Butler Avionics

Butler Avionics, Inc. was started in 1969 by Steve Hayden to fill a need at Johnson County Executive Airport. Formerly Kings Avionics, Inc. the business got its name from the FBO in which it had leased space, King's Flying Service owned by Bill King. Shortly after the beginning Dave Hayden (Steve's brother) and Gary Morris came on board bringing their expertise in avionics repair. By 1974 Steve left the business to open a similar business in Casper, WY leaving Dave and Gary to own and operate Kings Avionics. In 1977, Butler Avionics moved to the Downtown Airport in Kansas City, MO. In 1984 the downtown airport traffic was slowing down, this business was moved back to Johnson County Executive Airport. After 10 years at Executive Airport, and considerable growth, it again became necessary to move to accommodate growth. This time a hangar was built to specifically house Butler Avionics at the New Century Airport location. In September 2010, Butler Avionics, Inc. was acquired by Butler National Corporation, a leading manufacturer and provider of support systems for "Classic" commercial and military aircraft. Clark D. Stewart, President and CEO, stated, "The acquisition of Butler Avionics, Inc. provides Butler with a greater presence in the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) market to better support our special mission and classic aviation customers." Butler has been growing this strategically important business segment.