TRISTAR AEROSPACE CO
S-1/A, 1998-03-24
MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES
Previous: PROVANT INC, S-1/A, 1998-03-24
Next: AMERICAN AIRCARRIERS SUPPORT INC, SB-2, 1998-03-24



<PAGE>
   
     AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MARCH 24, 1998
    
   
                                                      REGISTRATION NO. 333-46335
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                         ------------------------------
 
   
                                AMENDMENT NO. 1
                                       TO
                                    FORM S-1
    
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 
                         ------------------------------
 
   
                             TRISTAR AEROSPACE CO.
    
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                   <C>                                   <C>
              Delaware                                5088                               75-2665751
  (State or other jurisdiction of         (Primary Standard Industrial                (I.R.S. Employer
   incorporation or organization)         Classification Code Number)               Identification No.)
</TABLE>
 
                             2527 Willowbrook Road
                            Dallas, Texas 75220-4420
                                 (214) 956-3400
 
         (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including
            area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)
 
                         ------------------------------
 
   
                             Mr. Quentin Bourjeaurd
                            Chief Executive Officer
                             TriStar Aerospace Co.
                             2527 Willowbrook Road
                            Dallas, Texas 75220-4420
    
                                 (214) 956-3400
 
           (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
                   including area code, of agent for service)
 
                         ------------------------------
 
                                   COPIES TO:
 
         Simeon Gold, Esquire                  Stephen A. Riddick, Esquire
      Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP                  Piper & Marbury L.L.P.
           767 Fifth Avenue                      36 South Charles Street
       New York, New York 10153               Baltimore, Maryland 21201-3018
            (212) 310-8000                            (410) 539-2530
 
          APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:
  AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE AFTER THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES EFFECTIVE.
 
    If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, check the following box: / /
 
    If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and
list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering. / /
- ------------------
 
    If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. / /
- ------------------
 
    If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. / /
- ------------------
 
   
    If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
check the following box. / /
    
 
THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES
AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE
A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A),
MAY DETERMINE.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
                                EXPLANATORY NOTE
 
   
    This Registration Statement contains two forms of prospectus, one to be used
in connection with a United States offering to U.S. or Canadian Persons (as
defined) (the "U.S. Prospectus") and one to be used in connection with a
concurrent international offering (the "International Prospectus"). The two
prospectuses relate to a public offering of up to 15,268,387 shares of Common
Stock, par value $.01 per share, of TriStar Aerospace Co., a Delaware
corporation, including up to 1,991,529 shares that may be sold pursuant to the
underwriters' over-allotment option, if exercised. The complete U.S. Prospectus
follows this explanatory note. After the U.S. Prospectus are the following
alternate pages for the International Prospectus: a front cover page and a back
cover page. All other pages of the U.S. Prospectus are to be used for both the
United States offering and the international offering. Each alternate page for
the International Prospectus included herein is labeled "Alternate Page for
International Prospectus."
    
<PAGE>
                                                           SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
 
   
                                                                          , 1998
    
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES
EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.
<PAGE>
                               13,276,858 SHARES
 
                                     [LOGO]
 
                             TRISTAR AEROSPACE CO.
 
                                  COMMON STOCK
                                  -----------
 
   
    Of the 13,276,858 shares of Common Stock (the "Common Stock") of TriStar
Aerospace Co. (the "Company") offered hereby,         shares are being offered
in the United States and Canada (the "U.S. Offering") and         shares are
being offered in a concurrent international offering outside the United States
and Canada (the "International Offering," and together with the U.S. Offering,
the "Offering"). The initial public offering price and underwriting discount per
share for the U.S. Offering and the International Offering are identical. See
"Underwriting." All of the 13,276,858 shares of Common Stock offered hereby are
being sold by certain stockholders of the Company (the "Selling Stockholders").
See "Principal and Selling Stockholders." The Company will not receive any of
the proceeds from the sale of shares of Common Stock in the Offering. It is
currently estimated that the initial public offering price per share of Common
Stock in the Offering will be between $14.00 and $16.00. See "Underwriting" for
a discussion of the factors to be considered in determining the initial public
offering price. Application has been made to have the Common Stock listed on the
New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "TS".
    
                                 --------------
 
   SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 9 HEREOF FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN
          MATTERS THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS.
                                 -------------
 THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
  EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PASSED
     UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION
                     TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           PRICE            UNDERWRITING        PROCEEDS TO
                                                             TO            DISCOUNTS AND          SELLING
                                                           PUBLIC           COMMISSIONS       STOCKHOLDERS(1)
<S>                                                  <C>                 <C>                 <C>
Per share..........................................          $                   $                   $
Total(2)...........................................          $                   $                   $
</TABLE>
 
(1) The Selling Stockholders will bear all of the expenses of registration and
    distribution of the shares of Common Stock offered hereby.
 
   
(2) Certain stockholders of the Company have granted the U.S. Underwriters a
    30-day option to purchase up to         additional shares of Common Stock
    solely to cover over-allotments, if any. Certain stockholders have granted
    the International Managers a similar option to purchase up to
    additional shares, solely to cover over-allotments, if any. To the extent
    that the options are exercised, the Underwriters will offer the additional
    shares to the public at the Price to Public shown above. If such options are
    exercised in full, the total Price to Public, Underwriting Discounts and
    Commissions and Proceeds to Selling Stockholders will be $    , $    and
    $    , respectively. See "Underwriting."
    
                                 --------------
 
   
    The shares of Common Stock are offered by the several U.S. Underwriters,
subject to prior sale, when, as and if delivered to and accepted by them, and
subject to the right of the U.S. Underwriters to reject any order in whole or in
part. It is expected that delivery of the shares of Common Stock will be made at
the offices of BT Alex. Brown Incorporated, Baltimore, Maryland, on or about
    , 1998.
    
 
BT ALEX. BROWN                                      SBC WARBURG DILLON READ INC.
 
                   THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS     , 1998.
<PAGE>
 
                              [FLIP OUT PAGE/ARTWORK]
 
    The Company intends to distribute to its stockholders annual reports
containing financial statements audited by its independent public accountants
and will make available copies of quarterly reports for the first three quarters
of each fiscal year containing unaudited financial statements.
                                 --------------
 
    CERTAIN PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN THE OFFERING MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS
THAT STABILIZE, MAINTAIN OR OTHERWISE AFFECT THE PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK.
SPECIFICALLY, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING
AND MAY BID FOR AND PURCHASE SHARES OF THE COMMON STOCK IN THE OPEN MARKET. FOR
A DESCRIPTION OF THESE ACTIVITIES, SEE "UNDERWRITING."
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
    THE FOLLOWING SUMMARY IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY, AND SHOULD BE READ IN
CONJUNCTION WITH, THE MORE DETAILED INFORMATION AND THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND
NOTES THERETO APPEARING ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS. UNLESS THE CONTEXT
OTHERWISE REQUIRES, REFERENCES IN THIS PROSPECTUS TO "THE COMPANY" OR "TRISTAR"
REFER COLLECTIVELY TO TRISTAR AEROSPACE CO. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES. UNLESS
OTHERWISE INDICATED, THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS (I) ASSUMES NO
EXERCISE OF THE UNDERWRITERS' OVER-ALLOTMENT OPTION AND (II) GIVES EFFECT TO A
158-FOR-1 STOCK SPLIT OF THE COMMON STOCK. THIS PROSPECTUS CONTAINS, IN ADDITION
TO HISTORICAL INFORMATION, FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS THAT INVOLVE RISKS AND
UNCERTAINTIES. THE COMPANY'S ACTUAL RESULTS COULD DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE
DISCUSSED HEREIN. FACTORS THAT COULD CAUSE OR CONTRIBUTE TO SUCH DIFFERENCES
INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, THOSE DISCUSSED IN THE SECTIONS ENTITLED "RISK
FACTORS," "MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS," "BUSINESS" AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS.
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
GENERAL
 
   
    The Company is both a leading distributor of aerospace fasteners, fastening
systems and related hardware (collectively, "aerospace hardware") and a leading
provider of customized inventory management services to original equipment
manufacturers ("OEMs") of aircraft and aircraft components, to commercial
airlines and to aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul ("MRO") facilities.
While approximately 59% of the Company's revenues for fiscal 1997 were derived
from traditional distribution sales and services ("conventional sales"), a
substantial and growing percentage of the Company's revenues are derived from
long-term inventory management agreements under which TriStar performs a wide
variety of value-added services (commonly referred to as "JIT services"). The
Company's JIT services are provided through comprehensive and flexible
outsourcing programs under which the Company provides some or all of the
material management functions necessary to procure and manage aerospace hardware
for its customers. The Company believes that it was a pioneer of JIT services in
the aerospace hardware industry and that today the Company is a leading provider
of inventory management services to this industry. TriStar currently provides
JIT services under long-term agreements to a number of leading aerospace and
aircraft-related companies including, among others, Boeing (including former
McDonnell Douglas and Rockwell International facilities), Northrop Grumman, Bell
Helicopter, Gulfstream, United Airlines, British Airways and Federal Express.
Through its JIT services and conventional sales, the Company processed over
950,000 transactions involving over 78,000 stockkeeping units ("SKUs") in fiscal
1997, resulting in over $140 million of sales to approximately 2,000 customers.
    
 
    Historically, the procurement and management of aerospace hardware by
aircraft OEMs, airlines and MRO facilities have been highly inefficient due to
certain industry characteristics including (i) the high number of SKUs (in
excess of 250,000) used in the manufacture and repair of aircraft, (ii) the cost
structures of aerospace hardware manufacturers, which favor long production runs
that require large quantity purchases by end users, (iii) the limited capacity
of aerospace hardware manufacturers during cyclical upturns, which creates long
lead times for products and (iv) the very low per-unit costs of aerospace
hardware parts, which make it uneconomical for end users to manage aerospace
hardware inventories in-house. Multiple SKU requirements, large purchase
quantities and long lead times create inefficiencies in the supply chain for
aerospace hardware, resulting in shortages of critical parts, which lead to
costly production stoppages for end users and the over-production of
non-critical parts requiring increased working capital investment by end users.
In addition, many end users incur significant annual expenses for personnel,
facilities and systems necessary to manage the complexities associated with the
procurement and management of their aerospace hardware requirements. In many
instances, these process costs exceed the low per-unit costs of the parts
themselves.
 
    TriStar's JIT services are designed to provide solutions for its customers
by overcoming the inefficiencies inherent in the supply chain for aerospace
hardware. Under the terms of its JIT agreements, the
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
Company's personnel, processes and management information systems enable
customers to outsource all or a portion of the planning, purchasing, receiving,
documentation, inspection, storage, shipment, quality assurance and other
functions associated with the procurement and management of aerospace hardware.
The Company's substantial experience in developing and implementing JIT services
enables it to create programs specifically tailored to the needs of its
customers. In many cases, the Company assigns its own trained personnel to work
on-site at the customer's facilities. By outsourcing the procurement and
management of aerospace hardware to TriStar, the Company's customers can realize
significant cost savings and production efficiencies principally as a result of
(i) the elimination of process costs relating to the planning, purchasing and
expediting of aerospace hardware, (ii) a reduction in carrying costs, including
labor, financing and overhead charges, (iii) a reduction in parts shortages,
which can lead to costly production line stoppages and (iv) a reduction in
product costs.
 
    TriStar's leading market position as a provider of value-added inventory
management services provides it with large amounts of information on its
customers' usage patterns with respect to individual aerospace hardware parts.
This information is recorded electronically through the Company's order and
fulfillment processes. The Company compiles usage data from each of its
customers and analyzes the data in the context of historical usage trends to
forecast aggregate and customer-specific demand for individual aerospace
hardware parts. The Company uses these demand forecasts when ordering aerospace
hardware to ensure efficient and reliable delivery to its customers while
optimizing its own inventory. In addition, TriStar intends to utilize these
forecasts to provide its primary suppliers with reliable demand data to allow
them to better schedule their manufacturing processes.
 
   
    Recognizing the benefits that outsourcing could provide to end users of
aerospace hardware, in 1990 the Company's predecessor developed new sales
efforts, operating processes and systems to provide these services. By 1991 it
had secured its first JIT agreement with Rockwell International, and by the end
of 1993 had secured JIT agreements with Grumman, Beech Aircraft and Gulfstream.
Today the Company has expanded its JIT programs to include 19 agreements with 10
companies servicing over 25 facilities in the United States, Canada, France and
England. In addition, JIT revenues have grown at a compound annual rate of 44.4%
over the past three years to $57.6 million, representing approximately 41% of
the Company's total revenues for fiscal 1997. Strong growth in the Company's JIT
programs enabled it to increase revenues at a time when the aerospace industry
was experiencing a significant downturn in the early and mid-1990's. The Company
believes that OEMs, airlines and MRO facilities will continue to outsource their
aerospace hardware procurement and management needs in order to focus on their
core businesses and reduce costs. The Company believes that its status as a
leading provider of JIT services favorably positions it to benefit from this
trend and to increase its share of the aerospace hardware market.
    
 
COMPANY STRENGTHS
 
    The Company believes it has a number of core strengths which have resulted
in consistent growth of sales and earnings despite the historically cyclical
nature of the aerospace industry. The principal factors contributing to
TriStar's emergence as a market leader are:
 
    - LEADING PROVIDER OF JIT SERVICES.  The Company's long-term JIT agreements
      provide it with the following competitive advantages: (i) JIT programs
      provide TriStar with growth opportunities which are not directly tied to
      the aerospace industry cycle, (ii) JIT programs enable TriStar to
      aggregate purchases of hardware across multiple customers, thereby
      reducing acquisition costs and improving margins, (iii) JIT programs
      provide TriStar with reliable real-time data regarding the usage patterns
      of aerospace hardware across a wide customer base, allowing the Company to
      better forecast and manage its aerospace hardware needs and those of its
      customers, (iv) JIT programs typically result in the Company receiving
      additional conventional sales opportunities due to its status as a
      preferred supplier to the customer and (v) JIT programs integrate the
      Company with its customers' operations, which management believes creates
      significant switching costs for its customers.
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
    - DATABASE OF HISTORICAL USAGE INFORMATION.  TriStar has developed an
      in-depth database of its customers' historical usage patterns relating to
      all of the aerospace hardware in the Company's inventory. By continually
      analyzing this information, the Company is able to gain insight into the
      likely future usage patterns of each particular part it distributes,
      allowing the Company to better forecast and manage its own aerospace
      hardware needs as well as those of its customers. The Company believes
      this usage information and its experience in managing customers'
      inventories add stability to its JIT customer base by providing a
      foundation of knowledge unique to its customers and unmatched by its
      competitors.
 
    - QUALITY ASSURANCE AND RELIABILITY.  The Company's quality assurance
      programs include physical inspection of substantially all incoming
      shipments as well as electronic storage of manufacturers' certifications
      to allow for instant traceability. In addition, the Company's processes
      and systems have been designed to ensure the timely and consistent
      delivery of products and services, which have allowed the Company to
      establish a reputation for reliability with its customers.
 
    - SIGNIFICANT ECONOMIES OF SCALE RELATING TO SIZE.  As one of the largest
      aerospace hardware distributors, TriStar makes significant annual
      purchases of inventory on behalf of its many customers. As a result, the
      Company believes that it is one of the largest customers of many of its
      suppliers, allowing it to take advantage of price reductions associated
      with large volume purchases.
 
    - STRONG RELATIONSHIPS WITH LEADING FASTENER MANUFACTURERS.  TriStar has
      long-established relationships with substantially all of the major
      suppliers of aerospace hardware, including Fairchild, Huck, SPS, Kaynar
      and Hi-Shear. TriStar has been designated an Authorized Distributor by
      more than 65 manufacturers of aerospace hardware, including most of the
      major fastener manufacturers.
 
GROWTH STRATEGY
 
    Management has identified the following strategies which it believes provide
specific opportunities for growth:
 
    - JIT SERVICES EXPANSION.  The Company's strong growth has been generated
      internally and has been due in large part to the success of its JIT
      programs. The Company intends to continue to expand its JIT business by
      (i) increasing the number of SKUs, services and products offered and the
      number of facilities covered under existing JIT agreements and (ii)
      targeting additional JIT customers, including airlines, air cargo
      companies, MRO facilities and smaller OEMs.
 
    - INCREASED AFTERMARKET PENETRATION.  The Company intends to increase its
      penetration of non-OEM segments of its marketplace, including the airline
      and MRO facility segments, by (i) further expanding its product offerings
      in response to the inventory needs of participants in these market
      segments, (ii) continuing to tailor its JIT services to meet the specific
      demands of these participants, and (iii) increasing its sales and
      marketing efforts to these participants.
 
    - INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION.  The Company plans to expand its presence and
      increase its market penetration in Europe and Asia through expansion of
      its product offerings to include additional European standard (i.e.,
      Airbus) parts. The Company believes its increased presence in Europe, as a
      result of a recent supply agreement with Aerospatiale, a member of the
      Airbus consortium, will help to position the Company as a supplier of
      aerospace hardware to the Airbus aftermarket and assist in attracting
      other European aerospace customers. The Company also plans to pursue
      strategic alliances in the Pacific Rim and Asia.
 
    - SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT.  The Company acts as a conduit between its
      customers and suppliers to minimize imbalances in the supply and demand of
      aerospace hardware. By utilizing its historical database of customer usage
      patterns to provide manufacturers with demand forecasts, the Company
      believes it can alleviate a portion of the supply chain disruptions,
      usually associated with the
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
      cyclicality of the aerospace industry, which have adversely affected the
      Company's customers and suppliers in the past.
 
    - STRATEGIC ACQUISITIONS.  The aerospace hardware distribution industry is
      comprised of a small number of large companies, such as TriStar, and
      numerous small, local and regional businesses. The Company believes that
      opportunities exist to consolidate the aerospace hardware industry through
      strategic acquisitions and to broaden its product line and enter new
      and/or under-penetrated markets through the acquisition of certain of its
      competitors.
 
HISTORY OF THE COMPANY; SALE OF COMMON STOCK BY MAJORITY STOCKHOLDER
 
   
    The Company was incorporated under the name "Maple Leaf Aerospace, Inc." in
Delaware on August 21, 1996 by Odyssey Partners, L.P. ("Odyssey") to acquire the
outstanding stock of Tri-Star Aerospace, Inc. (the "Predecessor") and the assets
of the Aviall Aerospace business unit of Aviall Services, Inc. and of Aviall
(Canada) Ltd. (together "Aviall Aerospace"). Founded in 1973, the Predecessor
was a leading distributor of aerospace hardware products and a pioneer of JIT
services in the aerospace hardware industry. The annual revenues of the
Predecessor increased from $14.3 million in 1985 to $65.6 million in 1995. In
addition, as a result of its JIT programs, the Predecessor experienced revenue
growth each year from 1990 through 1995 despite an economic downturn in the
aerospace industry. Aviall Aerospace was a distributor of aerospace hardware to
commercial and military aircraft OEMs. The acquisition of Aviall Aerospace
provided the Company an expanded product line and access to a larger customer
base. On February 24, 1998, the Company changed its name to "TriStar Aerospace
Co."
    
 
    The Company's executive offices are located at 2527 Willowbrook Road,
Dallas, Texas 75220-4420, and its telephone number is (214) 956-3400.
 
    Odyssey is currently the record owner of 69.9% of the outstanding Common
Stock of the Company. In connection with its previously announced dissolution
and liquidation, Odyssey intends to sell the Common Stock of the Company owned
by it in the Offering. Based on a price of $15.00 per share (the midpoint of the
estimated price range set forth on the cover of this Prospectus), Odyssey will
receive an estimated $147.4 million of the $186.7 million of aggregate proceeds
to be received by the Selling Stockholders, net of underwriting discounts and
commissions, as a result of the Offering ($163.1 million of the $214.7 million
of aggregate proceeds if the Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in
full).
 
                                  THE OFFERING
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                       <C>
Common Stock offered by the Selling Stockholders:
  U.S. Offering.........................................
  International Offering................................
 
Common Stock outstanding after the Offering.............  16,787,974 shares(1)
 
Use of proceeds.........................................  The Company will not receive any
                                                          of the proceeds from the sale of
                                                          shares of Common Stock in the
                                                          Offering, all of which proceeds
                                                          will be received by the Selling
                                                          Stockholders.
 
Proposed New York Stock Exchange symbol.................  TS
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
 
   
(1) Excludes (i) 2,959,027 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of
    outstanding options under the Company's 1996 Stock Option Plan, all of which
    will be exercisable following consummation of the Offering, and (ii) shares
    reserved for issuance under the Company's proposed stock option plan. See
    "Management--Stock Option Plans."
    
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
                SUMMARY HISTORICAL FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
   
THE COMPANY AND THE PREDECESSOR(1)
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 PREDECESSOR(2)
                                  --------------------------------------------                      COMPANY
                                                                                -----------------------------------------------
                                                                      PERIOD     PERIOD       YEAR
                                       YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,         ENDED      ENDED      ENDED
                                  ---------------------------------  SEPT. 19,  SEPT. 30,  SEPT. 30,
                                                 1994       1995       1996      1996(3)    1997(4)
                                               ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------     THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                                             DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                                       ------------------------
                                     1993                                                                 1996         1997
                                  -----------                                                          -----------  -----------
                                  (UNAUDITED)                                                          (UNAUDITED)  (UNAUDITED)
<S>                               <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>          <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
  Revenues......................   $  43,135   $  50,725  $  65,579  $  55,186  $   3,555  $  140,719   $  30,966    $  42,635
  Gross profit..................      14,583      14,905     18,816     15,696      1,113      44,326       9,958       13,219
  Selling, general and
    administrative..............       9,773      10,785     12,488      8,897        463      21,048       4,447        6,040
  Operating income..............       4,810       4,120      6,328      6,799        650      23,278       5,511        7,179
  Interest expense..............       1,682       2,017      2,251      1,512        184       5,263       1,547        1,204
  Provision for income
    taxes(5)....................          --          --         --         --        177       6,559       1,520        2,291
  Net income....................       3,175       2,200      4,104      5,306        289      11,603       2,444        3,735
  Earnings per share:
    Basic.......................                                                $     .02  $     0.73   $    0.16    $    0.23
    Diluted.....................                                                      .02        0.70        0.16         0.21
  Weighted average shares
    outstanding:
    Basic.......................                                                   15,118      15,897      15,118       16,583
    Diluted.....................                                                   15,118      16,509      15,118       17,615
</TABLE>
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        PREDECESSOR(2)
                               ---------------------------------                      COMPANY
                                                                  -----------------------------------------------
                                         DECEMBER 31,                 SEPTEMBER 30,
                               ---------------------------------  ---------------------
                                              1994       1995      1996(6)    1997(4)
                                            ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------        DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                         ------------------------
                                                                                            1996         1997
                                  1993                                                   -----------  -----------
                               -----------                                               (UNAUDITED)  (UNAUDITED)
                               (UNAUDITED)
<S>                            <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>          <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
  Current assets.............   $  50,758   $  50,376  $  58,962  $  86,611  $   99,680   $  89,178    $ 110,010
  Total assets...............      54,408      51,504     59,970     97,216     110,235      99,405      120,527
  Current liabilities........      11,044      10,078     33,548     22,308      28,076      23,162       31,633
  Long-term debt, less
    current maturities.......      20,266      16,929         --     55,500      49,000      53,500       52,000
  Stockholders' equity.......      21,704      23,103     25,027     19,408      33,159      22,743       36,894
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
 
   
(1) The financial information for the Company is not comparable to the financial
    information of the Predecessor due to the acquisition of Aviall Aerospace,
    the impact of applying the purchase method of accounting to the acquisitions
    of Predecessor and Aviall Aerospace and the change in tax status of the
    Predecessor from a Subchapter S corporation to a C corporation.
    
 
   
(2) Tri-Star Aerospace, Inc. and subsidiary and affiliate.
    
 
   
(3) Reflects the results of operations for the 11 day period ended September 30,
    1996.
    
 
   
(4) Following the acquisitions of the Predecessor and Aviall Aerospace, the
    Company changed the fiscal year end of the Predecessor from December 31 to
    September 30.
    
 
   
(5) The Predecessor's stockholders elected to be taxed under the provisions of
    Subchapter S of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. As a
    Subchapter S corporation, the earnings of the Predecessor were taxable to
    the individual stockholders, and therefore, the Predecessor did not record a
    provision for income taxes.
    
 
   
(6) The amounts shown as of September 30, 1996 reflect the consolidated balance
    sheet of the Company following the acquisitions of the Predecessor and
    Aviall Aerospace. The acquisitions have been accounted for under the
    purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, the consolidated balance
    sheet reflects the results of combined operations from the acquisition date.
    
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
AVIALL AEROSPACE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                          PERIOD
                                                                           YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,         ENDED
                                                                      ---------------------------------  SEPT. 19,
                                                                                     1994       1995      1996(1)
                                                                         1993      ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                      -----------
                                                                      (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                   <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
  Revenues..........................................................   $  11,884   $  17,229  $  25,580  $  23,085
  Gross profit......................................................       3,156       2,945      5,802      5,035
  Selling, general and administrative(2)............................       5,803       5,654      5,884      4,730
  Operating income (loss)...........................................      (2,647)     (2,709)       (82)       305
 
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
  Current assets....................................................   $   8,244   $   6,680  $  17,022  $  20,528
  Total assets......................................................       9,756       8,011     18,345     21,790
  Current liabilities...............................................         534       2,778      5,145      3,195
  Long-term debt....................................................          --          --         --         --
  Intercompany debt.................................................       9,222       5,233     13,200     18,595
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) Aviall Aerospace was acquired by the Company on September 19, 1996 and
    accordingly, the operating results of Aviall Aerospace have been included in
    the Company's results of operations since September 20, 1996.
 
(2) During the periods presented, Aviall Aerospace was not operated or accounted
    for as a separate entity. As a result, intercompany allocations of certain
    expense items from Aviall Services, Inc., including corporate overhead, were
    reflected in the financial statements of Aviall Aerospace.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
    IN ADDITION TO THE OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, THE
FOLLOWING FACTORS SHOULD BE CAREFULLY CONSIDERED IN EVALUATING AN INVESTMENT IN
THE COMMON STOCK.
 
    DEPENDENCE ON COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT INDUSTRY.  The worldwide commercial
aircraft industry is the primary market for the products distributed by the
Company and the Company's services. Historically, demand from this industry has
been subject to cyclical fluctuations, with orders from OEMs and other customers
for aerospace hardware typically increasing or decreasing in advance of
corresponding changes in the deliveries of new aircraft. The demand for new
aircraft historically has been closely related to the financial performance of
airlines, which in turn has been closely related to general economic conditions
and changes in business cycles. Changes in the commercial airline market
resulting in a reduction in the rate of future aircraft deliveries, including
cancellations or deferrals of scheduled deliveries, could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's results of operations and financial condition.
 
    CUSTOMER CONCENTRATION; DEPENDENCE ON JIT AGREEMENTS.  A significant portion
of the Company's business is dependent upon a limited number of large
manufacturers of commercial aircraft and defense products. Direct sales to
Boeing and Northrop Grumman, for example, accounted for approximately 24.8%
(including 11.3% from former McDonnell Douglas facilities and 7.1% from former
Rockwell International facilities) and 11.7% of the Company's fiscal 1997 net
sales, respectively. In addition, under the terms of several of the Company's
JIT agreements, the customer may terminate the agreement, subject to prior
notice and/or other provisions, before the expiration of such agreement. The
termination or renegotiation of any such agreement or the loss of one or more
significant customers for any reason could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's results of operations and financial condition. Furthermore, because of
the relatively small number of customers for certain of the Company's products,
such customers may be able to influence the Company's prices and other terms of
sale with respect to such products.
 
    AVAILABILITY OF HARDWARE.  As is customary in the aerospace hardware
industry, the Company does not currently have long-term contracts with any of
its suppliers. Any material disruption in the Company's sources of supply,
particularly of the most commonly sold items, could have a material adverse
effect upon the Company's results of operations and financial condition.
 
    GROWTH STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION; ABILITY TO MANAGE GROWTH.  The Company's
growth strategy includes (i) expanding its JIT services, (ii) expanding its
presence in non-OEM segments of the marketplace, (iii) increasing its
international business, (iv) further implementing supply chain management
initiatives, and (v) exploring acquisition opportunities. The Company's ability
to execute its growth strategy will depend on a number of factors, including
existing and emerging competition, the ability to maintain profit margins in the
face of competitive pressures, the continued recruitment, training and retention
of employees, the strength of demand for its services and the availability of
capital to support its growth.
 
    Conducting business outside of the United States is subject to various
risks, including changing economic and political conditions in the United States
and abroad, major work stoppages, currency fluctuations, armed conflicts and
unexpected changes in United States and foreign laws relating to tariffs,
exchange controls, trade restrictions, transportation regulations, foreign
investments and taxation. The Company has no control over most of these risks
and may be unable to anticipate changes in international economic and political
conditions and, therefore, may be unable to alter its business practices in time
to avoid the adverse effect of any such changes.
 
    From time to time, the Company may evaluate or pursue opportunistic
acquisitions of all or portions of other independent aerospace hardware and
service providers whose assets or product lines would complement or expand the
Company's existing operations. There can be no assurance that the Company will
succeed in identifying appropriate acquisition candidates, arranging financing
for acquisitions, consummating acquisitions on satisfactory terms or efficiently
integrating acquired businesses.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
    To manage anticipated growth, the Company must continuously evaluate the
adequacy of its existing resources, systems and processes, including, among
others, its management resources, management information systems and financial
and accounting systems. There can be no assurance that management will
adequately anticipate all of the changing demands that growth will impose on the
Company's resources, systems and processes. Any failure to adequately anticipate
and respond to such changing demands could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's growth strategy. Any such adverse effect could result in the Company's
growth and anticipated results of operations being less than management's
expectations. See "Business--Growth Strategy."
 
    FLUCTUATIONS IN OPERATING RESULTS.  The Company's operating results are
affected by many factors, including the timing of orders from large customers,
the timing of expenditures for employees hired in anticipation of future sales
and the mix of customers purchasing products in a particular period. Any of
these factors, or any cancellations, reductions or delays in orders by a
significant customer or group of customers, could have a material adverse effect
on the Company's results of operations and financial condition.
 
    DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL.  The continued success of the Company is
dependent to a significant degree upon the services of its executive officers
and upon the Company's ability to attract and retain qualified personnel
experienced in the various phases of the Company's business. Loss of the
services of such employees, particularly Quentin Bourjeaurd, President and Chief
Executive Officer of the Company, and Charles Balchunas, Chief Operating Officer
of the Company, could adversely affect the operations of the Company. The
Company has entered into executive employment agreements with a number of its
key personnel, including Messrs. Bourjeaurd and Balchunas. See
"Management--Employment Agreements." The Company does not maintain key man life
insurance on the lives of any of its executive officers or key employees.
 
    COMPETITION.  Numerous companies manufacture and/or distribute fasteners,
fastening systems and related components that compete with the products the
Company distributes. Certain of these competitors have greater financial
resources than the Company. There can be no assurance that competitive pressures
in any of the markets to which the Company distributes products will not have a
material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations and financial
condition. See "Business--Competition."
 
    DEPENDENCE ON MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS; YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE.  The
Company believes that the successful operation of the Company's business is
dependent in part on its computerized inventory management, order processing and
distribution systems and other computer software programs and operating systems.
These systems will require modification, improvement or replacement as the
Company grows. The Company may, from time to time, experience delays,
complications or expenses in integrating and operating these systems, any of
which could have a material adverse effect upon the Company's results of
operations and financial condition.
 
    The Company has been evaluating its computer software programs and operating
systems to identify any as to which there may be a "Year 2000" issue and is
currently taking steps to modify or replace its systems that are not Year 2000
compliant. While the Company believes that it will be able to achieve such Year
2000 compliance through a combination of modification and/or replacement of its
existing programs and systems, no assurance can be given that these efforts will
be successful or that such efforts will be completed on a timely basis. The
failure to successfully complete such implementation on a timely basis may cause
interruptions in operations which could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's results of operations and financial condition. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Year
2000 Compliance."
 
    PRODUCT LIABILITY; CLAIMS EXPOSURE.  The nature of the products distributed
by the Company exposes it to potential liabilities resulting from the failure of
an airframe, aircraft engine or other aircraft part manufactured with aerospace
hardware supplied by the Company. The Company maintains product
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
liability insurance to protect it from such liabilities; however, no assurance
can be given that claims will not arise in the future or that such insurance
coverage will be adequate. Additionally, there can be no assurance that
insurance coverage can be maintained in the future at an acceptable cost. Any
such liability not covered by insurance, or for which third party
indemnification is not available, could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's results of operations and financial condition. See "Business--Product
Liability and Legal Proceedings."
 
    GOVERNMENT REGULATION.  While the Company's business is not currently
regulated, the aerospace hardware it distributes must be accompanied by
documentation which enables its customers to comply with applicable regulatory
requirements. There can be no assurance that new and more stringent government
regulations will not be adopted in the future or that any such new regulations,
if enacted, would not have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of
operations and financial condition.
 
    NO PRIOR PUBLIC MARKET; POTENTIAL VOLATILITY OF STOCK PRICE.  Prior to the
Offering, there has been no public market for the Common Stock, and there can be
no assurance that an active trading market will develop after the Offering or,
if a trading market does develop, that it will be sustained or that shares of
Common Stock could be resold at or above the initial public offering price. The
initial public offering price of the Common Stock offered hereby will be
determined through negotiations among the Company, the Selling Stockholders and
the representatives of the Underwriters and may not be an indication of the
actual value of the stock or of the price at which the Common Stock will
actually trade after the Offering. After completion of the Offering, the market
price of the Common Stock could be subject to significant variation due to
fluctuations in the Company's operating results, changes in earnings estimates
by securities analysts, the degree of success the Company achieves in
implementing its business strategy, changes in business or regulatory conditions
affecting the Company, its customers or its competitors, and other factors. In
addition, the financial markets may experience volatility that affects the
market prices of companies in ways unrelated to the operating performance of
such companies, and such volatility may adversely affect the market price of the
Common Stock.
 
   
    BENEFITS OF OFFERING TO EXISTING STOCKHOLDERS.  Odyssey is selling an
aggregate of 10,484,707 shares of Common Stock in the Offering (11,598,780
shares if the Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full) in
connection with the previously announced dissolution and liquidation of Odyssey.
Odyssey will receive an estimated $147.4 million in proceeds from the sale of
such shares based upon an initial public offering price of $15.00 per share (the
midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover of this Prospectus)
and after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions,
reflecting a net gain of $12.59 per share over the original cost of such shares
to Odyssey and an aggregate net gain of approximately $132.0 million. In the
event the Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full, Odyssey will
sell all of the shares of Common Stock currently owned of record by it. Stephen
Berger, Muzzafar Mirza and William Hopkins, members of the Company's Board of
Directors, are partners or principals of Odyssey and will be resigning from the
Company's Board of Directors as soon as practicable after consummation of the
Offering. In addition, several other Selling Stockholders presently serve or
formerly served as directors and/or executive officers of the Company, including
Richard P. Small, who will also resign from his position as Vice Chairman of the
Company's Board of Directors as soon as practicable after consummation of the
Offering. See "Principal and Selling Stockholders" and "Management-- Composition
of the Board of Directors after the Offering."
    
 
    The existing stockholders of the Company will receive certain benefits from
the sale of the Common Stock offered hereby. The Offering will establish a
public market for the Common Stock and will provide increased liquidity to the
existing stockholders for the shares of Common Stock they will own after the
Offering, subject to certain limitations. See "Shares Eligible For Future Sale."
Furthermore, the consummation of the Offering will cause certain of the stock
options held by management of the Company to vest and become immediately
exercisable. See "Management--Executive Compensation" and "--Stock Option
Plans--1996 Stock Option Plan."
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
    IMMEDIATE AND SUBSTANTIAL DILUTION.  The initial public offering price of
the Common Stock will be substantially higher than the net tangible book value
per share of Common Stock. Accordingly, purchasers of Common Stock in the
Offering will experience immediate and substantial dilution. See "Dilution."
 
   
    SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE.  Future sales of shares of Common Stock by
existing stockholders (including shares issued upon exercise of stock options),
or the perception that such sales could occur, could adversely affect prevailing
market prices for the Common Stock. Upon completion of the Offering, the Company
will have outstanding 16,787,974 shares of Common Stock. Of such shares, the
13,276,858 shares sold in the Offering will be freely tradeable without
restriction or limitation under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"), unless purchased by "affiliates" of the Company, as that term
is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. Subject to Rule 144 under the
Securities Act (as currently in effect), after expiration of the lock-up periods
described below (or earlier with the consent of the representative of the
Underwriters), the remaining 3,511,116 shares will become eligible at various
times for sale in the public marketplace. In addition, upon completion of the
Offering, 2,959,027 shares of Common Stock will be issuable upon exercise of
outstanding options under the Company's stock option plans and additional shares
of Common Stock will be reserved for issuance under such plans. See
"Management--Stock Option Plan."
    
 
    To the extent that the Underwriters' over-allotment option is not exercised
fully, the Company has agreed to file a registration statement on Form S-8
following the expiration of the lock-up periods described below covering any
shares subject to options granted to G. Bruce McInnis, one of the Selling
Stockholders, under the Company's 1996 Stock Option Plan. Shares registered
under such registration statement which are issued upon the exercise of options
will be freely transferable in the open market.
 
    The Company, its directors and executive officers and current stockholders
have agreed that, for a period of 180 days after the consummation of the
Offering, they will not, without the prior written consent of BT Alex. Brown
Incorporated, offer, sell or otherwise dispose of, any shares of Common Stock.
See "Underwriting" and "Shares Eligible for Future Sale."
 
    CERTAIN CHARTER, BYLAW AND STATUTORY ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS.  The
Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the "Certificate")
and Bylaws provide for a classified Board of Directors, restrict the ability of
stockholders to call special meetings or take stockholder action by written
consent, and contain advance notice requirements for stockholder proposals and
nominations and special voting requirements for the amendment of the Certificate
and Bylaws. These provisions could delay or hinder the removal of incumbent
directors and could discourage or make more difficult a proposed merger, tender
offer or proxy contest involving the Company or may otherwise have an adverse
effect on the market price of the Common Stock. The Company also will be subject
to provisions of Delaware corporate law that will restrict the Company from
engaging in certain business combinations with an interested stockholder, unless
certain conditions are met or the business combination is approved by the
Company's Board of Directors and/or stockholders in a prescribed manner. These
provisions also could render more difficult or discourage a merger, tender offer
or other similar transaction. See "Description of Capital Stock."
 
    The Certificate authorizes the issuance of 10,000,000 shares of preferred
stock, none of which is currently outstanding. Shares of preferred stock may be
issued on such terms as the Company's Board of Directors may determine. The
rights of the holders of Common Stock will be subject to, and may be adversely
affected by, any preferred stock that may be issued in the future. The issuance
of preferred stock, while providing desirable flexibility in connection with
possible acquisitions, financings and other corporate transactions, could have
the effect of discouraging, or making more difficult, a third party's
acquisition of a majority of the Company's outstanding voting stock. The Company
has no plans to issue any shares of preferred stock. See "Description of Capital
Stock--Preferred Stock."
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
    The Company will not receive any proceeds from the sale of Common Stock in
the Offering, all of which proceeds will be received by the Selling
Stockholders.
 
                                DIVIDEND POLICY
 
    The Company has never declared or paid any cash dividends on its Common
Stock and currently intends to retain all earnings for the foreseeable future
for use in the operation and expansion of its business. Accordingly, the Company
currently has no plans to pay dividends on its Common Stock. Under the terms of
the Company's credit agreement, the Company is prohibited from paying dividends
on its Common Stock. The payment of any future dividends will be determined by
the Board of Directors of the Company in light of conditions then existing,
including the Company's earnings, financial condition and capital requirements,
restrictions in financing agreements, business conditions and other factors.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
    The following table sets forth the capitalization of the Company as of
December 31, 1997. This table should be read in conjunction with the
Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes thereto of the Company
included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                   DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                                     1997(1)
                                                                                                ------------------
                                                                                                  (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                                             <C>
Total debt....................................................................................      $   52,500
Stockholders' equity:
  Preferred stock.............................................................................          --
  Common stock................................................................................             166
  Additional paid-in capital..................................................................          21,101
  Retained earnings...........................................................................          15,627
                                                                                                       -------
    Total stockholders' equity................................................................      $   36,894
                                                                                                       -------
Total capitalization..........................................................................      $   89,394
                                                                                                       -------
                                                                                                       -------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) The Selling Stockholders will bear all of the expenses of registration and
    distribution of the shares of Common Stock sold in the Offering. The Company
    will receive up to approximately $2.7 million in proceeds from the exercise
    of options relating to shares of Common Stock included in the Offering
    (including proceeds from the exercise of options relating to shares included
    in the Underwriters' over-allotment option), which the Company will use for
    working capital and general corporate purposes.
 
                                    DILUTION
 
    The net tangible book value of the Company as of December 31, 1997 was $28.2
million or $1.43 per share of Common Stock. Net tangible book value is the
Company's total tangible assets (total assets less intangible assets) less total
liabilities at December 31, 1997. Net tangible book value per share is
determined by dividing the net tangible book value by the number of outstanding
shares of Common Stock, including the assumed exercise of all vested options,
after consummation of the Offering. The net tangible book value dilution per
share shown below represents the difference between the assumed amount per share
paid by purchasers of Common Stock in the Offering (the midpoint of the price
range set forth on the cover of this Prospectus) and the net tangible book value
per share of Common Stock. The following table illustrates the per share
dilution:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                                <C>
Assumed initial public offering price per share..................................  $   15.00
Net tangible book value per share................................................       1.43
                                                                                   ---------
Net tangible book value dilution per share.......................................  $   13.57
                                                                                   ---------
                                                                                   ---------
</TABLE>
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
                SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
   
THE COMPANY AND THE PREDECESSOR(1)
    
 
   
    The following table sets forth selected historical financial data for the
Company and the Predecessor. The selected financial data for the Predecessor for
the year ended December 31, 1993, were derived from the unaudited combined
financial statements of the Predecessor. The selected financial data for the
Predecessor for the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1995, and for the period
ended September 19, 1996, were derived from the audited combined financial
statements of the Predecessor. The selected financial data for the Company for
the period ended September 30, 1996, and for the year ended September 30, 1997,
were derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company.
The selected financial data for the Company for the three-month periods ended
December 31, 1996 and 1997 were derived from the unaudited consolidated
financial statements of the Company included elsewhere herein, and, in the
opinion of management of the Company, contain all adjustments, consisting only
of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of results of
operations and financial condition.
    
 
    The selected consolidated financial and operating information set forth
below should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the historical financial
statements and notes thereto of the Company and the Predecessor and other
financial information included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         PREDECESSOR(2)
                                         ----------------------------------------------                COMPANY
                                                                                         -----------------------------------
                                                                              PERIOD       PERIOD      PERIOD
                                              YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,          ENDED        ENDED       ENDED
                                         ---------------------------------   SEPT. 19,    SEPT. 30,   SEPT. 30,     THREE
                                                        1994       1995        1996        1996(3)     1997(4)     MONTHS
                                                      ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  ---------     ENDED
                                                                                                                  DECEMBER
                                                                                                                     31,
                                            1993                                                                 -----------
                                         -----------
                                         (UNAUDITED)                                                                1996
                                                                                                                 -----------
                                                                                                                 (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                      <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
  Revenues.............................   $  43,135   $  50,725  $  65,579   $  55,186    $   3,555   $ 140,719   $  30,966
  Gross profit.........................      14,583      14,905     18,816      15,696        1,113      44,326       9,958
  Selling, general and
    administrative.....................       9,773      10,785     12,488       8,897          463      21,048       4,447
  Operating income.....................       4,810       4,120      6,328       6,799          650      23,278       5,511
  Interest expense.....................       1,682       2,017      2,251       1,512          184       5,263       1,547
  Provision for income taxes(5)........          --          --         --          --          177       6,559       1,520
  Net income...........................       3,175       2,200      4,104       5,306          289      11,603       2,444
  Earnings per share:
    Basic..............................                                                   $     .02   $    0.73   $    0.16
    Diluted............................                                                         .02        0.70        0.16
  Weighted average shares outstanding:
    Basic..............................                                                      15,118      15,897      15,118
    Diluted............................                                                      15,118      16,509      15,118
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                         -----------
                                         (UNAUDITED)
 
<S>                                      <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
  Revenues.............................   $  42,635
  Gross profit.........................      13,219
  Selling, general and
    administrative.....................       6,040
  Operating income.....................       7,179
  Interest expense.....................       1,204
  Provision for income taxes(5)........       2,291
  Net income...........................       3,735
  Earnings per share:
    Basic..............................   $    0.23
    Diluted............................        0.21
  Weighted average shares outstanding:
    Basic..............................      16,583
    Diluted............................      17,615
</TABLE>
    
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              PREDECESSOR(2)
                                                     ---------------------------------                COMPANY
                                                                                        -----------------------------------
                                                               DECEMBER 31,                 SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                     ---------------------------------  ----------------------
                                                                    1994       1995       1996(6)     1997(4)
                                                                  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------   DECEMBER
                                                                                                                    31,
                                                                                                                -----------
                                                        1993                                                       1996
                                                     -----------                                                -----------
                                                     (UNAUDITED)                                                (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                  <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>
  BALANCE SHEET DATA:
  Current assets...................................   $  50,758   $  50,376  $  58,962   $  86,611   $  99,680   $  89,178
  Total assets.....................................      54,408      51,504     59,970      97,216     110,235      99,405
  Current liabilities..............................      11,044      10,078     33,548      22,308      28,076      23,162
  Long-term debt, less current maturities..........      20,266      16,929         --      55,500      49,000      53,500
  Stockholders' equity.............................      21,704      23,103     25,027      19,408      33,159      22,743
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                     -----------
 
<S>                                                  <C>
  BALANCE SHEET DATA:
  Current assets...................................   $ 110,010
  Total assets.....................................     120,527
  Current liabilities..............................      31,633
  Long-term debt, less current maturities..........      52,000
  Stockholders' equity.............................      36,894
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------------
 
   
(1) The financial information for the Company is not comparable to the financial
    information of the Predecessor due to the acquisition of Aviall Aerospace,
    the impact of applying the purchase method of accounting to the acquisitions
    of Predecessor and Aviall Aerospace and the change in tax status of the
    Predecessor from a Subchapter S corporation to a C corporation.
    
 
   
(2) Tri-Star Aerospace, Inc. and subsidiary and affiliate.
    
 
   
(3) Reflects the results of operations for the 11 day period ended September 30,
    1996.
    
 
   
(4) Following the acquisitions of the Predecessor and Aviall Aerospace, the
    Company changed the fiscal year end of the Predecessor from December 31 to
    September 30.
    
 
   
(5) The Predecessor's stockholders elected to be taxed under the provisions of
    Subchapter S of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. As a
    Subchapter S corporation, the earnings of the Predecessor were taxable to
    the individual stockholders, and therefore, the Predecessor did not record a
    provision for income taxes.
    
 
   
(6) The amounts shown as of September 30, 1996 reflect the consolidated balance
    sheet of the Company following the acquisitions of the Predecessor and
    Aviall Aerospace. The acquisitions have been accounted for under the
    purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, the consolidated balance
    sheet reflects the results of combined operations from the acquisition date.
    
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
AVIALL AEROSPACE
 
    The following table sets forth selected historical financial data for Aviall
Aerospace, a business unit of Aviall Services, Inc. The selected financial data
for Aviall Aerospace for the year ended December 31, 1993, were derived from the
unaudited financial statements of Aviall Aerospace. The selected financial data
for Aviall Aerospace for the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1995 and the
period ended September 19, 1996 were derived from the audited financial
statements of Aviall Aerospace. The selected financial information set forth
below should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the historical financial
statements and notes thereto of Aviall Aerospace and other financial information
included elsewhere in the Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                PERIOD
                                                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,         ENDED
                                                                             -------------------------------   SEPT. 19,
                                                                               1993       1994       1995       1996(1)
                                                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
<S>                                                                          <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
  Revenues.................................................................  $  11,884  $  17,229  $  25,580   $  23,085
  Gross profit.............................................................      3,156      2,945      5,802       5,035
  Selling, general and administrative(2)...................................      5,803      5,654      5,884       4,730
  Operating income (loss)..................................................     (2,647)    (2,709)       (82)        305
 
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
  Current assets...........................................................  $   8,244  $   6,680  $  17,022   $  20,528
  Total assets.............................................................      9,756      8,011     18,345      21,790
  Current liabilities......................................................        534      2,778      5,145       3,195
  Long-term debt...........................................................         --         --         --          --
  Intercompany debt........................................................      9,222      5,233     13,200      18,595
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------------
 
(1) Aviall Aerospace was acquired by the Company on September 19, 1996 and
    accordingly, the operating results of Aviall Aerospace have been included in
    the Company's results of operations since September 20, 1996.
 
(2) During the periods presented, Aviall Aerospace was not operated or accounted
    for as a separate entity. As a result, intercompany allocations of certain
    expense items from Aviall Services, Inc., including corporate overhead, were
    reflected in the financial statements of Aviall Aerospace.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
          MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                           AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
    THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND RELATED NOTES THERETO INCLUDED ELSEWHERE IN THIS
PROSPECTUS.
 
GENERAL
 
    The Company was formed on August 21, 1996 and began operations on September
19, 1996, when it acquired the Predecessor and Aviall Aerospace through
simultaneous transactions. The acquisitions were accounted for under the
purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, the operating results beginning
September 20, 1996 reflect combined operations. Following consummation of the
acquisitions, the Company changed the fiscal year end of the Predecessor from
December 31 to September 30.
 
    The Company generates a portion of its revenues from sales to customers
outside of the United States. The Company's revenues from foreign customers
represented $19.2 million in its fiscal year ended September 30, 1997, or
approximately 13.6% of total revenues. All of the Company's revenues are
invoiced in United States dollars.
 
    The Company recognizes revenues from JIT services and conventional sales.
Revenues are recognized at the time of shipment. The principal elements
comprising TriStar's cost of goods sold are costs of aerospace hardware, freight
charges and a provision for excess and obsolete inventory. TriStar does not
manufacture or alter the products that it distributes and, therefore, does not
incur significant labor or overhead costs associated with product sales. Gross
profit represents revenues less cost of goods sold. TriStar's selling, general
and administrative expenses are comprised mainly of labor and benefit costs and
operating and occupancy expenses associated with the corporate office and the
Company's warehousing and distribution facilities.
 
MATTERS AFFECTING COMPARABILITY
 
    For the year ended September 30, 1997, the financial statements of the
Company include the results of the Predecessor and Aviall Aerospace combined for
a full year of operations. The periods from January 1, 1996 to September 19,
1996 for the Predecessor and Aviall Aerospace represent the stand-alone
operations of each entity for less than a full year of operations. The years
ended December 31, 1995 for the Predecessor and Aviall Aerospace represent the
stand-alone operations of each entity for a full year of operations. Due to the
differences in the length of the various periods and the acquisition of the
Predecessor and Aviall Aerospace by the Company, comparison of periods may not
be meaningful and are not necessarily indicative of future results.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF THE COMPANY AND THE PREDECESSOR
 
    The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the percentage of
revenues represented by certain items in the statements of operations of the
Company and the Predecessor:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  PREDECESSOR                   COMPANY
                                                              --------------------  -------------------------------
                                                                YEAR      PERIOD      YEAR      THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                ENDED      ENDED      ENDED        DECEMBER 31,
                                                              DEC. 31,   SEPT. 19,  SEPT. 30,  --------------------
                                                                1995       1996       1997       1996       1997
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                                   (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                           <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Revenues....................................................     100.0%     100.0%     100.0%     100.0%     100.0%
Cost of goods sold..........................................      71.3%      71.6%      68.5%      67.8%      69.0%
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Gross profit................................................      28.7%      28.4%      31.5%      32.2%      31.0%
Selling, general and administrative.........................      19.0%      16.1%      15.0%      14.4%      14.2%
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Operating income............................................       9.7%      12.3%      16.5%      17.8%      16.8%
Interest expense............................................       3.4%       2.7%       3.7%       5.0%       2.8%
Other income................................................       0.0%       0.0%      (0.1%)      0.0%      (0.1%)
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Income before taxes.........................................       6.3%       9.6%      12.9%      12.8%      14.1%
Provision for income taxes..................................       0.0%       0.0%       4.7%       4.9%       5.4%
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Net income..................................................       6.3%       9.6%       8.2%       7.9%       8.7%
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    THE COMPANY
 
   THREE MONTH PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 COMPARED TO THREE MONTH PERIOD
   ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996.
 
    REVENUES--Revenues increased $11.6 million, or 37.4%, to $42.6 million for
the three month period ended December 31, 1997, compared to $31.0 million for
the same period in 1996. The Company's revenues have increased primarily due to
growth in customer demand resulting from increased commercial aircraft build
rates.
 
    GROSS PROFIT--Gross profit increased $3.2 million, or 32.0%, to $13.2
million for the three month period ended December 31, 1997, compared to $10.0
million for the same period in 1996. The increase in gross profit was primarily
due to an increase in revenues, as discussed above, partially offset by a
decrease in gross margin to 31.0% for the three months ended December 31, 1997
from 32.2% for the same period in 1996. The decrease in the gross margin was
primarily due to a retroactive price increase of approximately $400,000
collected from a major JIT customer in December 1996.
 
    SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE--Selling, general and administrative
expenses increased $1.6 million, or 36.4%, to $6.0 million for the three month
period ended December 31, 1997, compared to $4.4 million for the same period in
1996. The increase was primarily due to increased personnel costs necessary to
support the growth in revenues. Selling, general and administrative expenses as
a percentage of revenues were 14.2% for the three month period ended December
31, 1997, compared to 14.4% for the same period in 1996.
 
    INTEREST EXPENSE--Interest expense decreased approximately $343,000, or
22.9%, to $1.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 1997, compared to
$1.5 million for the same period in 1996. The decrease in interest expense was
primarily due to lower debt levels resulting from positive cash flows from
operations and the conversion of a note payable to Common Stock on January 15,
1997.
 
    NET INCOME--Net income increased $1.3 million, or 54.2%, to $3.7 million for
the three months ended December 31, 1997, compared to $2.4 million for the same
period in 1996. The increase in net income was primarily due to an increase in
revenues and a decrease in interest expense, partially offset by a decrease in
gross margin.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
    THE COMPANY AND THE PREDECESSOR
 
   THE COMPANY'S YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 COMPARED TO THE PREDECESSOR'S
   PERIOD BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 1996 AND ENDED SEPTEMBER 19, 1996.
 
    REVENUES--Revenues increased $85.5 million, or 154.9%, to $140.7 million for
the year ended September 30, 1997, compared to $55.2 million for the
Predecessor's period ended September 19, 1996. The increase was primarily due to
the acquisition of Aviall Aerospace, the 1997 amount representing a full year of
operations and growth in customer demand resulting from increased commercial
aircraft build rates, as well as the expansion of SKUs sold under JIT agreements
with five of the Company's major customers resulting from their increased
acceptance of the Company's JIT services.
 
    GROSS PROFIT--Gross profit increased $28.6 million, or 182.2%, to $44.3
million for the year ended September 30, 1997, compared to $15.7 million for the
Predecessor's period ended September 19, 1996. The increase was due primarily to
the increase in revenues, as discussed above. In addition, the gross margin
increased 3.1% to 31.5% for the year ended September 30, 1997, compared to 28.4%
for the Predecessor's period ended September 19, 1996. The increase was
primarily a result of a lower provision for excess and obsolete inventory during
1997 versus 1996, due to the Company's ability to better manage inventory
turnover and the general economic upturn in the aerospace industry, as well as a
retroactive price increase collected from a major JIT customer in December 1996
and a general improvement in pricing.
 
    SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE--Selling, general and administrative
expenses increased $12.1 million, or 136.0%, to $21.0 million for the year ended
September 30, 1997, compared to $8.9 million for the Predecessor's period ended
September 19, 1996. The increase was primarily due to the acquisition of Aviall
Aerospace, the 1997 amount representing a full year of operations and growth in
revenues. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of
revenues decreased 1.1% to 15.0% for the year ended September 30, 1997, compared
to 16.1% for the period ended September 19, 1996, primarily due to overhead
efficiencies resulting from the acquisitions of the Predecessor and Aviall
Aerospace.
 
    INTEREST EXPENSES--Interest expense increased $3.8 million, or 253.3%, to
$5.3 million for the year ended September 30, 1997, compared to $1.5 million for
the Predecessor's period ended September 19, 1996. The increase was primarily
due to the effect of the financing required to complete the acquisitions of the
Predecessor and Aviall Aerospace and the 1997 amount representing a full year of
operations. See "Liquidity and Capital Resources."
 
    PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES--The provision for income taxes for the year
ended September 30, 1997 increased $6.6 million over the Predecessor's period
ended September 19, 1996. This increase was due to the results of operations for
the period ended September 19, 1996 including only the operations of the
Predecessor, which elected to be treated under the provisions of Subchapter S of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. As a Subchapter S corporation,
the earnings of the Predecessor were taxable to the stockholders of the
Predecessor and, therefore, the Predecessor did not record a provision for
income taxes. During 1997, the Company was subject to corporate income taxes.
 
    NET INCOME--Net income increased $6.3 million, or 118.9%, to $11.6 million
for the year ended September 30, 1997, compared to $5.3 million for the
Predecessor's period ended September 19, 1996. The increase was primarily due to
the acquisition of Aviall Aerospace, the 1997 amount representing a full year of
operations and the growth of revenues, offset by the effects of the Company
being subject to income taxes which were not applicable to the Predecessor as a
Subchapter S corporation.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
    THE PREDECESSOR
 
   PERIOD BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 1996 AND ENDED SEPTEMBER 19, 1996 COMPARED TO THE
   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995.
 
    REVENUES--Revenues decreased $10.4 million, or 15.9%, to $55.2 million for
the period ended September 19, 1996, compared to $65.6 million for the year
ended December 31, 1995. The decrease was primarily due to the 1995 revenue
amount representing a full year of operations. However, average daily sales
during the period ended September 19, 1996 increased by 17.2% over average daily
sales during the year ended December 31, 1995, primarily resulting from a growth
in demand resulting from increased commercial aircraft build rates, as well as
the expansion of SKUs sold under JIT agreements with two of the Company's major
customers resulting from their increased acceptance of the Company's JIT
services.
 
    GROSS PROFIT--Gross profit decreased $3.1 million, or 16.5%, to $15.7
million for the period ended September 19, 1996, compared to $18.8 million for
the year ended December 31, 1995. The decrease in gross profit was primarily due
to the 1995 amount representing a full year of operations, partially offset by
the increase in average daily sales, as discussed above. Additionally, the gross
margin decreased 0.3% to 28.4% for the period ended September 19, 1996, compared
to 28.7% for the year ended December 31, 1995.
 
    SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE--Selling, general and administrative
expenses decreased $3.6 million, or 28.8%, to $8.9 million for the period ended
September 19, 1996, compared to $12.5 million for the year ended December 31,
1995. The decrease was primarily due to the 1995 amount representing a full year
of operations. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of
revenues was 16.1% for the period ended September 19, 1996, compared to 19.0%
for the year ended December 31, 1995. The decrease was primarily due to the
increase in average daily sales, as discussed above, without a proportional
increase in selling, general and administrative expenses, due to operating
efficiencies realized by the Company.
 
    INTEREST EXPENSE--Interest expense decreased approximately $739,000, or
32.1%, to $1.5 million for period ended September 19, 1996, compared to $2.3
million for the year ended December 31, 1995. The decrease was primarily due to
the 1995 amount representing a full year of interest expense.
 
    NET INCOME--Net income increased $1.2 million, or 29.3%, to $5.3 million for
the period ended September 19, 1996, compared to $4.1 million for the year ended
December 31, 1995. The increase in net income was primarily due to the increase
in average daily sales without a proportional increase in selling, general and
administrative expense, as discussed above, partially offset by 1995
representing a full year of operations.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF AVIALL AEROSPACE
 
    The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the percentage of
revenues represented by certain items in the statements of operations of Aviall
Aerospace:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                YEAR         PERIOD
                                                                               ENDED          ENDED
                                                                            DECEMBER 31,  SEPTEMBER 19,
                                                                                1995          1996
                                                                            ------------  -------------
<S>                                                                         <C>           <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenues..................................................................       100.0%        100.0%
Cost of goods sold........................................................        77.3%         78.2%
                                                                            ------------  -------------
Gross profit..............................................................        22.7%         21.8%
Selling, general and administrative.......................................        23.0%         20.5%
                                                                            ------------  -------------
Operating income (loss)...................................................        (0.3%)         1.3%
                                                                            ------------  -------------
                                                                            ------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
   PERIOD BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 1996 AND ENDED SEPTEMBER 19, 1996 COMPARED TO THE
   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
    REVENUES--Revenues decreased $2.5 million, or 9.8%, to $23.1 million for the
period ended September 19, 1996, compared to $25.6 million for the year ended
December 31, 1995. The decrease was due to the 1995 revenue amount representing
a full year of operations. However, average daily sales during the period ended
September 19, 1996 increased by 20.3% over average daily sales during the year
ended December 31, 1995. This increase was primarily attributable to higher
sales under two of Aviall Aerospace's JIT agreements.
 
    GROSS PROFIT--Gross profit decreased approximately $767,000, or 13.2%, to
$5.0 million for the period ended September 19, 1996, compared to $5.8 million
for the year ended December 31, 1995. The decrease in gross profit was primarily
due to the 1995 amount representing a full year of operations, partially offset
by the increase in average daily sales, as discussed above. Additionally, the
gross margin decreased 0.9% to 21.8% for the period ended September 19, 1996,
compared to 22.7% for the year ended December 31, 1995. The decrease in the
gross margin was primarily due to price increases for certain aerospace hardware
parts which were not passed on to customers.
 
   
    SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE--Selling, general and administrative
expenses decreased $1.2 million, or 20.3%, to $4.7 million for the period ended
September 19, 1996, compared to $5.9 million for the year ended December 31,
1995. The decrease in expenses was primarily due to the 1995 amount representing
a full year of operations. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a
percentage of revenues was 20.5% for the period ended September 19, 1996,
compared to 23.0% for the year ended December 31, 1995. The decrease was
primarily due to the increase in average daily sales, as discussed above,
without a proportional increase in selling, general and administrative expenses.
Because Aviall Aerospace was an operating division of Aviall Services, Inc.
("Aviall Services") during the periods presented and was not accounted for as a
separate entity, the amounts for selling, general and administrative expenses
above include allocations of Aviall Service's corporate overhead to Aviall
Aerospace in the amounts of $1.2 million and $1.7 million for the periods ended
September 19, 1996 and the year ended December 31, 1995, respectively.
    
 
    OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)--Operating income (loss) increased $387,000 to
$305,000 for the period ended September 19, 1996, compared to ($82,000) for the
year ended December 31, 1995. The increase in operating income was primarily due
to the increase in average daily sales without a proportional increase in
selling, general and administrative expenses, as discussed above.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
    The Company's liquidity requirements consist primarily of working capital
needs, capital expenditures and scheduled payments of interest on its
indebtedness under the Credit Agreement referred to below. The Company's working
capital requirements have increased as a result of higher accounts receivable
and inventory levels needed to support its growth in revenues. The Company's
working capital was $78.4 million as of December 31, 1997.
 
    In connection with the acquisitions of the Predecessor and Aviall Aerospace,
on September 19, 1996, the Company entered into a credit agreement with a
syndicate of lenders (as amended, the "Credit Agreement"). Simultaneously with
the execution of the Credit Agreement, the Company executed term notes (the
"Term Notes") in the aggregate amount of $50.0 million. The Term Notes require
quarterly interest payments based on a specified "Base Rate" or the Eurodollar
rate plus a spread and annual principal payments of $500,000 due September 1997
through 2002 with the remaining principal balance due September 30, 2003.
 
    The Company also has a $30.0 million revolving credit facility (the
"Revolver") under the Credit Agreement. As of December 31, 1997, the Company had
borrowings of $3.0 million outstanding under the
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
Revolver. Interest on borrowings under the Revolver is payable quarterly based
upon the Base Rate or the Eurodollar Rate plus a spread. The commitments under
the Revolver must be reduced by $15.0 million in September 2000 and 2001.
 
   
    The Term Notes and Revolver provide for borrowings of up to $80.0 million of
which the Company had total borrowings of $63.5 million at March 20, 1998. The
Company's debt is collateralized by substantially all the assets of the Company
and its subsidiaries and is subject to certain financial covenants.
    
 
    For the year ended September 30, 1997, net cash provided by operating
activities was $9.6 million. The cash flows from operations for fiscal 1997
consisted primarily of net income of $11.6 million and non-cash charges of $2.5
million, less changes in working capital items of $4.5 million.
 
    The Company's capital expenditures were $1.0 million in fiscal 1997. In
1996, the Company also used $70.0 million in cash in connection with the
acquisitions of the Predecessor and Aviall Aerospace. The Company's net cash
used by financing activities in fiscal 1997 was $5.3 million, consisting
primarily of payments made on the Revolver.
 
    The Company expects to spend approximately $3.0 million for capital
expenditures in fiscal 1998. These capital expenditures will relate principally
to computer system (both software and hardware) upgrades, conversion and
implementation costs. Additional costs related to the conversion and
implementation will be incurred throughout 1999 and are currently estimated to
be approximately $2.0 million.
 
    The Company believes internally generated cash flow and amounts that may be
available under the Revolver will provide adequate funds to meet its working
capital needs, planned capital expenditures and debt service obligations.
 
YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE
 
    The Company has been evaluating its computer software programs and operating
systems to identify any as to which there may be a "Year 2000" issue and is
currently taking steps to modify or replace its systems that are not Year 2000
compliant. The so-called "Year 2000" issue is the result of computer programs
being written using two digits (rather than four) to define the applicable year,
resulting in incorrect calculations for the year 2000 and beyond. Based on
present information, the Company believes that it will be able to achieve such
Year 2000 compliance through a combination of modifications to some existing
programs and systems, and the replacement of other programs and systems.
Anticipated expenses to design and implement the modifications or replacement
systems are not expected to exceed $200,000 and will be incurred in fiscal 1998
and 1999.
 
EFFECTS OF INFLATION
 
    The Company does not believe that inflation has had a significant impact on
its results of operations in recent years. However, there can be no assurance
that the Company's business will not be affected by inflation in the future.
 
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
    In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB")
issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 128, "Earnings per
Share," which the Company adopted in its first quarter fiscal 1998 financial
statements. This new standard establishes methods for computing and presenting
earnings per share ("EPS") and also simplifies the previous standards found in
APB Opinion No. 15, "Earnings Per Share." It requires dual presentation of basic
and diluted EPS on the Statements of Consolidated Operations. The adoption of
this standard did not have a significant impact on the Company's earnings per
share calculations.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
    In June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive
Income," which is effective in fiscal year 1999. This new statement establishes
standards for reporting and displaying comprehensive income and its components
(revenues, expenses, gains, and losses) in a full set of general-purpose
financial statements. The statement requires that an enterprise (i) classify
items of other comprehensive income by their nature in a financial statement and
(ii) display the accumulated balance of other comprehensive income separately
from retained earnings and additional paid-in capital in the equity section of a
statement of financial position. The Company does not expect the impact of this
new statement to have a material impact on its consolidated financial
statements.
 
    In June 1997, the FASB also issued SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments
of an Enterprise and Related Information," which is effective in fiscal year
1999. This new statement revises standards for public companies to report
information about segments of their business and also requires disclosure of
selected segment information in quarterly financial reports. The statement also
establishes standards for related disclosures about products and services,
geographic areas and major customers. The Company has not yet determined the
impact this new statement may have on disclosures in its consolidated financial
statements.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
                               INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
 
    The aerospace hardware industry is highly fragmented and is comprised of a
large number of manufacturers and an even greater number of distributors. The
Company estimates the worldwide market for aerospace hardware to be
approximately $1.5 billion, which is divided into approximately $750 million of
direct sales by manufacturers and $750 million of sales by distributors. The
Company believes that the percentage of sales made by distributors directly to
end users has and will continue to increase. Although there are more than 100
manufacturers of aerospace hardware, the top 20 manufacturers represent a
substantial portion of aerospace hardware manufacturing sales. Many of these
manufacturers have experienced significant sales growth over the past two years
due largely to the growth in commercial aircraft build rates. The distribution
segment of the aerospace hardware industry is even more fragmented than the
manufacturing segment; however, the four largest distributors (including the
Company) account for a significant portion of total sales.
 
    Distributors continue to play an increasingly important role in the
aerospace hardware industry due to supply and demand disruptions which
characterize the industry and are caused by (i) the high number of SKUs (in
excess of 250,000) required to manufacture and repair aircraft, (ii) the
economics of fastener manufacturing, which tend to favor long production runs
which allow for more efficient amortization of fixed set-up costs and (iii)
manufacturing inefficiencies (i.e., batch and queue processes). The high number
of SKUs makes forecasting an extremely complex task for end users who must
decide on the optimal quantity and timing of orders. It also requires end users
to invest heavily in personnel and systems to manage the constant flow of
products. Therefore, to meet their inventory needs, end users are required to
invest in costly infrastructures to procure and manage tens of thousands of SKUs
and millions of parts. The second and third factors cited above (long production
runs and manufacturing inefficiencies) create a divergence between the quantity
of aerospace hardware demanded by customers (based on forecasted usage) and the
quantity which must be produced by manufacturers to derive a profit. As a
result, end users experience both shortages of critical product and excess
supply of non-critical product.
 
    The maintenance of the material management infrastructures cited above can
generate total processing costs which exceed the low per-unit cost of the part
itself. In addition, to minimize costly production stoppages caused by parts
shortages, end users have been forced to invest valuable working capital into
excess inventories. Aerospace hardware distributors act as a conduit to minimize
these potential supply chain disruptions by aggregating demand from a large
number of end users and sourcing hardware from multiple suppliers, thereby
smoothing the disparity in the supply and demand requirements of the
marketplace. As a result, the Company believes that breadth of supplier and
customer bases and, most importantly, access to reliable usage data which can be
used to forecast customer and supplier requirements are key competitive
advantages in the aerospace distribution marketplace.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
                                    BUSINESS
 
GENERAL
 
   
    The Company is both a leading distributor of aerospace hardware and a
leading provider of customized inventory management services to OEMs of aircraft
and aircraft components, to commercial airlines and to MRO facilities. While
approximately 59% of the Company's revenues for fiscal 1997 were derived from
conventional sales, a substantial and growing percentage of the Company's
revenues are derived from long-term JIT agreements under which TriStar performs
a wide variety of value-added services. The Company's JIT services are provided
through comprehensive and flexible outsourcing programs under which the Company
provides some or all of the material management functions necessary to procure
and manage aerospace hardware for its customers. The Company believes that,
through the Predecessor, it was a pioneer of JIT services in the aerospace
hardware industry and that today the Company is a leading provider of inventory
management services to this industry. TriStar currently provides JIT services
under long-term agreements to a number of leading aerospace and aircraft-related
companies including, among others, Boeing (including former McDonnell Douglas
and Rockwell International facilities), Northrop Grumman, Bell Helicopter,
Gulfstream, United Airlines, British Airways and Federal Express. Through its
JIT services and conventional sales, the Company processed over 950,000
transactions involving over 78,000 SKUs in fiscal 1997, resulting in over $140
million of sales to approximately 2,000 customers.
    
 
    TriStar's JIT services are designed to provide solutions for its customers
by overcoming the inefficiencies inherent in the supply chain for aerospace
hardware. Under the terms of its JIT agreements, the Company's personnel,
processes and management information systems enable customers to outsource all
or a portion of the planning, purchasing, receiving, documentation, inspection,
storage, shipment, quality assurance and other functions associated with the
procurement and management of aerospace hardware. The Company's substantial
experience in developing and implementing JIT services enables it to create
programs specifically tailored to the needs of its customers. In many cases, the
Company assigns its own trained personnel to work on-site at the customer's
facilities. By outsourcing the procurement and management of aerospace hardware
to TriStar, the Company's customers can realize significant cost savings and
production efficiencies principally as a result of (i) the elimination of
process costs relating to the planning, purchasing and expediting of aerospace
hardware, (ii) a reduction in carrying costs, including labor, financing and
overhead charges, (iii) a reduction in parts shortages, which can lead to costly
production line stoppages and (iv) a reduction in product costs.
 
    TriStar's leading market position as a provider of value-added inventory
management services provides it with large amounts of information on its
customers' usage patterns with respect to individual aerospace hardware parts.
This information is recorded electronically through the Company's order and
fulfillment processes. The Company compiles usage data from each of its
customers and analyzes the data in the context of historical usage trends to
forecast aggregate and customer-specific demand for individual aerospace
hardware parts. The Company uses these demand forecasts when ordering aerospace
hardware to ensure efficient and reliable delivery to its customers while
optimizing its own inventory. In addition, TriStar intends to utilize these
forecasts to provide its primary suppliers with reliable demand data to allow
them to better schedule their manufacturing processes.
 
   
    Recognizing the benefits that outsourcing could provide to end users of
aerospace hardware, in 1990 the Predecessor developed new sales efforts,
operating processes and systems to provide these services. By 1991 it had
secured its first JIT agreement with Rockwell International, and by the end of
1993 had secured JIT agreements with Grumman, Beech Aircraft and Gulfstream.
Today the Company has expanded its JIT programs to include 19 agreements with 10
companies servicing over 25 facilities in the United States, Canada, France and
England. In addition, JIT revenues have grown at a compound annual rate of 44.4%
over the past three years to $57.6 million, representing approximately 41% of
the Company's total revenues for fiscal 1997. Strong growth in the Company's JIT
programs enabled it to increase revenues at a
    
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
time when the aerospace industry was experiencing a significant downturn in the
early and mid-1990's. The Company believes that OEMs, airlines and MRO
facilities will continue to outsource their aerospace hardware procurement and
management needs in order to focus on their core businesses and reduce costs.
The Company believes that its status as a leading provider of JIT services
favorably positions it to benefit from this trend and to increase its share of
the aerospace hardware market.
 
COMPANY STRENGTHS
 
    The Company believes it has a number of core strengths which have resulted
in consistent growth of sales and earnings despite the historically cyclical
nature of the aerospace industry. The principal factors contributing to
TriStar's emergence as a market leader are:
 
    - LEADING PROVIDER OF JIT SERVICES.  The Company's long-term JIT agreements
      provide it with a number of competitive advantages. JIT programs provide
      TriStar with growth opportunities which are not directly tied to aerospace
      industry cycles. By expanding the products and services under existing JIT
      agreements and establishing new JIT agreements, TriStar should be able to
      increase its share of the aerospace hardware market even during cyclical
      downturns in the aerospace industry. JIT programs enable TriStar to
      aggregate purchases of hardware across multiple customers, thereby
      reducing acquisition costs and improving margins. JIT programs provide
      TriStar with reliable real-time data regarding the usage patterns of
      aerospace hardware across a wide customer base since they typically
      encompass all of the customer's purchases of a particular part. By
      aggregating and analyzing this data, TriStar is better able to forecast
      and manage its own aerospace hardware needs and those of its customers.
      JIT programs typically result in the Company receiving additional
      conventional sales opportunities due to its status as a preferred supplier
      to the customer. In addition, JIT programs integrate the Company's
      programs and systems with the operations of its customers. As a result,
      management believes its customers would incur significant switching costs
      and inconvenience in replacing the Company's programs and systems in the
      event they were to engage another supplier.
 
    - DATABASE OF HISTORICAL USAGE INFORMATION.  TriStar has made significant
      investments in information systems which have enabled the Company to
      develop an in-depth database of its customers' historical usage patterns
      relating to all of the aerospace hardware in the Company's inventory. This
      database includes historical usage patterns for each of the Company's JIT
      and conventional sales customers, as well as lists of acceptable
      substitutes for each aerospace hardware part in its inventory according to
      each customer's specifications. By continually analyzing this information,
      the Company is able to gain insight into the likely future usage patterns
      of each particular part it distributes. Accordingly, the database provides
      TriStar with an important tool in managing its own inventory positions as
      well as those of its customers. The Company believes that its accumulation
      of historical information and its experience in managing inventories add
      stability to its JIT customer base by providing a foundation of knowledge
      unique to its customers and unmatched by its competitors.
 
    - QUALITY ASSURANCE AND RELIABILITY.  Management believes that one of the
      key factors which has contributed to the Company's success and position
      within its industry is its quality assurance program and its reputation
      for reliability. The Company's quality assurance program includes physical
      inspection of substantially all incoming shipments as well as electronic
      storage of manufacturers' certifications. The Company scans all required
      documentation received from manufacturers into its optical imaging system
      which allows such documentation to be electronically retrieved for instant
      traceability. In addition, the Company's processes and systems have been
      designed to ensure the timely and consistent delivery of products and
      services. These processes and systems have allowed the Company to
      establish a reputation for reliability with its customers which has
      contributed to its growth, particularly with respect to its JIT programs.
 
    - SIGNIFICANT ECONOMIES OF SCALE RELATING TO SIZE.  The Company maintains an
      on-hand inventory of over 100,000 SKUs for its customers' diverse
      aerospace hardware requirements. This inventory is
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
      supported by sophisticated order processing, inventory management and
      reporting systems. As one of the largest aerospace hardware distributors,
      TriStar makes significant annual purchases of inventory on behalf of its
      many customers. As a result, the Company believes that it is one of the
      largest customers of many of its suppliers, allowing it to take advantage
      of price reductions associated with large volume purchases. The Company
      believes that it is favorably positioned, as customers are reducing the
      number of aerospace hardware suppliers to those that are technologically
      sophisticated and well-capitalized and which can provide full service and
      a broad range of products.
 
    - STRONG RELATIONSHIPS WITH LEADING FASTENER MANUFACTURERS.  TriStar has
      long-established relationships with substantially all of the major
      suppliers of aerospace hardware, including Fairchild, Huck, SPS, Kaynar
      and Hi-Shear. TriStar has been designated an Authorized Distributor by
      more than 65 manufacturers of aerospace hardware, including most of the
      major fastener manufacturers.
 
GROWTH STRATEGY
 
    Management has identified the following strategies which it believes provide
specific opportunities for profitable growth:
 
    - JIT SERVICES EXPANSION.  The Company's strong growth has been generated
      internally and has been due in large part to the success of its JIT
      programs. The Company intends to continue to expand its JIT business by
      increasing the number of SKUs, services and products offered and the
      number of facilities covered under existing JIT agreements. In addition,
      the Company has targeted additional JIT customers which include airlines,
      air cargo companies, MRO facilities and smaller OEMs. For example, the
      Company recently signed a five-year agreement to provide JIT services to
      Federal Express.
 
    - INCREASED AFTERMARKET PENETRATION.  The Company intends to increase its
      penetration of non-OEM segments of its marketplace, including the airline
      and MRO facility segments, by (i) further expanding its product offerings
      in response to the inventory needs of participants in these market
      segments, (ii) continuing to tailor its JIT services to meet the specific
      demands of these participants and (iii) increasing its sales and marketing
      efforts to these participants. The Company has recently established an
      airline marketing group to focus on increasing market penetration of that
      sector.
 
    - INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION.  The Company plans to expand its presence and
      increase its market penetration in Europe and Asia through expansion of
      its product offerings to include additional European standard (i.e.,
      Airbus) parts. The Company recently entered into a supply agreement with
      Aerospatiale, a member of the Airbus consortium, and plans to establish
      sales, JIT services and warehousing operations in France in the near
      future. The Company anticipates that this recent supply agreement will
      help to position the Company as a supplier of aerospace hardware to the
      Airbus aftermarket and assist in attracting other European aerospace
      customers. The Company also plans to pursue strategic alliances in the
      Pacific Rim and Asia.
 
    - SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT.  The Company acts as a conduit between its
      customers and suppliers to minimize imbalances in the supply and demand of
      aerospace hardware. The Company's database of its customers' historical
      usage patterns, including the types and quantities of aerospace hardware
      used and the timing of purchases, is a valuable asset which the Company
      utilizes to forecast aggregate and customer specific demand. The Company
      has long-standing relationships with its key suppliers and believes that
      an opportunity exists to achieve greater efficiency in the aerospace
      hardware supply chain through the establishment of long-term agreements
      with suppliers. By utilizing its historical database to provide
      manufacturers with demand forecasts, the Company believes it can alleviate
      a portion of the supply chain disruptions usually associated with the
      cyclicality of the aerospace industry, which have adversely affected the
      Company's customers and suppliers in the past.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
    - STRATEGIC ACQUISITIONS.  The aerospace hardware distribution industry is
      comprised of a small number of large companies, such as TriStar, and
      numerous small, local and regional businesses. The Company believes that
      opportunities exist to consolidate the aerospace hardware industry through
      strategic acquisitions. In addition, the Company believes that the
      acquisition of certain of its competitors would enable it to broaden its
      product line and enter new and/or under-penetrated markets.
 
AEROSPACE HARDWARE DISTRIBUTION SERVICES
 
    The Company's business can be separated into two broad categories: JIT
services and conventional sales, as discussed below.
 
    JIT SERVICES
 
   
    Under the terms of its JIT agreements, the Company's personnel, processes
and management information systems enable customers to outsource all or a
portion of the planning, purchasing, receiving, documentation, inspection,
storage, shipment and quality assurance functions associated with the
procurement and management of aerospace hardware. The Company's substantial
experience in developing and implementing JIT services enables it to create
programs specifically tailored to the needs of its customers. In many cases, the
Company assigns its own trained personnel to work on-site at the customer's
facilities to place orders, monitor inventory bins and manage receipts. Under a
typical JIT program, TriStar first analyzes the historical and projected usage
patterns of the aerospace hardware parts included in the JIT agreement. The
Company then establishes bar-coded inventory bins at the customer's
manufacturing facility located at strategic points along the production line. If
needed, the Company will establish a forward stocking location ("FSL") near the
customer's manufacturing facility which is stocked with the required aerospace
hardware. TriStar representatives inspect the floor bins on a regular basis and
scan those bins requiring replenishment using bar-code technology. This
information is transferred via electronic data interchange to the Company's
management information systems to determine restocking needs, update usage
rates, assess adequacy of available stocks and calculate optimal reorder points.
The Company's systems then create a replenishment order at the customer's FSL
that results in delivery of the needed product to the customer's bins, usually
within one working day. JIT agreements are either fixed price or fixed mark-up
agreements and typically have a term of between three and five years. The
Company's JIT sales were $57.6 million in fiscal 1997 or approximately 41% of
total sales.
    
 
    CONVENTIONAL SALES
 
   
    Conventional sales consist of providing customers with high-quality
aerospace hardware at reasonable prices on an as-ordered basis. TriStar
typically receives thousands of bid requests each month from large and small
OEMs, airlines and MRO facilities. The key competitive factors which have an
impact on conventional sales are: (i) availability of inventory, (ii) price and
(iii) reputation for quality and reliability. Demand for conventional sales is
generated by the inability of hardware manufacturers to quickly respond to
changing customer demand due to their own capacity constraints and pricing
strategies. Specifically, many manufacturers require long lead times (typically,
8-52 weeks) to provide products, even though the actual required production time
is much shorter, due to queuing requirements and capacity issues. In addition,
many manufacturers enforce minimum order quantities and set prices based on
volume of purchases due to the efficiencies associated with long production
runs. Therefore, unplanned demand or a long-term requirement for low volumes of
a specific part make it advantageous for customers to purchase through
distributors. The Company's strategically located facilities and the quality of
its customer usage information are key competitive advantages in the
conventional sales market. These strengths allow the Company to place
significant orders for products at advantageous prices and schedule deliveries
to correspond with market demand. As a result, the Company can provide its
customers with aerospace hardware on an as-ordered basis at prices generally
below what they would pay by ordering small quantities directly from
manufacturers. The Company's conventional sales were $83.1 million in fiscal
1997, or approximately 59% of total sales.
    
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
OPERATIONS
 
    TriStar's JIT services and conventional sales require the Company to
routinely execute over 2,500 transactions daily involving the receipt and
shipment of products. In addition, the Company provides demand forecasting,
purchasing, quality assurance and, when applicable, documentation services on
all parts received for its customers. The Company's processes and functions are
described below:
 
    FORECASTING AND PURCHASING
 
    The Company's management information systems allow it to forecast estimated
future demand for all of the aerospace hardware items in its inventory by
analyzing a variety of inputs, including, among other things, historical usage,
the number of acceptable substitutes and the variability of historical demand
for each part number. The key to the Company's ability to accurately forecast
future usage is the database of historical information it maintains on every
item it distributes.
 
    Usage forecasts are reviewed automatically by the Company's systems on a
daily basis and compared with the in-stock availability of each part, as well as
applicable manufacturer lead times and customer minimum stock requirements to
determine the timing of optimal reorder quantities. When required, the system
generates an order slip which is delivered to the Company's material managers
who have long-standing relationships with key manufacturers. Each material
manager is responsible for specific product groups. Following the receipt of
system-generated purchase order documents, the appropriate material manager
conducts an independent review to verify the need for additional products.
Specifically, each part is assigned a three-letter code which indicates the
number of customers for that part over the last 12 months (an indicator of
liquidity) and its degree of profitability. These liquidity and profitability
codes allow the material managers to focus on the fastest turning, highest
margin products. The material management group currently consists of 24
employees.
 
    INSPECTION AND QUALITY ASSURANCE
 
    The Company's quality assurance group inspects substantially all shipments
upon receipt by the Company. Initial inspection involves count and dimension
validation, and review of manufacturers' certifications and required test
results, to ensure that the correct part number and quantities have been
received and that all required test results and verifications have been
provided. In addition, a statistical sample of the shipment is physically
inspected to assure no damage to the parts is evident and that the physical
attributes (i.e., dimensions, finish, etc.) comply with specifications. Any
parts not adhering to required standards are rejected, segregated and returned
to the supplier.
 
   
    The Company has been C.A.S.E. registered and awarded Qualified Suppliers
List status by the U.S. Department of Defense. In addition, the Company is
working to achieve ISO 9000 certification. TriStar is certified as a qualified
supplier by Boeing, Aerospatiale, Lockheed, Northrop Grumman, Bell Helicopter
and others.
    
 
    TriStar currently employs 34 inspectors in its quality assurance group. Each
inspector is required to complete an education program that was designed by the
Company and the Tulsa Technology Center specifically for TriStar employees. The
program teaches blueprint reading, metrology and quality assurance principles.
 
    DOCUMENTATION
 
    Once an incoming lot has passed the Company's quality inspection, the
manufacturer's name, certifications, test reports and other information required
to assure source-to-customer traceability are scanned into an optical imaging
system and stored in the Company's computer system. This system also provides a
record of TriStar's compliance with contractual quality assurance obligations to
its customers. In addition, a unique bar-coded label is affixed to each
container in the lot linking it to a specific receipt, part
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
and lot number in inventory to ensure accessibility of all data related to that
lot. These computerized, fully integrated inventory functions permit
source-to-customer tracking by lot control number and manufacturer on all
products sold. To ensure proper safekeeping of traceability data, the original
received documentation, as well as backup copies on CD ROM digital imaging
disks, are maintained off-site.
 
    ORDER ENTRY AND FULFILLMENT
 
    On-hand inventory is maintained in a system of warehouses which include two
central distribution facilities ("CDFs"), which also function as FSLs, and eight
additional FSLs. This inventory is backed up by parts on order with suppliers in
quantities and on delivery schedules established to meet planned stocking and
consumption levels. A logistics plan is recalculated every night and
requirements for new buys, transfers and expedited deliveries are presented to
the Company's operations department daily.
 
    Personnel at the CDFs (i) receive and inspect all incoming shipments and
review and store required documentation, (ii) process (i.e., pick, pack and
ship) all conventional sales orders (approximately 1,300 daily) and (iii)
process all FSL replenishment requirements. The FSL replenishment process
ensures that only customer-qualified (as to manufacturer, revision level, type
of documents needed, alternate part numbers, etc.) stock gets placed in the
FSLs, thereby avoiding any need for inspection at the FSLs. FSLs usually are
located in close proximity to the supported customer and contain only those
items used by that customer. The FSLs process (i.e., pick, pack and ship) all
JIT sales orders (approximately 1,500 daily).
 
        JIT SERVICES
 
    Through its JIT services, the Company is able to replicate every aspect of
the supply chain for aerospace hardware and to manage the movement of products
from the manufacturer's shipping dock to the bins on the customer's factory
floor.
 
    - Orders are received electronically via bar code scanning,
      computer-to-computer interface with the customer ordering system, other
      electronic commerce networks and direct customer manual input into the
      TriStar system.
 
    - As orders are received, they are batch processed, picked, packed and
      shipped by the FSL, usually within one working day. The FSL order
      processing system documents stocks available at the FSL, creates data
      files needed to invoice the customer, records all data needed to maintain
      traceability of the items delivered, provides waybill and shipping data
      and updates all consumption data for planning and historical tracking
      purposes.
 
    - Quantities to be delivered in response to each order for an item are
      calculated frequently based upon customer consumption and reorder
      frequency to develop cost-effective delivery solutions. This, in turn,
      affects the overall FSL stock and replenishment plan.
 
    - As an FSL reaches a predetermined minimum stocking level, the CDF
      automatically receives an order to replenish the FSL. That order
      identifies not only the specific quantity needed but also the specific
      stock at the CDF that is approved by the customer as to manufacturer,
      revision level and documentation, including alternate part numbers that
      may be used to fulfill such customer requirements.
 
        CONVENTIONAL SALES
 
    Through its conventional sales, the Company provides its customers with
high-quality aerospace hardware at reasonable prices on an as-ordered basis.
 
    - Orders are received from customers either as a result of specific
      contracts that establish prices for groups of products, or as a result of
      having provided price and delivery data based upon a request for quotation
      from the customer.
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
    - On receipt of an order, a sales representative checks for stock
      availability. If stock is available, the order is entered to a CDF
      creating a picking request within seconds from the time it is entered. The
      picking request contains all data needed to fulfill the order, including
      customer quality requirements, pricing, packaging and shipping
      instructions. Routine orders are usually shipped within two working days.
      Priority orders received before noon are usually shipped the same day.
      Rush orders are usually ready for shipment within two hours. A label is
      generated and attached to each outgoing package which contains all data
      needed to maintain traceability.
 
    - If stock is not immediately available, the sales representative informs
      the customer and provides the estimated delivery date. At the customer's
      request, a sale order is entered creating a "buy" requirement that is
      received and executed by the Company's purchasing department, typically
      within one working day.
 
    - Orders may be scheduled that are held for picking until the date required
      by the customer. On, but not before the date specified, the system
      generates the required picking request.
 
    - Receipts of stock at the CDF trigger an automatic search for open customer
      and FSL replenishment requirements, grouping incoming items into "Routine"
      and "Expedite" categories. As stock is accepted by the inspection process,
      picking requests are automatically generated to rapidly move inventory
      from the dock through order fulfillment or FSL replenishment.
 
SALES AND MARKETING
 
    JIT SERVICES
 
    The Company's JIT marketing and contract group consists of national account
executives and regional business development representatives, assisted by
planners who are product sourcing, pricing, and implementation specialists. This
group, as well as individual local sales representatives, identify opportunities
to provide contractual sales or JIT services. Additionally, customers will
solicit proposals for JIT services through which they specify the services to be
contracted and the products to be delivered. Upon identification of a JIT
opportunity, the Company prepares a tailored presentation of its JIT systems,
potential cost benefit analysis and service level analysis which is typically
given to senior management members of the customers' materials, purchasing,
quality, finance and management information systems departments. The Company
then performs an evaluation of the customer's facility, which includes
documentation of appropriate levels of systems and processes. This evaluation
also includes production floor bin mapping to identify the required locations
and estimated usage patterns of individual aerospace hardware parts. The Company
then develops a proposal which sets forth products and services to be provided
and pricing, taking into account consumption levels, frequency of delivery and
minimum stock requirements. In addition to the proposal, the Company provides an
impact analysis of the potential savings as a result of adoption of the
proposal.
 
    CONVENTIONAL SALES
 
    The Company's conventional sales utilize a traditional organization made up
of 105 sales personnel divided into four geographical regions encompassing 11
offices, each with its own sales manager. Within regions, individual sales
personnel are assigned smaller territories and are responsible for the customers
in their areas. In addition to calling on customers, these sales personnel
respond daily to customer requests by quoting prices, placing product orders and
suggesting acceptable substitutes. In addition, some of these sales personnel
have been designated as key account representatives for the Company's largest
customers and are responsible for identifying new sales opportunities and for
addressing customer issues.
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
CUSTOMERS
 
   
    The Company has over 2,000 customers, which include OEMs of aircraft and
aircraft components, commercial airlines and MRO facilities. During fiscal 1997,
the Company's top ten customers accounted for approximately 59.3% of total
sales, with Boeing (including former McDonnell Douglas and Rockwell
International facilities) and Northrop Grumman accounting for approximately
24.8% and 11.7% of total sales, respectively.
    
 
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS
 
    The Company's management information systems provide for automation of all
order management, demand forecasting, inventory management, purchasing, pricing,
billing and accounts payable functions. The Company's electronic data scanning
and optical imaging systems provide accurate and rapid retrieval of inventory
traceability documents required by the Company's customers in order for them to
comply with applicable regulations. The Company's systems routinely process over
2,500 transactions per day, allowing the Company to provide relatively short
order-to-delivery cycle times. Management believes speed and accuracy are
critical in the highly competitive aerospace hardware distribution industry. In
addition, approximately 68% of the orders received from the Company's customers
are transmitted electronically.
 
    The Company believes electronic commerce conducted over the Internet will
grow in importance in the future and is developing its own interactive web site
(tristar-aero.com) and an Intranet. The Company intends to make electronic
product catalogs available both over the Internet and in CD-ROM versions.
Management plans to continue to invest in technology to improve the quality,
reliability and cost-effectiveness of its operations.
 
PRODUCTS
 
    TriStar stocks a wide variety of aerospace hardware ranging from small,
commodity hardware items such as washers and pins to larger, structural
fasteners and close-tolerance engineered fastening systems used throughout an
aircraft and its undercarriage. These products require sophisticated technology
and extensive testing to assure that they can endure the high speed stress loads
of the aircraft. The Company's major products include:
 
    - High strength structural bolts and nuts.
 
    - High strength/heat resistant engine bolts and nuts made from specialty
      materials.
 
    - Screws and nut plates.
 
    - Rivets (solid and blind).
 
    - Specialty fasteners.
 
    - Other products, including bearings, valves and safety hardware.
 
    The Company typically stocks approximately 100,000 SKUs to support its
customers' diverse aerospace hardware requirements.
 
SUPPLIERS
 
    TriStar purchases fastener products from a variety of manufacturers and is
an Authorized Distributor for over 65 suppliers, including Fairchild, Huck,
Kaynar, SPS and Hi-Shear. TriStar believes it is one of the largest customers of
most of these manufacturers. The Company's top 10 suppliers accounted for $57.3
million of TriStar's purchases in fiscal 1997, representing approximately 64.7%
of total purchases of $88.7 million.
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
COMPETITION
 
    The aerospace hardware industry is fragmented, with numerous companies which
manufacture and/or distribute fasteners, fastening systems and related
components that compete with the products the Company distributes. Competition
is generally based on product quality, including documentation, availability of
inventory, reliability and price. Certain of these competitors have greater
financial and other resources than the Company.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
    As of December 24, 1997, the Company employed 384 full-time employees. The
Company is not a party to any collective bargaining agreements and management
considers its employee relations to be good.
 
PROPERTIES
 
    The Company's executive offices are located in Dallas, Texas. The Company
considers its properties to be well-maintained and adequate for its current
operations. All of the Company's properties are leased.
 
    The following table identifies the principal properties utilized by the
Company.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           SQUARE     EXPIRATION
                  FACILITY DESCRIPTION                               LOCATION              FOOTAGE       DATE
- ---------------------------------------------------------  -----------------------------  ---------  ------------
<S>                                                        <C>                            <C>        <C>
Corporate Headquarters and Central Warehouse.............  Dallas, TX                        77,554     9-30-1999
Sales Office and Central Warehouse.......................  Tulsa, OK                         53,588     8-31-2000
Sales Office and Warehouse...............................  Deerfield Beach, FL               20,520    12-31-1999
Sales Office and Warehouse...............................  Long Beach, CA                    19,878     4-30-2000
Warehouse................................................  Bridgeton, MO                     16,500     2-29-2000
Warehouse................................................  Augusta, KS                       10,000     5-12-1998
Sales Office and Warehouse...............................  Mississauga, Ontario               7,871     4-30-1998
Sales Office and Warehouse...............................  Lachine, Quebec                    4,268     7-31-1998
Sales Office and Warehouse...............................  London, England                    3,906    12-31-2010
Sales Office and Warehouse...............................  Macon, GA                          3,750     3-31-1998
Sales Office.............................................  Auburn, WA                         2,640     4-30-2002
Sales Office.............................................  Fort Worth, TX                     2,250     3-31-2000
Sales Office.............................................  Sherman Oaks, CA                   1,776    10-15-2003
Sales Office.............................................  Cornwall, NY                       1,300      2-2-2000
</TABLE>
    
 
   
PRODUCT LIABILITY AND LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
    
 
   
    The Company currently provides no express warranties as to the performance
of the products it distributes pursuant to its conventional sales. Although the
Company's JIT agreements typically provide express warranties that the products
sold thereunder are free from defects, comply with applicable specifications and
are fit for the use intended, the Company has not, to date, experienced material
claims with respect to such warranties. However, the nature of the Company's
business exposes it to possible claims for personal injury or death which may
result from a failure of aerospace hardware distributed by it. The Company
maintains what it believes is adequate product liability insurance to protect it
from such claims. See "Risk Factors--Product Liability; Claims Exposure."
    
 
   
    The Company is not presently involved in any material legal proceedings.
From time to time the Company may be named as a defendant in suits for product
defects, breach of implied warranty of merchantability, or other actions
relating to products which it distributes which are manufactured by others. The
Company believes that this exposure is adequately covered by its product
liability insurance and/or third party indemnification.
    
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
                                   MANAGEMENT
 
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
    The following table and biographies set forth information concerning those
individuals who are currently serving as members of the Board of Directors or as
executive officers of the Company.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       NAME                            AGE*               PRINCIPAL POSITIONS WITH THE COMPANY
- --------------------------------------------------     -----     -------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                 <C>          <C>
Stephen Berger....................................          58   Chairman of the Board of Directors
Quentin Bourjeaurd................................          40   Director, President and Chief Executive Officer
Charles Balchunas.................................          53   Director, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating
                                                                 Officer
Douglas E. Childress..............................          40   Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer,
                                                                 Treasurer and Secretary
Louis F. Partenza.................................          40   Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing
John R. King, Jr..................................          49   Vice President, Information Technology
Richard P. Small..................................          68   Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors
Muzzafar Mirza....................................          40   Director
William Hopkins...................................          34   Director
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
*   As of December 31, 1997
 
    STEPHEN BERGER has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the
Company since the Company's formation in 1996. Mr. Berger is a member of Odyssey
Investment Partners, LLC, a private investment firm, and is also a general
partner of Odyssey. From 1990 to 1993 Mr. Berger was employed by GE Capital
Corp. where he served as Chairman and CEO of FGIC and subsequently was an
Executive Vice President of GE Capital Corp.
 
    QUENTIN BOURJEAURD has served on the Board of Directors of the Company since
September 19, 1996. Mr. Bourjeaurd has served as President of the Company since
September 19, 1996 and as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company since
December 2, 1996. From June 1993 to September 19, 1996, Mr. Bourjeaurd was the
Vice President and General Manager of Aviall Aerospace, then a business unit of
Aviall Services, Inc. Mr. Bourjeaurd formed Bourjeaurd Specialty Products, Inc.
in June 1983 and was the President and sole stockholder of such company until
its acquisition by Aviall Services, Inc. in June 1993.
 
    CHARLES BALCHUNAS has served on the Board of Directors of the Company and as
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company since
September 19, 1996. Mr. Balchunas joined the Predecessor in August 1990 as a
customer service manager, subsequently becoming the Executive Vice President and
Chief Operating Officer of the Predecessor. Prior to joining the Predecessor,
Mr. Balchunas served as a Lieutenant Colonel with the United States Marine
Corps. During his 22 years of service with the Marine Corps, Mr. Balchunas
gained extensive experience in aviation, aviation maintenance and logistics
systems management as an aircraft maintenance manager, an airfield operations
manager and the Commanding Officer, Headquarters of the Marine Corps Air Station
in Iwakuni, Japan.
 
    DOUGLAS E. CHILDRESS joined the Company as the Vice President-Finance and
Treasurer on August 29, 1997 and became an Executive Vice President, the Chief
Financial Officer and the Secretary of the Company on January 15, 1998. Prior to
joining the Company, Mr. Childress served as the Director of Accounting,
Consulting and Evaluation Services of Interstate Battery System of America from
October 1994 to August 1997 and as an Audit and Consulting Manager with the KL
Real Estate Group of Ernst & Young from July 1993 to October 1994. Mr. Childress
co-founded the consulting firm Worldwide Holdings Corporation in 1990 prior to
which time he had been employed as an audit manager with Ernst & Young. Mr.
Childress is a certified public accountant and an accredited member of the
American Society of Appraisers.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
    LOUIS F. PARTENZA has served as the Senior Vice President, Sales and
Marketing of the Company since March 31, 1997. Prior to joining the Company, Mr.
Partenza was the Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Purchasing with
Solair, Inc., a subsidiary of Banner Aerospace, Inc., which he joined in May
1995. From June 1991 to May 1995, Mr. Partenza was employed in the Accessory
Services division of UNC, Inc., starting as a General Manager and subsequently
becoming Vice President of Sales and Marketing. From 1986 to June 1991, Mr.
Partenza was a General Manager and Vice President of Finance with Barocas
Aircraft Parts prior to which time Mr. Partenza had worked as an auditor since
1981 with Coopers & Lybrand and Deloitte & Touche.
 
    JOHN R. KING, JR. has served as the Company's Vice President, Information
Technology since April 7, 1997. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. King had
served as the Vice President of Operations of FFSC Inc. (formerly Fitz & Floyd)
since 1987. In such capacity Mr. King oversaw approximately 350 employees with
the FFSC Inc.'s MIS, Inventory Control, Warehouse and Distribution, Customer
Service and Retail department reporting to him. From 1984 to 1987 Mr. King was
the Vice President of Systems Applications with Benton Schneider & Associates, a
software and consulting firm. Mr. King is certified in production and inventory
management by the American Production and Inventory Control Society.
 
    RICHARD P. SMALL has served as the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors
of the Company since September 19, 1996. Prior to that date, Mr. Small had been
the controlling shareholder, Chairman of the Board, and Chief Executive Officer
of the Predecessor since 1984.
 
    MUZZAFAR MIRZA has served on the Board of Directors of the Company since the
Company's formation in 1996. Mr. Mirza is a member of Odyssey Investment
Partners, LLC and has been a principal in the private equity investing group of
Odyssey since 1993. From 1988 to 1993, Mr. Mirza was employed by the merchant
banking group of GE Capital Corp.
 
    WILLIAM HOPKINS has served on the Board of Directors of the Company since
October 3, 1996. Mr. Hopkins is a member of Odyssey Investment Partners, LLC and
has been a principal in the private equity investing group of Odyssey since
1994. Prior to joining Odyssey, Mr. Hopkins was a member of the merchant banking
group of GE Capital Corp. Mr. Hopkins began his financial career as a corporate
lending officer with the Wells Fargo Bank.
 
COMPOSITION OF THE COMPANY'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS AFTER THE OFFERING
 
   
    Upon or shortly before the Offering, the Board of Directors of the Company
will be divided into three classes, each of whose members will serve for a
staggered three-year term. Messrs. Hopkins and Small will initially serve in the
class whose term expires in 1999, Messrs. Mirza and Balchunas will initially
serve in the class whose term expires in 2000 and Messrs. Berger and Bourjeaurd
will initially serve in the class whose term expires in 2001. As soon as
practicable after the Offering, each of Messrs. Berger, Mirza, Hopkins and Small
will resign from the Company's Board of Directors. The Company anticipates that,
upon or shortly after consummation of the Offering, Mr. Bourjeaurd will become
the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Mr. Childress will be elected to the
Board of Directors to replace Mr. Small. In addition, the Company anticipates
that the Board of Directors will elect three outside directors to the Board to
replace Messrs. Berger, Mirza and Hopkins, each of whom will resign upon the
election of his successor.
    
 
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
    The Board of Directors has a Compensation Committee that until the
consummation of the Offering will continue to be comprised of Messrs. Berger,
Mirza and Hopkins. There are no Compensation Committee interlocks which are
required to be disclosed by the rules promulgated under the Securities Act. The
Board of Directors intends to establish an Audit Committee effective upon
closing of this Offering. The Audit Committee will recommend the independent
accountants to be appointed by the Board of Directors to audit the financial
statements of the Company, which includes an inspection of the
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
books and accounts of the Company, and will review with such accountants the
scope of their audit and their report thereon, including any questions and
recommendations that may arise relating to such audit and report or the
Company's internal accounting and auditing procedures.
 
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
 
    Members of the Board of Directors receive no compensation for services
rendered in their capacity as such other than reimbursement for out-of-pocket
expenses incurred in connection with their attendance at meetings or otherwise
in their capacity as a director.
 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
    The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation of
the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and each of the other executive
officers of the Company receiving over $100,000 in compensation during fiscal
1997 (the "Named Executive Officers"):
 
                           SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                        LONG-TERM
                                                                                                      COMPENSATION
                                                                                                         AWARDS
                                                                ANNUAL COMPENSATION                   -------------
                                                ----------------------------------------------------   SECURITIES
                                                                      OTHER ANNUAL      ALL OTHER      UNDERLYING
                                                 SALARY      BONUS    COMPENSATION    COMPENSATION       OPTIONS
         NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION               ($)        ($)          ($)           ($)(1)            (#)
- ----------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  -------------  ---------------  -------------
<S>                                             <C>        <C>        <C>            <C>              <C>
 
Quentin Bourjeaurd............................    202,706        350       --               1,993        1,853,340
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
Charles Balchunas.............................    161,927    100,350       16,215(2)        3,352          723,320
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating
  Officer
 
G. Bruce McInnis(3)...........................    133,846    100,350       66,935(2)          525          723,320
Assistant to the Chairman
 
Louis F. Partenza.............................     70,000     50,250       46,650(2)          189          158,000
Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) Represents (i) amounts paid for term life insurance premiums on behalf of
    Messrs. Bourjeaurd, Balchunas, McInnis and Partenza in the amounts of
    $1,263, $789, $525 and $189, respectively, and (ii) contributions to the
    Company's 401(k) plan on behalf of Mr. Bourjeaurd and Mr. Balchunas in the
    amounts of $730 and $2,563, respectively.
 
(2) Represents reimbursement of expenses incurred by Messrs. Balchunas, McInnis
    and Partenza in relocating to Dallas, Texas in connection with their
    commencement of employment with the Company in fiscal 1997.
 
(3) During fiscal 1997, Mr. McInnis served as the Chief Financial Officer and
    Executive Vice President-- Administration of the Company. As of January 15,
    1998, Mr. McInnis resigned from such positions to become Assistant to the
    Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company.
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
    The following table sets forth information concerning stock option grants
made to each of the Named Executive Officers during fiscal 1997:
 
                          OPTION GRANTS IN FISCAL 1997
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        INDIVIDUAL GRANTS                                   POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUE
                                 -------------------------------                            AT ASSUMED ANNUAL RATES OF
                                   NUMBER OF       PERCENT OF                                STOCK PRICE APPRECIATION
                                   SECURITIES     TOTAL OPTIONS                                        FOR
                                   UNDERLYING      GRANTED TO      EXERCISE                       OPTION TERM(1)
                                    OPTIONS       EMPLOYEES IN       PRICE     EXPIRATION   --------------------------
             NAME                 GRANTED (#)      FISCAL YEAR      ($/SH)        DATE        5% ($)       10% ($)
- -------------------------------  --------------  ---------------  -----------  -----------  ----------  --------------
<S>                              <C>             <C>              <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>
Quentin Bourjeaurd.............    1,853,340(2)         48.68           1.47      9/18/06    1,705,073      4,336,816
Charles Balchunas..............      361,660(3)          9.50           1.47      9/18/06      332,727        846,284
                                      72,332(4)          1.90           2.91      9/18/06      (37,613)        65,099
                                      72,332(5)          1.90           5.09      9/18/06     (195,296)       (92,585)
                                      72,332(6)          1.90           7.34      9/18/06     (358,043)      (255,332)
                                      72,332(7)          1.90           9.93      9/18/06     (545,383)      (442,672)
                                      72,332(8)          1.90          12.75      9/18/06     (749,360)      (646,648)
G. Bruce McInnis...............      361,660(3)          9.50           1.47      9/18/06      321,877        806,502
                                      72,332(4)          1.90           2.91      9/18/06      (39,783)        57,142
                                      72,332(5)          1.90           5.09      9/18/06     (197,466)      (100,541)
                                      72,332(6)          1.90           7.34      9/18/06     (360,213)      (263,288)
                                      72,332(7)          1.90           9.93      9/18/06     (547,553)      (450,628)
                                      72,332(8)          1.90          12.75      9/18/06     (751,529)      (654,605)
Louis F. Partenza..............       79,000(9)          2.08           1.47      9/18/06       67,940        169,850
                                      15,800(4)          0.42           2.91      9/18/06       (9,164)        11,218
                                      15,800(5)          0.42           5.09      9/18/06      (43,608)       (23,226)
                                      15,800(6)          0.42           7.34      9/18/06      (79,158)       (58,776)
                                      15,800(7)          0.42           9.93      9/18/06     (120,080)       (99,698)
                                      15,800(8)          0.42          12.75      9/18/06     (164,636)      (144,254)
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    Under the terms of the grant letters relating to the options, options which
are not exercisable at the date of grant become "available" in the Company's
fiscal years 1997 through 2001 depending on satisfaction by the Company of
certain performance targets. Once "available," 25% of such options may be
exercised immediately with 25% of the remaining options becoming exercisable at
the end of each of the next three fiscal years. The availability and
exercisability of the options are subject to acceleration in certain
circumstances. As a result of the Offering, all of the options which are
"available" prior to the Offering will become immediately exercisable. In
addition, 80% of the options eligible to become "available" in fiscal years
ending subsequent to the Offering will become immediately exercisable as a
result of the Offering. The options which are not accelerated as described in
the foregoing sentence will terminate upon consummation of the Offering. See
"Management--Stock Option Plans--1996 Stock Option Plan."
    
 
   
    Although Messrs. Bourjeaurd and Balchunas were granted options prior to
fiscal 1997, the information relating to such grants has been included for
purposes of the table above.
    
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) These amounts are based on calculations at hypothetical 5% and 10%
    compounded annual appreciation rates prescribed by the Securities and
    Exchange Commission (the "Commission") and, therefore, are not intended to
    forecast possible future appreciation, if any, of the Common Stock. Solely
    for purposes of calculating the potential realizable value of the indicated
    options, the Company has assumed the value of the underlying Common Stock on
    the date of each grant to be $1.47, the per share price paid by Odyssey for
    the Common Stock on September 19, 1996. Messrs. Bourjeaurd's and Balchunas's
    options were granted on September 19, 1996. Messrs. McInnis's and Partenza's
    options were granted on January 14, 1997 and March 31, 1997, respectively.
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
(2) Of the options granted, 21.31% were eligible to become "available" in fiscal
    1997 and 19.67% are eligible to become available in each of the Company's
    fiscal years 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001 depending on satisfaction by the
    Company of certain performance targets. The Compensation Committee has
    determined that 93% of the options eligible to become available in fiscal
    year 1997 actually became available.
 
(3) Of the options granted, 20% became "available" under the terms of the
    specific grant letters on the date of grant, and up to 20% are eligible to
    become "available" in each of the Company's fiscal years 1998, 1999, 2000
    and 2001 depending on the satisfaction by the Company of certain performance
    targets.
 
(4) The options reflected were eligible to become "available" depending on the
    satisfaction by the Company of certain performance targets for fiscal year
    1997. The Compensation Committee has determined that 93% of the options
    reflected became available based on the Company's performance in fiscal
    1997.
 
(5) The options reflected are eligible to become "available" depending on the
    satisfaction by the Company of certain performance targets for fiscal 1998.
 
(6) The options reflected are eligible to become "available" depending on the
    satisfaction by the Company of certain performance targets for fiscal 1999.
 
(7) The options reflected are eligible to become "available" depending on the
    satisfaction by the Company of certain performance targets for fiscal 2000.
 
(8) The options reflected are eligible to become "available" depending on the
    satisfaction by the Company of certain performance targets for fiscal 2001.
 
(9) Of the options granted, 20% were eligible to become "available" in fiscal
    1997 and 20% are eligible to become available in each of the Company's
    fiscal years 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001 depending on satisfaction by the
    Company of certain performance targets. The Compensation Committee has
    determined that 93% of the options eligible to become available in 1997
    actually became available.
 
    The Named Executive Officers did not exercise any options for shares of
Common Stock during fiscal 1997. The following table sets forth certain
information concerning the value of unexercised options held by the Named
Executive Officers at the end of fiscal 1997:
 
                       FISCAL 1997 YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           NUMBER OF SECURITIES           VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
                                                          UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED        IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT
                                                        OPTIONS AT FISCAL YEAR-END          FISCAL YEAR-END
                                                       -----------------------------  ----------------------------
                        NAME                           EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE(#)(1) EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE($)(1)
- -----------------------------------------------------  -----------------------------  ----------------------------
<S>                                                    <C>                            <C>
Quentin Bourjeaurd...................................        91,838/1,761,502             1,242,568/23,833,122
Charles Balchunas....................................         34,900/688,420               447,981/7,120,117
G. Bruce McInnis.....................................         34,900/688,420               447,981/7,120,117
Louis F. Partenza....................................          7,348/150,652                94,128/1,559,026
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) Solely for purposes of calculating the value of the indicated options as of
    September 30, 1997, as required by the rules of the Commission, the Company
    has assigned to the Common Stock a value of $15.00 per share (the midpoint
    of the price range set forth on the cover of this Prospectus).
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
 
    QUENTIN BOURJEAURD EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT.  Mr. Bourjeaurd entered
into an executive employment agreement with the Company on September 19, 1996.
Pursuant to his employment agreement, Mr. Bourjeaurd will serve as President of
the Company through September 19, 2001, unless earlier terminated as provided
therein. Under his employment agreement, Mr. Bourjeaurd receives an annual
salary of $200,000 and is entitled to medical and other benefits generally
available to senior executives of the Company. On July 1, 1997 the Compensation
Committee increased Mr. Bourjeaurd's annual compensation to $225,000.
 
    Mr. Bourjeaurd's employment agreement also provides that if Mr. Bourjeaurd's
employment is terminated by the Company other than for Cause (as defined
therein), Mr. Bourjeaurd will continue to receive his salary and benefits (as
severance) until the earlier to occur of (i) the expiration of the term of his
employment agreement or (ii) the second anniversary of the date of termination;
provided that such continued salary and benefits will cease upon commencement by
Mr. Bourjeaurd of other full-time employment. In the event Mr. Bourjeaurd's
employment is terminated for Cause or by reason of death or Disability (as
defined therein), no further compensation will be payable by the Company.
Additionally, Mr. Bourjeaurd's employment agreement contains a non-competition
provision pursuant to which Mr. Bourjeaurd has agreed not to engage in any
business activity, without the consent of the Company, which would be in
competition with any business engaged in by the Company during his employment
and thereafter for as long as he continues to receive any of the severance
payments described above.
 
    CHARLES BALCHUNAS EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT.  Mr. Balchunas entered
into an executive employment agreement with the Company on February 1, 1997.
Pursuant to his employment agreement, Mr. Balchunas will serve as Chief
Operating Officer of the Company through December 31, 1999, unless earlier
terminated as provided therein. Under his employment agreement, Mr. Balchunas
receives an annual salary of $200,000, is eligible for such discretionary
bonuses as the Compensation Committee may determine and is entitled to medical
and other benefits generally available to senior executives of the Company.
 
    Mr. Balchunas's employment agreement also provides that if Mr. Balchunas's
employment is terminated other than for Cause (as defined therein), Mr.
Balchunas will continue to receive his salary and benefits (as severance) for a
period of two years following the Date of Termination (as defined therein) of
his employment; provided that such continued salary and benefits will cease upon
commencement by Mr. Balchunas of other full-time employment. In the event Mr.
Balchunas's employment is terminated for Cause or by reason of death or
Disability (as defined therein), no further compensation will be payable by the
Company. Additionally, Mr. Balchunas's employment agreement contains a
non-competition provision pursuant to which Mr. Balchunas has agreed not to
engage in any business activity, without the consent of the Company, which would
be in competition with any business engaged in by the Company during his
employment and for two years thereafter.
 
    G. BRUCE MCINNIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT.  Mr. McInnis and the Company are
parties to an amended and restated employment agreement dated as of January 15,
1998. Pursuant to such employment agreement, Mr. McInnis will serve as Assistant
to the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company through January 15,
2000, unless earlier terminated as provided therein. Under his employment
agreement, Mr. McInnis receives an annual salary of $200,000 and is entitled to
receive medical and other benefits generally available to senior executives of
the Company.
 
    Mr. McInnis's employment agreement provides that if the Company terminates
Mr. McInnis's employment other than for Cause (as defined therein), Mr. McInnis
will continue to receive his salary and benefits (as severance) until the
earlier of (i) January 15, 2000 or (ii) the occurrence of certain triggering
events relating to the sale and transferability of Mr. McInnis's shares of
Common Stock. In the event Mr. McInnis's employment is terminated for Cause or
by reason of death or Disability (as defined therein), no further compensation
will be payable by the Company. Additionally, Mr. McInnis's employment
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
agreement contains a non-competition provision pursuant to which Mr. McInnis has
agreed not to engage in any business activity, without the consent of the
Company, which would be in competition with any business engaged in by the
Company during his employment and thereafter for as long as he continues to
receive any of the severance payments described above.
 
    Mr. McInnis's employment agreement also provides that the Company will use
its best efforts to have the shares of Common Stock held by Mr. McInnis or
subject to exercisable options held by him included in the Offering (subject to
certain exclusion and cut-back provisions) and, if all such shares are not
included in the Offering, to use its best efforts to file, within 30 days
following the lock-up period set forth in the Underwriting Agreement, a Form S-8
relating to all exercisable options to purchase shares of Common Stock then held
by Mr. McInnis. The Company has also agreed not to terminate Mr. McInnis's
employment other than for Cause during a specified period following the Offering
relating to the sale and transferability of his Common Stock.
 
    LOUIS F. PARTENZA EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT.  Mr. Partenza entered into an
employment agreement with the Company on March 17, 1997. Pursuant to his
employment agreement, Mr. Partenza will serve as Senior Vice President, Sales
and Marketing of the Company through December 31, 1999, unless earlier
terminated as provided therein. Under his employment agreement, Mr. Partenza
receives an annual salary of $140,000, is eligible to receive a bonus of up to
50% of his salary and is entitled to medical and other benefits generally
available to senior executives of the Company.
 
    Mr. Partenza's employment agreement also provides that if Mr. Partenza's
employment is terminated other than for Cause (as defined therein), Mr. Partenza
will continue to receive his salary and benefits (as severance) for a period of
two years following the Date of Termination (as defined therein) of his
employment; provided that such continued salary and benefits will cease upon
commencement by Mr. Partenza of other full-time employment. In the event Mr.
Partenza's employment is terminated for Cause or by reason of death or
Disability (as defined therein), no further compensation will be payable by the
Company. Additionally, Mr. Partenza's employment agreement contains a
non-competition provision pursuant to which Mr. Partenza has agreed not to
engage in any business activity, without the consent of the Company, which would
be in competition with any business engaged in by the Company during his
employment and for two years thereafter, provided that Mr. Partenza continues to
receive any of the severance payments described above.
 
BONUS PLAN
 
   
    Prior to the consummation of the Offering, the Company intends to adopt an
executive incentive compensation plan, the form of which will be filed as an
exhibit to the registration statement of which this Prospectus is a part.
    
 
   
    The plan will provide for a maximum annual bonus amount payable to certain
executives equal to a percentage of such executive's annual compensation. For
each executive, the bonus amount will be determined by the Compensation
Committee based upon the following factors: (1) the achievement by the Company
of certain financial objectives; (2) the achievement by the executive's
department of certain quantifiable objectives; and (3) individual performance
criteria.
    
 
STOCK OPTION PLANS
 
    1996 STOCK OPTION PLAN
 
   
    The Company's Amended and Restated 1996 Stock Option Plan (the "1996 Plan")
authorizes the issuance of up to 3,950,000 shares of common stock of the Company
pursuant to stock options granted to key employees, non-employee directors and
consultants of the Company. The 1996 Plan does not provide for stock
appreciation rights.
    
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
    The 1996 Plan will expire on September 18, 2006, unless earlier terminated
by the Company's Board of Directors. The authorized number of shares, the
exercise price of outstanding options and the number of shares under options are
subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of any change in the number of
outstanding shares of the Company's common stock through merger, consolidation,
reorganization, recapitalization, stock dividend, stock split, reverse split,
split-up, split-off, spin-off, combination of shares, exchange of shares or
other like change in the capital structure of the Company.
 
    The 1996 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee which selects
the optionees and determines the terms and provisions of each option grant
within the parameters set forth in the 1996 Plan.
 
   
    In general, in the event of a "change of control" of the Company (as defined
in the 1996 Plan), each option will terminate within a specified number of days
after notice to the holder of such option, and each such holder will receive an
amount equal to the excess of the aggregate fair market value of the shares of
Common Stock subject to the option over the exercise price, payable in the same
consideration as received by the stockholders of the Company upon the closing of
such transaction. Although the Offering will not constitute a "change of
control" under the 1996 Plan, the grant letters pursuant to which the
outstanding options were granted provide that all options not subject to
acceleration by virtue of the consummation of the Offering will terminate
following consummation of the Offering. See "Management--Executive
Compensation--Option Grants in Fiscal 1997" for a description of the
acceleration provisions relating to the Offering.
    
 
    Options may not be transferred except by will or the laws of descent and
distribution and may be exercised only by the holder during the lifetime of such
holder.
 
    The options granted under the 1996 Plan are evidenced by stock option
agreements and are intended to be options that do not meet the requirements for
"incentive stock options" within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The exercise price of options must be at least
the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date the option is
granted, and each option must expire no later than September 18, 2006. To
exercise an option, the optionee must deliver to the Company full payment for
the shares purchased, provided that the Compensation Committee may in its
discretion (i) accept as payment shares of the Company's common stock having a
fair market value equal to the purchase price of the shares being purchased or
(ii) accept such other payment as the Compensation Committee shall permit in its
sole discretion at the time of exercise. The Compensation Committee is empowered
to amend the 1996 Plan, subject to stockholder approval in certain
circumstances.
 
   
    As of December 31, 1997, options to purchase 3,807,160 shares of Common
Stock were outstanding under the 1996 Plan, of which 229,062 options were
exercisable on such date. As a result of the Offering, 2,934,733 of the 1996
Plan options outstanding at December 31, 1997 will accelerate and become
immediately exercisable. The remaining 643,365 options outstanding at December
31, 1997 which were not then exercisable will not be accelerated and will
terminate upon consummation of the Offering pursuant to the provisions of the
grant letters under which such options were granted. Following the exercise by a
certain Selling Stockholder of options to purchase 204,768 shares of Common
Stock and the sale of such shares in the Offering, 2,959,027 options under the
1996 Plan will be outstanding after the Offering, all of which will be
immediately exercisable.
    
 
   
    PROPOSED STOCK OPTION PLAN
    
 
   
    Prior to the Offering, the Company intends to adopt a stock option plan to
become effective upon completion of the Offering authorizing the issuance of
options covering up to 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock (the "Proposed Plan"),
the form of which will be filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of
which this prospectus is a part. The Proposed Plan will be administered by the
Compensation Committee after the Offering which, from time to time during the
term of the Proposed Plan, will select the optionees and determine the terms and
provisions of each option grant within the parameters set forth in the Proposed
Plan.
    
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
                       PRINCIPAL AND SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
 
GENERAL
 
    The table below and the notes thereto set forth as of January 31, 1998 and
after giving effect to the Offering (assuming no exercise of the Underwriters'
over-allotment option, except as otherwise disclosed in the footnotes to the
table) certain information concerning the beneficial ownership (as defined in
Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) of the Company's Common
Stock by (i) each person known by the Company to own beneficially more than 5%
of the outstanding Common Stock, (ii) each director of the Company and each
Named Executive Officer and (iii) all directors and executive officers and
directors of the Company as a group. Additionally, the table names each Selling
Stockholder and specifies the number of shares of Common Stock to be sold by
each. Except as indicated in the footnotes to the table, the persons named in
the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of
Common Stock shown as beneficially owned by them, subject to community property
laws where applicable.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED                    SHARES BENEFICIALLY
                                                                                                     OWNED
                                                      BEFORE OFFERING        SHARES BEING      AFTER THE OFFERING
                                                 -------------------------     SOLD IN      ------------------------
               NAME AND ADDRESS                     NUMBER       PERCENT     THE OFFERING     NUMBER      PERCENT
- -----------------------------------------------  ------------  -----------  --------------  ----------  ------------
<S>                                              <C>           <C>          <C>             <C>         <C>
Odyssey Partners, L.P(1).......................    19,064,757       96.55       10,484,707   1,114,073          6.64
  31 West 52nd Street
  New York, NY 10019
Stephen Berger(1)..............................    19,064,757       96.55       10,484,707   1,114,073          6.64
Muzzafar Mirza.................................            --          --               --          --            --
William Hopkins................................            --          --               --          --            --
Richard P. Small(2)............................     2,046,732       12.34        1,850,142     196,590          1.17
  7434 South Gary
  Tulsa, OK 74136
Quentin Bourjeaurd(3)..........................     3,006,266       16.59          120,527   2,885,739         15.75
Charles Balchunas(4)...........................       739,041        4.30               --     739,041          4.25
Louis F. Partenza(5)...........................       198,764        1.19               --     198,764          1.17
All directors and executive officers as a group    19,064,757       96.55       12,455,376   5,301,634         27.63
  (9 persons)(6)...............................
G. Bruce McInnis(7)............................       807,297        4.70          204,768     602,529          3.59
BT Investment Partners, Inc.(8)................       682,244        4.11          616,714      65,530       *
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
 
*   Less than one percent.
 
   
(1) Includes (i) 11,598,780 shares owned of record by Odyssey and (ii) 7,465,977
    shares (including 229,062 shares subject to options which are currently
    exercisable and 2,934,733 shares subject to options which will become
    exercisable upon consummation of the Offering) over which Odyssey has a
    proxy and power of attorney pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement described
    below. See "Certain Transactions--Management Stockholders' and
    Optionholders' Agreement." If the Underwriters' over-allotment option is
    exercised in full, Odyssey will beneficially own no shares after the
    Offering. Messrs. Stephen Berger, Jack Nash, Leon Levy, Brian Wruble and
    Joshua Nash are general partners of Odyssey and, accordingly, may be deemed
    to own beneficially the shares beneficially owned by Odyssey. Each such
    general partner disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares beneficially
    owned by Odyssey.
    
 
(2) The shares reflected are owned of record by R.P. Small Corp., of which Mr.
    Small is the sole stockholder. If the Underwriters' over-allotment option is
    exercised in full, Mr. Small will beneficially own no shares after the
    Offering.
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
(3) Includes (i) 1,472,244 shares owned of record by Mr. Bourjeaurd, (ii) 91,838
    shares subject to options which are currently exercisable and (iii)
    1,442,184 shares subject to options which will become exercisable as a
    result of the Offering. If the Underwriters' over-allotment option is
    exercised in full, Mr. Bourjeaurd will beneficially own 2,872,932, or
    15.35%, of the shares of Common Stock outstanding after the Offering. Mr.
    Bourjeaurd's business address is 2527 Willowbrook Road, Dallas, Texas 75220.
 
(4) Includes (i) 136,512 shares owned of record by Mr. Balchunas, (ii) 34,900
    shares subject to options which are currently exercisable and (iii) 567,629
    shares subject to options which will become exercisable as a result of the
    Offering.
 
(5) Includes (i) 68,256 shares owned of record by Mr. Partenza, (ii) 7,348
    shares subject to options which are currently exercisable and (iii) 123,160
    shares subject to options which will become exercisable as a result of the
    Offering.
 
   
(6) Includes (i) 11,598,780 shares owned of record by Odyssey and (ii) 7,465,977
    shares (including shares subject to options which will be exercisable after
    the Offering) over which Odyssey has a proxy and power of attorney pursuant
    to the Stockholders Agreement. Mr. Berger, the Chairman of the Board of
    Directors of the Company, is a general partner of Odyssey and may be deemed
    to own beneficially the shares beneficially owned by Odyssey (see note 1
    above). The shares being sold in the Offering include shares to be sold by
    Odyssey and Messrs. Small and Bourjeaurd. The shares beneficially owned
    after the Offering include (i) 1,114,073 shares owned of record by Odyssey
    which may be deemed to be beneficially owned by Mr. Berger, (ii) 196,590
    shares beneficially owned by Mr. Small as the sole stockholder of R.P. Small
    Corp. (see note 2 above) and (iii) 3,990,971 shares beneficially owned by
    the remaining directors and officers of the Company. If the Underwriters'
    over-allotment option is exercised in full, Odyssey and Mr. Small will
    beneficially own no shares after the Offering and the remaining directors
    and officers will own 3,978,164, or 20.31%, of the shares of Common Stock
    outstanding after the Offering.
    
 
(7) Includes (i) 204,768 shares owned of record by Mr. McInnis, (ii) 34,900
    shares subject to options which are currently exercisable, and (iii) 567,629
    shares subject to options which will become exercisable as a result of the
    Offering. If the Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full,
    Mr. McInnis will beneficially own no shares after the Offering.
 
(8) If the Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full, BT
    Investment Partners, Inc. will beneficially own no shares after the
    Offering.
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
                              CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
 
MANAGEMENT STOCKHOLDERS' AND OPTIONHOLDERS' AGREEMENT
 
   
    The Company, Odyssey, BT Investment Partners, Inc. ("BT Investments") and
each management stockholder and optionholder are parties to an Amended and
Restated Management Stockholders' and Optionholders' Agreement dated as of May
15, 1997 (the "Stockholders Agreement"). The Stockholders Agreement provides,
among other things, for certain limitations on transfers of the Common Stock,
for the grant of proxies and powers of attorney in favor of Odyssey, and for
certain "piggyback" registration rights in favor of the management stockholders
with respect to registered offerings of the Common Stock by the Company. Upon
consummation of the Offering, however, the Stockholders Agreement will
terminate, except with respect to the "piggyback" registration rights granted to
the management stockholders. The management stockholders party to the agreement
include Messrs. Bourjeaurd, Balchunas and Partenza, in addition to certain other
employees of the Company. Such management stockholders will own a total of
2,195,159 shares of the outstanding Common Stock following consummation of the
Offering (1,780,994 shares if the Underwriters' over-allotment option is
exercised in full).
    
 
REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
 
   
    The Company and Odyssey are parties to a Registration Rights Agreement dated
as of November 7, 1996 (the "Registration Rights Agreement"). The Registration
Rights Agreement provides Odyssey with certain "demand" registration rights, as
well as certain "piggyback" registration rights with respect to registered
offerings of the Common Stock by the Company. In connection with the acquisition
of the Predecessor, of which Mr. Small was the controlling shareholder, Odyssey
and Mr. Small agreed that Mr. Small would have the right to purchase Common
Stock of the Company and would be entitled to the same registration rights as
given Odyssey pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement. Accordingly, the
Company, Odyssey and R.P. Small Corp., a corporation wholly-owned by Mr. Small
and through which Mr. Small beneficially owns shares of the Company's Common
Stock, entered into a letter agreement (the "Small Agreement"), dated November
7, 1996, which grants R.P. Small Corp. the same "piggyback" registration rights
as those granted to Odyssey under the Registration Rights Agreement, as well as
certain rights to participate in "demand" registrations instituted by Odyssey.
In the event that Odyssey and R.P. Small Corp. sell all of the Common Stock
owned by them in the Offering, the Registration Rights Agreement and the Small
Agreement will be terminated.
    
 
INTEREST OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE OFFERING
 
    Odyssey formed the Company on August 21, 1996 to facilitate the acquisition
of the Predecessor and Aviall Aerospace and currently owns of record 69.9% of
the outstanding Common Stock of the Company. In connection with its previously
announced dissolution and liquidation, Odyssey intends to sell the Common Stock
of the Company owned by it in the Offering. Based on a value of $15.00 per share
(the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover of this
Prospectus), Odyssey will receive an estimated $147.4 million of the $186.7
million of the aggregate proceeds to be received by the Selling Stockholders,
net of underwriting discounts and commissions, as a result of the Offering
($163.1 million of the $214.7 million of the aggregate proceeds if the
Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full). Messrs. Stephen
Berger, Muzzafar Mirza and William Hopkins, members of the Company's Board of
Directors, are partners or principals of Odyssey.
 
    In addition, several other Selling Stockholders presently serve or formerly
served as directors and/or executive officers of the Company, including Messrs.
Richard P. Small and Quentin Bourjeaurd. Mr. Small, formerly the controlling
stockholder, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the
Predecessor and currently the Vice Chairman of the Company's Board of Directors,
intends to sell in the Offering all of the Common Stock owned by R.P. Small
Corp., of which Mr. Small is the sole stockholder. R.P. Small Corp. will receive
an estimated $26.0 million of the aggregate net proceeds to be received by the
Selling
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
Stockholders as a result of the Offering ($28.8 million if the Underwriters'
over-allotment option is exercised in full). Mr. Bourjeaurd, the President and
Chief Executive Officer of the Company, is seeking to sell 120,527 shares of
Common Stock in the Offering (133,334 shares if the Underwriters' over-allotment
option is exercised in full) and will receive an estimated $1.7 million of the
aggregate net proceeds to be received by the Selling Stockholders as a result of
the Offering ($1.9 million if the Underwriters' over-allotment option is
exercised in full). See "Principal and Selling Stockholders."
 
EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
 
    On April 29, 1997, the Company adopted an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the
"Stock Purchase Plan"). Any employee, officer or director of the Company is
eligible to participate in the Stock Purchase Plan. The Stock Purchase Plan is
administered by the Board of Directors of the Company, which, in its sole
discretion, may determine the number of shares issuable to an eligible
purchaser, the purchase price thereof, vesting requirements and any other
additional terms as the Board of Directors deems appropriate.
 
    On May 30, 1997, the Company issued and sold an aggregate of 660,598 shares
of its common stock, at a price of $1.47 per share, to 21 employees of the
Company pursuant to the Stock Purchase Plan. Such shares were issued in reliance
upon the exemption from registration provided by Rule 701 under the Securities
Act. Among the employees purchasing such shares were Messrs. Charles Balchunas,
G. Bruce McInnis, Louis F. Partenza and John R. King.
 
LOANS TO MANAGEMENT
 
    On September 19, 1996, the Company loaned Mr. Bourjeaurd $200,000 at an
interest rate of 5.93% per annum, the proceeds of which were used to purchase
Common Stock of the Company. The entire principal and interest under such loan
was repaid by Mr. Bourjeaurd on December 11, 1997. On April 15, 1997, the
Company loaned an additional $100,000 to Mr. Bourjeaurd at an interest rate of
5.83% per annum, the proceeds of which were used to purchase additional Common
Stock. The entire principal and interest under such loan was repaid by Mr.
Bourjeaurd on December 11, 1997.
 
   
    On May 30, 1997, the Company loaned Mr. Balchunas $75,000 at an interest
rate of 6.74% per annum, the proceeds of which were used, together with personal
funds, to purchase 136,512 shares of Common Stock of the Company at a purchase
price of $1.47 per share. Until all principal and interest is paid in full, Mr.
Balchunas is required to apply all proceeds from any sale or transfer of any
shares of Common Stock owned by him to the principal and interest then owing
under the loan. Interest is otherwise payable semi-annually. Interest of
$1,727.97 was accrued for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1997. All of the
136,512 shares purchased by Mr. Balchunas are pledged to the Company as security
for such loan.
    
 
   
    On May 30, 1997, the Company loaned Mr. Partenza $75,000 at an interest rate
of 6.74% per annum, the proceeds of which were used, together with personal
funds, to purchase 68,256 shares of Common Stock of the Company at a purchase
price of $1.47 per share. Until all principal and interest is paid in full, Mr.
Partenza is required to apply all proceeds from any sale or transfer of any
shares of Common Stock owned by him to the principal and interest then owing
under the loan. Interest is otherwise payable semi-annually. Interest of
$1,727.97 was accrued for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1997. All of the
68,256 shares purchased by Mr. Partenza are pledged to the Company as security
for such loan.
    
 
TRANSACTIONS RELATING TO THE ACQUISITIONS OF THE PREDECESSOR AND AVIALL
  AEROSPACE
 
    Prior to the Company's acquisition of the Predecessor, the Predecessor
maintained a VEBA trust which held a life insurance policy on behalf of Mr.
Small, and through which the premiums for such policy were paid. As a result of
the acquisition of the Predecessor by merger, the Company succeeded the
Predecessor as the administrator of the VEBA trust. In connection with the
acquisition of the Predecessor, the Company entered into a letter agreement with
Mr. Small whereby: (i) the Company agreed to transfer the life insurance
policies to Mr. Small in exchange for a payment by Mr. Small to the VEBA trust
of
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
   
$660,000, the approximate cash surrender value of the life insurance policies,
and (ii) the Company agreed to reimburse Mr. Small for such payment as cash was
paid out of the VEBA trust for premiums for medical, disability or other
insurance maintained by the Company. Pursuant to such agreement, the Company
made a payment of $330,000 to Mr. Small on October 16, 1997. Since October 16,
1997, no further payments have been made to Mr. Small. The Company anticipates
that the remaining funds in the VEBA trust will be paid out for medical,
disability or other insurance premiums in fiscal 1998 and, accordingly, that the
remaining $330,000 due to Mr. Small under such agreement will be paid to him
shortly after the end of the Company's 1998 fiscal year.
    
 
   
    In connection with the acquisition of the Predecessor, the Company entered
into an employment agreement with Mr. Small providing for payments to Mr. Small
in the amount of $225,000 per year, of which $165,000 represents compensation
for advisory services provided by Mr. Small in connection with the acquisition
of the Predecessor and $60,000 represents annual compensation for services
provided by Mr. Small pursuant to such employment agreement.
    
 
   
    As compensation for his services in coordinating, structuring and
consummating the simultaneous acquisitions of the Predecessor and Aviall
Aerospace, the Company agreed to pay Mr. Bourjeaurd a fee in the amount of
$2,560,000. Such fee was paid by the Company in installments as follows: $51,370
in May 1997, $500,000 in October 1997, $795,560 in December 1997 and $1,213,070
in February 1998. In addition, as further compensation for his services in
coordinating, structuring and consummating such acquisitions, the Company issued
790,000 shares of its Common Stock to Mr. Bourjeaurd at the closing of such
acquisitions on September 19, 1996.
    
 
   
    As compensation for advisory services provided by Odyssey with respect to
coordinating, structuring, consummating and financing the simultaneous
acquisitions of the Predecessor and Aviall Aerospace, the Company paid Odyssey a
fee in the amount of $750,000. Such fee was paid by the Company at the closing
of such acquisitions on September 19, 1996.
    
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
GENERAL
 
   
    The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 40,000,000 shares of
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 10,000,000 shares of Preferred
Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Preferred Stock"). As of the date of this
Prospectus, there are 16,583,206 shares of Common Stock outstanding and no
shares of Preferred Stock outstanding or reserved for issuance. Upon completion
of the Offering, 2,959,027 shares of Common Stock will be issuable upon exercise
of outstanding options under the Company's stock option plans and up to an
additional 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock will be reserved for issuance under
such plans.
    
 
    The following description of the Company's capital stock is a summary of the
material terms of such stock. The following does not purport to be complete and
is subject in all respects to applicable Delaware law and to the provisions of
the Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the
"Certificate") and Bylaws.
 
COMMON STOCK
 
    Subject to the prior rights of any series of Preferred Stock which may from
time to time be authorized and outstanding, holders of Common Stock are entitled
to receive dividends out of funds legally available therefor when, as and if
declared by the Board of Directors and to receive pro rata net assets of the
Company legally available for distribution upon liquidation or dissolution.
 
    Holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each share of Common
Stock held on each matter to be voted on by the holders of Common Stock,
including the election of directors. The Common Stock has no preemptive rights
or cumulative voting rights and no redemption, sinking fund or conversion
provisions.
 
PREFERRED STOCK
 
    The Preferred Stock may be issued by resolution of the Company's Board of
Directors from time to time without any action of the stockholders. The
Preferred Stock may be issued in one or more series and the Board of Directors
may fix the designation and relative powers, including voting powers,
preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions of each series
so authorized. The issuance of any such series may have an adverse effect on the
rights of holders of Common Stock or impede the completion of a merger, tender
offer or other takeover attempt. The Company has no plans to issue shares of any
series of Preferred Stock.
 
CERTAIN CERTIFICATE AND BYLAW PROVISIONS
 
    Certain provisions of the Certificate and the Bylaws could discourage
potential takeover attempts and could delay or prevent a change in control of
the Company. These provisions are intended to enhance the likelihood of
continuity and stability in the composition of the Board of Directors of the
Company and in the policies formulated by the Board of Directors and to
discourage certain types of transactions that may involve an actual or
threatened change of control of the Company. The provisions are designed to
reduce the vulnerability of the Company to an unsolicited proposal for a
takeover of the Company. The provisions are also intended to discourage certain
tactics that may be used in proxy fights. However, such provisions could have
the effect of discouraging others from making tender offers for the Company's
shares and, as a consequence, they may also inhibit fluctuations in the market
price of the Common Stock that often result from actual or rumored takeover
attempts. Such provisions may also have the effect of preventing changes in the
management of the Company.
 
    CLASSIFIED BOARD OF DIRECTORS.  There shall not be less than six nor more
than twelve directors. The Company presently has six directors. The Certificate
provides for the classification of the Board of
 
                                       47
<PAGE>
Directors into three classes, each class to consist as nearly as possible of
one-third of the directors. The term of office of the first class of directors
will expire at the 1999 Annual Meeting of Stockholders; the term of the second
class of directors will expire at the 2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders; and
the term of the third class of directors will expire at the 2001 Annual Meeting
of Stockholders. At each annual meeting, the class of directors to be elected at
such meeting will be elected for a three-year term and the directors in the
other two classes will continue in office. See "Management--Composition of the
Company's Board of Directors after the Offering."
 
    The Certificate also permits the Board of Directors to create new
directorships and to elect new directors to serve for the full term of the class
of directors in which the new directorship was created. The Board of Directors
(or its remaining members, even though less than a quorum) is also empowered to
fill vacancies on the Board of Directors occurring for any reason for the
remainder of the term of the class of director in which the vacancy occurred.
 
   
    SPECIAL STOCKHOLDERS' MEETINGS AND STOCKHOLDER ACTION.  The Bylaws provide
that special meetings of the stockholders may be called only by the Chairman of
the Board or the President of the Company or upon a resolution adopted by a
majority of the entire Board of Directors. Stockholders are not permitted to
call, or to require that the Board of Directors call, a special meeting of
stockholders. Moreover, the business permitted to be conducted at any special
meeting of stockholders is limited to the business brought before the meeting
pursuant to the notice of the meeting given by the Company. In addition, the
Certificate provides that any action taken by the stockholders of the Company
must be effected at an annual or special meeting of stockholders and not by
written consent.
    
 
    The provision of the Certificate prohibiting stockholder action by written
consent may have the effect of delaying consideration of a stockholder proposal
until the next annual meeting. This provision would also prevent the holders of
a majority of the outstanding Common Stock from unilaterally using the written
consent procedure to take stockholder action. Moreover, the provisions of the
Bylaws prevent a stockholder from forcing stockholder consideration of a
proposal over the opposition of the Board of Directors of the Company by calling
a special meeting of stockholders prior to the time the Board believes such
consideration to be appropriate.
 
    PROCEDURES FOR STOCKHOLDER NOMINATIONS AND PROPOSALS.  The Bylaws establish
an advance notice procedure for stockholders to nominate candidates for election
as directors or to bring other business before meetings of stockholders of the
Company (the "Stockholder Notice Procedure"). Only those stockholder nominees
who are nominated in accordance with the Stockholder Notice Procedure will be
eligible for election as directors of the Company. Under the Stockholder Notice
Procedure, notice of stockholder nominations to be made at an annual meeting (or
of any other business to be brought before such meeting) must be received by the
Company not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the first
anniversary of the previous year's annual meeting. Moreover, the Stockholder
Notice Procedure provides that if the Board of Directors of the Company has
determined that directors will be elected at a special meeting, a stockholder
must give written notice to the Secretary of the Company of any nominations to
be brought before a special meeting, not earlier than the 90th day prior to the
special meeting and not later than the later of the 60th day prior to the
special meeting or the 10th day following the first public announcement by the
Company of the date of the special meeting.
 
    The Bylaws provide that only such business may be conducted at a special
meeting as is specified in the Company's notice of meeting. The Bylaws also
provide that at an annual meeting only such business may be conducted as has
been brought before the meeting (i) pursuant to the Company's notice of meeting,
(ii) by, or at the direction of, the Board of Directors or (iii) by a
stockholder who has given timely written notice pursuant to the Stockholder
Notice Procedure to the Secretary of the Company of such stockholder's intention
to bring such business before such meeting.
 
    By requiring advance notice of nominations by stockholders, the Stockholder
Notice Procedure will afford the Board of Directors an opportunity to consider
the qualifications of the proposed nominees and,
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
to the extent deemed necessary or desirable by the Board of Directors, to inform
stockholders about such qualifications. By requiring advance notice of other
proposed business, the Stockholder Notice Procedure will provide a more orderly
procedure for conducting annual meetings of stockholders and, to the extent
deemed necessary or desirable by the Board of Directors, will provide the Board
of Directors with an opportunity to inform stockholders, prior to such meetings,
of any business proposed to be conducted at such meetings, together with the
Board of Directors' position regarding action to be taken with respect to such
business, so that stockholders can better decide whether to attend such a
meeting or to grant a proxy regarding the disposition of any such business.
 
    Although the Bylaws do not give the Board of Directors any power to approve
or disapprove stockholder nominations for the election of directors or proposals
for action, they may have the effect of precluding a contest for the election of
directors or the consideration of stockholder proposals if the proper procedures
are not followed, and of discouraging or deterring a third party from conducting
a solicitation of proxies to elect its own slate of directors or to approve its
own proposal, without regard to whether consideration of such nominees or
proposals might be harmful or beneficial to the Company and its stockholders.
 
    AMENDMENT OF THE CERTIFICATE.  The Certificate provides that an amendment
thereof must first be approved by a majority of the Board of Directors and (with
certain exceptions) thereafter approved by the holders of a majority of the
total votes eligible to be cast by holders of voting stock with respect to such
amendment or repeal; provided that the affirmative vote of 75% of the total
votes eligible to be cast by holders of voting stock, voting together as a
single class, is required to (i) amend or repeal the provisions of the
Certificate with respect to (A) the election of directors, (B) the right of
stockholders to act by written consent and (C) amendment of the Bylaws, (ii)
adopt any provision inconsistent with such provisions and (iii) amend or repeal
the provisions of the Certificate with respect to amendments to the Certificate.
 
    AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS.  The Certificate provides that the Bylaws may be
amended or repealed by action of the Board of Directors or by the stockholders.
Such action by the Board of Directors requires the affirmative vote of a
majority of the directors then in office without action by the stockholders.
Such action by the stockholders requires the affirmative vote of the holders of
at least 75% of the total votes eligible to be cast by holders of voting stock
with respect to such amendment or repeal at an annual meeting of stockholders or
a special meeting called for such purposes, unless the Board of Directors
recommends that the stockholders approve such amendment or repeal at such
meeting, in which case such amendment or repeal shall only require the
affirmative vote of a majority of the total votes eligible to be cast by holders
of voting stock with respect to such amendment or repeal.
 
    LIMITATIONS ON DIRECTORS' LIABILITY.  The Certificate provides that a
director will not be personally liable to the Company or its stockholders for
monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for
liability (i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the
corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or
which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under
Section 174 of the Delaware law, which concerns unlawful payments of dividends,
stock purchases or redemptions or (iv) for any transaction from which the
director derived an improper personal benefit. If the Delaware law is
subsequently amended to permit further limitation of the personal liability of
directors, the liability of a director of the Company will be eliminated or
limited to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware law as so amended.
 
SECTION 203 OF THE DELAWARE GENERAL CORPORATION LAW
 
    The Company is subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the DGCL. That
section provides, with certain exceptions, that a Delaware corporation may not
engage in any of a broad range of business combinations with a person or
affiliate or associate of such person who is an "interested stockholder" for a
period of three years from the date that such person became an interested
stockholder unless: (i) the transaction resulting in a person's becoming an
interested stockholder, or the business combination, is
 
                                       49
<PAGE>
approved by the board of directors of the corporation before the person becomes
an interested stockholder, (ii) upon consummation of the transaction that
resulted in the interested stockholder's becoming an interested stockholder, the
interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation
outstanding at the time the transaction commenced (excluding shares owned by
persons who are both officers and directors of the corporation, and shares held
by certain employee stock ownership plans); or (iii) on or after the date the
person becomes an interested stockholder, the business combination is approved
by the corporation's board of directors and by the holders of at least 66 2/3%
of the corporation's outstanding voting stock at an annual or special meeting,
excluding shares owned by the interested stockholders. An "interested
stockholder" is defined as any person (other than the corporation or any direct
or indirect majority owned subsidiary of the corporation) that is (i) the owner
of 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation or (ii) an
affiliate or associate of the corporation and was the owner of 15% or more of
the outstanding voting stock of the corporation at any time within the
three-year period immediately prior to the date on which it is sought to be
determined whether such person is an interested stockholder. Section 203 of the
DGCL could have the effect of discouraging prospective take-over attempts
because of the inability of a potential acquiror to combine the Company with
another entity.
 
                                       50
<PAGE>
                        SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
    No prediction can be made as to the effect, if any, that future sales of
Common Stock, or the availability of Common Stock for future sale, will have on
the market price of the Common Stock prevailing from time to time. Sales of
substantial amounts of Common Stock (including shares issued upon exercise of
options), or the perception that such sales could occur, may adversely affect
prevailing market prices for the Common Stock. See "Risk Factors--Shares
Eligible for Future Sale."
 
    Upon completion of the Offering, the Company will have outstanding
16,787,974 shares of Common Stock. Of the shares of Common Stock that will be
outstanding after the Offering, the 13,276,858 shares sold in the Offering will
be freely tradeable without restriction or limitation under the Securities Act,
unless purchased by "affiliates" of the Company, as that term is defined in Rule
144 under the Securities Act. All of the remaining 3,511,116 shares of Common
Stock held by existing stockholders will be "restricted" securities within the
meaning of the Securities Act as a result of the issuance thereof in private
transactions not involving a public offering. The "restricted" securities may
not be resold unless they are registered under the Securities Act or are sold
pursuant to an available exemption from registration, including Rule 144 under
the Securities Act.
 
    In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, a person (or persons
whose shares are aggregated) who has beneficially owned shares for at least one
year (including the holding period of any prior owner except an "affiliate" (as
that term is defined in Rule 144)) is entitled to sell, within any three-month
period, a number of those shares that does not exceed the greater of (i) 1% of
the then outstanding shares of the Common Stock (167,880 shares immediately
after the Offering) or (ii) the average weekly trading volume in the Common
Stock during the four calendar weeks preceding the date on which notice of the
sale is filed with the Commission. Sales under Rule 144 are also subject to
certain manner of sale provisions, notice requirements and requirements as to
the availability of current public information concerning the Company. Rule 144
provides that a person (or persons whose shares are aggregated) who is not
deemed to have been an affiliate of the Company at any time during the 90 days
preceding a sale, and who has beneficially owned shares for at least two years
(including the holding period of any prior owner except an "affiliate") is
entitled to sell those shares under Rule 144(k) without regard to the
limitations described above.
 
    After completion of the Offering and expiration of the 180-day lockup
agreement described under "Underwriting," 3,511,116 shares (1,917,348 shares if
the Underwriters' over-allotment options are exercised in full) of Common Stock
held by stockholders prior to the consummation of the Offering will be eligible
for sale on the open market under Rule 144 (as currently in effect), subject to
the volume and manner of sales limitations referred to above.
 
    In May 1997, the Company sold shares of its Common Stock to certain of its
officers and employees under the provisions of Rule 701 under the Securities
Act. While such shares are "restricted" securities under Rule 144, the resale
provisions under Rule 701 permit non-affiliates to sell their Rule 701 shares
without complying with the notice provisions, public information, volume
limitations or holding period restrictions of Rule 144 and permit affiliates to
sell their Rule 701 shares without complying with the Rule 144 holding period
restrictions, in each case commencing 90 days after the date of this prospectus.
After the Offering, 646,852 of the 3,511,116 shares otherwise eligible for sale
under Rule 144 will be eligible for sale under Rule 701, subject to the
expiration of the 180-day lock-up agreement described under "Underwriting."
 
   
    Upon completion of the Offering, 2,959,027 shares of Common Stock will be
issuable upon exercise of outstanding options under the Company's stock option
plans and up to an additional 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock will be reserved
for issuance under such plans. To the extent that the Underwriters' over-
allotment option is not exercised in full, the Company has agreed to file a
registration statement on Form S-8 following the expiration of the lock-up
agreement described under "Underwriting" covering any shares subject to options
granted to G. Bruce McInnis, one of the Selling Stockholders, under the
Company's
    
 
                                       51
<PAGE>
1996 stock option plan. Shares registered under such registration statement
which are issued upon the exercise of options will be freely transferable in the
open market.
 
    Stockholders of the Company party to the Stockholders Agreement will have
certain "piggyback" registration rights with respect to registered offerings of
the Common Stock following consummation of the Offering. See "Certain
Transactions--Management Stockholders' and Optionholders' Agreement."
 
                                       52
<PAGE>
   
                   CERTAIN U.S. TAX CONSIDERATIONS APPLICABLE
                    TO NON-U.S. HOLDERS OF THE COMMON STOCK
    
 
   
    The following is a general discussion of certain U.S. federal income and
estate tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of Common Stock
applicable to Non-U.S. Holders of such Common Stock who acquire and own such
Common Stock as a capital asset within the meaning of section 1221 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). A "Non-U.S. Holder" is
any person other than (i) a citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a
corporation or partnership created or organized in the United States or Under
the laws of the United States or of any state, or (iii) an estate whose income
is includable in gross income for United States federal income tax purposes
regardless of its source, or (iv) a trust if a court within the United States is
able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and
one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions
of the trust.
    
 
   
    The discussion does not consider specific facts and circumstances that may
be relevant to a particular Non-U.S. Holder's tax position (including the fact
that in the case of a Non-U.S. Holder that is a partnership, the U.S. tax
consequences of holding and disposing of shares of Common Stock may be affected
by certain determinations made at the partner level) and does not consider U.S.
state and local or non-U.S. tax consequences. Further, it does not consider
Non-U.S. Holders subject to special tax treatment under the federal income tax
laws (including banks and insurance companies, dealers in securities, and
holders of securities held as part of a "straddle," "hedge," or conversion
transaction)." The following discussion is based on provisions of the Code and
administrative and judicial interpretations as of the date hereof, all of which
are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis, and any change could
affect the continuing validity of this discussion. The following summary is
included herein for general information. Accordingly, each prospective Non-U.S.
Holder is urged to consult a tax advisor with respect to the United States
federal tax consequences of holding and disposing of Common Stock, as well as
any tax consequences that may arise under the laws of any U.S. state, local or
other non-U.S. taxing jurisdiction.
    
 
   
NON-U.S. HOLDERS
    
 
   
    For purposes of the following discussion, dividends and gain on the sale,
exchange or other disposition of Common Stock will be considered to be "U.S.
trade or business income" if such income or gain is (i) effectively connected
with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business (ii) in the case of a treaty
resident, attributable to a permanent establishment (or, in the case of an
individual, a fixed base) in the United States.
    
 
   
    DIVIDENDS
    
 
   
    In general, dividends paid to a Non-U.S. Holder of Common Stock will be
subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a 30% rate unless such rate
is reduced by an applicable tax treaty. Dividends that are U.S. trade or
business income, are generally subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net basis
at regular income tax rates, and are not generally subject to the 30%
withholding tax if the Non-U.S. Holder provides the appropriate form to the
payor. Any U.S. trade or business income received by a Non-U.S. Holder that is a
corporation may also, under certain circumstances, be subject to an additional
"branch profits tax" at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be applicable under
a tax treaty. Dividends paid to an address in a foreign country generally are
presumed (absent actual knowledge to the contrary) to be paid to a resident of
such country for purposes of the withholding discussed above and for purposes of
determining the applicability of a tax treaty rate. Under U.S. Treasury
Regulations generally effective January 1, 1999, not currently in effect,
however, a Non-U.S. Holder of Common Stock who wishes to claim the benefit of an
applicable treaty rate would be required to satisfy certain certification and
other requirements, which may include the requirement that the Non-U.S. Holder
file a form containing the holder's name and address or provide certain
documentary evidence issued by foreign governmental authorities as proof of
residence in the foreign country.
    
 
                                       53
<PAGE>
   
    A Non-U.S. Holder of Common Stock that is eligible for a reduced rate of
U.S. withholding tax pursuant to a tax treaty may obtain a refund of any excess
amounts currently withheld by filing an appropriate claim for a refund with the
Service.
    
 
   
    SALE, EXCHANGE, REDEMPTION OR OTHER DISPOSITION
    
 
   
    Except as described below and subject to the discussion concerning backup
withholding, any gain realized by a Non-U.S. Holder on the sale, exchange,
redemption or other disposition of Common Stock generally will not be subject to
U.S. federal income tax, unless (i) such gain is U.S. trade or business income,
(ii) subject to certain exceptions, the Non-U.S. Holder is an individual who
holds the Common Stock as a capital asset, is present in the United States for
183 days or more during the taxable year of the disposition, and certain other
conditions are present, (iii) the Non-U.S. Holder is subject to tax under U.S.
tax law provision applicable to certain U.S. expatriates (including certain
former citizens or residents of the United States) and (iv) the Company is or
has been a "United States real property holding corporation" (a "USRPHC") for
federal income tax purposes and such Non-U.S. Holder has held, directly or
constructively, more than 5% of the outstanding Common Stock within the
five-year period ending on the date of the sale or exchange. The Company
believes that it has not been, is not currently, and is not likely to become, a
United States real property holding corporation. However, no assurance can be
given that the Company will not be a United States real property holding
corporation when a Non-U.S. Holder sells its shares of Common Stock.
    
 
   
    FEDERAL ESTATE TAX
    
 
   
    Common Stock owned or treated as owned by an individual who is not a citizen
or resident of the United States for U.S. federal estate tax purposes will be
included in such individual's gross estate for U.S. federal estate tax purposes
unless an applicable estate tax treaty otherwise provides.
    
 
   
    INFORMATION REPORTING AND BACKUP WITHHOLDING
    
 
   
    The Company must report annually to the Service and to each Non-U.S. Holder
any dividend income that is subject to withholding, or that is exempt from U.S.
withholding tax pursuant to a tax treaty. Copies of these information returns
may also be made available under the provisions of a specific treaty of
agreement to the tax authorities of the country in which the Non-U.S. Holder
resides.
    
 
   
    The payment of proceeds from the disposition of Common Stock to or through
the United States office of any broker, U.S. or foreign, will be subject to
information reporting and possible backup withholding unless the owner certifies
as to its non-U.S. status under penalty of perjury or otherwise establishes its
entitlement to an exemption from information reporting and backup withholding,
provided that the broker does not have actual knowledge that the holder is a
U.S. person or that the conditions of an exemption are not, in fact, satisfied.
The payment of proceeds from the disposition of Common Stock to or through a
non-U.S. office, of a non-U.S. broker that is not a "U.S. related person" will
not be subject to information reporting or backup withholding. For this purpose,
a "U.S. related person" is a foreign person with one or more of certain
enumerated relationships with the United States.
    
 
   
    In the case of the payment of proceeds from the disposition of Common Stock
to or through a non-U.S. office of a broker that is either a U.S. person or a
U.S. related person, the regulations require information reporting on the
payment unless the broker has documentary evidence in its files that the owner
is a Non-U.S. Holder and the broker has no knowledge to the contrary. Backup
withholding will not apply to payments made through the foreign office of a
broker that is not a U.S. person or a U.S. related person (absent actual
knowledge that the payee is a U.S. person).
    
 
   
    Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from a payment of a
Non-U.S. Holder will be allowed as a refund or a credit against such Non-U.S.
Holder's U.S. federal income tax liability provided the requisite procedures are
followed.
    
 
                                       54
<PAGE>
                                  UNDERWRITING
 
   
    Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the U.S. Underwriting
Agreement, the Underwriters named below (the "U.S. Underwriters"), through their
representatives, BT Alex. Brown Incorporated and SBC Warburg Dillon Read Inc.
(together, the "Representatives"), have severally agreed to purchase from the
Selling Stockholders, the following respective numbers of shares of Common Stock
at the public offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions
shown on the cover page of this Prospectus:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   NUMBER OF
                               U.S. UNDERWRITERS                                     SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------
<S>                                                                               <C>
BT Alex. Brown Incorporated.....................................................
SBC Warburg Dillon Read Inc.....................................................
 
                                                                                  ------------
    Total.......................................................................
                                                                                  ------------
                                                                                  ------------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the International
Underwriting Agreement, the International Managers named below (the
"International Managers" and, collectively with the U.S. Underwriters, the
"Underwriters"), through their representatives, BT Alex. Brown International and
SBC Warburg Dillon Read, Inc. (together, the "Lead Managers"), have severally
agreed to purchase from the Selling Stockholders the following respective
numbers of shares of Common Stock at the public offering price less the
underwriting discounts and commissions shown on the cover page of this
Prospectus:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   NUMBER OF
INTERNATIONAL MANAGERS                                                               SHARES
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------
<S>                                                                                <C>
BT Alex. Brown International.....................................................
SBC Warburg Dillon Read, Inc.....................................................
 
                                                                                   ----------
    Total........................................................................
                                                                                   ----------
                                                                                   ----------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    The U.S. Underwriting Agreement and the International Underwriting Agreement
(collectively, the "Underwriting Agreements") provide that the obligations of
the Underwriters are subject to certain conditions precedent and that the
Underwriters will purchase the total number of shares of Common Stock offered
hereby if any of such shares are purchased.
    
 
   
    The Selling Stockholders have been advised by the Representatives and Lead
Managers that the Underwriters propose to offer the shares of Common Stock to
the public at the initial public offering price set forth on the cover page of
this Prospectus and to certain dealers at such price less a concession not in
excess of $    per share. The Underwriters may allow, and such dealers may
reallow, a concession not in excess of $    per share to certain other dealers.
After commencement of the initial public offering, this offering price and other
selling terms may be changed by the Representatives and Lead Managers.
    
 
   
    Certain stockholders of the Company have granted to the U.S. Underwriters
and the International Managers options, exercisable not later than 30 days after
the date of this Prospectus, to purchase up to          and          additional
shares of Common Stock respectively, at the initial public offering price set
forth on the cover page of the Prospectus. To the extent that the Underwriters
exercise such
    
 
                                       55
<PAGE>
   
options, each U.S. Underwriter or International Manager, as the case may be,
will have a firm commitment to purchase approximately the same percentage
thereof that the number of shares of Common Stock to be purchased by it shown in
the above table bears to the initial commitment of the U.S. Underwriters or
International Managers, as the case may be, as indicated in the preceding
tables, and the stockholders granting such option will be obligated, pursuant to
such option, to sell such shares to the Underwriters. The Underwriters may
exercise such option only to cover over-allotments made in connection with the
sale of the 13,276,858 shares of Common Stock offered hereby. If purchased, the
Underwriters will offer such additional shares on the same terms as those on
which the 13,276,858 shares are being offered.
    
 
   
    To facilitate this offering of the Common Stock, the Underwriters may engage
in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of
the Common Stock. Specifically, the Underwriters may over-allot shares of the
Common Stock in connection with this Offering, thereby creating a short position
in the Underwriters' syndicate account. Additionally, to cover such
over-allotments or to stabilize the market price of the Common Stock, the
Underwriters may bid for, and purchase, shares of Common Stock in the open
market. Any of these activities may maintain the market price of the Common
Stock at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market.
The Underwriters are not required to engage in these activities, and, if
commenced, any such activities may be discontinued at any time. The
Representatives, on behalf of the U.S. Underwriters, and the Lead Managers, on
behalf of the International Managers, also may reclaim selling concessions
allowed to an Underwriter or dealer if the syndicate repurchases shares of
Common Stock distributed by that Underwriter or dealer.
    
 
    The Underwriting Agreement contains covenants of indemnity and contribution
among the Underwriters, the Company and the Selling Stockholders regarding
certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
 
    The Company, its directors and executive officers and current stockholders
have agreed not to offer, sell or otherwise dispose of any shares of Common
Stock, except upon the exercise of currently outstanding stock options, for a
period of 180 days from the date of this Prospectus without the prior written
consent of BT Alex. Brown Incorporated.
 
   
    The Representatives and Lead Managers have advised the Company and the
Selling Stockholders that the Underwriters do not intend to confirm sales to any
account over which they exercise discretionary authority.
    
 
   
    Pursuant to an Agreement between the U.S. Underwriters and the International
Managers (the "Agreement Between Syndicates"), each U.S. Underwriter has agreed
that, as part of the distribution of the       shares offered in the United
States and Canada pursuant to the U.S. Offering, (i) it is not purchasing any
such shares for the account of anyone other than a U.S. or Canadian Person (as
defined below) and (ii) it has not offered or sold, and will not offer, sell,
resell or deliver, directly or indirectly, any of such shares or distribute any
prospectus relating to the U.S. Offering outside the United States and Canada or
to anyone other than a U.S. or Canadian Person. In addition, each International
Manager has agreed that, as part of the distribution of the         shares
offered outside the United States and Canada pursuant to the International
Offering, (i) it is not purchasing such shares for the account of any U.S. or
Canadian Person and (ii) it has not offered or sold, and will not offer, sell,
resell or deliver, directly or indirectly, any of such shares or distribute any
prospectus relating to the International Offering in the United States and
Canada or to any U.S. or Canadian Person.
    
 
   
    The foregoing limitations do not apply to stabilization transactions or to
certain other transactions specified in the Underwriting Agreements and the
Agreement Between Syndicates, including (i) certain purchases and sales between
the U.S. Underwriters and the International Managers, (ii) certain offers,
sales, resales, deliveries or distributions to or through investment advisors or
other persons exercising investment discretion, (iii) purchases, offers or sales
by a U.S. Underwriter who is also acting as an International Manager or by an
International Manager who is also acting as a U.S. Underwriter, and (iv) other
transactions specifically approved by the Representatives and Lead Managers. As
used herein,
    
 
                                       56
<PAGE>
   
"U.S. or Canadian Person" means any resident or national of the United States or
Canada, any corporation, partnership or other entity created or organized in or
under the laws of the United States or Canada (other than the foreign branch of
any U.S. or Canadian Person), or any state or trust the income of which is
subject to United States or Canadian income taxation regardless of the source of
its income, and includes any United States of Canadian branch of a person other
than a U.S. or Canadian Person.
    
 
   
    Each International Manager has represented and agreed that (i) it has not
offered or sold, and will not offer or sell, any shares of Common Stock to
persons in the United Kingdom other than to persons whose ordinary business it
is to acquire, hold, manage or dispose of investments (as principal or agent),
except under circumstances which do not constitute an offer to the public in the
United Kingdom within the meaning of the Public Offers of Securities Regulations
1995 (the "Regulations"), (ii) it has complied with and will continue to comply
with all applicable provisions of the Financial Services Act 1986 and the
Regulations with respect to anything done by it in relation to the shares of
Common Stock in, from or otherwise involving the United Kingdom, and (iii) it
has issued or passed on, and will only issue or pass on, to any person in the
United Kingdom any document received by it in connection with the offer of the
shares of Common Stock if that person is of a kind described in Article 11(3) of
the Financial Services Act 1986 (Investment Advertisements) (Exemptions) Order
1995, or is a person to whom such document may otherwise lawfully be issued or
passed on.
    
 
   
    Purchasers of the shares of Common Stock offered hereby may be required to
pay stamp taxes and other charges in accordance with the laws and practices of
the country of purchase in addition to the offering price set forth on the cover
page of this Prospectus.
    
 
   
    Pursuant to the Agreement Between Syndicates, sales may be made between the
U.S. Underwriters and the International Managers of such number of shares of
Common Stock as may be mutually agreed. The price of any shares sold shall be
the public offering price as then in effect for shares being sold by the
Underwriters less all or any part of the selling concession, unless otherwise
determined by mutual agreement. To the extent that there are sales between the
U.S. Underwriters and International Managers pursuant to the Agreement Between
Syndicates, the number of shares initially available for sale by the U.S.
Underwriters and the International Managers may be more or less than the number
of shares appearing on the cover page of this Prospectus.
    
 
   
    Prior to the Offering, there has been no public market for the Common Stock.
Consequently, the initial public offering price for the Common Stock was
determined by negotiation among the Company, the Selling Stockholders, the
Representatives and Lead Managers. Among the factors considered in such
negotiations were market conditions, the results of operations of the Company in
recent periods, the market capitalizations and stages of development of other
companies which the Company, the Representatives and Lead Managers believe to be
comparable to the Company, estimates of the business potential of the Company,
the state of the Company's development and other factors deemed relevant.
    
 
    Bankers Trust Company, an affiliate of BT Alex. Brown Incorporated, one of
the Representatives, was the Agent in establishing the Term Loans and the
Revolver under the Credit Agreement in September 1996. In addition, BT
Investments will sell its interest in the Company to the extent the Underwriters
exercise the over-allotment option.
 
                                       57
<PAGE>
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
    Certain legal matters in connection with the Offering will be passed upon
for the Company and the Selling Stockholders by Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, New
York, New York. Robert Todd Lang, the sole shareholder of a professional
corporation which is a partner of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, is a limited
partner of Odyssey and, accordingly, has a fractional undivided interest in the
Common Stock of the Company owned by Odyssey. Certain legal matters in
connection with the Offering will be passed upon for the Underwriters by Piper &
Marbury L.L.P., Baltimore, Maryland.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
    The audited financial statements included in this Prospectus and elsewhere
in the Registration Statement have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP,
independent public accountants, as indicated in their reports with respect
thereto, and are included herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as
experts in giving said reports.
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
    The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in
Washington, D.C. a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (together with all
amendments thereto, the "Registration Statement"), under the Securities Act with
respect to the shares of Common Stock offered hereby. This Prospectus does not
contain all the information set forth in the Registration Statement and the
exhibits and schedules filed therewith, certain portions of which have been
omitted as permitted by the rules and regulations of the Commission. For further
information with respect to the Company and the Common Stock offered hereby,
reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement and to the exhibits and
schedules filed therewith. Statements contained in this Prospectus regarding the
contents of any contract or other document referred to are not necessarily
complete and, in each instance, reference is made to the copy of such contract
or other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, each such
statement being deemed to be qualified in its entirety by such reference. The
Registration Statement, including all exhibits and schedules thereto, may be
inspected without charge at the principal office of the Commission located at
450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the Midwest Regional
Office of the Commission located at Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street,
Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511 and at the Northeast Regional office of
the Commission located at Seven World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New
York 10048. Copies of such material may be obtained from the Public Reference
Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1204, Washington, D.C.
20549, at prescribed rates. The Commission also maintains an Internet web site
that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information
regarding issuers that file electronically with the Commission. The address of
that site is http://www.sec.gov.
 
    Prior to filing the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a
part, the Company was not subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act").
Upon effectiveness of the Registration Statement, the Company will become
subject to the informational and periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange
Act, and in accordance therewith, will file periodic reports, proxy statements,
and other information with the Commission. Such periodic reports, proxy
statements, and other information will be available for inspection and copying
at the public reference facilities and other regional offices referred to above.
The Company intends to register the securities offered by the Registration
Statement under the Exchange Act simultaneously with the effectiveness of the
Registration Statement and to furnish its stockholders with annual reports
containing audited financial statements and such other reports as may be
required from time to time by law and applicable stock exchange rules.
 
                                       58
<PAGE>
                             TRISTAR AEROSPACE CO.
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                               PAGE
                                                                                                             ---------
<S>                                                                                                          <C>
TRISTAR AEROSPACE CO.:
 
Report of Independent Public Accountants...................................................................     F-2
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets--December 31, 1997 (unaudited) and September 30, 1997 and 1996.................     F-3
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations--Three Months Ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 (unaudited), Year
  Ended September 30, 1997 and Period from Inception (August 21, 1996) to September 30, 1996...............     F-4
 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity--Three Months Ended December 31, 1997 (unaudited), Year
  Ended September 30, 1997 and Period from Inception (August 21, 1996) to September 30, 1996...............     F-5
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows--Three Months Ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 (unaudited), Year
  Ended September 30, 1997 and Period from Inception (August 21, 1996) to September 30, 1996...............     F-6
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.................................................................     F-7
 
TRI-STAR AEROSPACE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY (PREDECESSOR):
 
Report of Independent Public Accountants...................................................................    F-17
 
Combined Statements of Operations--Period Ended September 19, 1996 and Year Ended December 31, 1995........    F-18
 
Combined Statements of Cash Flows--Period Ended September 19, 1996 and Year Ended December 31, 1995........    F-19
 
Notes to Combined Financial Statements.....................................................................    F-20
 
AVIALL AEROSPACE BUSINESS UNIT OF AVIALL SERVICES, INC.:
 
Report of Independent Public Accountants...................................................................    F-23
 
Statements of Operating Income (Loss)--Period Ended September 19, 1996 and Year Ended December 31, 1995....    F-24
 
Statements of Cash Flows--Period Ended September 19, 1996 and Year Ended December 31, 1995.................    F-25
 
Notes to Financial Statements..............................................................................  F-26
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
of TriStar Aerospace Co.:
 
    We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of TriStar
Aerospace Co. (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries as of September 30, 1997
and 1996, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders'
equity and cash flows for the year ended September 30, 1997, and the period from
inception (August 21, 1996) to September 30, 1996. These financial statements
are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
    We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
   
    In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of TriStar Aerospace Co. and
subsidiaries as of September 30, 1997 and 1996, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for the year ended September 30, 1997, and the
period from inception to September 30, 1996 in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.
    
 
                                          ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
Tulsa, Oklahoma
 
   
  November 26, 1997 (except with
  respect to the matters discussed in
  Note 10, as to which the date is
  February 11, 1998)
    
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
                     TRISTAR AEROSPACE CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                 (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                SEPTEMBER 30,
                                               DECEMBER 31,   ------------------
                                                   1997         1997      1996
                                               ------------   --------  --------
                                               (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                            <C>            <C>       <C>
                                     ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
  Cash.......................................    $  3,201     $  4,764  $  1,522
  Accounts receivable, net...................      28,824       24,305    16,470
  Inventories, net...........................      76,214       69,085    68,521
  Prepaid expenses...........................         394          149        98
  Deferred tax asset.........................       1,377        1,377        --
                                               ------------   --------  --------
        Total current assets.................     110,010       99,680    86,611
 
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net..................       1,760        1,623     1,124
 
INTANGIBLES AND OTHER ASSETS, net............       8,757        8,932     9,481
                                               ------------   --------  --------
                                                 $120,527     $110,235  $ 97,216
                                               ------------   --------  --------
                                               ------------   --------  --------
 
                      LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
  Current maturities of long-term debt.......    $    500     $    500  $  1,500
  Accounts payable...........................      22,123       18,308    12,819
  Income taxes payable.......................       3,305        1,573       178
  Accrued liabilities........................       5,705        7,695     7,811
                                               ------------   --------  --------
        Total current liabilities............      31,633       28,076    22,308
                                               ------------   --------  --------
LONG-TERM DEBT, less current maturities......      52,000       49,000    55,500
                                               ------------   --------  --------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 6)
 
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY, per accompanying
  statements:
  Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000
    shares authorized........................          --           --        --
  Common stock, $.01 par value, 40,000,000
    shares authorized........................         166          166       151
  Additional paid-in capital.................      21,101       21,101    18,968
  Retained earnings..........................      15,627       11,892       289
                                               ------------   --------  --------
        Total stockholders' equity...........      36,894       33,159    19,408
                                               ------------   --------  --------
                                                 $120,527     $110,235  $ 97,216
                                               ------------   --------  --------
                                               ------------   --------  --------
</TABLE>
    
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated balance
                                    sheets.
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
                     TRISTAR AEROSPACE CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    THREE MONTHS        YEAR ENDED    PERIOD ENDED
                                                 ENDED DECEMBER 31,      SEPTEMBER    TO SEPTEMBER
                                              ------------------------      30,            30,
                                                 1997         1996         1997           1996
                                              -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------------
                                              (UNAUDITED)  (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                           <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
REVENUES:
  Product sales.............................   $  42,268    $  30,663    $ 139,260      $   3,488
  Inventory management service fees.........         367          303        1,459             67
                                              -----------  -----------  -----------        ------
                                                  42,635       30,966      140,719          3,555
 
COSTS OF GOODS SOLD.........................      29,416       21,008       96,393          2,442
                                              -----------  -----------  -----------        ------
  Gross profit..............................      13,219        9,958       44,326          1,113
 
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE
  EXPENSES..................................       6,040        4,447       21,048            463
                                              -----------  -----------  -----------        ------
  Operating income..........................       7,179        5,511       23,278            650
 
INTEREST AND OTHER:
  Interest expense..........................       1,204        1,547        5,263            184
  Other income..............................         (51)          --         (147)            --
                                              -----------  -----------  -----------        ------
  Income before taxes.......................       6,026        3,964       18,162            466
 
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES..................       2,291        1,520        6,559            177
                                              -----------  -----------  -----------        ------
NET INCOME..................................   $   3,735    $   2,444    $  11,603      $     289
                                              -----------  -----------  -----------        ------
                                              -----------  -----------  -----------        ------
EARNINGS PER SHARE (Note 2):
  Basic.....................................   $    0.23    $    0.16    $    0.73      $    0.02
                                              -----------  -----------  -----------        ------
                                              -----------  -----------  -----------        ------
  Diluted...................................   $    0.21    $    0.16    $    0.70      $    0.02
                                              -----------  -----------  -----------        ------
                                              -----------  -----------  -----------        ------
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING:
  Basic.....................................      16,583       15,118       15,897         15,118
                                              -----------  -----------  -----------        ------
                                              -----------  -----------  -----------        ------
  Diluted...................................      17,615       15,118       16,509         15,118
                                              -----------  -----------  -----------        ------
                                              -----------  -----------  -----------        ------
</TABLE>
    
 
 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
 
                                      F-4
<PAGE>
                     TRISTAR AEROSPACE CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                COMMON STOCK       ADDITIONAL                 TOTAL
                                                           ----------------------    PAID-IN    RETAINED   STOCKHOLDERS'
                                                            SHARES      AMOUNT       CAPITAL    EARNINGS      EQUITY
                                                           ---------  -----------  -----------  ---------  ------------
<S>                                                        <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>
INCEPTION, August 21, 1996...............................         --   $      --    $      --   $      --   $       --
 
INITIAL CONTRIBUTION OF CAPITAL..........................     14,328         143       20,108          --       20,251
 
EQUITY TRANSACTION EXPENSES..............................         --          --       (1,132)         --       (1,132)
 
STOCK ISSUED FOR SERVICES (Note 8).......................        790           8           (8)         --           --
 
NET INCOME...............................................         --          --           --         289          289
                                                           ---------       -----   -----------  ---------  ------------
BALANCE, September 30, 1996..............................     15,118         151       18,968         289       19,408
 
ISSUANCE OF STOCK........................................        797           8        1,160          --        1,168
 
CONVERSION OF NOTE PAYABLE...............................        682           7          993          --        1,000
 
PURCHASE OF STOCK........................................        (14)         --          (20)         --          (20)
 
NET INCOME...............................................         --          --           --      11,603       11,603
                                                           ---------       -----   -----------  ---------  ------------
BALANCE, September 30, 1997..............................     16,583         166       21,101      11,892       33,159
 
NET INCOME (unaudited)...................................         --          --           --       3,735        3,735
                                                           ---------       -----   -----------  ---------  ------------
BALANCE, December 31, 1997 (unaudited)...................     16,583   $     166    $  21,101   $  15,627   $   36,894
                                                           ---------       -----   -----------  ---------  ------------
                                                           ---------       -----   -----------  ---------  ------------
</TABLE>
    
 
 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
 
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
                     TRISTAR AEROSPACE CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        THREE MONTHS
                                                     ENDED DECEMBER 31,      YEAR ENDED    PERIOD ENDED
                                                  ------------------------   SEPTEMBER     TO SEPTEMBER
                                                     1997         1996        30, 1997       30, 1996
                                                  -----------  -----------  ------------  ---------------
                                                  (UNAUDITED)  (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                               <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net income....................................   $   3,735    $   2,444    $   11,603      $     289
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
    cash provided by (used in) operating
    activities, net of acquisitions--
    Depreciation and amortization...............         354          278         1,031             27
    Provision for doubtful accounts.............          15           --           549             --
    Provision for excess and obsolete
      inventories...............................         707          502         2,338             --
    Deferred income taxes.......................          --           --        (1,377)            --
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities--
    Increase in accounts receivable.............      (4,534)      (2,012)       (8,384)        (1,375)
    Increase in inventories.....................      (7,836)        (520)       (2,902)          (330)
    (Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and
      other.....................................        (217)         (85)          (60)           169
    Increase (decrease) in accounts payable.....       3,815          554         5,489           (304)
    Increase in income taxes payable............       1,732        1,453         1,395            177
    Decrease in accrued liabilities.............      (1,990)        (153)         (116)          (872)
                                                  -----------  -----------  ------------  ---------------
      Net cash provided by (used in) operating
        activities..............................      (4,219)       2,461         9,566         (2,219)
                                                  -----------  -----------  ------------  ---------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Capital expenditures..........................        (344)         (74)         (972)            (3)
  Acquisitions, net of cash acquired............          --           --            --        (70,066)
                                                  -----------  -----------  ------------  ---------------
      Net cash used in investing activities.....        (344)         (74)         (972)       (70,069)
                                                  -----------  -----------  ------------  ---------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Issuance of stock.............................          --           --         1,168         20,251
  Equity transaction expenses...................          --           --            --         (1,132)
  Loan acquisition costs........................          --           --            --         (2,309)
  Proceeds from initial borrowings..............          --           --            --         55,000
  Borrowings on revolving facility..............       3,000        3,000        11,700          2,000
  Payments on revolving facility................          --       (5,000)      (17,700)            --
  Payments on term note borrowings..............          --           --          (500)            --
  Purchase of stock.............................          --           --           (20)            --
                                                  -----------  -----------  ------------  ---------------
      Net cash provided by (used in) financing
        activities..............................       3,000       (2,000)       (5,352)        73,810
                                                  -----------  -----------  ------------  ---------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH.................      (1,563)         387         3,242          1,522
CASH, beginning of period.......................       4,764        1,522         1,522             --
                                                  -----------  -----------  ------------  ---------------
CASH, end of period.............................   $   3,201    $   1,909    $    4,764      $   1,522
                                                  -----------  -----------  ------------  ---------------
                                                  -----------  -----------  ------------  ---------------
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
  Cash paid for interest........................   $   1,239    $     936    $    4,385      $     174
  Cash paid for income taxes....................         559           --         6,539             --
</TABLE>
    
 
 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
 
                                      F-6
<PAGE>
                     TRISTAR AEROSPACE CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
              (UNAUDITED AS TO INFORMATION FOR DECEMBER 31, 1997)
 
1.  ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS:
 
   
    TriStar Aerospace Co. (formerly Maple Leaf Aerospace, Inc.--see Note 10) and
subsidiaries (the Company) is a single-source distributor of aerospace
fasteners, fittings and other related hardware, and is a provider of customized
inventory management services. The Company's major products include fasteners
(bolts, nuts, pins, washers, screws and rivets), fluid and hydraulic systems
parts (fittings, couplings and valves), bearings and related aerospace hardware.
The Company's inventory management services provide a comprehensive and flexible
outsourcing program under which the Company provides some or all of the material
management functions necessary to procure and manage aerospace hardware for its
customers. The Company has over 2,000 customers which include original equipment
manufacturers of aircraft and aircraft components, commercial airlines and
aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities.
    
 
   
    The Company was formed on August 21, 1996, and began operations on September
19, 1996, when it acquired Tri-Star Aerospace, Inc. (Predecessor) and the Aviall
Aerospace Business Unit of Aviall Services, Inc. and Aviall (Canada) Ltd.
(Aviall Aerospace). The Company acquired the outstanding stock of Predecessor
for $30.7 million, including $3 million of contingent consideration and
simultaneously repaid $20.6 million of Predecessor debt. The contingent
consideration was placed in escrow and is payable to the former shareholders of
Predecessor on September 19, 1999, to the extent that such amount is not due the
Company to satisfy certain indemnifications given the Company by the former
Predecessor shareholders (see Note 6). Additionally, the Company paid the
minority interest shareholders of Tri-Star International, Inc., a 73.8
percent-owned subsidiary of Predecessor, $1.1 million to purchase their 26.2
percent minority interest. Simultaneous with the acquisition of Predecessor, the
Company acquired the assets of Aviall Aerospace for cash of $18.6 million and
assumption of $3.2 million of accounts payable.
    
 
    The acquisitions have been accounted for by the purchase method of
accounting and, accordingly, the purchase prices have been allocated to assets
acquired and liabilities assumed based on the fair market values at the date of
acquisition. The excess of purchase price over the fair market values of the net
assets acquired has been recorded as goodwill.
 
2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
 
    BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
   
    The consolidated financial statements include accounts of TriStar Aerospace
Co. and its subsidiaries. TriStar Aerospace Co. is a holding company and all
assets and liabilities as well as results of operations of the Company are
recorded through its wholly-owned operating subsidiaries. The assets of the
holding company consist solely of the outstanding stock of the operating
subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been
eliminated in consolidation.
    
 
    USE OF ESTIMATES IN THE PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
                     TRISTAR AEROSPACE CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
              (UNAUDITED AS TO INFORMATION FOR DECEMBER 31, 1997)
 
2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (CONTINUED)
    ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
 
    Accounts receivable consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                           DECEMBER 31,  --------------------
                                                               1997        1997       1996
                                                           ------------  ---------  ---------
                                                                     (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                        <C>           <C>        <C>
Accounts receivable......................................   $   29,387   $  24,854  $  16,470
Less--allowance for doubtful accounts....................          563         549         --
                                                           ------------  ---------  ---------
                                                            $   28,824   $  24,305  $  16,470
                                                           ------------  ---------  ---------
                                                           ------------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    INVENTORIES
 
    Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (specific identification method)
or market and consist of the following:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                           DECEMBER 31,  --------------------
                                                               1997        1997       1996
                                                           ------------  ---------  ---------
                                                                     (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                        <C>           <C>        <C>
Inventories..............................................   $   79,253   $  71,417  $  68,521
Less--allowance for excess and obsolete
  inventories............................................        3,039       2,332         --
                                                           ------------  ---------  ---------
                                                            $   76,214   $  69,085  $  68,521
                                                           ------------  ---------  ---------
                                                           ------------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    Adjustments to the allowance for excess and obsolete inventories consist of
the following:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                             DECEMBER 31,   --------------------
                                                                 1997         1997       1996
                                                             -------------  ---------  ---------
                                                                       (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                          <C>            <C>        <C>
Balance, beginning of period...............................    $   2,332    $      --  $      --
Provision for excess and obsolete inventories..............          707        2,338         --
Inventories written off....................................           --           (6)        --
                                                                  ------    ---------  ---------
Balance, end of period.....................................    $   3,039    $   2,332         --
                                                                  ------    ---------  ---------
                                                                  ------    ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
    
 
    PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
    Property and equipment are stated at cost and consist of leasehold
improvements, computer hardware and software, furniture and fixtures, machinery,
equipment and automobiles. Maintenance, repairs and betterments, including
replacement of minor items of physical properties, are charged to expense; major
additions to physical properties are capitalized. Property and equipment are
depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives
ranging from three to fifteen years. Accumulated depreciation was approximately
$693,000 at December 31, 1997, and $483,000 and $11,000 at September 30, 1997
and 1996, respectively.
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
                     TRISTAR AEROSPACE CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
              (UNAUDITED AS TO INFORMATION FOR DECEMBER 31, 1997)
 
2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (CONTINUED)
    INTANGIBLES AND OTHER ASSETS
 
    Intangibles and other assets are stated at cost net of amortization computed
on the straight-line and effective interest methods. Components and useful lives
of intangibles and other assets are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                              DECEMBER 31,   --------------------
                                                                  1997         1997       1996
                                                              -------------  ---------  ---------
                                                                        (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                           <C>            <C>        <C>
Goodwill (30 years).........................................    $   7,111    $   7,111  $   7,111
Loan acquisition costs (7 years)............................        2,309        2,309      2,309
Other.......................................................           59           87         78
                                                                   ------    ---------  ---------
                                                                    9,479        9,507      9,498
Less--accumulated amortization..............................          722          575         17
                                                                   ------    ---------  ---------
                                                                $   8,757    $   8,932  $   9,481
                                                                   ------    ---------  ---------
                                                                   ------    ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    REVENUE RECOGNITION
 
   
    Revenues are recognized from product sales when the product is shipped and
from inventory management service fees when the services are provided.
    
 
    SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
   
    During the year ended September 30, 1997, the Company had domestic revenues
of $121.5 million, export revenues of $12.1 million and revenues from foreign
operations of $7.1 million.
    
 
    INCOME TAXES
 
    The Company accounts for income taxes under Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes," which
requires the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. The
differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and
liabilities are determined annually. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities
are computed for those differences using currently enacted tax laws and rates
that apply to the periods in which they are expected to affect taxable income.
 
    EARNINGS PER SHARE
 
    The Company adopted SFAS No. 128, "Earnings Per Share," effective December
31, 1997, and all earnings per share amounts disclosed herein have been
calculated under the provisions of SFAS No. 128. Basic earnings per common share
were computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number
 
                                      F-9
<PAGE>
                     TRISTAR AEROSPACE CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
              (UNAUDITED AS TO INFORMATION FOR DECEMBER 31, 1997)
 
2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (CONTINUED)
   
of shares of common stock outstanding during the reporting period. A
reconciliation of net income and weighted average shares used in computing basic
and diluted earnings per share is as follows:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                THREE-MONTHS
                                                   ENDED
                                                DECEMBER 31,       YEAR ENDED    PERIOD ENDED
                                            --------------------  SEPTEMBER 30,  SEPTEMBER 30,
                                              1997       1996         1997           1996
                                            ---------  ---------  -------------  -------------
                                                              (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                         <C>        <C>        <C>            <C>
Basic earnings per share:
Net income................................  $   3,735  $   2,444    $  11,603      $     289
                                            ---------  ---------  -------------  -------------
                                            ---------  ---------  -------------  -------------
Weighted average common shares............     16,583     15,118       15,897         15,118
                                            ---------  ---------  -------------  -------------
                                            ---------  ---------  -------------  -------------
Basic earnings per common share...........  $    0.23  $    0.16    $    0.73      $    0.02
                                            ---------  ---------  -------------  -------------
                                            ---------  ---------  -------------  -------------
Diluted earnings per share:
Net income................................  $   3,735  $   2,444    $  11,603      $     289
                                            ---------  ---------  -------------  -------------
                                            ---------  ---------  -------------  -------------
Weighted average common shares............     16,583     15,118       15,897         15,118
Dilutive effect of stock options..........      1,032         --          612             --
                                            ---------  ---------  -------------  -------------
Weighted average common shares, assuming
  dilutive effect of stock options........     17,615     15,118       16,509         15,118
                                            ---------  ---------  -------------  -------------
                                            ---------  ---------  -------------  -------------
Diluted earnings per common share.........  $    0.21  $    0.16    $    0.70      $    0.02
                                            ---------  ---------  -------------  -------------
                                            ---------  ---------  -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
    
 
3.  CONCENTRATION OF BUSINESS RISK:
 
    The Company serves the aerospace industry and grants unsecured credit to its
customers. Management's periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for
doubtful accounts is based on management's estimates of the creditworthiness of
its customers, the Company's past loss experience, known and inherent risks in
the customer base, adverse situations that may affect the customer's ability to
repay and current economic conditions. These estimates are reviewed periodically
and as adjustments become necessary, they are reported in earnings in the
periods in which they become known.
 
    The Company provides a reserve for potentially excess and obsolete
inventory. This reserve is based on management's estimates of future sales
projections in the aerospace industry and its place in the industry, sales
price, available customers and age of the inventory. This reserve is reviewed
periodically and as adjustments become necessary, they are reported in earnings
in the periods in which they become known.
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>
                     TRISTAR AEROSPACE CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
              (UNAUDITED AS TO INFORMATION FOR DECEMBER 31, 1997)
 
4.  LONG-TERM DEBT:
 
    Long-term debt consists of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                           DECEMBER 31,  --------------------
                                                               1997        1997       1996
                                                           ------------  ---------  ---------
                                                                     (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                        <C>           <C>        <C>
$30 million revolving credit facility, matures September
  19, 2001, interest payable quarterly at the Bankers
  Trust Base Rate plus a spread (10% at September 30,
  1997), mandatory principal reductions of $15 million in
  September 2000 and 2001................................   $    3,000   $      --  $   6,000
 
Bank term note, matures September 30, 2003, interest
  payable quarterly at the Eurodollar rate plus a spread
  (9% at September 30, 1997), principal payments of $0.5
  million due annually September 1998 through 2002 with
  the balance due at maturity............................       49,500      49,500     50,000
 
Convertible note payable.................................           --          --      1,000
                                                           ------------  ---------  ---------
                                                                52,500      49,500     57,000
Current maturities of long-term debt.....................          500         500      1,500
                                                           ------------  ---------  ---------
                                                            $   52,000   $  49,000  $  55,500
                                                           ------------  ---------  ---------
                                                           ------------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    Future maturities of long-term debt at September 30, 1997 were as follows
(in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                                  <C>
1998...............................................................................  $     500
1999...............................................................................        500
2000...............................................................................        500
2001...............................................................................        500
2002...............................................................................        500
Thereafter.........................................................................     47,000
                                                                                     ---------
                                                                                        49,500
Current maturities of long-term debt...............................................        500
                                                                                     ---------
                                                                                     $  49,000
                                                                                     ---------
                                                                                     ---------
</TABLE>
 
   
    The revolving facility and term note provide for borrowings up to $80
million. All of the Company's debt is borrowed by an operating subsidiary and is
collateralized by substantially all assets of the operating subsidiaries of the
Company. The debt is subject to certain financial covenants and restricts
dividends or loans by the operating subsidiaries to the holding company. At
September 30, 1997, the Company was in compliance with the covenants.
    
 
    During 1997, the majority shareholder converted a $1 million
noninterest-bearing note into 682,244 shares of Company stock. The conversion
was treated as a noncash transaction for purposes of the consolidated statement
of cash flows.
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>
                     TRISTAR AEROSPACE CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
              (UNAUDITED AS TO INFORMATION FOR DECEMBER 31, 1997)
 
4.  LONG-TERM DEBT: (CONTINUED)
    Subsequent to year end, the revolving facility and term note agreement was
amended to adjust certain financial covenants and reduce the interest rate
spreads applicable to each of the facilities which vary depending on the
Company's leverage ratio.
 
    Based on the borrowing rates currently available to the Company for bank
loans with similar terms and average maturities, the fair value of the long-term
debt approximates the carrying value.
 
5.  INCOME TAXES:
 
    The provision for income taxes includes the following components for the
periods ended September 30:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           1997       1996
                                                                                         ---------  ---------
                                                                                            (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                                      <C>        <C>
Federal:
  Current..............................................................................  $   6,714  $     149
  Deferred.............................................................................     (1,236)        --
State:
  Current..............................................................................      1,222         28
  Deferred.............................................................................       (141)        --
                                                                                         ---------  ---------
Provision for income taxes.............................................................  $   6,559  $     177
                                                                                         ---------  ---------
                                                                                         ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    The provision for income taxes was at an effective rate of 36 percent and 38
percent in 1997 and 1996, respectively. The following reconciles the provision
for income taxes included in the consolidated statements of income with the
provision which would result from the application of the statutory federal tax
rate to pretax federal income:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           1997       1996
                                                                                         ---------  ---------
                                                                                            (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                                      <C>        <C>
Expected provision at federal statutory rate of 35% and 34% for 1997 and 1996,
  respectively.........................................................................  $   6,357  $     159
Increase (decrease) resulting from:
  State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit................................        726         18
  Issuance of stock as consideration...................................................       (452)        --
  Other................................................................................        (72)        --
                                                                                         ---------  ---------
Provision for income taxes.............................................................  $   6,559  $     177
                                                                                         ---------  ---------
                                                                                         ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    The Company's net deferred tax asset was as follows at September 30, 1997
(in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                            <C>        <C>
  Inventory valuation reserves...............................  $     912
  Accrued compensation.......................................        138
  Accounts receivable valuation reserves.....................        182
  Accrued professional fees..................................         76
  Other......................................................         69
                                                               ---------
    Net deferred tax asset...................................  $   1,377
                                                               ---------
                                                               ---------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>
                     TRISTAR AEROSPACE CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
              (UNAUDITED AS TO INFORMATION FOR DECEMBER 31, 1997)
 
   
6.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
    
 
    OPERATING LEASES
 
    The Company leases office and warehouse facilities and certain computer
equipment under operating leases expiring from December 1997 to April 2002.
Future minimum annual lease commitments at September 30, 1997 are approximately
as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                   <C>
1998................................................................  $     706
1999................................................................        465
2000................................................................        309
2001................................................................         71
2002................................................................         57
Thereafter..........................................................         31
                                                                      ---------
                                                                      $   1,639
                                                                      ---------
                                                                      ---------
</TABLE>
 
    SALES AND PURCHASE CONTRACTS
 
    The Company is a party to various sales contracts with airlines that require
the Company to provide certain parts at fixed prices. The contracts typically
have a two-year life. Generally, vendor purchases are made under distributorship
agreements which are cancelable upon 30-days notice.
 
    EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
   
    The Company sponsors a defined contribution profit sharing and 401(k)
savings plan which covers all employees with at least three months of service.
The Company matches 50 percent of employee contributions to the extent that the
employee's contributions do not exceed five percent of defined compensation.
Additional contributions may be made to the plan at the discretion of the Board.
Expenses related to the plan for the year ended September 30, 1997 and the
period ended September 30, 1996 were $110,000 and $2,000, respectively.
    
 
   
    The Company has an employees' welfare benefit plan which is subject to the
provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). The
plan provides death benefits covering substantially all employees of the
Company. The plan requires the Company to contribute to the trust such amounts
as the Board determines necessary to properly fund the benefits payable under
the plan. Expenses related to the plan for the year ended September 30, 1997 and
the period ended September 30, 1996 were $42,000 and $5,000, respectively.
    
 
   
    LITIGATION
    
 
   
    The Company is the defendant in two separate lawsuits for purchase of a
former Predecessor employee's stock in Predecessor and the rescission of a
certificate for stock in Predecessor. As discussed in Note 1, $3 million of the
purchase price of Predecessor was placed in escrow as indemnification to the
Company by the former shareholders of Predecessor to satisfy the liability, if
any, that the Company must pay. While the amount claimed in the lawsuits is
significant in the aggregate, management believes that the Company's ultimate
liability in excess of the indemnification, if any, will not be material to the
consolidated financial position or results of operations of the Company.
    
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>
                     TRISTAR AEROSPACE CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
              (UNAUDITED AS TO INFORMATION FOR DECEMBER 31, 1997)
 
7.  SALES TO SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS:
 
   
    During the year ended September 30, 1997, the Company had two customers that
accounted for 24.8 percent and 11.7 percent of consolidated revenues,
respectively.
    
 
8. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS:
 
   
    In conjunction with the acquisitions, an officer of the Company was issued
790,000 shares of common stock as consideration for services rendered in
connection with securing the equity to complete the transaction. The stock
issuance is recorded as a reduction in additional paid-in capital for the par
value of the shares issued in the consolidated statements of stockholders'
equity. This transaction was accounted for as a non-cash financing activity and,
therefore, is not included in the consolidated statement of cash flows.
    
 
   
    As compensation for services rendered in coordinating, structuring and
consummating the simultaneous acquisitions of the Predecessor and Aviall
Aerospace, the Company agreed to pay an officer a fee of $2,560,000. The fee was
accrued as part of the purchase price accounting and was included in the
allocation of costs to the fair market value of assets acquired at September 19,
1996. As of September 30, 1997, the Company had paid $51,370 with the balance to
be paid during fiscal 1998.
    
 
9. EMPLOYEE STOCK PLANS:
 
    STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
 
   
    The Company adopted an employee stock purchase plan which reserves 790,000
shares of common stock for issuance to any employee, officer or director at the
discretion of the Board. The number of shares issued to each individual and the
price to be paid for the shares is determined solely by the Board. During 1997,
660,598 shares were issued under the plan at prices which approximated the fair
market value of the Company's stock on the date of commitment to issuance.
    
 
    STOCK OPTION PLAN
 
   
    The Company adopted a stock option plan which allows for the issuance of
3,950,000 options to key employees of the Company. The options become available
in equal annual portions through fiscal 2001 based on the attainment of certain
financial performance measures. Once available, 25 percent become vested
immediately, and the remaining options vest ratably over the following three
years. All options which do not become available through the attainment of the
performance measures become available and exercisable in June 2006. Under the
plan, options are granted with an exercise price equal to or greater than the
fair market value of the Company's common stock at the date of grant. All
options expire in September 2006. The Company applies fixed plan accounting to
the plan as both the number of options
    
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>
                     TRISTAR AEROSPACE CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
              (UNAUDITED AS TO INFORMATION FOR DECEMBER 31, 1997)
 
9. EMPLOYEE STOCK PLANS: (CONTINUED)
   
and the exercise price of the options is known at the grant date. A summary of
the Company's stock option activity is as follows:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             SHARES    WEIGHTED AVERAGE
                                                                             UNDER         PRICE PER
                                                                             OPTION         OPTION
                                                                           ----------  -----------------
<S>                                                                        <C>         <C>
Outstanding, August 21, 1996.............................................          --      $      --
  Granted, exercise price equal to market price..........................   2,215,000           1.47
  Granted, exercise price exceeds market price...........................     361,660           7.60
                                                                           ----------          -----
Outstanding, September 30, 1996..........................................   2,576,660           2.33
  Granted, exercise price equal to market price..........................     572,115           1.71
  Granted, exercise price exceeds market price...........................     500,385           7.60
                                                                           ----------          -----
Outstanding, September 30, 1997..........................................   3,649,160           2.96
  Granted, exercise price equal to market price..........................     158,000           3.80
                                                                           ----------          -----
Outstanding, December 31, 1997...........................................   3,807,160      $    2.99
                                                                           ----------          -----
                                                                           ----------          -----
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    The following is a summary of stock options outstanding as of December 31,
1997:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            OPTIONS OUTSTANDING                 OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
- --------------------------------------------  ------------------------
                  OPTION        REMAINING                   EXERCISE
   OPTIONS       EXERCISE      CONTRACTUAL      OPTIONS     PRICE PER
 OUTSTANDING       PRICE          LIFE        EXERCISABLE     SHARE
- --------------  -----------  ---------------  -----------  -----------
<S>             <C>          <C>              <C>          <C>
    2,715,385    $    1.47           8.75        174,542    $    1.47
      172,409         2.91           8.75             --         2.91
       71,730         3.37           8.75         22,920         3.37
      158,000         3.80           8.75         31,600         3.80
      172,409         5.09           8.75             --         5.09
      172,409         7.34           8.75             --         7.34
      172,409         9.93           8.75             --         9.93
      172,409        12.75           8.75             --        12.75
- --------------                        ---     -----------
    3,807,160                        8.75        229,062
- --------------                        ---     -----------
- --------------                        ---     -----------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    The Company adopted the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS 123, "Accounting
for Stock-Based Compensation." Accordingly, no compensation cost has been
recognized for the stock option plan. However, pursuant to the requirements of
SFAS 123, the following disclosures are presented to reflect the Company's pro
forma net income for the year ended September 30, 1997, and the period ended
September 30, 1996, as if the fair value method of accounting prescribed by SFAS
123 had been used. Had compensation cost for the Company's stock option plan
been determined consistent with the provisions of
    
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>
                     TRISTAR AEROSPACE CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
              (UNAUDITED AS TO INFORMATION FOR DECEMBER 31, 1997)
 
9. EMPLOYEE STOCK PLANS: (CONTINUED)
SFAS 123, the Company's net income and earnings per share would have been
reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below:
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                   <C>        <C>
NET INCOME (in thousands):                                              1997       1996
                                                                      ---------  ---------
  As reported.......................................................  $  11,603  $     289
  Pro forma.........................................................     11,520        289
 
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE:
  As reported.......................................................  $    0.73  $    0.02
  Pro forma.........................................................       0.72       0.02
 
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE:
  As reported.......................................................  $    0.70  $    0.02
  Pro forma.........................................................  $    0.70  $    0.02
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using
the minimum value method with the following assumptions: dividend yield of 0
percent, weighted-average risk-free interest rate of 6.50 percent to 6.63
percent in 1997 and 1996, respectively, and expected lives of ten years.
    
 
10. SUBSEQUENT EVENT:
 
   
    On February 11, 1998, the Company adopted a resolution to change its name
from Maple Leaf Aerospace, Inc. to TriStar Aerospace Co. Such name change has
been reflected herein.
    
 
   
    On February 11, 1998, the Company declared a 158 for one stock split. The
earnings per share and share amounts in the consolidated financial statements
and the notes thereto have been restated to reflect the stock split.
    
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>
                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
of TriStar Aerospace Co.:
 
    We have audited the accompanying combined statements of operations and cash
flows of Tri-Star Aerospace, Inc. (a Florida corporation) and subsidiary and
affiliate for the periods ended September 19, 1996 and December 31, 1995. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
 
    We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
    In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of Tri-Star
Aerospace, Inc. and subsidiary and affiliate for the periods ended September 19,
1996 and December 31, 1995, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
 
                                          ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
Tulsa, Oklahoma
  January 24, 1997
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>
                    TRI-STAR AEROSPACE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
                       COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      PERIOD ENDED    YEAR ENDED
                                                                                      SEPTEMBER 19,  DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                          1996           1995
                                                                                      -------------  ------------
<S>                                                                                   <C>            <C>
REVENUES............................................................................    $  55,186     $   65,579
 
COST OF GOODS SOLD..................................................................       39,490         46,763
                                                                                      -------------  ------------
  Gross profit......................................................................       15,696         18,816
 
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES........................................        8,897         12,488
                                                                                      -------------  ------------
  Operating income..................................................................        6,799          6,328
 
INTEREST EXPENSE....................................................................        1,512          2,251
 
OTHER INCOME........................................................................          (19)           (27)
                                                                                      -------------  ------------
  Net income........................................................................    $   5,306     $    4,104
                                                                                      -------------  ------------
                                                                                      -------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>
                    TRI-STAR AEROSPACE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
                       COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      PERIOD ENDED    YEAR ENDED
                                                                                      SEPTEMBER 19,  DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                          1996           1995
                                                                                      -------------  ------------
<S>                                                                                   <C>            <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net income........................................................................    $   5,306     $    4,104
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating
    activities--
    Depreciation and amortization...................................................          356            480
    Provision for excess and obsolete inventories...................................        1,961          1,850
    Payment of dividends to minority interest owners................................         (272)            --
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities--
    Increase in accounts receivable.................................................         (499)        (2,613)
    Increase in inventories.........................................................         (541)        (8,548)
    (Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other...............................         (163)            27
    Increase in trade accounts payable..............................................        1,991            727
    Increase (decrease) in integrated supply program contract payable...............          625           (202)
    Increase in accrued liabilities.................................................          292            658
                                                                                      -------------  ------------
        Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities.........................        9,056         (3,517)
                                                                                      -------------  ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Repayment of notes receivable.....................................................          121            700
  Capital expenditures..............................................................         (190)          (381)
                                                                                      -------------  ------------
        Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities.........................          (69)           319
                                                                                      -------------  ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Proceeds from borrowings..........................................................       18,754         43,235
  Payments on debt..................................................................      (23,294)       (38,876)
  Proceeds from borrowings from stockholder.........................................           --            500
  Payments on debt to stockholder...................................................           --           (500)
  Distributions to stockholders.....................................................       (3,832)        (2,180)
  Proceeds from other note..........................................................           --          1,000
                                                                                      -------------  ------------
        Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities.........................       (8,372)         3,179
                                                                                      -------------  ------------
 
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH.....................................................          615            (19)
 
CASH, beginning of period...........................................................          131            150
                                                                                      -------------  ------------
CASH, end of period.................................................................    $     746     $      131
                                                                                      -------------  ------------
                                                                                      -------------  ------------
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
  Cash paid for interest............................................................    $   1,646     $    2,200
                                                                                      -------------  ------------
                                                                                      -------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 
                                      F-19
<PAGE>
                    TRI-STAR AEROSPACE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
                     NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1.  ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS:
 
    Tri-Star Aerospace, Inc. and subsidiary (the Company) is a single-source
distributor of aerospace fasteners, fittings, and other related hardware. The
Company's major products include fasteners (bolts, nuts, pins, washers, screws,
rivets), fluid and hydraulic systems parts (fittings, couplings, valves),
bearings and related aerospace hardware. The Company has over 2,000 customers
which include original equipment manufacturers of aircraft and aircraft
components, commercial airlines and aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul
facilities.
 
   
    The Company owns 73.8 percent of Tri-Star International, Inc. (an inactive
Interest Charge Domestic International Sales Corporation). Immediately prior to
and in conjunction with the acquisition of the Company (see Note 5), Tri-Star
International, Inc. was dissolved. Included in the combined financial statements
of the Company is Tri-Star Inventory Management Services, Inc. (TIMS), a company
under the common ownership and control of the Company's stockholders.
    
 
    The Company's central distribution facility is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The Company has eight additional sales offices and six regional warehouses,
located within the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
 
2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
 
    BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
    The combined financial statements include accounts of Tri-Star Aerospace,
Inc., Tri-Star International, Inc. and Tri-Star Inventory Management Service,
Inc. Intercompany transactions have been eliminated.
 
    USE OF ESTIMATES IN THE PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
    REVENUE RECOGNITION
 
    Revenues are recognized at the time of shipment.
 
    INCOME TAXES
 
    The Company's stockholders have elected to be taxed under the S Corporation
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. As an S
Corporation, the earnings of the Company are taxable to the individual
stockholders, and therefore, the Company does not record deferred tax assets or
liabilities or income tax expense.
 
3.  CONCENTRATION OF BUSINESS RISK:
 
    The Company serves the aerospace industry and grants unsecured credit to its
customers. Management's periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for
doubtful accounts is based on management's estimates of the creditworthiness of
its customers, the Company's past loss experience, known and
 
                                      F-20
<PAGE>
                    TRI-STAR AEROSPACE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
3.  CONCENTRATION OF BUSINESS RISK: (CONTINUED)
inherent risks in the customer base, adverse situations that may affect the
customer's ability to repay and current economic conditions. These estimates are
reviewed periodically and as adjustments become necessary, they are reported in
earnings in the periods in which they become known.
 
    The Company also provides a reserve for potentially excess and obsolete
inventory. This reserve is based on management's estimates of future sales
projections in the aerospace industry and its place in the industry, sales
price, available customers and age of the inventory. This reserve is reviewed
periodically and as adjustments become necessary, they are reported in earnings
in the periods in which they become known.
 
    During the period ended September 19, 1996, and the year ended December 31,
1995, the Company had three customers that individually accounted for more than
ten percent of revenues.
 
4.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
 
    OPERATING LEASES
 
    The Company leases office and warehouse facilities and certain computer
equipment under operating leases expiring from September 1996 to November 2000.
Future minimum annual lease commitments (September 30 year-end) at September 19,
1996, are approximately as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR                                                                                    AMOUNT
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------
<S>                                                                                    <C>
1997.................................................................................  $     617
1998.................................................................................        611
1999.................................................................................        411
2000.................................................................................        171
2001.................................................................................         14
                                                                                       ---------
                                                                                       $   1,824
                                                                                       ---------
                                                                                       ---------
</TABLE>
 
    SALES AND PURCHASE CONTRACTS
 
    The Company is a party to various sales contracts with airlines that require
the Company to provide certain parts at fixed prices. The contracts generally
have a two-year life. Generally, vendor purchases are made under distributorship
agreements which are cancelable upon 30-days notice.
 
    EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
    The Company has an employee savings and investment plan (the Plan) which is
qualified under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Plan is a
defined contribution plan covering all employees of the Company. All employees
hired as of the first day of the year may contribute, on a pre-tax basis, up to
the maximum amount allowable by law. The Company may, at the discretion of the
Board of Directors, make a contribution to the plan up to 10 percent of the
employee's base earnings. Only employees who worked a minimum of 1,000 hours in
the previous year are eligible for the Company's contribution. The Company
expensed $45,000 and $0 in 1996 and 1995, respectively, related to the Company's
contributions.
 
                                      F-21
<PAGE>
                    TRI-STAR AEROSPACE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
4.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES: (CONTINUED)
    The Company has an employees' welfare benefit plan which is subject to the
provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). The
Plan provides death benefits covering substantially all employees of the
Company. The Plan requires the Company to contribute to the trust such amounts
as the Board of Directors determines necessary to properly fund the benefits
payable under the Plan.
 
    LITIGATION
 
   
    The Company is the defendant in two separate lawsuits for purchase of a
former employee's stock in the Company and the rescission of a certificate for
stock in the Company. While the amount of the lawsuits is significant in the
aggregate, management believes that the Company's ultimate liability, if any,
will not be material to its combined financial position or results of combined
operations. The stockholders of the Company have indemnified TriStar Aerospace
Co. by accepting contingent consideration for a portion of the sales price (see
Note 5).
    
 
5.  SUBSEQUENT EVENT:
 
   
    On September 19, 1996, the Company was acquired by TriStar Aerospace Co.
(TriStar, formerly Maple Leaf Aerospace, Inc.) through a series of transactions
for approximately $30.7 million, including $3 million of contingent
consideration. Such contingent consideration was placed in escrow and is payable
to the shareholders of the Company on September 19, 1999, to the extent that
such amount is not due TriStar to satisfy certain indemnifications given TriStar
by the former shareholders. Subsequent to the acquisition, TriStar repaid
outstanding borrowings of $14.2 million under a revolving line of credit, $4.5
million under a term loan, $1 million under a note payable and $.5 million under
a note payable to the majority stockholder of the Company. Additionally, TriStar
paid the minority interest shareholders of Tri-Star International, Inc. $1.1
million to purchase their 26.2 percent interest.
    
 
                                      F-22
<PAGE>
                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
of TriStar Aerospace Co.:
 
    We have audited the accompanying statements of operating income (loss) and
cash flows of the Aviall Aerospace Business Unit of Aviall, Inc. (a Delaware
corporation) for the periods ended September 19, 1996 and December 31, 1995.
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based
on our audits.
 
    We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
    In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of the Aviall
Aerospace Business Unit of Aviall, Inc. for the periods ended September 19, 1996
and December 31, 1995, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
 
                                          ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
Tulsa, Oklahoma
 
  May 9, 1997
 
                                      F-23
<PAGE>
                 AVIALL AEROSPACE BUSINESS UNIT OF AVIALL, INC.
                     STATEMENTS OF OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      PERIOD ENDED    YEAR ENDED
                                                                                      SEPTEMBER 19,  DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                      -------------  ------------
                                                                                          1996           1995
                                                                                      -------------  ------------
<S>                                                                                   <C>            <C>
REVENUES............................................................................    $  23,085     $   25,580
 
COST OF GOODS SOLD..................................................................       18,050         19,778
                                                                                      -------------  ------------
  Gross profit......................................................................        5,035          5,802
                                                                                      -------------  ------------
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES:
  Third-party expenses..............................................................        3,541          4,213
  Intercompany allocations..........................................................        1,189          1,671
                                                                                      -------------  ------------
                                                                                            4,730          5,884
                                                                                      -------------  ------------
Operating income (loss).............................................................    $     305     $      (82)
                                                                                      -------------  ------------
                                                                                      -------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 
                                      F-24
<PAGE>
                 AVIALL AEROSPACE BUSINESS UNIT OF AVIALL, INC.
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      PERIOD ENDED    YEAR ENDED
                                                                                      SEPTEMBER 19,  DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                      -------------  ------------
                                                                                          1996           1995
                                                                                      -------------  ------------
<S>                                                                                   <C>            <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Operating income (loss)...........................................................    $     305     $      (82)
  Adjustments to reconcile operating income (loss) to net cash used in operating
    activities--
    Depreciation....................................................................          304            388
    Loss (gain) on sale of fixed assets.............................................            2             (2)
    Provision for excess and obsolete inventories...................................        1,072          1,901
    Changes in assets and liabilities--
      Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable....................................          607         (2,098)
      Increase in inventories.......................................................       (5,164)       (10,443)
      (Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other.............................          (21)           305
      (Decrease) increase in accounts payable.......................................       (1,947)         2,333
      (Decrease) increase in accrued liabilities....................................           (3)            34
                                                                                      -------------  ------------
        Net cash used in operating activities.......................................       (4,845)        (7,664)
                                                                                      -------------  ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Capital expenditures..............................................................         (245)          (378)
                                                                                      -------------  ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Net intercompany borrowings.......................................................        5,090          8,049
                                                                                      -------------  ------------
NET INCREASE IN CASH................................................................           --              7
 
CASH, beginning of period...........................................................           22             15
                                                                                      -------------  ------------
CASH, end of period.................................................................    $      22     $       22
                                                                                      -------------  ------------
                                                                                      -------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 
                                      F-25
<PAGE>
                 AVIALL AEROSPACE BUSINESS UNIT OF AVIALL, INC.
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1.  ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS:
 
    Aviall, Inc.'s (Aviall) aerospace business unit (Aviall Aerospace) is
engaged in the distribution of aerospace fasteners to major aircraft original
equipment manufacturers and their subcontractors, primarily in the United States
and Canada. Aviall Aerospace's principal location is a facility in Dallas, Texas
with additional stocking locations in Toronto, Montreal, Long Beach and St.
Louis. Prior to the sale of Aviall Aerospace, discussed in Note 6, the U.S.
operations were a portion of Aviall Services, Inc., a U.S. wholly owned
subsidiary of Aviall, and the stocking locations in Toronto and Montreal, Canada
were a portion of Aviall Ltd., a wholly owned foreign subsidiary of Aviall.
 
2.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION:
 
    The accompanying statements of operating income (loss) are intended to
present the results of Aviall Aerospace including allocations for corporate
level expenses (see Note 5) incurred by Aviall and allocated to Aviall
Aerospace. The statements are not intended to be a complete presentation of
Aviall Aerospace's results of operations. The losses of Aviall Aerospace were
included in Aviall's consolidated corporate tax return. No provision or benefit
for income taxes has been recorded in the statements of operating income (loss).
 
    USE OF ESTIMATES IN THE PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
3.  CONCENTRATION OF BUSINESS RISK:
 
    Aviall Aerospace serves the aerospace industry and grants unsecured credit
to its customers. Management's periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the
allowance for doubtful accounts is based on management's estimates of the
creditworthiness of its customers, Aviall Aerospace's past loss experience,
known and inherent risks in the customer base, adverse situations that may
affect the customer's ability to repay and current economic conditions. These
estimates are reviewed periodically and as adjustments become necessary, they
are reported in earnings in the periods in which they become known.
 
    Aviall Aerospace also provides a reserve for potentially excess or obsolete
inventory. This reserve is based on management's estimates of future sales
projections in the aerospace industry and its place in the industry, sales
price, available customers and age of the inventory. This reserve is reviewed
periodically and as adjustments become necessary, they are reported in earnings
in the periods in which they become known.
 
    During the period ended September 19, 1996, and the year ended December 31,
1995, Aviall Aerospace had two customers that individually accounted for more
than ten percent of revenues.
 
4.  COMMITMENTS:
 
    Aviall Aerospace is a party to various sales contracts with airlines that
require Aviall Aerospace to provide certain parts at fixed prices. The contracts
generally have a two-year life. Generally, vendor purchases are made under
distributorship agreements which are cancelable upon 30 days notice.
 
                                      F-26
<PAGE>
                 AVIALL AEROSPACE BUSINESS UNIT OF AVIALL, INC.
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
5.  TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES:
 
    Aviall Aerospace had sales of $1,254,000 and $2,139,000 in 1996 and 1995,
respectively, to Aviall affiliates. Corporate level expenses of $1,189,000 and
$1,671,000 were allocated to Aviall Aerospace in 1996 and 1995, respectively.
These corporate allocations include general corporate expenses such as
telephone, rent, utilities, maintenance, supplies, accounting, management
salaries and marketing.
 
6.  SUBSEQUENT EVENT:
 
   
    On September 19, 1996, certain net assets of Aviall Aerospace were purchased
by TriStar Aerospace Co. (formerly Maple Leaf Aerospace, Inc.) for approximately
$18.6 million.
    
 
                                      F-27
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING MADE HEREBY TO
GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS
PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE
RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR ANY UNDERWRITER. THIS
PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO
BUY ANY OF THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY TO ANY PERSON OR BY ANYONE IN ANY
JURISDICTION IN WHICH IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION. NEITHER
THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THE INFORMATION HEREIN IS CORRECT AS
OF ANY DATE SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF.
 
                                ----------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PAGE
                                                                            ----
<S>                                                                         <C>
Prospectus Summary........................................................    3
Summary Historical Financial and Operating Data...........................    7
Risk Factors..............................................................    9
Use of Proceeds...........................................................   13
Dividend Policy...........................................................   13
Capitalization............................................................   14
Dilution..................................................................   14
Selected Historical Financial and Operating Data..........................   15
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
  Operations..............................................................   17
Industry Overview.........................................................   24
Business..................................................................   25
Management................................................................   34
Principal and Selling Stockholders........................................   42
Certain Transactions......................................................   44
Description of Capital Stock..............................................   47
Shares Eligible For Future Sale...........................................   51
Certain U.S. Tax Considerations Applicable to Non-U.S. Holders of the
  Common Stock............................................................   53
Underwriting..............................................................   55
Legal Matters.............................................................   58
Experts...................................................................   58
Available Information.....................................................   58
Index to Financial Statements.............................................  F-1
</TABLE>
    
 
                                 --------------
 
   
  UNTIL       , 1998 (25 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS), ALL DEALERS
EFFECTING TRANSACTIONS IN THE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OFFERED HEREBY, WHETHER OR
NOT PARTICIPATING IN THIS DISTRIBUTION, MAY BE REQUIRED TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS.
THIS IS IN ADDITION TO THE OBLIGATION OF DEALERS TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS WHEN
ACTING AS UNDERWRITERS AND WITH RESPECT TO THEIR UNSOLD ALLOTMENTS OR
SUBSCRIPTIONS.
    
 
   
                                                           13,276,858 Shares
    
 
                                     [LOGO]
 
                             TRISTAR AEROSPACE CO.
 
                                  Common Stock
 
                                 --------------
 
                              P R O S P E C T U S
                                 --------------
 
                                 BT ALEX. BROWN
                          SBC WARBURG DILLON READ INC.
 
                                          , 1998
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
                                                           SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
 
   
                                                                          , 1998
    
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES
EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.
<PAGE>
   
                 [ALTERNATE PAGE FOR INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTUS]
    
 
                               13,276,858 SHARES
 
                                     [LOGO]
 
                             TRISTAR AEROSPACE CO.
 
                                  COMMON STOCK
                                  -----------
 
   
    Of the 13,276,858 shares of Common Stock (the "Common Stock") of TriStar
Aerospace Co. (the "Company") offered hereby,         shares are being offered
outside the United States and Canada (the "International Offering") and
shares are being offered in a concurrent offering in the United States and
Canada (the "U.S. Offering," and together with the International Offering, the
"Offering"). The initial public offering price and underwriting discount per
share for the International Offering and the U.S. Offering are identical. See
"Underwriting." All of the 13,276,858 shares of Common Stock offered hereby are
being sold by certain stockholders of the Company (the "Selling Stockholders").
See "Principal and Selling Stockholders." The Company will not receive any of
the proceeds from the sale of shares of Common Stock in the Offering. It is
currently estimated that the initial public offering price per share of Common
Stock in the Offering will be between $14.00 and $16.00. See "Underwriting" for
a discussion of the factors to be considered in determining the initial public
offering price. Application has been made to have the Common Stock listed on the
New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "TS".
    
                                 --------------
 
   SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 9 HEREOF FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN
          MATTERS THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS.
                                 -------------
 THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
  EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PASSED
     UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION
                     TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           PRICE            UNDERWRITING        PROCEEDS TO
                                                             TO            DISCOUNTS AND          SELLING
                                                           PUBLIC           COMMISSIONS       STOCKHOLDERS(1)
<S>                                                  <C>                 <C>                 <C>
Per share..........................................          $                   $                   $
Total(2)...........................................          $                   $                   $
</TABLE>
 
(1) The Selling Stockholders will bear all of the expenses of registration and
    distribution of the shares of Common Stock offered hereby.
 
   
(2) Certain stockholders of the Company have granted the International Managers
    a 30-day option to purchase up to         additional shares of Common Stock
    solely to cover over-allotments, if any. Certain stockholders have granted
    the U.S. Underwriters a similar option to purchase up to         additional
    shares, solely to cover over-allotments, if any. To the extent that the
    options are exercised, the Underwriters will offer the additional shares to
    the public at the Price to Public shown above. If such options are exercised
    in full, the total Price to Public, Underwriting Discounts and Commissions
    and Proceeds to Selling Stockholders will be $    , $    and $    ,
    respectively. See "Underwriting."
    
                                 --------------
 
   
    The shares of Common Stock are offered by the several International
Managers, subject to prior sale, when, as and if delivered to and accepted by
them, and subject to the right of the International Managers to reject any order
in whole or in part. It is expected that delivery of the shares of Common Stock
will be made at the offices of BT Alex. Brown Incorporated, Baltimore, Maryland,
on or about     , 1998.
    
 
   
BT ALEX. BROWN                                      SBC WARBURG DILLON READ INC.
    
 
   
                   THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS     , 1998.
    
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 [ALTERNATE PAGE FOR INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTUS]
 
   
  NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING MADE HEREBY TO
GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS
PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE
RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR ANY INTERNATIONAL
MANAGER. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION
OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY OF THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY TO ANY PERSON OR BY
ANYONE IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR
SOLICITATION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE
HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THE
INFORMATION HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY DATE SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF.
    
 
                                ----------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PAGE
                                                                            ----
<S>                                                                         <C>
Prospectus Summary........................................................    3
Summary Historical Financial and Operating Data...........................    7
Risk Factors..............................................................    9
Use of Proceeds...........................................................   13
Dividend Policy...........................................................   13
Capitalization............................................................   14
Dilution..................................................................   14
Selected Historical Financial and Operating Data..........................   15
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
  Operations..............................................................   17
Industry Overview.........................................................   24
Business..................................................................   25
Management................................................................   34
Principal and Selling Stockholders........................................   42
Certain Transactions......................................................   44
Description of Capital Stock..............................................   47
Shares Eligible For Future Sale...........................................   51
Certain U.S. Tax Considerations Applicable to Non-U.S. Holders of the
  Common Stock............................................................   53
Underwriting..............................................................   55
Legal Matters.............................................................   58
Experts...................................................................   58
Available Information.....................................................   58
Index to Financial Statements.............................................  F-1
</TABLE>
    
 
                                 --------------
 
   
  UNTIL       , 1998 (25 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS), ALL DEALERS
EFFECTING TRANSACTIONS IN THE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OFFERED HEREBY, WHETHER OR
NOT PARTICIPATING IN THIS DISTRIBUTION, MAY BE REQUIRED TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS.
THIS IS IN ADDITION TO THE OBLIGATION OF DEALERS TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS WHEN
ACTING AS UNDERWRITERS AND WITH RESPECT TO THEIR UNSOLD ALLOTMENTS OR
SUBSCRIPTIONS.
    
 
   
                               13,276,858 Shares
    
 
                                     [LOGO]
 
                             TRISTAR AEROSPACE CO.
 
                                  Common Stock
 
                                 --------------
 
                              P R O S P E C T U S
                                 --------------
 
                                 BT ALEX. BROWN
                          SBC WARBURG DILLON READ INC.
 
                                          , 1998
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
                                    PART II
 
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 13.  OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE OR DISTRIBUTION.(1)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                               <C>
Filing Fee--Securities and Exchange Commission..................  $  72,067
Listing Fee--New York Stock Exchange............................      *
Filing Fee--National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.....     24,929
Accounting Fees and Expenses....................................      *
Printing and Engraving Expenses.................................      *
Legal Fees and Expenses.........................................      *
Transfer Agent and Registrar Fees...............................      *
Miscellaneous Expenses..........................................      *
                                                                  ---------
    Total.......................................................      *
                                                                  ---------
                                                                  ---------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
*   To be added by amendment.
 
(1) The Selling Stockholders will bear all of the expenses of registration and
    distribution of the shares of Common Stock registered hereunder.
 
ITEM 14.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
 
    The Certificate of Incorporation (the "Certificate") of the Company provides
that a director will not be personally liable to the Company or its stockholders
for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for
liability (i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the
corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or
which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under
Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "Delaware Law"), which
concerns unlawful payments of dividends, stock purchases or redemptions, or (iv)
for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal
benefit. If the Delaware Law is subsequently amended to permit further
limitation of the personal liability of directors, the liability of a director
of the Company will be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by
the Delaware Law as amended.
 
    The Registrant, as a Delaware corporation, is empowered by Section 145 of
the Delaware Law, subject to the procedures and limitation stated therein, to
indemnify any person against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments,
fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in
connection with any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding
in which such person is made a party by reason of his being or having been a
director, officer, employee or agent of the Registrant. The statute provides
that indemnification pursuant to its provisions is not exclusive of other rights
of indemnification to which a person may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement,
vote of stockholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise.
 
    The Company currently maintains a Directors and Officers Liability Insurance
policy to cover indemnifiable losses of up to $10,000,000 that may payable by
the Company.
 
ITEM 15.  RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES.
 
   
    On September 19, 1996, the Company issued and sold an aggregate of
14,327,756 shares of its common stock to Odyssey Partners, L.P., BT Investment
Partners, Inc., R.P. Small Corp. and Mr. Quentin Bourjeaurd in consideration for
$1.465759 per share, or $21,001,044.38 in the aggregate. Simultaneously, the
Company issued 790,000 shares of its common stock to Mr. Bourjeaurd in
consideration for services rendered to the Company by Mr. Bourjeaurd in
coordinating, structuring and consummating the Company's acquisition of Tri-Star
Aerospace, Inc. and the Aviall Aerospace business unit of Aviall Services, Inc.
    
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>
   
On January 15, 1997, the Company issued and sold 682,244 shares of its common
stock to Odyssey Partners, L.P. upon the conversion of a $1,000,005.62
convertible note made on September 19, 1996 by the Company to Odyssey Partners,
L.P. On April 29, 1997 the Company issued and sold an aggregate of 136,354
shares of its common stock to four individuals, each of which was an "accredited
investor" as defined in Rule 501(a) under the Securities Act, in consideration
for $1.465759 per share, or $199,862.17 in the aggregate.
    
 
    With respect to the above-described transactions, the Company relied upon
the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act
relating to transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering.
 
   
    On May 30, 1997, the Company issued and sold an aggregate of 660,598 shares
of its common stock to 21 employees of the Company pursuant to the Company's
Stock Purchase Plan in consideration for $1.465759 per share, or $968,277.79 in
the aggregate. Such shares were issued in reliance upon the exemption from
registration provided by Rule 701 under the Securities Act.
    
 
ITEM 16.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
 
    (a) Exhibits
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT NO.    DESCRIPTION
- -------------  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>            <S>
       1.1     Form of Underwriting Agreement(2)..................................................................
 
       1.2     Form of International Underwriting Agreement(2)....................................................
 
       2.1     Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 28, 1996, by and among Maple Leaf Aerospace, Inc.,
                 Aero Acquisition Corp., Aerospace Merger Sub I, Inc., Tri-Star Aerospace, Inc., and certain
                 Stockholders.(#).................................................................................
 
       2.2     Asset Purchase Agreement, dated September 5, 1996, by and among Aviall (Canada) Ltd., Aviall
                 Services Inc. and Maple Leaf Aerospace, Inc.(#)..................................................
 
       3.1     Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company(2)................................
 
       3.2     Bylaws of the Company(2)...........................................................................
 
       4.1     Form of Common Stock Certificate(2)................................................................
 
       5.1     Opinion of Weil, Gotshal & Mangers LLP(2)..........................................................
 
      10.1     Credit Agreement, dated as of September 19, 1996, among the Company and Bankers Trust Company, as
                 agent.(#)........................................................................................
 
      10.2     First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of April, 1997, among the Company and Bankers Trust
                 Company, as agent.(#)............................................................................
 
      10.3     Second Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of August 4, 1997, among the Company and Bankers
                 Trust Company, as agent.(#)......................................................................
 
      10.4     Third Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of November 7, 1997, among the Company and Bankers
                 Trust Company, as agent.(#)......................................................................
 
      10.5     Security Agreement, dated as of September 19, 1996, among the Company and Bankers Trust Company, as
                 agent.(#)........................................................................................
 
      10.6     Pledge Agreement, dated as of September 19, 1996, among the Company and Bankers Trust Company, as
                 agent.(#)........................................................................................
 
      10.7     Lease Agreement, dated July 12, 1990, among the Company and Robert L. Zeligson Trust.(#)...........
 
      10.8     Lease Agreement, dated December 4, 1990, among the Company and Robert L. Zeligson Trust.(#)........
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT NO.    DESCRIPTION
- -------------  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>            <S>
      10.9     Lease Agreement, dated May 31, 1991, among the Company and Robert L. Zeligson Trust.(#)............
 
      10.10    Build and Lease Agreement, dated April 30, 1993, among the Company and Robert L. Zeligson
                 Trust.(#)........................................................................................
 
      10.11    Sublease, dated as of September 19, 1996, among the Company and Aviall Services, Inc., together
                 with First Amendment to Sublease, dated as of September 19, 1996, among the Company and Aviall
                 Services, Inc.(#)................................................................................
 
      10.12    Lease Agreement, dated January 28, 1997, among the Company and Robert L. Zeligson Trust.(#)........
 
      10.13    Lease Agreement, dated September 16, 1997, among the Company and William Weinberg.(#)..............
 
      10.14    Registration Rights Agreement, dated November 7, 1996, among the Company, Odyssey Partners, L.P.
                 and certain Stockholders, together with Letter Agreement, dated November 7, 1996, among the
                 Company, R.P. Small Corp. and Odyssey Partners, L.P.(#)..........................................
 
      10.15    Amended and Restated Management Stockholders' and Optionholders' Agreement, dated as of May 15,
                 1997, among the Company, Odyssey Partners, L.P., B.T. Investment Partners, Inc. and certain
                 Stockholders.(#).................................................................................
 
      10.16    Maple Leaf Aerospace, Inc. 1996 Stock Option Plan.(#)..............................................
 
      10.17    Maple Leaf Aerospace, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan.(#)........................................
 
      10.18    Employment Agreement, dated September 19, 1996, between the Company and Quentin Bourjeaurd.(#).....
 
      10.19    Employment Agreement, dated February 1, 1997, between the Company and Charles Balchunas.(#)........
 
      10.20    Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of January 15, 1998, between the
                 Company and G. Bruce McInnis.(#).................................................................
 
      10.21    Employment Agreement, dated March 17, 1997, between the Company and Louis Partenza.(#).............
 
      10.22    Promissory Note, dated September 19, 1996, from Quentin Bourjeaurd in favor of the Company.(1)
 
      10.23    Promissory Note, dated April 15, 1997, from Quentin Bourjeaurd in favor of the Company.(1)
 
      10.24    Promissory Note, dated May 30, 1997, from Charles Balchunas in favor of the Company.(1)
 
      10.25    Promissory Note, dated May 30, 1997, from Louis Partenza in favor of the Company.(1)
 
      10.26    TriStar Aerospace Co. 1998 Stock Option Plan.(2)...................................................
 
      10.27    TriStar Aerospace Co. Executive Incentive Compensation Plan.(2)....................................
 
      10.28    Letter Agreement, dated September 19, 1996, between the Company and Quentin Bourjeaurd.(1).........
 
      10.29    Letter Agreement, dated September 19, 1996, between the Company and Richard P. Small. (1)..........
 
      10.30    Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of December 2, 1996, between the
                 Company and Richard P. Small.(1).................................................................
 
      10.31    Amended and Restated Maple Leaf Aerospace, Inc. 1996 Stock Option Plan.(1)
</TABLE>
    
 
   
                                      II-3
    
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT NO.    DESCRIPTION
- -------------  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>            <S>
      11.1     Statement re: Computation of per share earnings(#).................................................
 
      21.1     Subsidiaries of the Registrant(1)..................................................................
 
      23.1     Consent of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP (included in opinion filed as Exhibit 5).....................
 
      23.2     Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP(1)..................................................................
 
      24.1     Powers of Attorney of directors and officers of the Registrant(#)
 
      27.1     Financial Data Schedule(#).........................................................................
                                                                                    -------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    (#) Previously filed.
    
 
    (1) Filed herewith.
 
    (2) To be filed by amendment.
 
(b) Financial Statement Schedules
 
   
    Financial Statement Schedules have been omitted because the required
information is not applicable or because such information is included in the
financial statements and notes thereto included in the Prospectus.
    
 
ITEM 17.  UNDERTAKINGS.
 
    The undersigned Registrant undertakes to provide to the Underwriters at the
closing specified in the Underwriting Agreement, certificates in such
denominations and registered in such names as required by the Underwriters to
permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.
 
    Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against
such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred
or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of
such issue.
 
    The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that:
 
    (1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of
1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of a
registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in the form of
prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h)
under the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of this registration
statement as of the time it was declared effective.
 
    (2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of
1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be
deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
has duly caused this Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Dallas,
State of Texas, on the 24th day of March, 1998.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                             <C>  <C>
                                TRISTAR AEROSPACE CO.
 
                                By:            /s/ QUENTIN BOURJEAURD
                                     -----------------------------------------
                                                 Quentin Bourjeaurd
                                       President and Chief Executive Officer
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment
No. 1 to Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons on the
24th day of March, 1998, in the capacities indicated.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   SIGNATURE                                              TITLE
- ------------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------------------------
 
<C>                                               <S>
             /s/ QUENTIN BOURJEAURD
     --------------------------------------       President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal
               Quentin Bourjeaurd                   Executive Officer) and Director
 
            /s/ DOUGLAS E. CHILDRESS
     --------------------------------------       Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer
              Douglas E. Childress                  and Accounting Officer)
 
                       *
     --------------------------------------       Director
               Charles Balchunas
 
                       *
     --------------------------------------       Chairman of the Board of Directors
                 Stephen Berger
 
                       *
     --------------------------------------       Director
                William Hopkins
 
                       *
     --------------------------------------       Director
                 Muzzafar Mirza
 
                       *
     --------------------------------------       Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors
                Richard P. Small
 
            /s/ DOUGLAS E. CHILDRESS
     --------------------------------------
             *Douglas E. Childress
                ATTORNEY-IN-FACT
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>
                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT NO.
- -------------
<C>            <S>                                                                                           <C>
       1.1     Form of Underwriting Agreement(2)...........................................................
 
       1.2     Form of International Underwriting Agreement(2).............................................
 
       2.1     Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 28, 1996, by and among Maple Leaf
                 Aerospace, Inc., Aero Acquisition Corp., Aerospace Merger Sub I, Inc., Tri-Star Aerospace,
                 Inc., and certain Stockholders.(#)........................................................
 
       2.2     Asset Purchase Agreement, dated September 5, 1996, by and among Aviall (Canada) Ltd., Aviall
                 Services Inc. and Maple Leaf Aerospace, Inc.(#)...........................................
 
       3.1     Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company(2).........................
 
       3.2     Bylaws of the Company(2)....................................................................
 
       4.1     Form of Common Stock Certificate(2).........................................................
 
       5.1     Opinion of Weil, Gotshal & Mangers LLP(2)...................................................
 
      10.1     Credit Agreement, dated as of September 19, 1996, among the Company and Bankers Trust
                 Company, as agent.(#).....................................................................
 
      10.2     First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of April, 1997, among the Company and Bankers
                 Trust Company, as agent.(#)...............................................................
 
      10.3     Second Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of August 4, 1997, among the Company and
                 Bankers Trust Company, as agent.(#).......................................................
 
      10.4     Third Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of November 7, 1997, among the Company and
                 Bankers Trust Company, as agent.(#).......................................................
 
      10.5     Security Agreement, dated as of September 19, 1996, among the Company and Bankers Trust
                 Company, as agent.(#).....................................................................
 
      10.6     Pledge Agreement, dated as of September 19, 1996, among the Company and Bankers Trust
                 Company, as agent.(#).....................................................................
 
      10.7     Lease Agreement, dated July 12, 1990, among the Company and Robert L. Zeligson Trust.(#)....
 
      10.8     Lease Agreement, dated December 4, 1990, among the Company and Robert L. Zeligson
                 Trust.(#).................................................................................
 
      10.9     Lease Agreement, dated May 31, 1991, among the Company and Robert L. Zeligson Trust.(#).....
 
      10.10    Build and Lease Agreement, dated April 30, 1993, among the Company and Robert L. Zeligson
                 Trust.(#).................................................................................
 
      10.11    Sublease, dated as of September 19, 1996, among the Company and Aviall Services, Inc.,
                 together with First Amendment to Sublease, dated as of September 19, 1996, among the
                 Company and Aviall Services, Inc.(#)......................................................
 
      10.12    Lease Agreement, dated January 28, 1997, among the Company and Robert L. Zeligson
                 Trust.(#).................................................................................
 
      10.13    Lease Agreement, dated September 16, 1997, among the Company and William Weinberg.(#).......
 
      10.14    Registration Rights Agreement, dated November 7, 1996, among the Company, Odyssey Partners,
                 L.P. and certain Stockholders, together with Letter Agreement, dated November 7, 1996,
                 among the Company, R.P. Small Corp. and Odyssey Partners, L.P.(#).........................
 
      10.15    Amended and Restated Management Stockholders' and Optionholders' Agreement, dated as of May
                 15, 1997, among the Company, Odyssey Partners, L.P., B.T. Investment Partners, Inc. and
                 certain Stockholders.(#)..................................................................
</TABLE>
    
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT NO.
- -------------
<C>            <S>                                                                                           <C>
      10.16    Maple Leaf Aerospace, Inc. 1996 Stock Option Plan.(#).......................................
 
      10.17    Maple Leaf Aerospace, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan.(#).................................
 
      10.18    Employment Agreement, dated September 19, 1996, between the Company and Quentin
                 Bourjeaurd.(#)............................................................................
 
      10.19    Employment Agreement, dated February 1, 1997, between the Company and Charles
                 Balchunas.(#).............................................................................
 
      10.20    Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of January 15, 1998, between
                 the Company and G. Bruce McInnis.(#)......................................................
 
      10.21    Employment Agreement, dated March 17, 1997, between the Company and Louis Partenza.(#)......
 
      10.22    Promissory Note, dated September 19, 1996, from Quentin Bourjeaurd in favor of the
                 Company.(1)...............................................................................
 
      10.23    Promissory Note, dated April 15, 1997, from Quentin Bourjeaurd in favor of the
                 Company.(1)...............................................................................
 
      10.24    Promissory Note, dated May 30, 1997, from Charles Balchunas in favor of the Company.(1).....
 
      10.25    Promissory Note, dated May 30, 1997, from Louis Partenza in favor of the Company.(1)........
 
      10.26    TriStar Aerospace Co. 1998 Stock Option Plan.(2)............................................
 
      10.27    TriStar Aerospace Co. Executive Incentive Compensation Plan.(2).............................
 
      10.28    Letter Agreement, dated September 19, 1996, between the Company and Quentin
                 Bourjeaurd.(1)............................................................................
 
      10.29    Letter Agreement, dated September 19, 1996, between the Company and Richard P. Small. (1)...
 
      10.30    Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of December 2, 1996, between
                 the Company and Richard P. Small.(1)......................................................
 
      10.31    Amended and Restated Maple Leaf Aerospace, Inc. 1996 Stock Option Plan.(1)
 
      11.1     Statement re: Computation of per share earnings(#)..........................................
 
      21.1     Subsidiaries of the Registrant(1)...........................................................
 
      23.1     Consent of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP (included in opinion filed as Exhibit 5)..............
 
      23.2     Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP(1)...........................................................
 
      24.1     Powers of Attorney of directors and officers of the Registrant(#)
 
      27.1     Financial Data Schedule(#)..................................................................
                                                                             -------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    (#) Previously filed.
    
 
    (1) Filed herewith.
 
   
    (2) To be filed by amendment.
    

<PAGE>

                           SECURED PROMISSORY NOTE


$200,000                                                     September 19, 1996

     FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned Quentin P. Bourjeaurd, an individual 
residing at 1408 Northridge, Southlake, Texas 76052 ("Maker"), hereby 
promises to pay to the order of Tri-Star Aerospace, Co., a Delaware 
corporation, or its successors and assigns (the "Holder"), the principal sum 
of Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000) on February 28, 1998 (the 
"Maturity Date"), and to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of this 
Note as set forth in Section 2 below from the date hereof until such 
principal amount is paid in full. 

     1.   CERTAIN DEFINED TERMS.  As used in this Note, the following terms 
shall have the following meanings:

     "COMMON STOCK" means shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, 
of MLA.

     "MLA" means Maple Leaf Aerospace, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

     "STOCKHOLDERS' AGREEMENT" means that certain Amended and Restated 
Management Stockholders and Optionholders Agreement, dated as of September 
19, 1996, among MLA and its stockholders and optionholders (including the 
Maker) party thereto, as the same may be amended and/or restated from time to 
time pursuant to its terms.

     2.   INTEREST.  Interest (computed on the basis of a 360 day year 
comprised of twelve (12) months of thirty (30) days each, for the actual 
number of days elapsed in the period for which interest is being computed) on 
the unpaid principal amount of this Note shall accrue from the date hereof to 
and including the date of repayment at the rate of 5.93% per annum.  All 
accrued interest shall be due and payable on the Maturity Date.  Payment of 
principal or interest hereunder shall be made in immediately available funds.

     3.   PREPAYMENT.

          (a)  PREPAYMENT AT THE OPTION OF THE MAKER.  The Maker may prepay 
the principal amount of this Note without premium or penalty at any time or 
from time to time.  Each such prepayment of principal shall be accompanied by 
the payment of all accrued and unpaid interest on the amount so prepaid to 
the date of prepayment.

          (b)  MANDATORY PREPAYMENT.  To the fullest extent permitted by 
applicable law, any amount payable by MLA or any of its subsidiaries or 
affiliates in respect of any bonus or other incentive compensation to the 
Maker shall be applied, without the requirement of any notice or demand of 
any kind, against the obligations of the Maker under this Note, and the Maker 
hereby authorizes MLA, the Holder and their respective affiliates to set-off 
and apply, at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted 
by applicable law, all such bonus or other incentive compensation against all 
of the obligations of the Maker to the Holder under this Note.

     4.   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE MAKER.

<PAGE>

          The Maker hereby represents and warrants to the Holder of this Note 
as follows:

          (a)  The Maker has the legal capacity to execute, deliver and 
perform this Note.  This Note has been duly executed and delivered by the 
Maker, and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Maker, 
enforceable in accordance with its terms (except as enforceability may be 
limited by applicable bankruptcy or insolvency laws and general principles of 
equity).

          (b)  The Maker is the legal and beneficial owner of 9,318 shares of 
Common Stock, free and clear of any lien, pledge, encumbrance or third-party 
right, except (A) that 4,318 of such shares are subject to a lien in favor of 
R. P. Small Corp and (B) as created by the Stockholders' Agreement or this 
Note.

          (c)  The pledge of the Pledged Shares (as defined in Section 5(a) 
below) pursuant to Section 5 hereof creates a valid and perfected first 
priority security interest in the Pledged Shares in favor of the Holder 
securing the payment of all of the obligations of the Maker under this Note.  
No consent, authorization, approval, or other action by, and no notice to or 
filing with, any governmental authority or other party is required for the 
pledge by the Maker of the Pledged Shares pursuant to this Note or for the 
due execution, delivery or performance of this Note by the Maker.

     5.   PLEDGE.

          (a)  The Maker hereby pledges to the Holder, and grants to the 
Holder a security interest in, the following (the "Pledged Collateral"): (i) 
2,500 of the shares of Common Stock (other than the shares described in 
clause (A) of Section 4(b) above) presently owned by the Maker (as the same 
may be reclassified or changed pursuant to a stock split, stock dividend, 
reorganization, merger or otherwise, the "Pledged Shares"), and (ii) the 
certificates representing the Pledged Shares.  The foregoing pledge secures, 
and the Pledged Collateral is security for, the full and prompt payment when 
due (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) of, and the 
performance of, the obligations of the Maker under this Note, whether 
principal, interest, fees, expenses or otherwise.  The foregoing pledge shall 
create a continuing security interest in the Pledged Collateral and shall (A) 
remain in full force and effect until payment in full of the obligations of 
the Maker under this Note and (B) be binding upon the Maker, his heirs, 
successors and permitted assigns.

          (b)  All certificates or instruments representing or evidencing the 
Pledged Collateral shall be delivered to and held by or on behalf of the 
Holder and shall be in suitable form for transfer by delivery, or shall be 
accompanied by duly executed instruments of transfer or assignment in blank, 
all in form and substance satisfactory to the Holder.  The Holder shall have 
the right, at any time in its discretion and without notice to the Maker, to 
transfer to or to register in its name or in the name of any of its nominees 
any or all of the Pledged Collateral.  In addition, the Holder shall have the 
right at any time to exchange certificates or instruments representing or 
evidencing any of the Pledged Collateral for certificates or instruments of 
smaller or larger denominations.

                                       2
<PAGE>

          (c)  The Maker agrees that at any time and from time to time, the 
Maker will promptly execute and deliver all further instruments and 
documents, and take all further action, that may be necessary or desirable in 
order to perfect and protect the pledge and lien granted or purported to be 
granted hereby or to enable the Holder to exercise and enforce its rights and 
remedies hereunder with respect to any Pledged Collateral.

          (d)  The Maker agrees that it will not (i) sell or otherwise 
dispose of, or grant any option or warrant with respect to, any of the 
Pledged Collateral, except as required pursuant to the Stockholders' 
Agreement, or (ii) create or permit to exist any lien, pledge, encumbrance or 
third-party right upon or with respect to any of the Pledged Collateral, 
except for those created by the Stockholders' Agreement and this Note.

     6.   EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES.

          (a)  EVENTS OF DEFAULT.  The occurrence of any of the following 
shall constitute an "Event of Default" under this Note:

               (i)  the Maker shall fail to pay when due (at maturity, by 
acceleration or otherwise) any payment of principal or interest payable under 
this Note;

               (ii)  any representation or warranty made by the Maker in this 
Note shall at any time prove to be incorrect in any material respect;

               (iii)  the Maker shall fail to observe or perform any 
obligation, covenant or other provision contained in this Note or the 
Stockholders' Agreement;

               (iv)  this Note shall at any time cease to be in full force 
and effect except in accordance with its terms or shall be declared null and 
void pursuant to a judicial or other governmental act, or the validity or 
enforceability thereof shall be contested;

               (v)  a "Termination Event" (as defined in Section 4.1 of the 
Stockholders' Agreement), other than a Termination Event described in Section 
4.1(a)(i) of the Stockholders' Agreement, shall have occurred with respect to 
the Maker; or

               (vi)  the Maker shall suffer or consent to or apply for the 
appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian or liquidator of any of his 
assets, or shall make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; or 
shall file a petition in bankruptcy in order to effect an arrangement with 
creditors or any other relief under any federal or state bankruptcy law or 
other law granting or relating to relief for debtors, whether now or 
hereafter in effect ("Bankruptcy Law") or any petition or proceeding pursuant 
to any Bankruptcy Law is filed or commenced with respect to the Maker; the 
Maker shall be adjudicated a bankrupt, or an order for relief shall be 
entered by any court of competent jurisdiction under any Bankruptcy Law.

          (b)  ACCELERATION; OTHER REMEDIES.  If an Event of Default (other 
than an Event of Default specified in clause (vi) above) occurs and is 
continuing, then the Holder, by written notice to the Maker, may declare all 
unpaid principal of, and accrued interest on, this Note to be due and payable 
(in which event such principal and accrued interest shall be immediately due 
and payable). If an Event of Default specified in clause (vi) above occurs, 
all 

                                       3
<PAGE>

unpaid principal of, and accrued interest on, this Note shall IPSO FACTO and 
without notice of any kind become and be immediately due and payable without 
any declaration or other act on the part of the Holder.  If an Event of 
Default occurs and is continuing, in addition to acceleration as provided 
above, the Holder may exercise all rights and pursue all available remedies 
by proceeding at law or in equity to collect the payment of principal of 
and/or interest on this Note or to enforce the performance of any provision 
of the Note, such remedies being cumulative, non-exclusive, and enforceable 
alternatively, successively or concurrently.  Any delay or omission by the 
Holder in exercising any right or remedy accruing upon an Event of Default 
shall not impair such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of or 
acquiescence in such Event of Default.  Without limiting the generality of 
the foregoing, if any Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, 
the Holder may exercise in respect of the Pledged Collateral, in addition to 
other rights and remedies provided for herein or otherwise available to it, 
all the rights and remedies of a secured party after default under the 
Uniform Commercial Code as from time to time in effect in the State of New 
York (the "UCC"), subject to the provisions of the Stockholders' Agreement 
(including, without limitation, with respect to the valuation of the Pledged 
Collateral at its "Fair Market Value" determined in accordance with Section 
4.1 of the Stockholders' Agreement), and any notice required by the UCC to be 
given by the Holder to the Maker in respect of such action shall be deemed 
satisfied upon the giving of ten (10) days' prior written notice of such 
action to the Maker in accordance with the notice provisions set forth below.

     7.   SET-OFF.  In addition to any rights, powers or remedies now or 
hereafter granted under this Note or applicable law, and not by way of 
limitation of any such rights, powers or remedies, upon the occurrence and 
during the continuance of any Event of Default, the Holder is hereby 
authorized by the Maker at any time or from time to time, to the fullest 
extent permitted by applicable law, to set off, appropriate and apply all 
indebtedness or obligations owing by the Holder, MLA or any of their 
affiliates to or for the account of the Maker (including, without limitation, 
to the extent permitted by applicable law, bonus and other compensation 
payable by MLA or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates to the Maker, or any 
payment or Payment Note (as defined in Article IV of the Stockholders 
Agreement) issued or issuable to the Maker pursuant to the Stockholders' 
Agreement), against all of the obligations of the Maker to the Holder under 
this Note.

     8.   NO WAIVER BY THE HOLDER.  No delay, failure or discontinuance by or 
of the Holder in exercising any right, power or remedy under this Note or at 
law or equity shall affect or operate as a waiver of such right, power or 
remedy; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right, power or 
remedy preclude, waive or otherwise affect any other or further exercise 
thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy.  Any waiver, 
consent or approval of any kind by the Holder of any breach of or default 
under this Note must be in writing and shall be effective only in the 
instance and to the extent set forth in such writing. The rights and remedies 
provided herein are cumulative and not exclusive and are in addition to all 
others that may be provided by application of law and other agreements and 
documents.

     9.   WAIVER BY THE MAKER.  Except as otherwise expressly provided herein,
the Maker hereby waives presentment, demand, notice, protest and all other
demands and notices in connection with the delivery, acceptance, performance,
default or enforcement of this Note.  

                                       4
<PAGE>

     10.  REPLACEMENT OF NOTE.  Upon receipt of evidence reasonably 
satisfactory to the Maker of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of 
this Note and, in the case of any loss, theft or destruction, upon delivery 
of an appropriate indemnification agreement from the Holder or, in the case 
of any such mutilation, upon surrender and cancellation of such Note, the 
Maker will promptly execute and deliver, in lieu thereof, a new Note of like 
tenor, dated the date to which interest on such lost, stolen, destroyed or 
mutilated Note has been paid.

     11.  RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS ABSOLUTE.  All rights of the Holder and 
security interests hereunder, and all obligations of the Maker hereunder, 
shall be absolute and unconditional irrespective of (i) any lack of validity 
or enforceability of any provision of this Note, the Stockholders' Agreement 
or any other agreement or instrument relating thereto; (ii) any other 
amendment or waiver of any term of, or any consent to any departure from any 
requirement of, this Note, the Stockholders' Agreement or any other document; 
or (iii) any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a defense 
available to, or a discharge of, a borrower or a pledgor.

     12.  GOVERNING LAW; CONSENT TO JURISDICTION. THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED 
BY AND CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF 
NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO ITS CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES.  THE MAKER HEREBY 
IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO THE JURISDICTION, VENUE AND FORUM OF ANY STATE OR 
FEDERAL COURT IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK, STATE OF NEW YORK WITH RESPECT TO ANY 
ACTION, WHETHER COMMENCED BY THE HOLDER OR ANY OTHER PERSON, TO THE EXTENT 
THE SAME ARISES UNDER OR RELATES TO THIS NOTE.

     13.  MISCELLANEOUS.

          (a)  FEES AND EXPENSES.  The Maker hereby agrees to pay all costs 
and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and 
expenses), expended or incurred by the Holder in connection with the 
enforcement of this Note, the collection of any sums due hereunder, any 
actions for declaratory relief in any way related to this Note, or the 
protection or preservation of any rights of the Holder hereunder.

          (b)  NOTICES.  Any notice or other communication required or 
permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be transmitted by 
messenger, delivery service, certified mail or facsimile, if (a) to the 
Maker, to Quentin P. Bourjeaurd, 1408 Northridge, Southlake, Texas 76052; and 
(b) if to the original Holder of this Note, to Tri-Star Aerospace, Co., 11535 
East Pine Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74136; Telecopier: (918) 234-7744; Attn: 
Chairman, (with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to Odyssey 
Partners, L.P., 31 West 52nd Street, New York, New York 10019; Telecopier: 
(212) 708-0750; Attn: Mr. Stephen Berger), or to such subsequent Holder or to 
such other address as a party shall designate in a written notice to the 
other parties hereto given in accordance with this Section.  All notices and 
other communications shall be effective (i) if sent by messenger or delivery 
service, when delivered, (ii) if sent certified mail from and to locations 
within the United States of America, five (5) days after having been sent by 
such mail, with return receipt requested, and (iii) if sent by facsimile 
(with record of successful transmission), when sent. 

                                       5
<PAGE>

          (c)  SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.  This Note shall be binding upon the 
Maker, his heirs, successors and permitted transferees and assigns.  The 
rights and benefits of the Holder under this Note shall inure to the benefit 
of its successors and assigns.  This Note may be assigned by the Holder from 
time to time without the consent of the Maker.  The Maker may not assign or 
delegate his obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the 
Holder, and any purported assignment without such consent shall be void and 
of no effect.

          (d)  SEVERABILITY. The terms and provisions of this Note are 
severable, and if any term or provision shall be determined to be superseded, 
illegal, invalid or otherwise unenforceable in whole or in part pursuant to 
applicable law by a governmental authority having jurisdiction over the 
matter, such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such 
prohibition or invalidity (and only in such jurisdictions where such 
provisions are determined to be prohibited or invalid) without in any way 
invalidating the remainder of such provision or any other term or provision 
of this Note.

          (e)  AMENDMENT.  Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, 
this Note may not be terminated, cancelled, amended, supplemented, restated 
or otherwise modified orally, and no amendment or modification of any term or 
provision of this Note shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the 
Holder. 

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned Maker has executed and delivered 
this Note to the Holder on the date and year first above written.


                              /s/ Quentin P. Bourjeaurd 
                              -------------------------------------
                              Quentin P. Bourjeaurd (the "Maker")



                        CONSENT TO PLEDGE OF MLA STOCK

     Pursuant to Section 1.1(a) of the Stockholders' Agreement, Odyssey 
Partners, L.P. hereby consents to the pledge of the shares of Common Stock 
owned by the Maker to the Holder pursuant to, and as security for the Maker's 
obligations to the Holder under, this Note.


                              ODYSSEY PARTNERS, L.P.



                              By: /s/ Stephen Berger
                                  ---------------------------------
                              Name:   Stephen Berger
                              Title:  Partner



                                       6

<PAGE>

                                       
                            SECURED PROMISSORY NOTE


$100,000                                                         April 15, 1997

     FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned Quentin P. Bourjeaurd, an individual 
residing at 1408 Northridge, Southlake, Texas 76052 ("Maker"), hereby 
promises to pay to the order of Tri-Star Aerospace, Co., a Delaware 
corporation, or its successors and assigns (the "Holder"), the principal sum 
of Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000) on February 28, 1998 (the 
"Maturity Date"), and to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of this 
Note as set forth in Section 2 below from the date hereof until such 
principal amount is paid in full. 

     1.   CERTAIN DEFINED TERMS.  As used in this Note, the following terms 
shall have the following meanings:

     "COMMON STOCK" means shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, 
of MLA.

     "MLA" means Maple Leaf Aerospace, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

     "STOCKHOLDERS' AGREEMENT" means that certain Amended and Restated 
Management Stockholders and Optionholders Agreement, dated as of September 
19, 1996, among MLA and its stockholders and optionholders (including the 
Maker) party thereto, as the same may be amended and/or restated from time to 
time pursuant to its terms.

     2.   INTEREST.  Interest (computed on the basis of a 360 day year 
comprised of twelve (12) months of thirty (30) days each, for the actual 
number of days elapsed in the period for which interest is being computed) on 
the unpaid principal amount of this Note shall accrue from the date hereof to 
and including the date of repayment at the rate of 5.83% per annum.  All 
accrued interest shall be due and payable on the Maturity Date.  Payment of 
principal or interest hereunder shall be made in immediately available funds.

     3.   PREPAYMENT.

          (a)  PREPAYMENT AT THE OPTION OF THE MAKER.  The Maker may prepay 
the principal amount of this Note without premium or penalty at any time or 
from time to time.  Each such prepayment of principal shall be accompanied by 
the payment of all accrued and unpaid interest on the amount so prepaid to 
the date of prepayment.

          (b)  MANDATORY PREPAYMENT.  To the fullest extent permitted by 
applicable law, any amount payable by MLA or any of its subsidiaries or 
affiliates in respect of any bonus or other incentive compensation to the 
Maker shall be applied, without the requirement of any notice or demand of 
any kind, against the obligations of the Maker under this Note, and the Maker 
hereby authorizes MLA, the Holder and their respective affiliates to set-off 
and apply, at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted 
by applicable law, all such bonus or other incentive compensation against all 
of the obligations of the Maker to the Holder under this Note.

<PAGE>

     4.   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE MAKER.

          The Maker hereby represents and warrants to the Holder of this Note 
as follows:

          (a)  The Maker has the legal capacity to execute, deliver and 
perform this Note.  This Note has been duly executed and delivered by the 
Maker, and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Maker, 
enforceable in accordance with its terms (except as enforceability may be 
limited by applicable bankruptcy or insolvency laws and general principles of 
equity).

          (b)  The Maker is the legal and beneficial owner of 9,318 shares of 
Common Stock, free and clear of any lien, pledge, encumbrance or third-party 
right, except (A) that 4,318 of such shares are subject to a lien in favor of 
R. P. Small Corp and (B) as created by the Stockholders' Agreement or this 
Note.

          (c)  The pledge of the Pledged Shares (as defined in Section 5(a) 
below) pursuant to Section 5 hereof creates a valid and perfected first 
priority security interest in the Pledged Shares in favor of the Holder 
securing the payment of all of the obligations of the Maker under this Note.  
No consent, authorization, approval, or other action by, and no notice to or 
filing with, any governmental authority or other party is required for the 
pledge by the Maker of the Pledged Shares pursuant to this Note or for the 
due execution, delivery or performance of this Note by the Maker.

     5.   PLEDGE.

          (a)  The Maker hereby pledges to the Holder, and grants to the 
Holder a security interest in, the following (the "Pledged Collateral"): (i) 
5,000 of the shares of Common Stock (other than the shares described in 
clause (A) of Section 4(b) above) presently owned by the Maker (as the same 
may be reclassified or changed pursuant to a stock split, stock dividend, 
reorganization, merger or otherwise, the "Pledged Shares"), and (ii) the 
certificates representing the Pledged Shares.  The foregoing pledge secures, 
and the Pledged Collateral is security for, the full and prompt payment when 
due (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) of, and the 
performance of, the obligations of the Maker under this Note, whether 
principal, interest, fees, expenses or otherwise.  The foregoing pledge shall 
create a continuing security interest in the Pledged Collateral and shall (A) 
remain in full force and effect until payment in full of the obligations of 
the Maker under this Note and (B) be binding upon the Maker, his heirs, 
successors and permitted assigns.

          (b)  All certificates or instruments representing or evidencing the 
Pledged Collateral shall be delivered to and held by or on behalf of the 
Holder and shall be in suitable form for transfer by delivery, or shall be 
accompanied by duly executed instruments of transfer or assignment in blank, 
all in form and substance satisfactory to the Holder.  The Holder shall have 
the right, at any time in its discretion and without notice to the Maker, to 
transfer to or to register in its name or in the name of any of its nominees 
any or all of the Pledged Collateral.  In addition, the Holder shall have the 
right at any time to exchange certificates or instruments representing or 
evidencing any of the Pledged Collateral for certificates or instruments of 
smaller or larger denominations.

                                       2
<PAGE>

          (c)  The Maker agrees that at any time and from time to time, the 
Maker will promptly execute and deliver all further instruments and 
documents, and take all further action, that may be necessary or desirable in 
order to perfect and protect the pledge and lien granted or purported to be 
granted hereby or to enable the Holder to exercise and enforce its rights and 
remedies hereunder with respect to any Pledged Collateral.

          (d)  The Maker agrees that it will not (i) sell or otherwise 
dispose of, or grant any option or warrant with respect to, any of the 
Pledged Collateral, except as required pursuant to the Stockholders' 
Agreement, or (ii) create or permit to exist any lien, pledge, encumbrance or 
third-party right upon or with respect to any of the Pledged Collateral, 
except for those created by the Stockholders' Agreement and this Note.

     6.   EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES.

          (a)  EVENTS OF DEFAULT.  The occurrence of any of the following 
shall constitute an "Event of Default" under this Note:

               (i)  the Maker shall fail to pay when due (at maturity, by 
acceleration or otherwise) any payment of principal or interest payable under 
this Note;

               (ii)  any representation or warranty made by the Maker in this 
Note shall at any time prove to be incorrect in any material respect;

               (iii)  the Maker shall fail to observe or perform any 
obligation, covenant or other provision contained in this Note or the 
Stockholders' Agreement;

               (iv)  this Note shall at any time cease to be in full force 
and effect except in accordance with its terms or shall be declared null and 
void pursuant to a judicial or other governmental act, or the validity or 
enforceability thereof shall be contested;

               (v)  a "Termination Event" (as defined in Section 4.1 of the 
Stockholders' Agreement), other than a Termination Event described in Section 
4.1(a)(i) of the Stockholders' Agreement, shall have occurred with respect to 
the Maker; or

               (vi)  the Maker shall suffer or consent to or apply for the 
appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian or liquidator of any of his 
assets, or shall make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; or 
shall file a petition in bankruptcy in order to effect an arrangement with 
creditors or any other relief under any federal or state  bankruptcy law or 
other law granting or relating to relief for debtors, whether now or 
hereafter in effect ("Bankruptcy Law") or any petition or proceeding pursuant 
to any Bankruptcy Law is filed or commenced with respect to the Maker; the 
Maker shall be adjudicated a bankrupt, or an order for relief shall be 
entered by any court of competent jurisdiction under any Bankruptcy Law.

          (b)  ACCELERATION; OTHER REMEDIES.  If an Event of Default (other 
than an Event of Default specified in clause (vi) above) occurs and is 
continuing, then the Holder, by written notice to the Maker, may declare all 
unpaid principal of, and accrued interest on, this Note to be due and payable 
(in which event such principal and accrued interest shall be immediately due 
and payable). If an Event of Default specified in clause (vi) above occurs, 

                                       3
<PAGE>

all unpaid principal of, and accrued interest on, this Note shall IPSO FACTO 
and without notice of any kind become and be immediately due and payable 
without any declaration or other act on the part of the Holder.  If an Event 
of Default occurs and is continuing, in addition to acceleration as provided 
above, the Holder may exercise all rights and pursue all available remedies 
by proceeding at law or in equity to collect the payment of principal of 
and/or interest on this Note or to enforce the performance of any provision 
of the Note, such remedies being cumulative, non-exclusive, and enforceable 
alternatively, successively or concurrently.  Any delay or omission by the 
Holder in exercising any right or remedy accruing upon an Event of Default 
shall not impair such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of or 
acquiescence in such Event of Default.  Without limiting the generality of 
the foregoing, if any Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, 
the Holder may exercise in respect of the Pledged Collateral, in addition to 
other rights and remedies provided for herein or otherwise available to it, 
all the rights and remedies of a secured party after default under the 
Uniform Commercial Code as from time to time in effect in the State of New 
York (the "UCC"), subject to the provisions of the Stockholders' Agreement 
(including, without limitation, with respect to the valuation of the Pledged 
Collateral at its "Fair Market Value" determined in accordance with Section 
4.1 of the Stockholders' Agreement), and any notice required by the UCC to be 
given by the Holder to the Maker in respect of such action shall be deemed 
satisfied upon the giving of ten (10) days' prior written notice of such 
action to the Maker in accordance with the notice provisions set forth below.

     7.   SET-OFF.  In addition to any rights, powers or remedies now or 
hereafter granted under this Note or applicable law, and not by way of 
limitation of any such rights, powers or remedies, upon the occurrence and 
during the continuance of any Event of Default, the Holder is hereby 
authorized by the Maker at any time or from time to time, to the fullest 
extent permitted by applicable law, to set off, appropriate and apply all 
indebtedness or obligations owing by the Holder, MLA or any of their 
affiliates to or for the account of the Maker (including, without limitation, 
to the extent permitted by applicable law, bonus and other compensation 
payable by MLA or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates to the Maker, or any 
payment or Payment Note (as defined in Article IV of the Stockholders 
Agreement) issued or issuable to the Maker pursuant to the Stockholders' 
Agreement), against all of the obligations of the Maker to the Holder under 
this Note.

     8.   NO WAIVER BY THE HOLDER.  No delay, failure or discontinuance by or 
of the Holder in exercising any right, power or remedy under this Note or at 
law or equity shall affect or operate as a waiver of such right, power or 
remedy; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right, power or 
remedy preclude, waive or otherwise affect any other or further exercise 
thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy.  Any waiver, 
consent or approval of any kind by the Holder of any breach of or default 
under this Note must be in writing and shall be effective only in the 
instance and to the extent set forth in such writing. The rights and remedies 
provided herein are cumulative and not exclusive and are in addition to all 
others that may be provided by application of law and other agreements and 
documents.

     9.   WAIVER BY THE MAKER.  Except as otherwise expressly provided 
herein, the Maker hereby waives presentment, demand, notice, protest and all 
other demands and notices in connection with the delivery, acceptance, 
performance, default or enforcement of this Note.  

                                       4
<PAGE>

     10.  REPLACEMENT OF NOTE.  Upon receipt of evidence reasonably 
satisfactory to the Maker of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of 
this Note and, in the case of any loss, theft or destruction, upon delivery 
of an appropriate indemnification agreement from the Holder or, in the case 
of any such mutilation, upon surrender and cancellation of such Note, the 
Maker will promptly execute and deliver, in lieu thereof, a new Note of like 
tenor, dated the date to which interest on such lost, stolen, destroyed or 
mutilated Note has been paid.

     11.  RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS ABSOLUTE.  All rights of the Holder and 
security interests hereunder, and all obligations of the Maker hereunder, 
shall be absolute and unconditional irrespective of (i) any lack of validity 
or enforceability of any provision of this Note, the Stockholders' Agreement 
or any other agreement or instrument relating thereto; (ii) any other 
amendment or waiver of any term of, or any consent to any departure from any 
requirement of, this Note, the Stockholders' Agreement or any other document; 
or (iii) any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a defense 
available to, or a discharge of, a borrower or a pledgor.

     12.  GOVERNING LAW; CONSENT TO JURISDICTION. THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED 
BY AND CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF 
NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO ITS CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES.  THE MAKER HEREBY 
IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO THE JURISDICTION, VENUE AND FORUM OF ANY STATE OR 
FEDERAL COURT IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK, STATE OF NEW YORK WITH RESPECT TO ANY 
ACTION, WHETHER COMMENCED BY THE HOLDER OR ANY OTHER PERSON, TO THE EXTENT 
THE SAME ARISES UNDER OR RELATES TO THIS NOTE.

     13.  MISCELLANEOUS.

          (a)  FEES AND EXPENSES.  The Maker hereby agrees to pay all costs 
and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and 
expenses), expended or incurred by the Holder in connection with the 
enforcement of this Note, the collection of any sums due hereunder, any 
actions for declaratory relief in any way related to this Note, or the 
protection or preservation of any rights of the Holder hereunder.

          (b)  NOTICES.  Any notice or other communication required or 
permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be transmitted by 
messenger, delivery service, certified mail or facsimile, if (a) to the 
Maker, to Quentin P. Bourjeaurd, 1408 Northridge, Southlake, Texas 76052; and 
(b) if to the original Holder of this Note, to Tri-Star Aerospace, Co., 11535 
East Pine Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74136; Telecopier: (918) 234-7744; Attn: 
Chairman, (with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to Odyssey 
Partners, L.P., 31 West 52nd Street, New York, New York 10019; Telecopier: 
(212) 708-0750; Attn: Mr. Stephen Berger), or to such subsequent Holder or to 
such other address as a party shall designate in a written notice to the 
other parties hereto given in accordance with this Section.  All notices and 
other communications shall be effective (i) if sent by messenger or delivery 
service, when delivered, (ii) if sent certified mail from and to locations 
within the United States of America, five (5) days after having been sent by 
such mail, with return receipt requested, and (iii) if sent by facsimile 
(with record of successful transmission), when sent. 

                                       5
<PAGE>

          (c)  SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.  This Note shall be binding upon the 
Maker, his heirs, successors and permitted transferees and assigns.  The 
rights and benefits of the Holder under this Note shall inure to the benefit 
of its successors and assigns.  This Note may be assigned by the Holder from 
time to time without the consent of the Maker.  The Maker may not assign or 
delegate his obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the 
Holder, and any purported assignment without such consent shall be void and 
of no effect.

          (d)  SEVERABILITY. The terms and provisions of this Note are 
severable, and if any term or provision shall be determined to be superseded, 
illegal, invalid or otherwise unenforceable in whole or in part pursuant to 
applicable law by a governmental authority having jurisdiction over the 
matter, such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such 
prohibition or invalidity (and only in such jurisdictions where such 
provisions are determined to be prohibited or invalid) without in any way 
invalidating the remainder of such provision or any other term or provision 
of this Note.

          (e)  AMENDMENT.  Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, 
this Note may not be terminated, cancelled, amended, supplemented, restated 
or otherwise modified orally, and no amendment or modification of any term or 
provision of this Note shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the 
Holder. 

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned Maker has executed and delivered 
this Note to the Holder on the date and year first above written.

                              /s/ Quentin P. Bourjeaurd
                              -------------------------------------
                              Quentin P. Bourjeaurd (the "Maker")



                        CONSENT TO PLEDGE OF MLA STOCK

     Pursuant to Section 1.1(a) of the Stockholders' Agreement, Odyssey 
Partners, L.P. hereby consents to the pledge of the shares of Common Stock 
owned by the Maker to the Holder pursuant to, and as security for the Maker's 
obligations to the Holder under, this Note.


                              ODYSSEY PARTNERS, L.P.



                              By: /s/ Stephen Berger
                                  ---------------------------------
                              Name:   Stephen Berger
                              Title:  Partner


                                       6

<PAGE>

                            SECURED PROMISSORY NOTE


$75,000                                                            May 30, 1997

     FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned Charles Balchunas, an individual
residing at 1320 Fairfax Circle, Lantana, Florida 33436 ("Maker"), hereby
promises to pay to the order of Tri-Star Aerospace, Co., a Delaware
corporation, or its successors and assigns (the "Holder"), the principal sum
of Seventy Five Thousand Dollars ($75,000) on May 30, 2002 (the "Maturity
Date"), and to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of this Note as
set forth in Section 2 below from the date hereof until such principal amount
is paid in full.

     1.   CERTAIN DEFINED TERMS.  As used in this Note, the following terms
shall have the following meanings:

     "COMMON STOCK" means shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share,
of MLA.

     "MLA" means Maple Leaf Aerospace, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

     "STOCKHOLDERS' AGREEMENT" means that certain Amended and Restated
Management Stockholders and Optionholders Agreement, dated as of September
19, 1996, as amended and restated as of April 29, 1997, among MLA and its
stockholders and optionholders (including the Maker) party thereto, as the
same may be amended from time to time pursuant to its terms.

     2.   INTEREST.  Interest (computed on the basis of a 360 day year
comprised of twelve (12) months of thirty (30) days each, for the actual
number of days elapsed in the period for which interest is being computed) on
the unpaid principal amount of this Note shall be payable semi-annually, in
arrears, at the rate of 6.74% per annum from the date hereof to and including
the Maturity Date. Interest shall be due and payable on the first day of
April and October of each year for so long as amounts are outstanding under
this Note, commencing with the first interest payment being due and payable
on October 1, 1997.  If any interest payment date or the Maturity Date shall
not be a day on which commercial banks in New York, New York are required to
be open for business (a "Business Day"), then the payment that would
otherwise become due and payable on such date shall instead become due and
payable on the next succeeding Business Day; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that such
extension of time shall be included in the computation of interest due in
conjunction with such payment.  Each payment of principal or interest
hereunder shall be paid in immediately available funds.

     3.   PREPAYMENT.

          (a)  AT THE OPTION OF THE MAKER.  The Maker may prepay the
principal amount of this Note without premium or penalty at any time or from
time to time. Each such prepayment of principal shall be accompanied by the
payment of all accrued and unpaid interest on the amount so prepaid to the
date of prepayment.

          (b)  MANDATORY PREPAYMENT.  The outstanding principal of and
interest on this Note shall be immediately due and payable in full, without
the requirement of any notice

<PAGE>

or demand of any kind, upon any sale, transfer or other disposition by the
Maker (pursuant to the provisions of the Stockholders' Agreement or
otherwise, but excluding any permitted transfer effected pursuant to Section
1.1(c) of the Stockholders' Agreement) of shares of Common Stock (including
the Pledged Shares (as defined in Section 5(a) below)) owned by the Maker
from time to time, and the Maker hereby covenants and agrees that any and all
proceeds from any such sale, transfer or other disposition of Common Stock
shall be promptly paid to the Holder and first applied toward the payment of
the principal of and interest on this Note, until such principal and interest
are paid in full, before any of such proceeds are retained by the Maker or
any other person or entity.

     4.   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE MAKER.

          The Maker hereby represents and warrants to the Holder of this Note
as follows:

          (a)  The Maker has the legal capacity to execute, deliver and
perform this Note.  This Note has been duly executed and delivered by the
Maker, and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Maker,
enforceable in accordance with its terms (except as enforceability may be
limited by applicable bankruptcy or insolvency laws and general principles of
equity).

          (b)  The Maker is the legal and beneficial owner of 864 shares of
Common Stock, free and clear of any lien, pledge, encumbrance or third-party
right, except as created by the Stockholders' Agreement or this Note.

          (c)  The pledge of the Pledged Shares pursuant to Section 5 hereof
creates a valid and perfected first priority security interest in the Pledged
Shares in favor of the Holder securing the payment of all of the obligations
of the Maker under this Note.  No consent, authorization, approval, or other
action by, and no notice to or filing with, any governmental authority or
other party is required for the pledge by the Maker of the Pledged Shares
pursuant to this Note or for the due execution, delivery or performance of
this Note by the Maker.

     5.   PLEDGE.

          (a)  The Maker hereby pledges to the Holder, and grants to the
Holder a security interest in, the following (the "Pledged Collateral"): (i)
864 shares of Common Stock subscribed for by the Maker (as the same may be
reclassified or changed pursuant to a stock split, stock dividend,
reorganization, merger or otherwise, the "Pledged Shares"), and (ii) the
certificates representing the Pledged Shares.  The foregoing pledge secures,
and the Pledged Collateral is security for, the full and prompt payment when
due (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) of, and the
performance of, the obligations of the Maker under this Note, whether
principal, interest, fees, expenses or otherwise. The foregoing pledge shall
create a continuing security interest in the Pledged Collateral and shall (A)
remain in full force and effect until payment in full of the obligations of
the Maker under this Note and (B) be binding upon the Maker, his heirs,
successors and permitted assigns.

                                       2
<PAGE>

          (b)  All certificates or instruments representing or evidencing the
Pledged Collateral shall be delivered to and held by or on behalf of the
Holder and shall be in suitable form for transfer by delivery, or shall be
accompanied by duly executed instruments of transfer or assignment in blank,
all in form and substance satisfactory to the Holder.  The Holder shall have
the right, at any time in its discretion and without notice to the Maker, to
transfer to or to register in its name or in the name of any of its nominees
any or all of the Pledged Collateral.  In addition, the Holder shall have the
right at any time to exchange certificates or instruments representing or
evidencing any of the Pledged Collateral for certificates or instruments of
smaller or larger denominations.

          (c)  The Maker agrees that at any time and from time to time, the
Maker will promptly execute and deliver all further instruments and
documents, and take all further action, that may be necessary or desirable in
order to perfect and protect the pledge and lien granted or purported to be
granted hereby or to enable the Holder to exercise and enforce its rights and
remedies hereunder with respect to any Pledged Collateral.

          (d)  The Maker agrees that it will not (i) sell or otherwise
dispose of, or grant any option or warrant with respect to, any of the
Pledged Collateral, except as required pursuant to the Stockholders'
Agreement, or (ii) create or permit to exist any lien, pledge, encumbrance or
third-party right upon or with respect to any of the Pledged Collateral,
except for those created by the Stockholders' Agreement and this Note.

     6.   EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES.

          (a)  EVENTS OF DEFAULT.  The occurrence of any of the following
shall constitute an "Event of Default" under this Note:

               (i)  the Maker shall fail to pay when due (at maturity, by
acceleration or otherwise) any payment of principal or interest payable under
this Note;

               (ii)  any representation or warranty made by the Maker in this
Note shall at any time prove to be incorrect in any material respect;

               (iii)  the Maker shall fail to observe or perform any
obligation, covenant or other provision contained in this Note or the
Stockholders' Agreement;

               (iv)  this Note shall at any time cease to be in full force
and effect except in accordance with its terms or shall be declared null and
void pursuant to a judicial or other governmental act, or the validity or
enforceability thereof shall be contested;

               (v)  a "Termination Event" (as defined in Section 4.1 of the
Stockholders' Agreement), other than a Termination Event described in Section
4.1(a)(i) of the Stockholders' Agreement, shall have occurred with respect to
the Maker; or

               (vi)  the Maker shall suffer or consent to or apply for the
appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian or liquidator of any of his
assets, or shall make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; or
shall file a petition in bankruptcy in order to effect an arrangement with
creditors or any other relief under any federal or state bankruptcy law

                                       3
<PAGE>

or other law granting or relating to relief for debtors, whether now or
hereafter in effect ("Bankruptcy Law") or any petition or proceeding pursuant
to any Bankruptcy Law is filed or commenced with respect to the Maker; the
Maker shall be adjudicated a bankrupt, or an order for relief shall be
entered by any court of competent jurisdiction under any Bankruptcy Law.

          (b)  ACCELERATION; OTHER REMEDIES.  If an Event of Default (other
than an Event of Default specified in clause (vi) above) occurs and is
continuing, then the Holder, by written notice to the Maker, may declare all
unpaid principal of, and accrued interest on, this Note to be due and payable
(in which event such principal and accrued interest shall be immediately due
and payable). If an Event of Default specified in clause (vi) above occurs,
all unpaid principal of, and accrued interest on, this Note shall IPSO FACTO
and without notice of any kind become and be immediately due and payable
without any declaration or other act on the part of the Holder.  If an Event
of Default occurs and is continuing, in addition to acceleration as provided
above, the Holder may exercise all rights and pursue all available remedies
by proceeding at law or in equity to collect the payment of principal of
and/or interest on this Note or to enforce the performance of any provision
of the Note, such remedies being cumulative, non-exclusive, and enforceable
alternatively, successively or concurrently.  Any delay or omission by the
Holder in exercising any right or remedy accruing upon an Event of Default
shall not impair such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of or
acquiescence in such Event of Default.  Without limiting the generality of
the foregoing, if any Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing,
the Holder may exercise in respect of the Pledged Collateral, in addition to
other rights and remedies provided for herein or otherwise available to it,
all the rights and remedies of a secured party after default under the
Uniform Commercial Code as from time to time in effect in the State of New
York (the "UCC"), subject to the provisions of the Stockholders' Agreement
(including, without limitation, with respect to the valuation of the Pledged
Collateral at its "Fair Market Value" determined in accordance with Section
4.1 of the Stockholders' Agreement), and any notice required by the UCC to be
given by the Holder to the Maker in respect of such action shall be deemed
satisfied upon the giving of ten (10) days' prior written notice of such
action to the Maker in accordance with the notice provisions set forth below.

     7.   SET-OFF.  In addition to any rights, powers or remedies now or
hereafter granted under this Note or applicable law, and not by way of
limitation of any such rights, powers or remedies, upon the occurrence and
during the continuance of any Event of Default, the Holder is hereby
authorized by the Maker at any time or from time to time, to the fullest
extent permitted by applicable law, to set off, appropriate and apply all
indebtedness or obligations owing by the Holder, MLA or any of their
affiliates to or for the account of the Maker (including, without limitation,
to the extent permitted by applicable law, bonus and other compensation
payable by MLA or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates to the Maker, or any
payment or Payment Note (as defined in Article IV of the Stockholders
Agreement) issued or issuable to the Maker pursuant to the Stockholders'
Agreement), against all of the obligations of the Maker to the Holder under
this Note.

     8.   NO WAIVER BY THE HOLDER.  No delay, failure or discontinuance by or
of the Holder in exercising any right, power or remedy under this Note or at
law or equity shall affect or operate as a waiver of such right, power or
remedy; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right, power or
remedy preclude, waive or otherwise affect any other or further exercise
thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy.  Any waiver,

                                       4
<PAGE>

consent or approval of any kind by the Holder of any breach of or default
under this Note must be in writing and shall be effective only in the
instance and to the extent set forth in such writing. The rights and remedies
provided herein are cumulative and not exclusive and are in addition to all
others that may be provided by application of law and other agreements and
documents.

     9.   WAIVER BY THE MAKER.  Except as otherwise expressly provided
herein, the Maker hereby waives presentment, demand, notice, protest and all
other demands and notices in connection with the delivery, acceptance,
performance, default or enforcement of this Note.


     10.  REPLACEMENT OF NOTE.  Upon receipt of evidence reasonably
satisfactory to the Maker of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of
this Note and, in the case of any loss, theft or destruction, upon delivery
of an appropriate indemnification agreement from the Holder or, in the case
of any such mutilation, upon surrender and cancellation of such Note, the
Maker will promptly execute and deliver, in lieu thereof, a new Note of like
tenor, dated the date to which interest on such lost, stolen, destroyed or
mutilated Note has been paid.

     11.  RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS ABSOLUTE.  All rights of the Holder and
security interests hereunder, and all obligations of the Maker hereunder,
shall be absolute and unconditional irrespective of (i) any lack of validity
or enforceability of any provision of this Note, the Stockholders' Agreement
or any other agreement or instrument relating thereto; (ii) any other
amendment or waiver of any term of, or any consent to any departure from any
requirement of, this Note, the Stockholders' Agreement or any other document;
or (iii) any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a defense
available to, or a discharge of, a borrower or a pledgor.

     12.  GOVERNING LAW; CONSENT TO JURISDICTION. THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED
BY AND CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF
NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO ITS CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES.  THE MAKER HEREBY
IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO THE JURISDICTION, VENUE AND FORUM OF ANY STATE OR
FEDERAL COURT IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK, STATE OF NEW YORK WITH RESPECT TO ANY
ACTION, WHETHER COMMENCED BY THE HOLDER OR ANY OTHER PERSON, TO THE EXTENT
THE SAME ARISES UNDER OR RELATES TO THIS NOTE.

     13.  MISCELLANEOUS.

          (a)  FEES AND EXPENSES.  The Maker hereby agrees to pay all costs
and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and
expenses), expended or incurred by the Holder in connection with the
enforcement of this Note, the collection of any sums due hereunder, any
actions for declaratory relief in any way related to this Note, or the
protection or preservation of any rights of the Holder hereunder.

          (b)  NOTICES.  Any notice or other communication required or
permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be transmitted by
messenger, delivery service, certified mail or facsimile, if (a) to the
Maker, to his address set forth above in the first paragraph of this Note;
and (b) if to the original Holder of this Note, to Tri-Star Aerospace, Co.,
11535 East Pine Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74136; Telecopier: (918) 234-7744;
Attn: Chairman, (with

                                       5
<PAGE>

a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to Odyssey Partners, L.P., 31 West
52nd Street, New York, New York 10019; Telecopier: (212) 708-0750; Attn: Mr.
Stephen Berger), or to such subsequent Holder or to such other address as a
party shall designate in a written notice to the other parties hereto given
in accordance with this Section.  All notices and other communications shall
be effective (i) if sent by messenger or delivery service, when delivered,
(ii) if sent certified mail from and to locations within the United States of
America, five (5) days after having been sent by such mail, with return
receipt requested, and (iii) if sent by facsimile (with record of successful
transmission), when sent.

          (c)  SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.  This Note shall be binding upon the
Maker, his heirs, successors and permitted transferees and assigns.  The
rights and benefits of the Holder under this Note shall inure to the benefit
of its successors and assigns.  The Maker may not assign or delegate his
obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Holder, and
any purported assignment without such consent shall be void and of no effect.

          (d)  SEVERABILITY. The terms and provisions of this Note are
severable, and if any term or provision shall be determined to be superseded,
illegal, invalid or otherwise unenforceable in whole or in part pursuant to
applicable law by a governmental authority having jurisdiction over the
matter, such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such
prohibition or invalidity (and only in such jurisdictions where such
provisions are determined to be prohibited or invalid) without in any way
invalidating the remainder of such provision or any other term or provision
of this Note.

          (e)  AMENDMENT.  Except as otherwise expressly provided herein,
this Note may not be terminated, cancelled, amended, supplemented, restated
or otherwise modified orally, and no amendment or modification of any term or
provision of this Note shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the
Holder.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned Maker has executed and delivered
this Note to the Holder on the date and year first above written.


                              /s/ Charles Balchunas
                              -------------------------------------
                              Charles Balchunas (the "Maker")


                        CONSENT TO PLEDGE OF MLA STOCK

     Pursuant to Section 1.1(a) of the Stockholders' Agreement, Odyssey
Partners, L.P. hereby consents to the pledge of the shares of Common Stock
owned by the Maker to the Holder pursuant to, and as security for the Maker's
obligations to the Holder under, this Note.


                              ODYSSEY PARTNERS, L.P.


                              By: /s/ Stephen Berger
                                  ---------------------------------
                              Name:   Stephen Berger
                              Title:  Partner



                                       6

<PAGE>

                           SECURED PROMISSORY NOTE


$75,000                                                            May 30, 1997

     FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned Louis Partenza, an individual 
residing at 729 Heritage Way, Weston, Florida 33326 ("Maker"), hereby 
promises to pay to the order of Tri-Star Aerospace, Co., a Delaware 
corporation, or its successors and assigns (the "Holder"), the principal sum 
of Seventy Five Thousand Dollars ($75,000) on May 30, 2002 (the "Maturity 
Date"), and to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of this Note as 
set forth in Section 2 below from the date hereof until such principal amount 
is paid in full. 

     1.   CERTAIN DEFINED TERMS.  As used in this Note, the following terms 
shall have the following meanings:

     "COMMON STOCK" means shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, 
of MLA.

     "MLA" means Maple Leaf Aerospace, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

     "STOCKHOLDERS' AGREEMENT" means that certain Amended and Restated 
Management Stockholders and Optionholders Agreement, dated as of September 
19, 1996, as amended and restated as of April 29, 1997, among MLA and its 
stockholders and optionholders (including the Maker) party thereto, as the 
same may be amended from time to time pursuant to its terms.

     2.   INTEREST.  Interest (computed on the basis of a 360 day year 
comprised of twelve (12) months of thirty (30) days each, for the actual 
number of days elapsed in the period for which interest is being computed) on 
the unpaid principal amount of this Note shall be payable semi-annually, in 
arrears, at the rate of 6.74% per annum from the date hereof to and including 
the Maturity Date. Interest shall be due and payable on the first day of 
April and October of each year for so long as amounts are outstanding under 
this Note, commencing with the first interest payment being due and payable 
on October 1, 1997.  If any interest payment date or the Maturity Date shall 
not be a day on which commercial banks in New York, New York are required to 
be open for business (a "Business Day"), then the payment that would 
otherwise become due and payable on such date shall instead become due and 
payable on the next succeeding Business Day; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that such 
extension of time shall be included in the computation of interest due in 
conjunction with such payment.  Each payment of principal or interest 
hereunder shall be paid in immediately available funds.

     3.   PREPAYMENT.

          (a)  AT THE OPTION OF THE MAKER.  The Maker may prepay the 
principal amount of this Note without premium or penalty at any time or from 
time to time. Each such prepayment of principal shall be accompanied by the 
payment of all accrued and unpaid interest on the amount so prepaid to the 
date of prepayment.

          (b)  MANDATORY PREPAYMENT.  The outstanding principal of and 
interest on this Note shall be immediately due and payable in full, without 
the requirement of any notice or demand of any kind, upon any sale, transfer 
or other disposition by the Maker (pursuant to 

<PAGE>

the provisions of the Stockholders' Agreement or otherwise, but excluding any 
permitted transfer effected pursuant to Section 1.1(c) of the Stockholders' 
Agreement) of shares of Common Stock (including the Pledged Shares (as 
defined in Section 5(a) below)) owned by the Maker from time to time, and the 
Maker hereby covenants and agrees that any and all proceeds from any such 
sale, transfer or other disposition of Common Stock shall be promptly paid to 
the Holder and first applied toward the payment of the principal of and 
interest on this Note, until such principal and interest are paid in full, 
before any of such proceeds are retained by the Maker or any other person or 
entity.

     4.   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE MAKER.

          The Maker hereby represents and warrants to the Holder of this Note 
as follows:

          (a)  The Maker has the legal capacity to execute, deliver and 
perform this Note.  This Note has been duly executed and delivered by the 
Maker, and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Maker, 
enforceable in accordance with its terms (except as enforceability may be 
limited by applicable bankruptcy or insolvency laws and general principles of 
equity).

          (b)  The Maker is the legal and beneficial owner of 432 shares of 
Common Stock, free and clear of any lien, pledge, encumbrance or third-party 
right, except as created by the Stockholders' Agreement or this Note.

          (c)  The pledge of the Pledged Shares (as defined in Section 5(a) 
below) pursuant to Section 5 hereof creates a valid and perfected first 
priority security interest in the Pledged Shares in favor of the Holder 
securing the payment of all of the obligations of the Maker under this Note.  
No consent, authorization, approval, or other action by, and no notice to or 
filing with, any governmental authority or other party is required for the 
pledge by the Maker of the Pledged Shares pursuant to this Note or for the 
due execution, delivery or performance of this Note by the Maker.

     5.   PLEDGE.

          (a)  The Maker hereby pledges to the Holder, and grants to the 
Holder a security interest in, the following (the "Pledged Collateral"): (i) 
432 shares of Common Stock subscribed for by the Maker (as the same may be 
reclassified or changed pursuant to a stock split, stock dividend, 
reorganization, merger or otherwise, the "Pledged Shares"), and (ii) the 
certificates representing the Pledged Shares.  The foregoing pledge secures, 
and the Pledged Collateral is security for, the full and prompt payment when 
due (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) of, and the 
performance of, the obligations of the Maker under this Note, whether 
principal, interest, fees, expenses or otherwise. The foregoing pledge shall 
create a continuing security interest in the Pledged Collateral and shall (A) 
remain in full force and effect until payment in full of the obligations of 
the Maker under this Note and (B) be binding upon the Maker, his heirs, 
successors and permitted assigns.

          (b)  All certificates or instruments representing or evidencing the 
Pledged Collateral shall be delivered to and held by or on behalf of the 
Holder and shall be in suitable 

                                       2
<PAGE>

form for transfer by delivery, or shall be accompanied by duly executed 
instruments of transfer or assignment in blank, all in form and substance 
satisfactory to the Holder.  The Holder shall have the right, at any time in 
its discretion and without notice to the Maker, to transfer to or to register 
in its name or in the name of any of its nominees any or all of the Pledged 
Collateral.  In addition, the Holder shall have the right at any time to 
exchange certificates or instruments representing or evidencing any of the 
Pledged Collateral for certificates or instruments of smaller or larger 
denominations.

          (c)  The Maker agrees that at any time and from time to time, the 
Maker will promptly execute and deliver all further instruments and 
documents, and take all further action, that may be necessary or desirable in 
order to perfect and protect the pledge and lien granted or purported to be 
granted hereby or to enable the Holder to exercise and enforce its rights and 
remedies hereunder with respect to any Pledged Collateral.

          (d)  The Maker agrees that it will not (i) sell or otherwise 
dispose of, or grant any option or warrant with respect to, any of the 
Pledged Collateral, except as required pursuant to the Stockholders' 
Agreement, or (ii) create or permit to exist any lien, pledge, encumbrance or 
third-party right upon or with respect to any of the Pledged Collateral, 
except for those created by the Stockholders' Agreement and this Note.

     6.   EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES.

          (a)  EVENTS OF DEFAULT.  The occurrence of any of the following 
shall constitute an "Event of Default" under this Note:

               (i)  the Maker shall fail to pay when due (at maturity, by 
acceleration or otherwise) any payment of principal or interest payable under 
this Note;

               (ii)  any representation or warranty made by the Maker in this 
Note shall at any time prove to be incorrect in any material respect;

               (iii)  the Maker shall fail to observe or perform any 
obligation, covenant or other provision contained in this Note or the 
Stockholders' Agreement;

               (iv)  this Note shall at any time cease to be in full force 
and effect except in accordance with its terms or shall be declared null and 
void pursuant to a judicial or other governmental act, or the validity or 
enforceability thereof shall be contested;

               (v)  a "Termination Event" (as defined in Section 4.1 of the 
Stockholders' Agreement), other than a Termination Event described in Section 
4.1(a)(i) of the Stockholders' Agreement, shall have occurred with respect to 
the Maker; or

               (vi)  the Maker shall suffer or consent to or apply for the 
appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian or liquidator of any of his 
assets, or shall make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; or 
shall file a petition in bankruptcy in order to effect an arrangement with 
creditors or any other relief under any federal or state bankruptcy law or 
other law granting or relating to relief for debtors, whether now or 
hereafter in effect ("Bankruptcy Law") or any petition or proceeding pursuant 
to any Bankruptcy Law is filed or 

                                       3
<PAGE>

commenced with respect to the Maker; the Maker shall be adjudicated a 
bankrupt, or an order for relief shall be entered by any court of competent 
jurisdiction under any Bankruptcy Law.

          (b)  ACCELERATION; OTHER REMEDIES.  If an Event of Default (other 
than an Event of Default specified in clause (vi) above) occurs and is 
continuing, then the Holder, by written notice to the Maker, may declare all 
unpaid principal of, and accrued interest on, this Note to be due and payable 
(in which event such principal and accrued interest shall be immediately due 
and payable). If an Event of Default specified in clause (vi) above occurs, 
all unpaid principal of, and accrued interest on, this Note shall IPSO FACTO 
and without notice of any kind become and be immediately due and payable 
without any declaration or other act on the part of the Holder.  If an Event 
of Default occurs and is continuing, in addition to acceleration as provided 
above, the Holder may exercise all rights and pursue all available remedies 
by proceeding at law or in equity to collect the payment of principal of 
and/or interest on this Note or to enforce the performance of any provision 
of the Note, such remedies being cumulative, non-exclusive, and enforceable 
alternatively, successively or concurrently.  Any delay or omission by the 
Holder in exercising any right or remedy accruing upon an Event of Default 
shall not impair such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of or 
acquiescence in such Event of Default.  Without limiting the generality of 
the foregoing, if any Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, 
the Holder may exercise in respect of the Pledged Collateral, in addition to 
other rights and remedies provided for herein or otherwise available to it, 
all the rights and remedies of a secured party after default under the 
Uniform Commercial Code as from time to time in effect in the State of New 
York (the "UCC"), subject to the provisions of the Stockholders' Agreement 
(including, without limitation, with respect to the valuation of the Pledged 
Collateral at its "Fair Market Value" determined in accordance with Section 
4.1 of the Stockholders' Agreement), and any notice required by the UCC to be 
given by the Holder to the Maker in respect of such action shall be deemed 
satisfied upon the giving of ten (10) days' prior written notice of such 
action to the Maker in accordance with the notice provisions set forth below.

     7.   SET-OFF.  In addition to any rights, powers or remedies now or 
hereafter granted under this Note or applicable law, and not by way of 
limitation of any such rights, powers or remedies, upon the occurrence and 
during the continuance of any Event of Default, the Holder is hereby 
authorized by the Maker at any time or from time to time, to the fullest 
extent permitted by applicable law, to set off, appropriate and apply all 
indebtedness or obligations owing by the Holder, MLA or any of their 
affiliates to or for the account of the Maker (including, without limitation, 
to the extent permitted by applicable law, bonus and other compensation 
payable by MLA or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates to the Maker, or any 
payment or Payment Note (as defined in Article IV of the Stockholders 
Agreement) issued or issuable to the Maker pursuant to the Stockholders' 
Agreement), against all of the obligations of the Maker to the Holder under 
this Note.

     8.   NO WAIVER BY THE HOLDER.  No delay, failure or discontinuance by or 
of the Holder in exercising any right, power or remedy under this Note or at 
law or equity shall affect or operate as a waiver of such right, power or 
remedy; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right, power or 
remedy preclude, waive or otherwise affect any other or further exercise 
thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy.  Any waiver, 
consent or approval of any kind by the Holder of any breach of or default 
under this Note must be in writing and shall be effective only in the 
instance and to the extent set forth in 

                                       4
<PAGE>

such writing. The rights and remedies provided herein are cumulative and not 
exclusive and are in addition to all others that may be provided by 
application of law and other agreements and documents.

     9.   WAIVER BY THE MAKER.  Except as otherwise expressly provided 
herein, the Maker hereby waives presentment, demand, notice, protest and all 
other demands and notices in connection with the delivery, acceptance, 
performance, default or enforcement of this Note.

     10.  REPLACEMENT OF NOTE.  Upon receipt of evidence reasonably 
satisfactory to the Maker of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of 
this Note and, in the case of any loss, theft or destruction, upon delivery 
of an appropriate indemnification agreement from the Holder or, in the case 
of any such mutilation, upon surrender and cancellation of such Note, the 
Maker will promptly execute and deliver, in lieu thereof, a new Note of like 
tenor, dated the date to which interest on such lost, stolen, destroyed or 
mutilated Note has been paid.

     11.  RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS ABSOLUTE.  All rights of the Holder and 
security interests hereunder, and all obligations of the Maker hereunder, 
shall be absolute and unconditional irrespective of (i) any lack of validity 
or enforceability of any provision of this Note, the Stockholders' Agreement 
or any other agreement or instrument relating thereto; (ii) any other 
amendment or waiver of any term of, or any consent to any departure from any 
requirement of, this Note, the Stockholders' Agreement or any other document; 
or (iii) any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a defense 
available to, or a discharge of, a borrower or a pledgor.

     12.  GOVERNING LAW; CONSENT TO JURISDICTION. THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED 
BY AND CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF 
NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO ITS CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES.  THE MAKER HEREBY 
IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO THE JURISDICTION, VENUE AND FORUM OF ANY STATE OR 
FEDERAL COURT IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK, STATE OF NEW YORK WITH RESPECT TO ANY 
ACTION, WHETHER COMMENCED BY THE HOLDER OR ANY OTHER PERSON, TO THE EXTENT 
THE SAME ARISES UNDER OR RELATES TO THIS NOTE.

     13.  MISCELLANEOUS.

          (a)  FEES AND EXPENSES.  The Maker hereby agrees to pay all costs 
and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and 
expenses), expended or incurred by the Holder in connection with the 
enforcement of this Note, the collection of any sums due hereunder, any 
actions for declaratory relief in any way related to this Note, or the 
protection or preservation of any rights of the Holder hereunder.

          (b)  NOTICES.  Any notice or other communication required or 
permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be transmitted by 
messenger, delivery service, certified mail or facsimile, if (a) to the 
Maker, to his address set forth above in the first paragraph of this Note; 
and (b) if to the original Holder of this Note, to Tri-Star Aerospace, Co., 
11535 East Pine Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74136; Telecopier: (918) 234-7744; 
Attn: Chairman, (with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to Odyssey 
Partners, L.P., 31 West 52nd Street, New York, New York 10019; Telecopier: 
(212) 708-0750; Attn: Mr. Stephen Berger), or to 

                                       5
<PAGE>

such subsequent Holder or to such other address as a party shall designate in 
a written notice to the other parties hereto given in accordance with this 
Section.  All notices and other communications shall be effective (i) if sent 
by messenger or delivery service, when delivered, (ii) if sent certified mail 
from and to locations within the United States of America, five (5) days 
after having been sent by such mail, with return receipt requested, and (iii) 
if sent by facsimile (with record of successful transmission), when sent. 

          (c)  SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.  This Note shall be binding upon the 
Maker, his heirs, successors and permitted transferees and assigns.  The 
rights and benefits of the Holder under this Note shall inure to the benefit 
of its successors and assigns.  The Maker may not assign or delegate his 
obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Holder, and 
any purported assignment without such consent shall be void and of no effect.

          (d)  SEVERABILITY. The terms and provisions of this Note are 
severable, and if any term or provision shall be determined to be superseded, 
illegal, invalid or otherwise unenforceable in whole or in part pursuant to 
applicable law by a governmental authority having jurisdiction over the 
matter, such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such 
prohibition or invalidity (and only in such jurisdictions where such 
provisions are determined to be prohibited or invalid) without in any way 
invalidating the remainder of such provision or any other term or provision 
of this Note.

          (e)  AMENDMENT.  Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, 
this Note may not be terminated, cancelled, amended, supplemented, restated 
or otherwise modified orally, and no amendment or modification of any term or 
provision of this Note shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the 
Holder. 

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned Maker has executed and delivered 
this Note to the Holder on the date and year first above written.



                              /s/ Louis Partenza 
                              -------------------------------------
                              Louis Partenza (the "Maker")



                         CONSENT TO PLEDGE OF MLA STOCK

     Pursuant to Section 1.1(a) of the Stockholders' Agreement, Odyssey 
Partners, L.P. hereby consents to the pledge of the shares of Common Stock 
owned by the Maker to the Holder pursuant to, and as security for the Maker's 
obligations to the Holder under, this Note.


                              ODYSSEY PARTNERS, L.P.


                              By: /s/ Stephen Berger
                                  ---------------------------------
                              Name:   Stephen Berger
                              Title:  Partner



                                       6


<PAGE>
                                       
                           MAPLE LEAF AEROSPACE, INC.
                                1408 Northridge
                            Southlake, Texas  76092


                               September 19, 1996



Mr. Quentin Bourjeaurd
1408 Northridge
Southlake, Texas  76092

          Re:  TRANSACTION FEE

Dear Mr. Bourjeaurd:

          As consideration for your services in assisting Maple Leaf 
Aerospace, Inc. (the "Company") in coordinating, structuring and consummating 
the simultaneous acquisitions (collectively, the "Acquisition") of Tri-Star 
Aerospace, Inc. and the fastener distribution division of Aviall Services, 
Inc. (the "Aviall Division"), the Company hereby agrees to pay to you a fee 
in the aggregate amount of $2,560,000 (the "Consulting Fee").  Such 
Consulting Fee shall be paid by the Company in installments payable from time 
to time as shall be determined by the Company's Board of Directors. The 
Company may pay any or all of the unpaid portion of the Consulting Fee at any 
time within the two year period ended September 19, 1998.

          Please execute this letter agreement in the space provided below to 
indicate your acceptance of the terms hereof.  

                                       MAPLE LEAF AEROSPACE, INC.


                                       By: /s/ Stephen Berger
                                          -------------------------------------
                                          Chairman of the Board

AGREED AND ACCEPTED:

/s/ Quentin Bourjeaurd
- ------------------------------------
Quentin Bourjeaurd



<PAGE>
                                       
                                RICHARD P. SMALL
                          3736 NORTH QUAIL RIDGE DRIVE
                          BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA  33436


                               September 19, 1996



Tri-Star Aerospace Inc.
11535 East Pine Street
Tulsa, Oklahoma  74116

Tri-Star Aerospace Co.
1408 Northridge
South Lake, Texas  76052

          Re:  AGREEMENT REGARDING LIFE INSURANCE

Gentlemen:

          In consideration of my being permitted to purchase the cash value 
life insurance policy on my life (the "Policy") from the Tri-Star Aerospace 
Welfare Benefit Trust (the "Trust") at a price equal to the cash value, I 
agree to accept the assignment of the Policy with its cash value as the full 
benefit to which I am entitled under the Trust and agree to indemnify and 
hold harmless Tri-Star Aerospace Co. ("Aerospace") and Tri-State Aerospace, 
Inc. ("Tri-Star") their successors and assigns, from any and all liabilities 
and expenses arising from claims brought by myself or anyone on behalf of 
myself, my estate or my beneficiaries in connection with benefits due me from 
the Trust or any claim I might have that I am entitled to residual assets of 
the Trust.

          I understand that such purchase must comply with Department of 
Labor PTE 92-6.

          Further, I understand that Aerospace or Tri-Star will cause the 
Trust to pay medical, disability or other appropriate benefits for active 
employees of Aerospace, either in lieu of, or in addition to life insurance 
benefits, and that the initial payment of such benefits shall be from the 
assets of the Trust. In addition, I understand that Aerospace or Tri-Star 
will reimburse me up to the amount paid by me to the Trust for the Policy, 
such reimbursement to be paid

<PAGE>

Tri-Star Aerospace Co.
September 19, 1996
Page 2


as payments are made out of the assets of the Trust for medical, disability 
or other benefits pursuant to the foregoing sentence or, in advance of such 
payments to the extent that Tri-Star determines that it will receive, within 
the fiscal year in which such amounts are paid to me, the benefits of such 
payments.

          Independent of the indemnifications set forth in the Agreement and 
Plan of Merger, dated as of August 28, 1996, by and among Maple Leaf 
Aerospace, Inc., Aerospace Merger Sub I, Inc., Tri-Star Aerospace, Inc. and 
others (the "Merger Agreement"), and not subject to the limitations of the 
indemnifications set forth therein, I agree to indemnify Aerospace and 
Tri-Star if the use of the cash payment received by the Trust for the cash 
value of life insurance on my life to pay such medical, disability or other 
appropriate benefits for active employees of Aerospace is determined to be a 
reversion subject to excise tax under Section 4976 of the Internal Revenue 
Code.  The amount of such indemnification shall be equal to the amount by 
which such excise tax payable by Aerospace or Tri-Star would exceed 60% of 
the assets of the Trust at the closing of the merger in excess of the cash 
value of the life insurance on my life.

          In order to avoid any issue as to the sufficiency of the 
consideration received for this indemnification, this indemnification is 
provided to induce consummation of the transactions contemplated by the 
Merger Agreement.

                                       Very truly yours,


                                       /s/ Richard P. Small
                                       --------------------------------
                                       Richard P. Small

AGREED AND ACCEPTED:


Tri-Star Aerospace, Inc.

By: /s/ Quentin Bourjeaurd
   ---------------------------


Tri-Star Aerospace Co.

By: /s/ Quentin Bourjeaurd
   ---------------------------



                                       2


<PAGE>
                                       
                              AMENDED AND RESTATED
                         EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT


          AGREEMENT, dated as of December 2, 1996, by and between Tri-Star 
Aerospace Co., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and Richard P. Small 
(the "Executive").

          WHEREAS, the Executive was the Chief Executive Officer and 
controlling shareholder of Tri-Star Aerospace, Inc. ("Tri-Star") prior to the 
acquisition of Tri-Star by the Company (the "Acquisition");

          WHEREAS, the Company desires to retain the Executive to provide 
certain management and consulting services as described herein, and the 
Executive desires to provide his services to the Company in such capacity, on 
the terms and conditions set forth herein;

          WHEREAS, the Executive performed advisory services to the Company 
in connection with coordinating, structuring and consummating the Acquisition 
(the "Advisory Services") and the Company and the Executive have agreed the 
Executive shall receive compensation for such services as provided herein;

          NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the respective 
covenants and agreements of the parties set forth below, the parties agree as 
follows:

          1.  EMPLOYMENT.  Subject to all of the terms and conditions set 
forth in this Agreement, the Company hereby employs the Executive to perform 
the duties set forth in Section 3 hereof, and the Executive hereby accepts 
such employment.

          2.  TERM.  The term of employment shall commence as of September 
19, 1996 (the "Commencement Date") and shall end on the second anniversary of 
the Commencement Date, unless sooner terminated as hereinafter provided (the 
"Term").  

          3.  DUTIES.  During the Term, the Executive shall provide 
management and consulting services to the Company and shall perform such other 
duties and functions as reasonably directed by the Board of Directors of the 
Company.

<PAGE>

          4.  SALARY.  During the Term, the Executive shall receive an annual 
salary of $225,000, payable in accordance with the customary payroll 
practices of the Company, of which $60,000 shall constitute payment for the 
Executive's management and consulting services with respect to the Tri-Star 
Inventory (the "Inventory Services") and $165,000 shall constitute payment 
for the Advisory Services. 

          5.  EXPENSES.  During the Term, the Executive shall be entitled to 
receive reimbursement for all reasonable travel and business expenses 
incurred by him (in accordance with the policies and procedures of the 
Company) in performing services hereunder, provided that the Executive 
promptly and properly accounts therefor in accordance with the Company's 
expense policy.

          6.  TERMINATION.

          (a)  TERMINATION WITHOUT CAUSE.  If, prior to the expiration of the 
Term, the Company terminates the employment of the Executive other than for 
Cause (as defined herein), the Executive shall (i) continue to receive his 
salary set forth in Section 4 hereof with respect to the Inventory Services 
for a period of one year from the Date of Termination (as defined herein), 
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if the Executive commences new full-time employment 
during such period, such salary payments shall cease immediately upon the 
commencement of such employment and (ii) receive (as and when the same would 
have been payable had the Executive's employment not been terminated) his 
compensation for the Advisory Services set forth in Section 4 hereof.

          (b)  OTHER TERMINATION.  In the event that the employment of the 
Executive is terminated (i) due to the death or Disability (as defined 
herein) of the Executive, (ii) by the Company for "Cause", or (iii) for any 
other reason not included in Section 6(a), the Executive shall have no right 
to receive any compensation hereunder after the Date of Termination (as 
defined herein) except that the Executive shall continue to receive (as and 
when the same would have been payable had the Executive's employment not been 
terminated) his compensation for the Advisory Services set forth in Section 4 
hereof.

          (c)  DEFINITIONS.  For purposes of this Agreement, (i) "Disability" 
shall mean the inability (as determined by the Board of Directors of the 
Company in its sole discretion) of the Executive, as a result of incapacity 
due 
                                       


                                      2

<PAGE>

to physical or mental illness or disability, to perform his duties with the 
Company for six consecutive months or shorter periods aggregating six months 
during any twelve-month period; and (ii) "Cause" shall mean the occurrence of 
one or more of the following events: (A) any intentional or willful failure 
by the Executive to substantially perform his or her employment duties which 
shall not have been corrected within thirty days following written notice of 
the duties which such Executive has failed to substantially perform, (B) any 
engaging by such Executive in misconduct which is significantly injurious to 
the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, (C) any breach by such 
Executive of any representation, warranty or covenant contained in the 
Management Stockholders' and Optionholders' Agreement or the subscription 
agreement entered into by such Executive (or any corporation of which such 
Executive is the sole stockholder) with the Company, or (D) such Executive's 
conviction or entry of a plea of NOLO CONTENDERE in respect of any felony, or 
of a misdemeanor which results in or is reasonably expected to result in 
economic or reputational injury to the Company or any of its subsidiaries or 
affiliates.

          (d)  NOTICE OF TERMINATION.  Any termination of the Executive's 
employment (other than a termination due to the death of the Executive) shall 
be communicated by a written notice of termination (the "Notice of 
Termination") in accordance with the notice provisions herein.

          (e)  DATE OF TERMINATION.  For purposes of this Agreement, the 
"Date of Termination" shall mean (i) if the Executive's employment is 
terminated by his death, the date of his death, (ii) if the Executive's 
employment is terminated due to Disability, ten days after delivery to the 
Executive of the Notice of Termination, and (iii) in any other case, the date 
specified in the Notice of Termination.

          7.  EXECUTIVE COVENANTS.  

          (a)  NON-COMPETITION.  During the Term and for two years from the 
Date of Termination, the Executive expressly covenants and agrees that he 
shall not, without the express written consent of the Company, for his own 
account or jointly with any other person, directly or indirectly, own, 
manage, operate, join, control, loan money to, invest in, or otherwise 
participate in, or be connected with, or become or act as an officer, 
employee, consultant, representative or agent of any business, individual, 
partnership, firm or 
                                       


                                      3

<PAGE>

corporation (other than the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates) 
which is in competition with any business in which the Company or any of its 
subsidiaries and affiliates are then engaged or planning to be engaged; 
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Executive may purchase or own, solely as an 
inactive investor, the securities of any entity if (a) such securities are 
publicly traded on a nationally-recognized stock exchange or on NASDAQ and 
(b) the aggregate holdings of such securities by the Executive and his 
immediate family do not exceed three percent (3%) of the voting power or 
three percent (3%) of the capital stock of such entity.

          (b)  NO SOLICITATION.  The Executive hereby agrees that during the 
Term and for a period of two years after the Date of Termination, he shall 
not, directly or indirectly, for his own account or jointly with another, or 
for or on behalf of any entity, as principal, agent or otherwise, (i) solicit 
or induce or in any manner attempt to solicit or induce any person employed 
by or acting as a consultant to or agent of the Company or any of its 
subsidiaries or affiliates to leave such position or (ii) interfere with, 
disrupt or attempt to disrupt any relationship, contractual or otherwise, 
between the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates and any of the 
customers, clients or suppliers of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or 
affiliates.

          (c)  CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.  The Executive expressly covenants 
and agrees that he will not at any time, whether during or after the Term, 
directly or indirectly, disclose, use or permit the use of any trade secrets, 
confidential information or proprietary information of, or relating to, the 
Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, other than as contemplated 
hereunder during the Term.

          (d)  COVENANTS NON-EXCLUSIVE.  The Executive acknowledges and 
agrees that the covenants contained in this Section 7 shall not be deemed 
exclusive of any common law rights of the Company or any of its subsidiaries 
or affiliates in connection with the relationships contemplated hereby and 
that the Company shall have any and all rights as may be provided by law in 
connection with the relationships contemplated hereby.

          8.  NOTICE.  Any and all notices or any other communication 
provided for herein shall be made in writing by hand-delivery, first-class 
mail (registered or certified, 
                                       


                                      4

<PAGE>

with return receipt requested), telecopier, or overnight air courier 
guaranteeing next day delivery, effective upon receipt, to the address of the 
party appearing under his or its name below (or to such other address as may 
be designated in writing by such party):

          IF TO THE EXECUTIVE:

          Mr. Richard P. Small
          7434 S. Gary Place
          Tulsa, Oklahoma 74136


          IF TO THE COMPANY:

          Tri-Star Aerospace Co.
          11535 East Pine Street
          Tulsa, Oklahoma  74116
          Attention: Mr. Quentin Bourjeaurd

          With a copy to:

          Odyssey Partners, L.P.
          31 West 52nd Street
          New York, New York  10019
          Attention:  Mr. Stephen Berger

          9.  MISCELLANEOUS.

          (a)  AMENDMENT.  Any provision of this Agreement may be amended or 
waived if, but only if, such amendment or waiver is agreed to in writing 
signed by the Executive and a duly authorized officer of the Company (other 
than the Executive).  

          (b)  WAIVER.  No waiver by any party hereto at any time of any 
breach of another party hereto of, or compliance with, any condition or 
provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be 
deemed a waiver of any other provision hereof.  This Agreement shall be 
binding on and inure to the benefit of the Company and its successors and 
permitted assigns.

          (c) GOVERNING LAW.  This Agreement shall be governed and construed 
in accordance with the law of the State of Delaware without giving effect to 
the conflict of laws provisions thereof.
                                       


                                      5

<PAGE>

          (d)  COUNTERPARTS.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, 
each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together 
shall constitute one and the same instrument.
          
          (e)  SEVERABILITY.  Whenever possible, each provision of this 
Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid 
under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be 
prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be 
ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without 
invalidating the remainder of this Agreement.

          (f)  ENTIRE AGREEMENT.  This agreement supersedes any other 
agreement, whether written or oral, that may have been made or entered into 
between the parties hereto and constitutes the entire agreement by the 
parties related to the matters specified herein.

          (g)  EQUITABLE RELIEF.  It is hereby acknowledged that irreparable 
harm would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement 
were not performed fully by the undersigned in accordance with the terms 
specified herein, and that monetary damages are an inadequate remedy for 
breach of this Agreement because of the difficulty of ascertaining and 
quantifying the amount of damage that will be suffered by the parties relying 
hereon in the event that the undertakings and provisions contained in this 
Agreement were breached or violated.  Accordingly, each party hereto shall be 
entitled to an injunction or injunctions to restrain, enjoin, and prevent 
breaches of the undertakings and provisions hereof and to enforce 
specifically the undertakings and provisions hereof in any court of the 
United States or any state having jurisdiction over the matter, it being 
understood that any such remedies shall be in addition to, and not in lieu 
of, any other rights and remedies available at law or in equity.
                                       
                           [signature page follows]
                                       


                                      6

<PAGE>

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have signed and delivered this 
Agreement as of the date first above written.


                                       TRI-STAR AEROSPACE CO.

                                       By: /s/ Quentin P. Bourjeaurd
                                          -------------------------------
                                          Name:  Quentin P. Bourjeaurd
                                          Title: President


                                       /s/ Richard P. Small    
                                       ----------------------------------
                                       Richard P. Small    










                                      7




<PAGE>
                                       
                              AMENDED AND RESTATED
                            MAPLE LEAF AEROSPACE, INC.
                             1996 STOCK OPTION PLAN


     1. PURPOSES

     MAPLE LEAF AEROSPACE, INC. (the "Company") desires to afford certain of 
its key employees and the key employees of any subsidiary corporation or 
parent corporation of the Company now existing or hereafter formed or 
acquired, and to non-employee directors of or consultants to the Company and 
any subsidiary corporation of the Company, who are responsible for the 
continued growth of the Company, an opportunity to acquire a proprietary 
interest in the Company, and thus to create in such key employees an 
increased interest in and a greater concern for the welfare of the Company 
and its subsidiaries.

     The Company, by means of this Amended and Restated 1996 Stock Option 
Plan (the "Plan"), seeks to retain the services of persons now holding key 
positions and to secure the services of persons capable of filling such 
positions.

     The stock options ("Options") offered pursuant to the Plan are a matter 
of separate inducement and are not in lieu of any salary or other 
compensation for the services of any key employee or non-employee director or 
consultant.

     The Options granted under the Plan are intended to be options that do 
not meet the requirements for "incentive stock options" within the meaning of 
Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").

     2. NUMBER OF SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN

     The total number of shares of common stock of the Company which may be 
purchased or acquired pursuant to the exercise of Options granted under the 
Plan shall not exceed, in the aggregate, 25,000 shares of the authorized 
common stock, $.01 par value per share, of the Company (the "Shares"), and no 
individual shall be granted Options to purchase more than 12,500 Shares 
during the term of the Plan, such numbers in each case subject to adjustment 
as provided in Article 11 hereof.

<PAGE>

     Shares available for issuance acquired under the Plan may be either 
authorized but unissued Shares or Shares of issued stock held in the 
Company's treasury, or both, at the discretion of the Company.  If and to the 
extent that Options granted under the Plan expire or terminate without having 
been exercised, the Shares covered by such expired or terminated Options may 
again be subject to an Option under the Plan.  

     Except as provided in Article 18 and subject to Article 3, the Company 
may, from time to time during the period beginning as of September 19, 1996 
(the "Effective Date") and ending on September 18, 2006 (the "Termination 
Date"), grant to certain key employees of any subsidiary corporation or 
parent corporation of the Company, and to non-employee directors of or 
consultants to the Company and any subsidiary corporation or parent 
corporation of the Company, Options under the terms hereinafter set forth.

     As used in the Plan, the term "subsidiary corporation" and "parent 
corporation" shall mean, respectively, a corporation coming within the 
definition of such terms contained in Sections 424(f) and 424(e) of the Code.

     3. ADMINISTRATION

     The board of directors of the Company (the "Board of Directors") shall 
designate from any of its members a Compensation Committee, which shall be 
the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Committee"), to 
administer the Plan.  The Committee shall consist of no fewer than two (2) 
members, each of whom shall be "non-employee directors" within the meaning of 
Rule 16b-3 (or any successor rule or regulation) promulgated under the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  A majority of the members of 
the Committee shall constitute a quorum, and the act of a majority of the 
members of the Committee shall be the act of the Committee.  Any member of 
the Committee may be removed at any time either with or without cause by 
resolution adopted by the Board of Directors, and any vacancy on the 
Committee at any time may be filled by resolution adopted by the Board of 
Directors.

     Subject to the express provisions of the Plan, the  Committee shall have 
authority, in its discretion, to determine the employees and non-employee 
directors and consultants to whom Options shall be granted (the 
"Optionholders"), the time when such Options shall be granted, the number of 
Shares which shall be subject to each Option, the purchase price or exercise 
price of each Option, the period(s) during 
                                       


                                       2

<PAGE>
                                       
which such Options shall be exercisable (whether in whole or in part) and the 
other terms and provisions thereof (which need not be identical).

     Subject to the express provisions of the Plan, the Committee also shall 
have authority to construe the Plan and the Options granted thereunder, to 
amend the Plan and the Options granted thereunder, to prescribe, amend and 
rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan, to determine the terms 
and provisions of the Options (which need not be identical) granted 
thereunder and to make all other determinations necessary or advisable for 
administering the Plan.  

     The Committee may establish performance standards for determining the 
periods during which Options shall be exercisable, including without 
limitation standards based on the earnings of the Company and its 
subsidiaries for various fiscal periods.  The Committee shall define such 
performance criteria and, from time to time, the Committee in its sole 
discretion and in administering the Plan may make adjustments to such 
performance criteria for any fiscal period so that extraordinary or unusual 
charges or credits, acquisitions, mergers, consolidations, and other 
corporate transactions and other elements of or factors influencing the 
calculations of earnings or any other performance standard do not distort or 
affect the operation of the Plan in a manner inconsistent with the 
achievement of its purpose.

     The determination of the Committee on matters referred to in this 
Article 3 shall be conclusive. 

     The Committee may employ such legal counsel, consultants and agents as 
it may deem desirable for the administration of the Plan and may rely upon 
any opinion or computation received from any such legal counsel, consultant 
or agent.  Expenses incurred by the Committee in the engagement of such 
counsel, consultant or agent shall be paid by the Company.  No member or 
former member of the Committee shall be liable for any action or 
determination made in good faith with respect to the Plan or any award of 
Options granted hereunder.

     4. ELIGIBILITY

     Options may be granted only to key employees of any subsidiary 
corporation or parent corporation of the Company, and to non-employee 
directors of or consultants to the Company and any subsidiary corporation or 
parent corporation of the Company.
                                       


                                       3

<PAGE>
                                       
     The Plan does not create a right in any employee or non-employee 
director or consultant to participate in the Plan, nor does it create a right 
in any employee or non-employee director or consultant to have any Options 
granted to him or her.

     5. OPTION PRICE AND PAYMENT

     The price for each Share purchasable under any Option granted hereunder 
shall be such amount as the Committee shall determine in good faith in the 
manner described below to be the fair market value per Share at the date the 
Option is granted (the "Fair Market Value"); PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the 
exercise price shall not be less than $231.59 per share.

     If the Shares are not listed on a national securities exchange in the 
United States on the date on which the Fair Market Value per Share is to be 
determined, and a public market does not otherwise exist for the Shares on 
such date, the Fair Market Value per Share shall be determined by an 
appraisal by an independent appraiser selected by the Company, such appraisal 
to be based upon such factors as such independent appraiser shall deem 
appropriate.

     If the Shares are listed on a national securities exchange in the United 
States on any date on which the Fair Market Value per Share is to be 
determined, the Fair Market Value per Share shall be deemed to be the average 
of the last sales price for Shares for the thirty (30) trading days 
immediately preceding the date as of the which the Fair Market Value per 
Share is to be determined.  

     If a public market exists for the Shares on any date on which the Fair 
Market Value per Share is to be determined, but the Shares are not listed on 
a national securities exchange in the United States on such date, the Fair 
Market Value per Share shall be deemed to be the average of the mean between 
the closing bid and asked quotations in the over-the-counter market for the 
thirty (30) trading days immediately preceding the date as of the which the 
Fair Market Value per Share is to be determined.

     For purposes of this Plan, the determination by the Committee of the 
Fair Market Value of a Share shall be conclusive.

     Upon the exercise of an Option granted hereunder, the Company shall 
cause the purchased Shares to be issued only when it shall have received the 
full purchase price for the Shares in cash or by certified check; PROVIDED, 
HOWEVER, that in lieu of 
                                       


                                       4

<PAGE>
                                       
cash, the holder of an Option may, if and to the extent the terms of such 
Option so provide and to the extent permitted by applicable law, exercise an 
Option in whole or in part, by delivering to the Company (a) shares of common 
stock of the Company (in proper form for transfer and accompanied by all 
requisite stock transfer tax stamps or cash in lieu thereof) owned by such 
holder having a Fair Market Value equal to the exercise price applicable to 
that portion of the Option being exercised by the delivery of such Shares or 
(b) such other form of payment as the Committee shall permit in its sole 
discretion at the time of exercise.

     6. USE OF PROCEEDS

     The cash proceeds of the sale of Shares pursuant to the Plan are to be 
added to the general funds of the Company and used for its general corporate 
purposes as the Board of Directors shall determine.

     7. TERM OF OPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS ON THE RIGHT OF EXERCISE

     An Option shall be exercisable at such times, in such amounts and during 
such period or periods as the Committee shall determine at the date of the 
grant of such Option; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that an Option shall not be 
exercisable after the expiration of ten (10) years from the date such Option 
is granted.

     The Committee shall have the right to accelerate, in whole or in part, 
from time to time, conditionally or unconditionally, rights to exercise any 
Option granted hereunder.

     To the extent that an Option is not exercised within the period of 
exercisability specified therein, it shall expire as to the then unexercised 
part.

     In no event shall an Option granted hereunder be exercised for a 
fraction of a Share.

     8. EXERCISE OF OPTIONS

     Options granted under the Plan shall be exercised by the optionee as to 
all or part of the Shares covered thereby by the giving of written notice of 
the exercise thereof to the Corporate Secretary of the Company at the 
principal business office of the Company, specifying the number of Shares to 
be purchased and specifying a 
                                       


                                       5

<PAGE>
                                       
business day not more than fifteen (15) days from the date such notice is 
given for the payment of the purchase price against delivery of the Shares 
being purchased.  Subject to the terms of Articles 13, 14, 15 and 16, the 
Company shall cause certificates for the Shares so purchased to be delivered 
to the optionee at the principal business office of the Company, against 
payment of the full purchase price, on the date specified in the notice of 
exercise.

     9. NON-TRANSFERABILITY OF OPTIONS 

     No Option granted hereunder shall be transferable, whether by operation 
of law or otherwise, other than by will or the laws of descent and 
distribution, and any Option granted hereunder shall be exercisable during 
the lifetime of the holder only by such holder.  Except to the extent 
provided above, Options may not be assigned, transferred, pledged, 
hypothecated or disposed of in any way (whether by operation of law or 
otherwise) and shall not be subject to execution, attachment or similar 
process, and any purported assignment in contravention hereof shall be void 
and of no effect.

     10. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT

     Upon termination of employment of any Optionholder with the Company and 
all parent and subsidiary corporations, an Option previously granted to the 
Optionholder, unless otherwise specified by the Committee in the Option, 
shall, to the extent not theretofore exercised, terminate and become null and 
void, provided that:

          (a) if the employee shall die while in the employ of such corporation
     or during either the three (3) month or one (1) year period, whichever is
     applicable, specified in clause (b) below and at a time when such employee
     was entitled to exercise an Option as herein provided, the legal
     representative of such employee, or such person who acquired such Option by
     bequest or inheritance or by reason of the death of the employee, shall
     have the right to exercise such Option so granted, to the extent not
     theretofore exercised, in respect of any or all of such number of Shares
     that such employee is entitled to purchase pursuant to such Option at the
     time of such employee's death, at any time up to and including one (1) year
     after the date of death; and

          (b) if the employment of any employee to whom such Option shall have
     been granted shall terminate by reason of the employee's disability (as
     defined below) or dismissal by the employer other than for cause (as
     defined below), and while such employee is entitled to exercise such Option
     as herein 
                                       


                                       6

<PAGE>
                                       
     provided, such employee shall have the right to exercise such Option so 
     granted, to the extent not theretofore exercised, in respect of any or 
     all of such number of Shares that such employee is entitled to purchase 
     pursuant to such Option at the time of such termination, at any time up 
     to and including (i) three (3) months after the date of such 
     termination of employment in the case of termination by reason of 
     dismissal other than for cause and (ii) one (1) year after the date of 
     termination of employment in the case of termination by reason of 
     disability.  

     If an employee voluntarily terminates his or her employment, or is 
discharged for cause, any Option granted hereunder shall, unless otherwise 
specified by the Committee in the Option, forthwith terminate with respect to 
any unexercised portion thereof.

     The terms of an Option granted to a non-employee director of, or 
consultant to, the Company or any subsidiary corporation or parent 
corporation of the Company shall set forth the circumstances relating to the 
cessation of the performance of services by such non-employee director or 
consultant under which such Option shall terminate prior to the expiration of 
the period of exercisability set forth in such Option.

     If an Option granted hereunder shall be exercised by the legal 
representative of a deceased or disabled Optionholder, or by a person who 
acquired an Option granted hereunder by bequest or inheritance or by reason 
of death of any Optionholder, written notice of such exercise shall be 
accompanied by a certified copy of letters testamentary or equivalent proof 
of the right of such legal representative or other person to exercise such 
Option.

     For all purposes of the Plan, the term "for cause" shall mean, (i) with 
respect to an Optionholder who is a party to a written employment agreement 
with the Company, which agreement contains a definition of "for cause" or 
"cause" (or words of like import) for purposes of termination of employment 
thereunder by the Company, "for cause" or "cause" as defined in the most 
recent of such agreements, or (ii) in all other cases, as determined by the 
Committee, in its sole discretion, that one or more of the following has 
occurred:  (A) any intentional or willful failure by such Optionholder to 
substantially perform his or her employment duties which shall not have been 
corrected within thirty (30) days following written notice of the duties 
which such Optionholder has failed to substantially perform, (B) any engaging 
by such Optionholder in misconduct which is significantly injurious to the 
Company or 
                                       


                                       7

<PAGE>
                                       
any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, (C) any breach by such Optionholder of 
any covenant contained in the Management Stockholders' and Optionholders' 
Agreement, dated as of September 19, 1996, by and among the Company and the 
stockholders who are signatories thereto, as the same may be amended from 
time to time, or the instrument pursuant to which an Option is granted, or 
(D) such Optionholder's conviction of or entry of a plea of NOLO CONTENDERE 
in respect of any felony, or of a misdemeanor which results in or is 
reasonably expected to result in economic or reputational injury to the 
Company or any of its subsidiaries.

     For all purposes of the Plan, the term "disability" means the inability 
(as determined by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion) of such 
Optionholder, as a result of incapacity due to physical or mental illness or 
disability, to perform his or her duties with the Company or any subsidiary 
or parent corporation of the Company by which the Optionholder is employed 
for six consecutive months or shorter periods aggregating six months during 
any twelve-month period.  

     A termination of employment shall not be deemed to occur by reason of 
(i) the transfer of an Optionholder from employment by the Company to 
employment by a subsidiary corporation or a parent corporation of the Company 
or (ii) the transfer of an Optionholder from employment by a subsidiary 
corporation or a parent corporation of the Company to employment by the 
Company or by another subsidiary corporation or parent corporation of the 
Company.

     Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Article 10, 
in no event shall any person be entitled to exercise any Option after the 
expiration of the period of exercisability of such Option as specified 
therein.

     11. ADJUSTMENT OF SHARES; EFFECT OF CERTAIN
           TRANSACTIONS

     For purposes of this Plan, a "change in control" of the Company occurs 
if: (a) any "Person" (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of 
the Exchange Act), other than Odyssey Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited 
partnership or any of its affiliates or any combination thereof 
(collectively, the "Odyssey Holders"), is or becomes the "beneficial owner" 
(as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of 
all of the outstanding capital stock of the Company; or (b) the Board of 
Directors shall approve a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of 
the Company other than to an entity owned or controlled by the Odyssey 
Holders; or 
                                       


                                       8

<PAGE>
                                       
(c) the Board of Directors shall approve any merger, consolidation, issuance 
of securities or purchase of assets, the result of which would be the 
occurrence of any event described in clause (a) or (b) above.

     Upon the occurrence of a transaction described in the preceding 
paragraph, each Option will terminate within a specified number of days after 
notice to the holder of such Option, and each such holder will receive, in 
respect of each Share for which such Option then is exercisable, an amount 
equal to the excess of the then Fair Market Value of such Share over the 
exercise price per Share, payable in the same consideration received by the 
shareholders of the Company upon the closing of such transaction.  

     In the event of any change in the outstanding Shares through merger, 
consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, stock dividend, stock split, 
reverse split, split-up, split-off, spin-off, combination of shares, exchange 
of shares, or other like change in capital structure of the Company, the 
Committee shall make such adjustments to each outstanding Option that it, in 
its sole discretion, deems appropriate.  The term "Shares" after any such 
change shall refer to the securities, cash and/or property then receivable 
upon exercise of an Option.  In addition, in the event of any such change, 
the Committee shall make any further adjustment as may be appropriate to the 
maximum number of Shares which may be acquired under the Plan pursuant to the 
exercise of Options, the maximum number of Shares for which Options may be 
granted to any individual under the Plan, the minimum exercise price per 
Share for Options to be granted under the Plan, and the number of Shares and 
prices per Share subject to outstanding Options as shall be equitable to 
prevent dilution or enlargement of rights under such Options, and the 
determination of the Committee as to these matters shall be conclusive.  

     12. RIGHT TO TERMINATE EMPLOYMENT

     The Plan shall not impose any obligation on the Company or on any 
subsidiary corporation or parent corporation thereof to continue the 
employment of any Optionholder and it shall not impose any obligation on the 
part of any Optionholder to remain in the employ of the Company or of any 
subsidiary corporation or parent corporation thereof.
                                       


                                       9

<PAGE>
                                       
     13. SECURITIES LAW MATTERS

     Except as hereinafter provided, the Committee may require an 
Optionholder, as a condition upon exercise of any Option granted hereunder, 
to execute and deliver to the Company a written statement, in form 
satisfactory to the Committee, in which the Optionholder represents and 
warrants that Shares are being acquired for such Optionholder's own account 
for investment only and not with a view to the resale or distribution 
thereof.  The Optionholder shall, at the request of the Committee, be 
required to represent and warrant in writing that any subsequent resale or 
distribution of Shares by the Optionholder shall be made only pursuant to 
either (i) a Registration Statement on an appropriate form under the 
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), which Registration 
Statement has become effective and is current with regard to the Shares being 
sold, or (ii) a specific exemption from the registration requirements of the 
Securities Act, but in claiming such exemption the Optionholder shall, prior 
to any offer of sale or sale of such Shares, obtain a prior favorable written 
opinion of counsel, in form and substance satisfactory to counsel for the 
Company, as to the application of such exemption thereto. The foregoing 
restriction shall not apply to (i) issuances by the Company so long as the 
Shares being issued are registered under the Securities Act and a prospectus 
in respect thereof is current or (ii) re-offerings of Shares by affiliates of 
the Company (as defined in Rule 405 or any successor rule or regulation 
promulgated under the Securities Act) if the Shares being re-offered are 
registered under the Securities Act and a prospectus in respect thereof is 
current.

     14.  ISSUE OF CERTIFICATES, LEGENDS, PAYMENT OF EXPENSES

     Subject to Articles 13, 15 and 16, upon any exercise of an Option which 
may be granted hereunder and payment of the purchase price, a certificate or 
certificates for the Shares shall be issued by the Company in the name of the 
person exercising the Option and shall be delivered to or upon the order of 
such person.

     The Company may endorse such legend or legends upon the certificates for 
Shares issued pursuant to the Plan and, if a transfer agent has been engaged 
by the Company, may issue such "stop transfer" instructions to its transfer 
agent in respect of such Shares as, in its discretion, it determines to be 
necessary or appropriate to (i) prevent a violation of, or to perfect an 
exemption from, the registration requirements of the Securities Act, or (ii) 
implement the provisions of the Plan and any agreement between the Company 
and the Optionholder with respect to such Shares.
                                       


                                       10

<PAGE>
                                       
     The Company shall pay all issue or transfer taxes with respect to the 
issuance or transfer of Shares, as well as all fees and expenses necessarily 
incurred by the Company in connection with such issuance or transfer.

     All Shares issued as provided herein shall be fully paid and 
non-assessable to the extent permitted by law.

     15. WITHHOLDING TAXES

     The Company will require, as a condition to an Optionholder exercising a 
Option granted hereunder, that the Optionholder reimburse the corporation 
that employs such Optionholder for any taxes required by any government to be 
withheld or otherwise deducted and paid by such corporation in respect of the 
issuance or disposition of such Shares.  In lieu thereof, the corporation 
that employs such Optionholder shall have the right to withhold the amount of 
such taxes from any other sums due or to become due from such corporation to 
the Optionholder upon such terms and conditions as the Committee shall 
prescribe. The corporation that employs such Optionholder may, in its 
discretion, hold the stock certificate to which such Optionholder is entitled 
upon the exercise of an Option as security for the payment of such 
withholding tax liability, until cash sufficient to pay that liability has 
been accumulated.  

     16. LISTING OF SHARES AND RELATED MATTERS

     The Committee may delay the issuance or delivery of Shares pursuant to 
any Option granted hereunder if it determines that listing, registration or 
qualification of Shares or the consent or approval of any governmental 
regulatory body is necessary or desirable as a condition of, or in connection 
with, the grant of an Option under the Plan or the issuance of Shares 
thereunder, until such listing, registration, qualification, consent or 
approval shall have been effected or obtained, or otherwise provided for, 
free of any conditions not acceptable to the Committee. 

     17. AMENDMENT OF THE PLAN

     The Committee may, from time to time, amend the Plan, provided that no 
amendment shall be made, without the approval of the stockholders of the 
Company, that will (i) increase the total number of Shares reserved for 
Options under the Plan (other than an increase resulting from an adjustment 
provided for in Article 11), (ii) reduce the exercise price of any Option 
granted hereunder below the price required by 
                                       


                                       11

<PAGE>
                                       
Article 5, (iii) modify the provisions of the Plan relating to eligibility, 
or (iv) materially increase the benefits accruing to participants under the 
Plan.  The rights and obligations under any Option granted before amendment 
of the Plan or any unexercised portion of such Option shall not be adversely 
affected by amendment of the Plan or such Option without the consent of the 
holder of such Option. 

     18. TERMINATION OR SUSPENSION OF THE PLAN

     The Board of Directors may at any time suspend or terminate the Plan.  
The Plan, unless sooner terminated by action of the Board of Directors, shall 
terminate at the close of business on the Termination Date.  Options may not 
be granted while the Plan is suspended or after it is terminated.  Rights and 
obligations under any Option granted while the Plan is in effect shall not be 
altered or impaired by suspension or termination of the Plan, except upon the 
consent of the person to whom the Option was granted.  The power of the 
Committee to construe and administer any Options granted prior to the 
termination or suspension of the Plan under Article 3 nevertheless shall 
continue after such termination or during such suspension.

     19. GOVERNING LAW

     The Plan and such Options as may be granted thereunder and all related 
matters shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, 
the laws of the State of Delaware from time to time obtaining.

     20. PARTIAL INVALIDITY

     The invalidity or illegibility of any provision hereof shall not be 
deemed to affect the validity of any other provision.

     21. EFFECTIVE DATE

     The Plan shall become effective at 9:00 a.m., New York City Time, on the 
Effective Date.
                                       


                                       12
                                       



<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT 21.1



                        SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT


Aerospace Acquisition, Corp. (Delaware)
TriStar Aerospace Ltd. (U.K.)
TriStar Aerospace, Inc. (Florida)
TriStar Aerospace Ltd. (Ontario, Canada)
TriStar Aerospace International, Inc. (Barbados)


     The Registrant and its subsidiareis from time to time utilize the name 
"Tri-Star" as a variation to their actual names.


<PAGE>
                                       
                                                                    Exhibit 23.2


                                       
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our 
reports (and to all references to our Firm) included in or made a part of 
this Amendment No. 1 to Form S-1 Registration Statement File No. 333-46335.




                                                             ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


Tulsa, Oklahoma
  March 24, 1998



© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission