Established in 1960 by Richard C. du Pont Jr., Summit Aviation is a full-service aviation center located in Middletown, Delaware, at KEVY Airport (EVY). With a legacy rooted in Delaware's aviation history, Summit Aviation stands today as the state's oldest continuously operating aircraft company.
Facility and Services
After its acquisition by Greenwich AeroGroup in 2008, Summit Aviation expanded its offerings. The facility includes 120,000 square feet of hangar space, 11,500 square feet of office space, and a 9,200-square-foot paint facility. It is also a Certified Part 145 Repair Station, ISO 9001:2015 and EASA certified and a DoD-approved contractor facility. It is an Approved Service Center for Bell Helicopter, Sikorsky Helicopters, Beech and Cessna Piston, and Cessna Caravan.
The company provides a broad spectrum of aviation services including inspections, maintenance, repairs, and modifications to airframes, engines, and special mission integrations. They also offer structural, systems, and test pilot facilities, along with full-service MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) and FBO (Fixed-Base Operator) services.
Summit also has a 49,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Greensboro, North Carolina (www.summitaviationmfg.com) that provides aero structure manufacturing and assembly and support services.
And, while historically a maintenance-focused organization, Summit’s future also includes some exciting strategic initiatives.
“We are currently ramping up our organization for some additional capabilities that include VIP completions,” said Summit’s Vice President and General Manager Tom Lark. “Staying relevant in the marketplace means you must know your market and the needs and wants of customers in it. Summit has been so successful over the years because it is able to adapt to meet the needs of the market. We may be based in Delaware, but the markets we serve reach all areas of the world. While we remain dedicated to supporting the maintenance requirements of customers worldwide, we are extremely excited for what the future holds for us in terms of new offerings and opportunities.”
Customer Base
So, who does Summit serve? Well, over the more than 60 years it has been operating, Summit’s customer base is as diverse as the services it offers.
"Our services are tailored to cater to a wide spectrum of clients,” said John Gonsalves, director of sales and marketing for Summit Aviation. “We provide comprehensive support not only to private helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft owners but also extend our expertise to the U.S. Government's Department of Defense, international military clients, and other U.S. Government agencies for specialized missions. Our collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense, which commenced in the early 1980s, marked our entry into a significant realm of defense contracting, solidifying our role as a key player in the industry."
Unique Workforce
In 2023, for the fifth year in a row, Summit Aviation received the Hire Vets Medallion, which honors companies that make a concerted effort to hire U.S. military veterans.
The Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans (HIRE Vets) Award Medallion Program implements the requirements of the HIRE Vets Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-31). It is the only veteran-hiring award given at the federal level and recognizes a company or organization’s commitment to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. Over half of the Summit Aviation workforce consists of United States Armed Forces veterans, contributing significantly to their technical prowess and critical thinking skills.
“Our veteran employees exemplify unique leadership, technical expertise and problem-solving abilities – those are highly valued skillsets in any workplace – particularly ours,” said Lynn Trent, director of human resources for Summit Aviation. “We’re humbled to not only collaborate with them but that they chose to work for us.”
Why Choose Summit Aviation?
Summit Aviation emerges as a standout choice for aviation service needs, combining decades of expertise with a forward-thinking approach.
Boasting an expansive array of facilities, a wide spectrum of services, and ongoing growth initiatives, they show a deep commitment to catering to the dynamic needs of the aviation world. They guarantee top-tier service quality and adherence to strict safety standards. Their recognition as an Approved Service Center for renowned aircraft manufacturers is a testament to their technical acumen and adaptability. Furthermore, the company's dedication to hiring and developing veterans not only enriches its workforce with exceptional skills and leadership, but also demonstrates a commendable commitment to social responsibility. Summit Aviation is an ideal partner for those in search of dependable, all-encompassing aviation services.
For more information or to reach out, visit www.summit-aviation.com. If you are attending Heli-Expo 2024 in Anaheim, visit our booth, number 4845.