How does McCauley carry its propeller legacy forward? Allison Varriano shares the customer-focused approach heading into EAA AirVenture 2026
As senior manager of Sales and Business Development, McCauley Propeller Systems, Allison Varriano plays a key role in supporting the team’s work to help aircraft owners, operators and service providers get the most from their propeller systems. With responsibility for sales, product support and business development, she works closely with customers and colleagues across a diverse range of aircraft applications while helping guide the future growth of one of aviation’s most trusted propeller brands. In this Q&A, she shares why EAA AirVenture remains such an important event for McCauley and how the team supports customers throughout the life of their propellers.
Q: EAA AirVenture is just around the corner. What makes Oshkosh such an important event for McCauley, and what are you most looking forward to this year?
A: EAA AirVenture is one of the few events that brings together the entire aviation community – from student pilots and aircraft owners to manufacturers and industry leaders.
For McCauley Propeller, it’s a valuable opportunity to connect directly with the people who rely on our products every day. What I enjoy most are the conversations. Whether it’s hearing from a longtime customer or someone exploring their first propeller upgrade, those interactions help us better understand the current needs of aircraft operators. EAA AirVenture is a great reminder that aviation is built on relationships, passion and innovation.
Q: McCauley supports a wide range of aircraft types and models, as well as the pilots, owners and operators who rely on them. How does the team tailor its support to meet those different needs?
A: Supporting customers starts long before an aircraft takes flight. Every day, McCauley provides products, technical expertise and aftermarket support that helps aircraft operate efficiently and reliably.
Because piston aircraft are a major focus at Oshkosh, that’s where many attendees see the value of McCauley firsthand; from our broad propeller portfolio and industry-leading service intervals to responsive support and a global network of Authorized Service Facilities (ASFs). Whether customers fly for recreation, training or business, our goal is simple: deliver dependable performance and support throughout the life of their propeller.
Q: McCauley has more than 85 years of history. How do you balance honoring that legacy while continuing to innovate for the next generation of pilots?
A: We're proud of our 85-year history and the trust we have built with aircraft owners and operators around the world. We honor that heritage by maintaining the quality, reliability and customer focus that define McCauley while continuing to invest in new technologies, improved designs and expanded product offerings. Our experience helps us develop solutions that meet the needs of today’s pilots while preparing for the future of aviation.
Q: You've spent much of your career at Textron Aviation and now lead sales, product support and business development at McCauley. What has surprised or inspired you most about the McCauley team?
A: The culture of our team stands out the most. As a part of Textron Aviation, McCauley combines the strength and resources of a global organization with a close-knit, collaborative culture built on teamwork, ownership and pride in what we accomplish together.
I’m also continually impressed by our commitment to customers. Whether supporting an aircraft owner, assisting an ASF or developing a new product solution, there is a shared dedication to doing what’s right and keeping customers flying. That combination of culture, entrepreneurial spirit and customer focus makes McCauley unique.
Q: As you look ahead to meeting with customers at EAA AirVenture 2026, what excites you most about the future of McCauley?
A: What excites me most is the momentum we’re building and the opportunity to connect directly with customers at EAA AirVenture. It’s always valuable to hear how aircraft owners and operators are using our products and what matters most to them.