OCR Aviation: Elevating the Standard in Aircraft Sales, Service, and Management
Published: 2024-03-17 | Author: VisionariesNetwork Team
In the dynamic world of general aviation, few companies can match the depth of expertise, the breadth of services, and the longevity of experience that OCR Aviation brings to the table. With more than 40 years in the industry and roots deeply planted in Southern California, OCR has become a trusted name for aircraft sales, acquisitions, maintenance, and management.
Whether it’s connecting buyers and sellers, keeping a fleet airworthy with top-tier maintenance, or providing premier hangar and concierge services, OCR Aviation delivers unmatched value. The company’s legacy of excellence—built on professionalism, relationships, and a passion for flying—has made it one of the most respected names in U.S. general aviation today.
A Legacy of Trust and Expertise
Founded in 1983 at Long Beach Airport as Tom’s Aircraft, the company steadily built a reputation for quality service and personal care. After rebranding as OCR Aviation in 2015, the company expanded its offerings, particularly in maintenance and aircraft sales. By 2016, OCR had developed a strong specialization in servicing the Citation product line, and just a year later, it had established itself as one of Southern California’s leading general aviation maintenance providers.
With decades of successful aircraft transactions and long-standing industry connections, OCR Aviation has facilitated hundreds of acquisitions and sales for its clients. Its team leverages deep market knowledge, a robust network of owner-pilots, and a proven marketing strategy to match buyers with sellers efficiently and profitably. For both seasoned aviators and first-time buyers, OCR provides confidence, transparency, and expert guidance through every stage of the process.
Comprehensive Maintenance Services
A well-maintained plane is a safe plane—and this belief underpins OCR’s work as a FAA Part 145 Repair Station. For more than 30 years, the company has been a fixture at Long Beach Airport, offering scheduled and unscheduled maintenance to minimize downtime and maximize safety.
As a Textron Aviation Authorized Service Facility, OCR specializes in servicing Cessna, Beechcraft, and Hawker aircraft, with expertise spanning piston models, turboprops, and light jets. Their skilled technicians, factory-trained and backed by more than 30 years of combined experience, deliver precise, reliable results using state-of-the-art diagnostics and genuine OEM parts.
From routine inspections to complex repairs, OCR Aviation keeps fleets running at peak performance. The team has extensive experience with King Airs, Cessna Caravans, and Citation jets—including over 20 Citation Mustang and 525 series aircraft. Each project, whether an avionics troubleshooting or full engine overhaul, is handled with meticulous attention to detail and strict compliance with regulatory standards.
Specialized Repairs and Expertise
OCR Aviation’s maintenance team includes 10+ A&P mechanics trained by Textron, Garmin, Lycoming, Pratt & Whitney, and Williams, giving the company an edge in managing a diverse range of general aviation aircraft. Using advanced maintenance tracking platforms such as Traxxall and CAMP, OCR ensures that managed aircraft remain compliant, operational, and ready to fly.
Their sheet metal specialists are among the most highly skilled in the country, regularly executing large-scale repairs for OEMs, while their composite repair experts support modern airframes with precision and care. This blend of expertise allows OCR to offer repair solutions that meet the needs of private owners, charter operators, and corporate flight departments alike.
Aircraft Parts and Modifications
Supporting its repair and maintenance work, OCR Aviation carries a large inventory of aircraft parts, including rapid access to Textron’s extensive catalog. Their ability to locate hard-to-find components, provide alternative solutions, and deliver parts as quickly as next-day makes them a dependable partner for AOG (Aircraft on Ground) situations.
OCR is also a leader in aircraft modifications, offering FAA-approved upgrades designed to improve performance, comfort, and safety. These include:
Each modification is integrated with precision, ensuring compliance and maximizing operational benefits.
Private FBO and Hangar Services
For over three decades, OCR Aviation has operated a private FBO at Long Beach Airport, offering clients a secure, family-friendly alternative to crowded terminals. Its 60,000 square feet of modern hangar space is designed for convenience, comfort, and operational efficiency. Amenities include wide hangar doors, a 35,000-square-foot ramp area, direct taxiway access, passenger lounges, refreshments, secure parking, and easy freeway access.
With the addition of a fourth hangar, OCR has significantly expanded capacity to meet growing demand. Their detailing team ensures aircraft inside the facility remain in pristine condition, while concierge-style support makes every client’s aviation experience seamless.
Aircraft Management: Putting Ownership on Autopilot
Aircraft ownership comes with responsibilities, and OCR Aviation provides tailored management solutions that remove the stress while enhancing efficiency. Their services include:
With OCR’s management programs, owners enjoy the benefits of operational savings, regulatory compliance, and worry-free flying.
A Passion for Aviation, A Commitment to Clients
At its core, OCR Aviation is powered by passion—its people are aviators, technicians, and industry professionals who share a love for flying. That passion translates into exceptional service, whether they are brokering a multimillion-dollar aircraft sale, conducting a major jet inspection, or simply ensuring an aircraft gleams after detailing.
With over 40 years of experience, hundreds of successful aircraft transactions, and a reputation for safety and service excellence, OCR Aviation continues to raise the bar for general aviation services in Southern California and beyond. Their mission is simple but powerful: to deliver convenience, value, and peace of mind to every client who shares their passion for flight.
Craig Roah, Founder & President, OCR Aviation
Craig Roah began his career at Boeing in Long Beach before spending over 15 years in the technology sector, where he founded three companies and co-founded the Rubicon Project, taking it public on the NYSE in 2014. He later pursued ventures in real estate, retail, and venture capital while advising multiple startups.
A licensed pilot since 1995, Craig returned to aviation in 2016 to merge his entrepreneurial expertise with his passion for flying. Today, he is a Multi-Engine Commercial Pilot with more than 2,000 flight hours. He holds a B.A. in Business Economics from UCLA and an M.B.A. from USC.
“We leverage our expertise and network to quickly source aircraft parts or provide alternatives—all at competitive prices.”
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