McFarlane Aviation Continues Innovation with Acquisition of P. Ponk STCs for Legacy Cessna Aircraft, What You Need to Know

Published on November 20, 2025

McFarlane Aviation has recently acquired a significant number of supplemental type certificates (STCs) from P. Ponk Aviation, marking a major step in its commitment to enhancing the performance of legacy Cessna aircraft. This acquisition, which includes STCs for key upgrades, will enable McFarlane to further expand its catalog and support the continued operation of these iconic aircraft models. The deal also comes at a pivotal time, following the passing of P. Ponk Aviation’s co-founder, Steven Knopp, solidifying McFarlane Aviation’s role in ensuring the legacy of these upgrades endures.

Key Upgrades for Legacy Cessna Aircraft

The acquisition includes various STCs that focus on performance improvements for legacy Cessna models, specifically the Cessna 170, 180, 182, 185 and 206. Among the STCs now under McFarlane Aviation’s stewardship are the PSK 1101 main landing gear kit, the PPPA 1201 inboard landing gear attach angle, PPA 1301-1/2 outboard gear box brackets and the PPA 1401 rudder-elevator hinge bearing. These upgrades are crucial for enhancing the performance and reliability of older Cessna aircraft, addressing common areas of concern for owners and maintenance professionals alike.

The Legacy of P. Ponk Aviation

The legacy of P. Ponk Aviation dates back to 1978 when Steven and Norma Knopp, through their commercial fishing operations in the Alaskan bush, began developing engine conversions and STCs for Cessna 180s and 182s. Their hands-on experience with these aircraft during their time in Alaska led to the development of numerous innovative upgrades, making P. Ponk a trusted name for Cessna owners. Following Steven Knopp’s recent passing, P. Ponk decided to sell much of its intellectual property, ensuring that these valuable assets would continue to benefit aircraft owners through a partnership with McFarlane Aviation.

Expanding Role of McFarlane Aviation

McFarlane Aviation, based in the United States, has long been a leader in the aviation industry, providing high-quality aircraft parts and upgrades. The company boasts an extensive catalog of over 4,000 parts manufacturer approvals (PMAs) and is known for its commitment to offering cost-effective solutions to support legacy airframes. McFarlane’s acquisition of the P. Ponk STCs strengthens its position in the market and allows it to offer even more comprehensive services for owners of legacy Cessna aircraft.

As part of the acquisition, McFarlane Aviation will now be able to perform the upgrades in-house at one of its three locations in Kansas, North Carolina and Alaska. This integration will streamline the process for customers, providing them with a one-stop solution for parts and upgrades. By consolidating production and services under one roof, McFarlane will be able to enhance operational efficiency, ultimately benefiting aircraft owners who depend on these critical upgrades to keep their planes flying safely and reliably.

Continuing P. Ponk’s Tradition of Excellence

The STCs acquired from P. Ponk are a natural fit for McFarlane Aviation’s existing product line. The company’s focus on supporting legacy airframes aligns perfectly with the upgrades now available through this acquisition. McFarlane’s president, Mike Polanis, expressed pride in the company’s continued innovation and its ability to provide long-term solutions for legacy Cessna aircraft. Polanis emphasized that the newly acquired STCs will allow McFarlane to continue delivering high-quality, cost-effective solutions to the aviation community, ensuring that the legacy of P. Ponk Aviation lives on through its ongoing product support.

For Cessna owners and maintenance professionals, the acquisition of these STCs by McFarlane Aviation is an exciting development. It ensures that these legacy aircraft can continue to be safely and efficiently maintained with the latest upgrades. The new parts and systems offered through McFarlane will provide long-lasting improvements to Cessna 170, 180, 182, 185 and 206 models, enhancing their performance and longevity.

In conclusion, McFarlane Aviation’s acquisition of P. Ponk Aviation’s STCs for legacy Cessna aircraft represents a significant move towards preserving and enhancing the performance of these iconic models. By providing high-quality parts and upgrades, McFarlane ensures that these aircraft can continue to fly safely and efficiently for years to come, benefiting both owners and maintenance professionals alike. With a deep respect for P. Ponk’s legacy, McFarlane continues to lead the way in delivering innovative solutions for the aviation industry.

Image- McFarlane Aviation