KCAC Aviation Celebrates 60 Years as a Trusted Aviation Partner

KCAC Aviation is proud to celebrate its 60th anniversary, marking six decades of growth, service, and commitment to the aviation community. 

Founded on May 16, 1966, at Johnson County Executive Airport (KOJC) as Erhart Aviation, the company began with a vision to provide exceptional aircraft sales and aviation services to the Kansas City region. Shortly after opening, the company became one of the first authorized Piper Aircraft dealers in the country and evolved into Kansas City Piper before eventually becoming Kansas City Aviation Center — now widely recognized as KCAC Aviation. 

As general aviation expanded during the 1970s and 1980s, KCAC Aviation grew alongside the industry, broadening its capabilities beyond aircraft sales to include maintenance, avionics, charter operations, aircraft management, and fixed-base operation (FBO) services. Over the decades, KCAC Aviation expanded its footprint at Johnson County Executive Airport through the construction of multiple facilities and aircraft hangars, evolving into one of the Midwest’s premier full-service aviation organizations. 

A pivotal moment in the company’s history came in 1991, when KCAC Aviation became part of the Peterson Manufacturing Corporate Group, headquartered in Grandview, Missouri. This acquisition provided long-term stability and resources that helped position KCAC Aviation for continued expansion, while preserving the company’s strong customer-focused culture and commitment to aviation excellence. 

Another major milestone followed in 2000 when KCAC Aviation became an authorized sales and service center for Pilatus Aircraft. Today, KCAC Aviation continues to represent the Pilatus brand through both its headquarters in Olathe and its Pilatus sales office located at DuPage Airport in West Chicago, Illinois, extending the company’s reach and customer support throughout the Midwest. 

Now employing 117 team members, KCAC Aviation serves customers throughout the Midwest and beyond while remaining grounded in the values established in the company’s early years: integrity, customer service, and a passion for aviation.