzell propellers into their IO-550 STCs from the beginning.
By working closely with the engineering team at Hartzell, Davis Aviation has helped in the development of propeller options that enhance performance for specific Cessna configurations. Over the years, Davis Aviation customers have even been tapped to use their IO-550-equipped aircraft as test beds for new Hartzell propeller designs, helping bring innovative performance enhancements to market.
Today, Hartzell continues to reference Davis Aviation STCs in the modified sections of our own STCs, allowing aircraft owners who’ve already upgraded their engines to easily swap in a new Hartzell propeller upgrade.
Davis Aviation’s long-term success comes down to one core belief: service is everything. “I pride myself in providing the best possible service, both before and after the sale,” shared Donna. “We are a small company with worldwide outreach, working with many missionary groups and other specialized companies that depend on the products we offer to keep flying safely and efficiently.”
It’s this commitment to service that’s earned Davis Aviation the trust and repeat business of aircraft owners and operators across the globe. Learn more about Davis Aviation and explore their STC options today.
