Since 1988
Our Story
From One Mechanic's Commitment to a Premier Aviation Service Organization.
Aircraft Mechanical Services, Inc. (AMS) traces its roots back to 1988, when Darrell Tunnell founded the Darrell Tunnell Company at Visalia Municipal Airport. Built on a simple philosophy of quality workmanship, integrity, and customer service, the company quickly earned the trust of aircraft owners throughout California's Central Valley.
What began as a small independent maintenance operation grew steadily through word-of-mouth referrals and a reputation for dependable aircraft service. As the customer base expanded and the scope of work increased, the company evolved into Aircraft Mechanical Services, Inc. (AMS), establishing itself as one of the region's most respected aircraft maintenance organizations.
Over the decades, AMS has built a reputation for technical excellence, personalized customer service, and an unwavering commitment to safety. Today, the company supports a diverse customer base of aircraft owners, corporate operators, and aviation businesses, providing maintenance, inspection, repair, and modification services for piston aircraft, turboprops, and business jets.
The success of AMS has always been driven by a commitment to investing in people, facilities, and technology while maintaining the family-oriented values on which the company was founded. That commitment has allowed AMS to grow from a one-man operation into a full-service aviation maintenance organization serving customers throughout California and the western United States.
AMS Timeline
Built over decades.
1988
Darrell Tunnell establishes the Darrell Tunnell Company in Visalia, California.
2004
Aircraft Mechanical Services, Inc. (AMS) is formally incorporated.
2004–2025
AMS expands its maintenance capabilities, workforce, and customer base throughout California and the western United States.
2025
AMS opens its new 24,000-square-foot state-of-the-art maintenance facility, representing a $4 million investment in the future of aviation maintenance and aircraft modernization.
What's next
Looking Ahead
The opening of our new 24,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for AMS. Representing a $4 million investment in the future of aviation maintenance, the facility has been designed to support continued growth, enhanced operational efficiency, and expanded service capabilities for our customers.
The modern facility provides increased hangar capacity, advanced maintenance infrastructure, improved workflow, and the ability to accommodate a broader range of aircraft, from general aviation piston aircraft to turboprops and business jets. This investment reflects our long-term commitment to delivering industry-leading service while meeting the evolving needs of aircraft owners and operators.
AMS has also become a recognized leader in aircraft performance enhancement and modernization programs. As a leading West Coast dealer for Blackhawk Aerospace turbine engine upgrade programs, AMS helps operators improve aircraft performance, reliability, payload capability, and overall value. AMS is also an authorized dealer for Raisbeck Engineering, offering proven airframe performance modifications that enhance efficiency, safety, and operational capability for turboprop aircraft.
These partnerships, combined with decades of maintenance expertise and a highly skilled team of aviation professionals, position AMS as a premier destination for aircraft maintenance, repair, upgrades, and modernization services.
While our facilities, capabilities, and customer base continue to grow, our mission remains unchanged: to provide exceptional workmanship, uphold the highest standards of safety and integrity, build lasting relationships with our customers, and help keep aircraft flying safely and efficiently for generations to come.
Built on Experience. Driven by Excellence. Focused on the Future.