Production Manager

Martha Jercinovich

In the alphabet soup of business aviation — FAA, EASA, OEM, STC, AOG — everyone knows that MRO stands for maintenance, repair, overhaul. When you perform heavy maintenance and modifications on more than 61 aircraft models, it also stands for manage, represent and orchestrate.
Successful projects depend on more than technical expertise — they are the result of seamless collaboration, open communication and enduring trust. Thornton Aviation has established itself as a leader in the industry not only because of its technical proficiency, but, more importantly, through its unwavering commitment to partnership with clients and vendors alike. Thornton manages the work, represents the client and orchestrates successful projects.
<h2>Client-Centered Approach</h2>
For more than 40 years, operators of aircraft large and small have relied on Thornton. At the core of Thornton Aviation’s philosophy is a dedication to understanding each client’s unique needs. From the first consultation to final delivery, the company prioritizes clear communication and transparency.

“We don’t just see ourselves as a service provider; we see ourselves as partners in our clients’ success,” says Steve Zimmerman, Thornton Aviation’s owner and CEO. “Every project begins with listening — because understanding our client’s mission is the key to delivering results that matter.”
Thornton Aviation technicians have the tools and talent to do the job, but they also bring “owner eyes” to the company’s efforts. Many of the company’s technicians worked for flight departments before joining Thornton, so they understand an owner’s perspective and pressures. That’s why the company takes the time to walk clients through the process and why the company is as flexible as possible when it comes to schedule. They understand that clients want to be in, out and on their way.
This ethos resonates with clients. Long-term customer Eric Y., a director of maintenance, shares: “They understand that minimizing downtime is critical to an operator, so they worked side-by-side with us. They also proactively sought ways to accelerate our project including offering seven day a week coverage with their avionics team.”
<h2>Vendor Partnerships: The Backbone of Success</h2>
Equally vital to Thornton Aviation’s success is its network of trusted vendors. The company believes that strong vendor relationships create a foundation for efficiency, innovation and reliability.

“Our vendors are true partners,” explains Don Milum, chief revenue officer at Thornton Aviation. “Transparency and mutual respect drive our processes. When a deadline is tight or a part is hard to source, our clients know they can count on us to work collaboratively toward a solution.”
A representative from one of Thornton’s major suppliers, Marc Bouliane, vice president at Universal Avionics echoes this sentiment: “Our collaboration has delivered outstanding results, driven by mutual respect, open communication and a vision for innovation. Thornton Aviation has proven to be more than just a dealer—they are a trusted partner who brings deep industry insight and a proactive approach to every project.”
Client Patrick Lindsey, president of Mira Vista Aviation concurs, “There are a lot of correlations between racing and aviation, especially the team aspects of the two. In a 24-hour race, everyone has to pull together and get the job done. The same is true in aviation. I’ve been fortunate to pull from my experience in racing to bring people together to accomplish the Mira Vista vision.”
As a racecar driver, Lindsey trusted his pit crew to have his back. At Mira Vista, Thornton Aviation and Honeywell’s Maintenance Service Plan (MSP) provided <a href="https://aerospace.honeywell.com/us/en/about-us/customer-success-stories/how-honeywell-and-thornton-aviation-help-customers-win">the winning edge</a>.
Through its many service plan offerings, Thornton Aviation delivers peace of mind, offering operators financial predictability by eliminating unexpected repair costs while minimizing operational disruption from unplanned maintenance events. This way, operators can proactively manage maintenance costs and spread the projected cost of repairs over the course of the agreement.
<h2>Collaboration in Action: A Case Study</h2>
Michael Rasa understands performance. He founded Dallas-based Rasa Floors and grew it to 23 locations operating in 18 states by the time he sold the company in 2021. He credits hard work, operating with integrity and maintaining a positive attitude for his success, and he seeks those same qualities when choosing partners to work on his aircraft.
<div class="paragraph paragraph--type--ain-image paragraph--view-mode--default"><a href="https://www.thorntonaviation.com/falcon-maintenance" target="_blank"><img src="https://backend.ainonline.com/sites/default/files/2025-08/thornton_michael_rasa_falcon_900b.jpg"></a></div>

Michael recently selected Thornton Aviation and Universal Avionics to integrate and install Universal’s InSight Integrated Flight Display system into his Falcon 900B per Dassault’s STC – an industry first. The STC allows operators to upgrade to the four-display InSight system while maintaining the existing Honeywell flight management system (FMS). This project was unique due to the existing CDS/R displays installed in the aircraft. The STC did not directly cover a CDS/R to InSight conversion, but Thornton Aviation and Dassault tackled this challenge and successfully delivered the aircraft.
Vince Russo, Thornton Aviation’s director of avionics, introduced Michael to the Universal Avionics team out of Tucson who immediately brought a demo of the InSight System so Michael could try it and ask questions.&nbsp;
“Success is all about relationships,” says Michael. “It’s doing the right thing and being a man of your word. Have alternatives ready and operate with integrity. That’s how I run my businesses and that’s what I saw in Thornton Aviation and Universal Avionics.”
<h2>Continuous Improvement: Listening and Learning</h2>
Thornton Aviation doesn’t rest on past achievements. After every project, the company seeks feedback from both clients and vendors, constantly striving to improve.

“We believe every partnership is a learning opportunity,” says Steve. “By listening to our clients’ stories and our vendors’ perspectives, we’re always refining our processes. The result is a cycle of continuous improvement that benefits everyone involved.”
With operations at Burbank (KBUR) and Van Nuys (KVNY), operators choose Thornton to keep their aircraft operating safely. A Part 145 repair station with FAA approval for more than 61 aircraft types, Thornton Aviation handles depot level inspections, heavy maintenance, modifications, unscheduled discrepancy resolution, avionics service and upgrades, drop-in needs and more.
“Come out to sunny California and let Thornton Aviation welcome you to our community,” adds Steve.

<h2>Testimonials: The Voice of Experience</h2>
<ul>
<li>“Absolutely outstanding event from Thornton. The amount of effort your team put in to fight for an early release is something I don’t see at other repair stations. We’re usually fighting for an on time return to service at best," says Andrew W, quality assurance manager.</li>
<li>“Over the past seven years that I have been with a Falcon 900EX I have been coming to Thornton and your team on an ever- increasing basis. Your team is always eager to respond, and their efficiency has ensured that I have not missed a single trip due to maintenance delays,” says Brandon P, maintenance supervisor.</li>
<li>“Thornton offers excellent quality of work, and their billing is very competitively priced. We have used them&nbsp;for inspections, an engine change under MSP and ancillary discrepancies. They are the ‘Go To’ guys without running around a telephone tree,” says Tim F., aviation manager.</li>
</ul>
<h2>A Legacy of Partnership</h2>
In the complex world of aviation services, Thornton Aviation stands out as a company that values relationships as much as results. By bringing clients and vendors together in an atmosphere of trust and collaboration, they not only achieve successful outcomes — they set the standard for what partnership in aviation can truly mean.
Sponsored by:
Thornton Aviation

About Thornton Aviation: For more than 40 years, Thornton Aviation has been serving the business aviation community. With operations at Burbank (KBUR) and Van Nuys (KVNY), Thornton Aviation is perfectly positioned to serve operators based on the West Coast or those visiting the area for business or pleasure. A Part 145 repair station with FAA approval for more than 61 aircraft types, Thornton Aviation handles big inspections, avionics upgrades, drop-in needs and more.
For more information, phone (818) 357-5599 or visit <a href="http://www.thorntonaviation.com">www.thorntonaviation.com</a>.

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

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