AVTECH CORP
424B3, 1999-05-14
SWITCHGEAR & SWITCHBOARD APPARATUS
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<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS                                      REGISTRATION NO. 333-70365
FILED PURSUANT TO RULE 424(b)3
 
   [LOGO]
           DeCrane Aircraft Holdings, Inc.
 
                               OFFER TO EXCHANGE
              12% SERIES A SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2008 FOR
                12% SERIES B SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2008
          WHICH HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 
    We are offering to exchange an aggregate amount of up to $100,000,000 of our
new 12% Series B Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008, which have been registered
under the Securities Act of 1933, for our existing 12% Series A Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2008. The new notes are being registered and offered in
this exchange by us pursuant to registration rights granted in connection with
the issuance in October, 1998 of the old notes, which were paired in units with
warrants for the common stock of DeCrane Holdings Co. The units were originally
sold together, but the warrants may trade separately from the notes on and after
the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a
part.
 
    The terms of the new notes are identical in all material respects to the
terms of the old notes, except that the new notes have been registered under the
Securities Act, and some transfer restrictions and registration rights relating
to the old notes do not apply to the new notes.
 
    To exchange your old notes for new notes, you must complete and send the
letter of transmittal that accompanies this prospectus to the exchange agent BY
5:00 P.M. NEW YORK TIME ON JUNE 18, 1999. If your old notes are held in
book-entry form at The Depository Trust Company, you must instruct DTC through
your signed letter of transmittal that you wish to exchange your old notes for
new notes. When the exchange offer closes, your DTC account will be changed to
reflect your exchange of old notes for new notes. We will publicly announce any
extension or termination of this exchange offer through a release to the Dow
Jones News Service and as otherwise required by applicable law or regulations.
 
    We will not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the new notes. We
are not using a dealer-manager in connection with this exchange offer.
 
    SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 12 FOR A DISCUSSION OF RISK FACTORS
THAT YOU SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE TENDERING YOUR OLD NOTES IN THE EXCHANGE OFFER.
 
    This prospectus and the letter of transmittal are first being sent to all
registered holders of the old notes as of May 14, 1999.
 
                            ------------------------
 
    NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE
ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
                  The date of this prospectus is May 14, 1999
<PAGE>
                                    SUMMARY
 
    THE FOLLOWING SUMMARY CONTAINS BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT THIS OFFERING. IT
LIKELY DOES NOT CONTAIN ALL THE INFORMATION THAT IS IMPORTANT TO YOU. TO FULLY
UNDERSTAND THIS OFFERING, YOU SHOULD READ THE ENTIRE PROSPECTUS CAREFULLY,
INCLUDING THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND THEIR RELATED NOTES.
 
    THE DEBT SECURITIES REGISTERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS ARE OBLIGATIONS ISSUED BY
DECRANE AIRCRAFT HOLDINGS, INC. DECRANE AIRCRAFT IS A HOLDING COMPANY WHICH
CONDUCTS ITS BUSINESS PRIMARILY THROUGH ITS SUBSIDIARIES, AS ILLUSTRATED BELOW.
DECRANE AIRCRAFT'S PARENT COMPANY, DECRANE HOLDINGS CO., IS ALSO A HOLDING
COMPANY AND DOES NOT HAVE ANY MATERIAL OPERATIONS OR ASSETS OTHER THAN ITS
OWNERSHIP OF THE CAPITAL STOCK OF DECRANE AIRCRAFT. EXCEPT WHERE WE INDICATE
OTHERWISE, THIS PROSPECTUS PRESENTS ALL INFORMATION ON A "PRO FORMA" BASIS,
GIVING EFFECT TO ALL OF THE TRANSACTIONS REFERRED TO IN "UNAUDITED PRO FORMA
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA," INCLUDING THE DLJ ACQUISITION OF DECRANE AIRCRAFT
AND OUR ACQUISITIONS OF AVTECH CORPORATION, DETTMERS INDUSTRIES, INC., PATS,
INC. AND PPI HOLDINGS, INC.
 
                                 [LOGO]
 
                               THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
    We are offering to exchange up to $100,000,000 in principal amount of the
new notes for a like amount of old notes. We are making this offering in order
to satisfy our obligations under the registration rights agreement relating to
the old notes. The terms of the new notes and the old notes are substantially
the same in all material respects, except that the new notes will not be subject
to liquidated damages penalties for failure to timely register the notes under
the Securities Act, and will be more freely transferable by the holders thereof
by reason of their registration hereunder.
 
<TABLE>
<S>                            <C>
Expiration Date..............  5:00 p.m., New York time, on June 18, 1999, unless this exchange
                               offer is extended by us. We will publicly announce any extension
                               or termination of this exchange offer through a release to the
                               Dow Jones News Service and as otherwise required by applicable
                               law or regulations. See "The Exchange Offer--Terms of the
                               Exchange Offer; Period for Tendering Old Notes."
</TABLE>
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                            <C>
Conditions to this Exchange
Offer........................  Our obligation to complete this exchange offer is subject to
                               several conditions. We reserve the right to delay the acceptance
                               of old notes for exchange, terminate this exchange offer, extend
                               its expiration date and retain the old notes tendered, or amend
                               the terms of this exchange offer in any respect. See "The
                               Exchange Offer--Terms of the Exchange Offer; Period for Tendering
                               Old Notes" and "--Conditions to the Exchange Offer."
 
Withdrawal Rights............  If you tender old notes, you may withdraw them at any time on or
                               before 5:00 p.m., New York time on the expiration date, by
                               delivering a written notice of such withdrawal to the exchange
                               agent in the manner described under "The Exchange
                               Offer--Withdrawal Rights."
 
Procedures for Tendering Old
Notes........................  In order to tender old notes and accept this exchange offer, you
                               must:
 
                               - complete and sign a letter of transmittal, and comply with the
                                 instructions which it contains,
 
                               - forward it and any other required documents using a method of
                               delivery permitted by the letter of transmittal to the exchange
                                 agent appointed by us, whose address appears in the letter of
                                 transmittal, by 5:00 p.m. New York time on the expiration date,
                                 and
 
                               - either deliver your old notes in the same package, or comply
                               with the guaranteed postponed delivery method noted below.
 
                               Please note that, if your old notes are held through a broker,
                               dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee, you must
                               contact that person promptly if you wish to tender your notes.
                               See "The Exchange Offer--Procedures for Tendering Old Notes."
                               Questions regarding how to tender and requests for information
                               should be directed to the exchange agent as instructed in "The
                               Exchange Offer--Exchange Agent." Some brokers, dealers,
                               commercial banks, trust companies and other nominees may also
                               tender by book-entry transfer.
 
Guaranteed Delivery
Procedures...................  If you wish to tender your old notes, and they are not readily
                               available, or you cannot deliver them before the expiration date
                               for this exchange offer, you must tender them according to the
                               guaranteed postponed delivery procedures described in "The
                               Exchange Offer--Guaranteed Delivery Procedures."
 
Restrictions on Resales of
New Notes....................  We believe that the new notes issued under this exchange offer in
                               exchange for old notes may be offered for resale, resold or
                               otherwise transferred by a holder other than a broker or dealer
                               without further compliance with the registration and prospectus
                               delivery requirements of the Securities Act, if:
 
                               - the new notes are acquired in the ordinary course of the
                               holder's business;
 
                               - the holder is able to make the representations to us about the
                               foregoing and related matters which are described in "The
                                 Exchange Offer-- Resale of New Notes" and in the letter of
                                 transmittal;
 
                               - the holder is not participating, and has not entered into an
                               arrangement or understanding to participate, in a "distribution"
                                 of the new notes, as understood under the Securities Act;
 
                               - the holder is not our affiliate (as "affiliate" is defined in
                               Rule 405 under the Securities Act), or a broker or dealer who
                                 purchased the old notes for resale; and
 
                               - the holder is not a broker or dealer who acquired the new notes
                               for its own account.
 
                               However, the foregoing view relies on statements by the staff of
                               the Division of Corporation Finance of the Securities and
                               Exchange
</TABLE>
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                            <C>
                               Commission in interpretive letters which discuss other
                               transactions. We have not sought our own interpretive letter, so
                               there is no definitive legal determination of the foregoing
                               issue.
 
Acceptance of Old Notes and
Offer, Delivery of New
Notes........................  If you tender old notes to us before 5:00 p.m., New York time, on
                               the day this exchange offer expires, you have not withdrawn them,
                               and you comply with all of the requirements described in this
                               prospectus, we will promptly deliver new notes to you after the
                               expiration date. See "The Exchange Offer--Acceptance of Old Notes
                               for Exchange; Delivery of New Notes."
 
Exchange Agent...............  The exchange agent for this exchange offer is State Street Bank
                               and Trust. Its telephone and facsimile numbers are listed in "The
                               Exchange Offer-- Exchange Agent" and in the letter of
                               transmittal.
 
Use of Proceeds..............  We will not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the
                               new notes. See "Use of Proceeds."
</TABLE>
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
                                  OUR COMPANY
 
    We manufacture electronic components and other parts and systems, and
provide systems integration services, for niche markets within the commercial,
regional and high-end corporate aircraft industries. We believe that we are a
leading provider of components within each niche market we serve. Since DeCrane
Aircraft was founded in 1989, our strategy has been to combine complementary
businesses with leading market positions. We generated revenues of $244.4
million, Adjusted EBITDA of $55.9 million and a loss before extraordinary item
of $1.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 1998 on a pro forma
basis. Adjusted EBITDA is defined in "Summary Pro Forma Consolidated Financial
Data" herein.
 
    We seek to maximize our sales by emphasizing the complementary nature of our
products and services. We manufacture:
 
    - electrical contacts,
 
    - connectors,
 
    - wire harness assemblies,
 
    - structural supports for connectors and harnesses,
 
    - auxiliary fuel tank systems, and auxiliary power systems for ground power,
 
    - dichroic liquid crystal displays,
 
    - cockpit audio and communications, lighting, and power and control devices
      for commercial aircraft, and
 
    - stereo systems, video monitors, passenger switches, cabin lighting,
      seating and climate controls for the high-end corporate aircraft market.
 
    Our systems integration services include design and engineering of aircraft
electronic and other systems, certifications on behalf of the Federal Aviation
Administration, the assembly of installation kits for various aircraft systems,
and installation services. Smoke detection, fire suppression and in-flight
entertainment systems for aircraft are among the systems for which we supply
design, certification, assembly and/or installation services. We manufacture
many of the components required to complete a systems integration project. We
believe that our combination of strong component manufacturing and integration
capabilities gives us a critical competitive advantage, which would be difficult
for competitors to duplicate.
 
    By successfully combining and growing complementary businesses, we have
achieved strong revenue growth. From 1994 to 1998, our revenues increased from
$47.1 million to $150.5 million on a historical basis. That increase resulted in
a compound annual growth rate of 33.7%. During the same period, DeCrane
Aircraft's EBITDA increased from $5.2 million to $26.9 million on a historical
basis, representing a combined annual growth rate of 50.8%, and our historical
income before extraordinary items increased from a $1.8 million loss to $3.1
million in income. Since 1990, we have completed thirteen acquisitions, most
recently Avtech Corporation and Dettmers Industries, Inc. in June 1998, PATS,
Inc. in January 1999 and PPI Holdings, Inc. in April 1999.
 
                              RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
 
    Until August 1998, we were a publicly-held company. In August 1998, a
holding company organized by DLJ Merchant Banking Partners II, L.P. and
affiliated funds and entities completed a successful tender offer for all shares
of our common stock. See "Recent Developments--The DLJ Acquisition." In January
1999, we acquired all of the stock of PATS, Inc., a manufacturer of auxiliary
fuel tank systems and other products. See "Recent Developments--PATS." In April
1999, we acquired all of the stock of PPI Holdings, Inc., a manufacturer of
interior furniture components primarily for middle- and high-end corporate
aircraft. See "Recent Developments--PPI."
 
                            ------------------------
 
    Our principal executive offices are located at 2361 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite
180, El Segundo, California 90245. Our telephone number is (310) 725-9123.
Further information is also available as noted under "Where You Can Get More
Information" at the end of the "Business" section.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
                                   THE NOTES
 
<TABLE>
<S>                            <C>
Maturity Date................  September 30, 2008.
 
Interest Payment Dates.......  Each March 30 and September 30, beginning March 30, 1999.
 
Optional Redemption..........  We may redeem:
 
                               - all or some of the notes, on or after September 30, 2003,
 
                               - up to 35% of the notes, on or before September 30, 2001, with
                               the net cash proceeds of any public equity offerings, and
 
                               - 100% of the notes, before September 30, 2003, if the change of
                               control events which are described herein occur,
 
                               at the redemption prices specified on pages 67 and 68.
 
Change of Control............  You can require that we repurchase your notes, if the change of
                               control events which are described herein occur, at 101% of the
                               principal amount plus accrued interest. See "Risk
                               Factors--Repurchase upon Change of Control" and "Description of
                               Notes--Repurchase of the Option of Holders Upon Change of
                               Control."
 
Ranking......................  The notes rank junior to all of our senior indebtedness and
                               secured debt, including the debt owed under our bank credit
                               facility. The notes rank equally with any of our future
                               unsecured, senior subordinated debt. The terms of the indenture
                               do not fully prohibit us or our subsidiaries from incurring
                               substantial additional indebtedness in the future. In addition to
                               senior debt which we might incur, we may issue an unlimited
                               amount of additional senior subordinated notes under the
                               indenture, so long as the total amount of debt is permitted by
                               our financial covenants.
 
                               The notes also will effectively rank junior to all liabilities of
                               our subsidiaries that are not guarantors. See "Description of
                               Notes--Note Guarantees." As of December 31, 1998, on a pro forma
                               basis, DeCrane Aircraft and its subsidiary guarantors would have
                               had approximately $175.2 million of senior indebtedness
                               outstanding, and the non-guarantor subsidiaries would have had
                               approximately $2.2 million of liabilities outstanding, including
                               trade payables.
 
Guarantors...................  The notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed jointly and
                               severally by all of our existing wholly-owned domestic
                               subsidiaries. The notes are senior subordinated obligations of
                               the guarantors, and rank junior to their senior and unsecured
                               debt and equally with their future unsecured, senior debt.
 
Covenants....................  The indenture which governs the notes includes covenants that,
                               among other things, limit our ability, and that of our
                               subsidiaries defined as "Restricted Subsidiaries," to:
 
                               - incur debt,
 
                               - issue preferred stock,
 
                               - repurchase capital stock or subordinated debt,
 
                               - enter into transactions with affiliates,
 
                               - enter into sale and leaseback transactions,
 
                               - create liens or allow them to exist,
 
                               - pay dividends or other distributions,
 
                               - make investments,
</TABLE>
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                            <C>
                               - sell assets, and
 
                               - enter into mergers or consolidations.
 
                               See "Description of Notes--Covenants."
 
The Warrants; the Units......  The old notes were originally sold as "units," paired with
                               warrants for the common stock of DeCrane Aircraft's parent
                               company, DeCrane Holdings. The warrants may trade separately from
                               the notes on and after the effective date of the registration
                               statement of which this prospectus is a part. The warrants are
                               subject to a separate "shelf" registration statement filed
                               concurrently.
</TABLE>
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
                 SUMMARY PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
    The table below presents summary unaudited pro forma consolidated financial
data for DeCrane Aircraft. The summary unaudited pro forma financial data were
derived from historical financial data and give pro forma effect to the
transactions described in the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial
statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The pro forma financial data
do not purport to represent what the actual results of operations or actual
financial position would have been if such transactions had actually occurred on
such dates or to project the future results of operations or financial position.
The information in this table should be read in conjunction with "Recent
Developments," "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Data," "Selected
Consolidated Financial Data," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" and the DeCrane Aircraft consolidated
financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                           TWELVE MONTHS
                                                                                                               ENDED
                                                                                                           DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                                              1998(1)
                                                                                                           -------------
                                                                                                            (DOLLARS IN
                                                                                                            THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                                                        <C>
PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenues.................................................................................................   $   244,359
Gross profit (2).........................................................................................        78,952
Operating income.........................................................................................        31,219
Provision for income taxes...............................................................................         3,128
Loss before extraordinary item...........................................................................        (1,066)
 
OTHER PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA:
Cash flows from operating acitivities....................................................................   $     5,486
Cash flows from investing activities.....................................................................      (174,548)
Cash flows from financing activities.....................................................................       170,415
EBITDA (3)...............................................................................................        52,663
EBITDA margin (4)........................................................................................          21.6%
Adjusted EBITDA (5)......................................................................................   $    55,856
Adjusted EBITDA margin (4)...............................................................................          22.9%
Depreciation and amortization (6)........................................................................   $    16,996
Capital expenditures.....................................................................................         6,693
Cash interest expense....................................................................................        27,120
Adjusted EBITDA to cash interest expense.................................................................           2.1x
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (7)...................................................................           1.1x
 
OTHER OPERATING DATA:
Bookings (8).............................................................................................   $   254,220
Backlog at end of period (9).............................................................................       130,931
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                               AS OF
                                                                                                           DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                                             1998 (1)
                                                                                                           -------------
                                                                                                            (DOLLARS IN
                                                                                                            THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                                                        <C>
PRO FORMA BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and cash equivalents................................................................................   $     7,894
Working capital..........................................................................................        63,371
Total assets.............................................................................................       448,921
Total debt (10)..........................................................................................       275,515
Stockholder's equity.....................................................................................       110,027
</TABLE>
 
    See accompanying notes to Summary Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Data.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
NOTES TO SUMMARY PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
(1) Reflects the following as if each had occurred as of January 1, 1998: the
    Avtech, Dettmers, PATS and PPI acquisitions; the DLJ acquisition; and the
    initial offering.
 
(2) Net of $4.4 million of non-cash acquisition related charges to reflect cost
    of sales based on the fair value of inventory acquired in connection with
    the DLJ acquisition.
 
(3) EBITDA equals operating income plus depreciation, amortization and non-cash
    acquisition related charges described in Note 2 above. EBITDA is not a
    measure of performance or financial condition under generally accepted
    accounting principles. EBITDA is not intended to represent cash flow from
    operations and should not be considered as an alternative to income from
    operations or net income computed in accordance with generally accepted
    accounting principles, as an indicator of our operating performance, as an
    alternative to cash flow from operating activities or as a measure of
    liquidity. The funds depicted by EBITDA are not available for our
    discretionary use due to funding requirements for working capital, capital
    expenditures, debt service, income taxes and other commitments and
    contingencies. We believe that EBITDA is a standard measure of liquidity
    commonly reported and widely used by analysts, investors and other
    interested parties in the financial markets. However, not all companies
    calculate EBITDA using the same method and the EBITDA numbers set forth
    above may not be comparable to EBITDA reported by other companies.
 
(4) EBITDA margin is computed by dividing EBITDA by revenues. Adjusted EBITDA
    margin is computed by dividing Adjusted EBITDA by revenues.
 
(5) Adjusted EBITDA equals EBITDA plus the following nonrecurring charges:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           TWELVE MONTHS
                                                                                               ENDED
                                                                                           DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                               1998
                                                                                           -------------
                                                                                            (DOLLARS IN
                                                                                            THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                                        <C>
EBITDA (See Note 3 above)................................................................    $  52,663
Adjustment for nonrecurring charges:
  Workforce reductions...................................................................        2,430
  Engineering costs......................................................................          350
  Reduction of corporate expenses........................................................          310
  Non-cash stock option compensation expense.............................................           73
  Expiration of employment contract for a former shareholder of a previously acquired
    company..............................................................................           30
                                                                                           -------------
    Total adjustments....................................................................        3,193
                                                                                           -------------
Adjusted EBITDA..........................................................................    $  55,856
                                                                                           -------------
                                                                                           -------------
</TABLE>
 
(6) Reflects depreciation of plant and equipment and amortization of goodwill
    and other intangible assets. Excludes amortization of deferred financing
    costs and debt discounts, which is classified as a component of interest
    expense.
 
(7) For purposes of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings
    represent net income before income taxes, minority interest in the income of
    majority-owned subsidiaries, extraordinary items and fixed charges. Fixed
    charges consist of:
 
    - interest, whether expensed or capitalized;
 
    - amortization of debt expense and discount relating to any indebtedness,
      whether expensed or capitalized; and
 
    - one-third of rental expense under operating leases which is considered to
      be a reasonable approximation of the interest portion of such expense.
 
(8) Bookings represent the total invoice value of purchase orders received
    during the period.
 
(9) Orders are generally subject to cancellation by the customer prior to
    shipment. The level of unfilled orders at any given date during the year
    will be materially affected by the timing of the Company's receipt of orders
    and the speed with which those orders are filled.
 
(10) Total debt is defined as long-term debt, including current portion, and
    short-term borrowings.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
                 SUMMARY HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
    The table below presents summary historical consolidated financial data for
DeCrane Aircraft. The summary historical financial data for the years ended
December 31, 1996 and 1997, the eight months ended August 31, 1998 and the four
months ended December 31, 1998 were derived from audited financial statements of
DeCrane Aircraft. The information in this table should be read in conjunction
with "Selected Consolidated Financial Data," "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and DeCrane
Aircraft's consolidated financial statements and related notes included
elsewhere in this prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                           <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>
                                                   (PREDECESSOR)
                              -------------------------------------------------------  (SUCCESSOR)
                                                                             EIGHT     -----------
                                                                            MONTHS     FOUR MONTHS
                                       YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,               ENDED        ENDED
                              ------------------------------------------  AUGUST 31,    DECEMBER
                                1994       1995      1996(1)    1997(2)     1998(3)    31, 1998(3)
                              ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
                                              (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
  DATA:
Revenues....................  $  47,092  $  55,839  $  65,099  $ 108,903   $  90,077    $  60,356
Gross profit(4).............     10,685     12,376     15,707     28,656      29,976       17,617
Operating income............      1,760      1,835      4,251     11,995       9,278        4,195
Interest expense............      3,244      3,821      4,248      3,154       2,350        6,852
Provision for income taxes
  (benefit)(5)..............        613      1,078        712      3,344       2,892       (2,668)
Income (loss) before
  extraordinary item........     (2,429)    (3,446)      (817)     5,254       3,189         (324)
Extraordinary loss from debt
  refinancing(6)............       (264)        --         --     (2,078)         --       (2,229)
Net income (loss)...........     (2,693)    (3,446)      (817)     3,176       3,189       (2,553)
 
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:
Cash flows from:
  Operating activities......  $  (2,322) $   1,457  $   2,958  $   4,641   $   3,014    $   1,008
  Investing activities......       (993)    (1,462)   (24,016)   (27,809)    (87,378)      (1,813)
  Financing activities......      3,028         41     21,051     22,957      89,871       (1,597)
EBITDA(7)...................      5,196      5,471      7,602     16,915      13,636       13,247
EBITDA margin(8)............       11.0%       9.8%      11.7%      15.5%       15.1%        21.9%
Depreciation and
  amortization(9)...........  $   3,436  $   3,636  $   3,351  $   4,920   $   4,358    $   4,604
Capital expenditures(10)....      1,016      1,203      5,821      3,842       1,745        1,813
Ratio of earnings to fixed
  charges(11)...............         --         --        1.0x       3.3x        3.0x          --
 
OTHER OPERATING DATA:
Bookings(12)................  $  47,896  $  50,785  $  81,914  $ 112,082   $  94,439    $  54,021
Backlog at end of
  period(13)................     24,493     19,761     44,433     49,005      84,184       75,388
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                                          AS OF
                                                                                        DECEMBER
                                                                                           31,
BALANCE SHEET DATA:                                                                     1998(14)
                                                                                       -----------
<S>                           <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>
Cash and cash equivalents............................................................   $   3,518
Working capital......................................................................      46,033
Total assets.........................................................................     330,927
Total debt(15).......................................................................     186,765
Stockholders' equity.................................................................      97,921
</TABLE>
 
   See accompanying notes to Summary Historical Consolidated Financial Data.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
NOTES TO SUMMARY HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
(1) Includes the effect of: the acquisition of the remaining 25% minority
    interest in Cory Components beginning February 20, 1996, the date on which
    the transaction occurred; and the results of Aerospace Display Systems
    beginning September 18, 1996, and Elsinore Aerospace Services, Inc. and
    Elsinore Engineering, Inc. beginning December 5, 1996, the dates on which
    they were acquired.
 
(2) Includes the effect of the acquisition of Audio International beginning
    November 14, 1997, the date on which it was acquired.
 
(3) The results of operations of Avtech and Dettmers, which were acquired on
    June 26, 1998 and June 30, 1998, respectively, have been included in DeCrane
    Aircraft's results of operations for the periods subsequent to their
    acquisitions. The results of operations for the four months ended December
    31, 1998 also reflect the DLJ acquisition.
 
(4) Net of $4.4 million of non-cash charges for the four months ended December
    31, 1998 to reflect cost of sales based on the fair value of inventory
    acquired in connection with the DLJ acquisition.
 
(5) Prior to the acquisition of the remaining 25% minority interest in Cory
    Components in 1996, DeCrane Aircraft did not consolidate the earnings of
    Cory Components for tax purposes. As such, despite a consolidated pre-tax
    loss in each of the years, DeCrane Aircraft recorded a provision for income
    taxes up to the date of the acquisition in February 1996 which primarily
    relates to Cory Components.
 
(6) Represents:
 
    - the write-off, net of an income tax benefit, of deferred financing costs,
      unamortized original issue discounts, a prepayment penalty and other
      related expenses incurred as a result of the repayment of debt by the
      Company with the net proceeds from its initial public offering in April
      1997; and
 
    - the write-offs, net of income tax benefit, of deferred financing costs as
      a result of the repayment of DeCrane Aircraft's existing indebtedness in
      connection with the DLJ acquisition and the refinancing of the bridge
      notes during the four months ended December 31, 1998.
 
(7) EBITDA equals operating income plus depreciation, amortization and non-cash
    acquisition related charges described in Note 4 above. EBITDA is not a
    measure of performance or financial condition under generally accepted
    accounting principles. EBITDA is not intended to represent cash flow from
    operations and should not be considered as an alternative to income from
    operations or net income computed in accordance with generally accepted
    accounting principles, as an indicator of our operating performance, as an
    alternative to cash flow from operating activities or as a measure of
    liquidity. The funds depicted by EBITDA are not available for our
    discretionary use due to funding requirements for working capital, capital
    expenditures, debt service, income taxes and other commitments and
    contingencies. We believe that EBITDA is a standard measure of liquidity
    commonly reported and widely used by analysts, investors and other
    interested parties in the financial markets. However, not all companies
    calculate EBITDA using the same method and the EBITDA numbers set forth
    above may not be comparable to EBITDA reported by other companies.
 
(8) EBITDA margin is computed by dividing EBITDA by revenues.
 
(9) Reflects depreciation and amortization of plant and equipment and goodwill
    and other intangible assets. Excludes amortization of deferred financing
    costs and debt discounts which is classified as a component of interest
    expense.
 
(10) Includes $4.4 million for the year ended December 31, 1996 related to the
    acquisition of a manufacturing facility.
 
(11) For purposes of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
    earnings represent net income before income taxes, minority interest in the
    income of majority-owned subsidiaries, extraordinary items and fixed
    charges. Fixed charges consist of:
 
    - interest, whether expensed or capitalized;
 
    - amortization of debt expense and discount relating to any indebtedness,
      whether expensed or capitalized; and
 
    - one-third of rental expense under operating leases which is considered to
      be a reasonable approximation of the interest portion of such expense.
 
    There was a deficiency of earnings to fixed charges for the years ended
    December 31, 1994 and 1995 and the four months ended December 31, 1998 of
    $1.8 million, $2.3 million and $2.9 million, respectively.
 
(12) Bookings represent the total invoice value of purchase orders received
    during the period.
 
(13) Orders are generally subject to cancellation by the customer prior to
    shipment. The level of unfilled orders at any given date during the year
    will be materially affected by the timing of DeCrane Aircraft's receipt of
    orders and the speed with which those orders are filled.
 
(14) Reflects the DLJ acquisition.
 
(15) Total debt is defined as long-term debt, including current portion, and
    short-term borrowings.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
    YOU SHOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION AS PART OF YOUR
EVALUATION OF OUR COMPANY AND ITS BUSINESS BEFORE TENDERING YOUR OLD NOTES IN
EXCHANGE FOR THE NEW NOTES.
 
               SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
    Some of the statements in this prospectus discuss future expectations,
beliefs or strategies, projections or other "forward-looking" information. These
statements are subject to known and unknown risks. Many factors could cause
actual company results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be
materially different from the projections expressed or implied by this
prospectus. Some of those risks are specifically described below, but we are
also vulnerable to a variety of elements that affect many businesses, such as:
 
    - fuel prices and general economic conditions that affect demand for
      aircraft and air travel, which in turn affect demand for our products and
      services;
 
    - changes in prevailing interest rates and the availability of financing to
      fund our plans for continued growth;
 
    - inflation, and other general changes in costs of goods and services;
 
    - liability and other claims asserted against us;
 
    - the ability to attract and retain qualified personnel;
 
    - labor disturbances; and
 
    - changes in operating strategy, or our acquisition and capital expenditure
      plans.
 
We cannot predict any of the foregoing with certainty, so our forward-looking
statements are not necessarily accurate predictions. Also, we are not obligated
to update any of these statements, to reflect actual results or report later
developments. You should not rely on our forward-looking statements as if they
were certainties.
 
SUBSTANTIAL LEVERAGE--OUR SUBSTANTIAL LEVELS OF DEBT COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR
FINANCIAL HEALTH AND PREVENT US FROM FULFILLING OUR OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE NOTES.
 
    We incurred significant debt as part of the DLJ acquisition transaction. As
of December 31, 1998, on a pro forma basis, we would have had total consolidated
indebtedness of approximately $275.5 million, and would have available $25.9
million of additional revolving borrowings under the DeCrane Aircraft bank
credit facility. In order to borrow those funds, we will have to satisfy funding
conditions of the kind usually imposed in similar agreements. The bank credit
facility, and the indenture under which DeCrane Aircraft's senior subordinated
notes are issued, each also permit us to incur significant amounts of additional
debt, and to secure that debt with some of our assets.
 
    The amount of debt we carry could have important consequences:
 
    - It may limit the cash flow available for general corporate purposes, and
      acquisitions. Interest payments for 1998 would have been $27.1 million on
      a pro forma basis. The principal payments on long term debt scheduled to
      occur during 1999 will be $2.0 million, assuming that the PPI acquisition
      is completed.
 
    - It may limit our ability to obtain additional debt financing in the future
      for working capital, capital expenditures or acquisitions.
 
    - It may limit our flexibility in reacting to competitive and other changes
      in the industry and economic conditions generally.
 
    - It may expose us to increased interest expenses, when interest rates
      fluctuate, because some of our borrowing may be, and in recent years most
      of it has been, at variable "floating" rates.
 
    - Restrictions in our debt agreements may cause us not to respond to changes
      in our markets or exploit business opportunities. The indenture for the
      notes and our bank credit facility each impose various contractual
      restrictions on our operations and businesses. Our bank credit facility
      contains additional restrictions, and requires that we satisfy several
      tests of financial condition. Our ability to do so can
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
      be affected by events beyond our control, and we cannot assure you that we
      will meet those tests. Our failure to do so could result in a default
      under our bank credit facility or the notes.
 
ADDITIONAL BORROWINGS--DESPITE CURRENT INDEBTEDNESS LEVELS, WE AND OUR
SUBSIDIARIES MAY STILL BE ABLE TO INCUR SUBSTANTIALLY MORE DEBT. THIS COULD
INTENSIFY THE RISKS DESCRIBED ABOVE.
 
    We and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantial additional
indebtedness in the future. The terms of the indenture do not fully prohibit us
or our subsidiaries from doing so. In addition to senior debt which we might
incur, we may issue an unlimited amount of additional senior subordinated notes
under the existing indenture, so long as the total amount of debt is permitted
by our financial covenants. See "Description of Notes--Incurrence of
Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock." If new debt is added to our and
our subsidiaries' current debt levels, the related risks that we and they now
face could intensify.
 
SUBORDINATION--YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE NOTES ARE SUBORDINATED TO SUBSTANTIALLY ALL
OUR EXISTING DEBT.
 
    The notes are general unsecured obligations of DeCrane Aircraft and of those
of its subsidiaries which have provided note guarantees. The notes rank lower in
right of payment than most of the debt of those companies, including the amounts
owed under the bank credit facility. The senior creditors have rights which
might reduce the payments made to you as a holder of the notes. Among other
things:
 
    - As of December 31, 1998, on a pro forma basis, DeCrane Aircraft and the
      guarantor subsidiaries would have had outstanding about $175.2 million of
      senior debt. We would be required to pay all of this senior debt in full,
      before paying the holders of the notes, if DeCrane Aircraft or one of the
      guarantor subsidiaries suffers a bankruptcy filing, insolvency,
      liquidation or similar event; or if our senior debt is accelerated.
 
    - We are blocked from paying holders of the notes whenever there is a
      payment default on senior debt, and principal and premium payments may
      also be blocked for up to 179 days while there is a non-payment default on
      senior debt. See "Description of Notes--Subordination" for the terms of
      this subordination.
 
    - The bank credit facility is secured by our key assets, excluding assets of
      our foreign subsidiaries. If we default under our senior debt agreements,
      the lenders could choose to declare all outstanding amounts immediately
      due and payable, and seek foreclosure of the assets we granted to them as
      collateral. We cannot assure you that, if our bank credit facility were
      accelerated, our assets would be sufficient to repay all of our debt, or
      the notes, in full.
 
    - Holders of debt and other liabilities of our subsidiaries that are not
      guarantors will also have claims that are effectively senior to the notes.
      As of December 31, 1998, on a pro forma basis, our non-guarantor
      subsidiaries would have had $2.2 million of outstanding liabilities,
      including trade payables.
 
POTENTIAL INABILITY TO SERVICE DEBT--WE WILL REQUIRE A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF
CASH TO SERVICE OUR DEBT. OUR ABILITY TO GENERATE CASH DEPENDS ON CASH FLOWS
FROM OUR SUBSIDIARIES, AND MANY FACTORS BEYOND OUR CONTROL.
 
    Our ability to satisfy our debt obligations, including these notes, and to
fund planned capital expenditures will depend on our ability to generate cash in
the future. This, to an extent, is subject to general economic, financial,
competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our
control.
 
    We anticipate that our operating cash flow, together with borrowings under
our bank credit facility, will be sufficient to meet our anticipated future
operating and capital expenditures and debt payments as they become due for the
next three years. However, if our cash flow is lower than we expect, we might be
forced to reduce or delay acquisitions or capital expenditures, sell assets or
reduce operating expenses, in order to make all required debt service payments.
For example, a reduction in our operating expenses might reduce important
efforts such as selling and marketing programs, management information system
upgrades and new product development.
 
    On a pro forma basis, we would have had a $1.1 million loss before
extraordinary item for the twelve months ended December 31, 1998. In the past,
our acquisitions resulted in increased interest and amortization expenses. As a
result we incurred historical net losses in each year from our inception through
1996, despite positive operating income. The first historical net profit we
reported occurred in 1997, in part
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
because of the repayment of a significant part of our outstanding debt with the
net proceeds of our initial public offering. Additionally, we conduct all of our
operations through subsidiaries. DeCrane Aircraft's ability to meet its debt
service obligations will depend upon it receiving dividends from those
operations. The indenture may allow our subsidiaries to enter into future loan
agreements which affect their ability to pay dividends to DeCrane Aircraft. See
"Description of Notes--Principal Covenants." State law may also limit the amount
of the dividends that our subsidiaries are permitted to pay to DeCrane Aircraft.
 
AIRCRAFT INDUSTRY RISKS--OUR AIRCRAFT INDUSTRY MARKETS ARE CYCLICAL AND AFFECTED
BY MANY FACTORS BEYOND OUR CONTROL, INCLUDING MILITARY SPENDING TRENDS AND
REGIONAL ECONOMIC INSTABILITY IN ASIA.
 
    A downturn in any of our principal markets could adversely affect our
business.
 
    - The principal markets for manufacturers of commercial aircraft are the
      commercial and regional airline industries, which are cyclical and have
      been adversely affected by a number of factors, including increased fuel
      and labor costs and intense price competition. Commercial aircraft
      production may increase and decrease in response to changes in customer
      demand caused by general economic conditions. If production by commercial
      aircraft manufacturers decreases, we may sell fewer products to them and
      suffer a decrease in our revenues. For example, new commercial aircraft
      deliveries declined from a peak of approximately 767 aircraft in 1991 to
      approximately 367 aircraft in 1995, according to AEROSPACE AND
      AIRTRANSPORT CURRENT ANALYSIS published by Standard and Poor's Industry
      Surveys, and the Boeing Company has also recently announced production
      line cutbacks for 1999 and 2000.
 
    - The principal markets for corporate aircraft manufacturers are
      corporations and wealthy individuals. The corporate aircraft market is
      also cyclical and has been adversely affected by a number of factors,
      including the general state of the U.S. economy, corporate profits,
      interest rates and commercial airline fares. A downturn in any of these
      factors could depress the demand for corporate aircraft.
 
    - The military aircraft industry is dependent upon the level of equipment
      expenditures by the armed forces of countries throughout the world, and
      especially those of the United States. In recent years, this industry has
      been adversely affected by a number of factors, including the reduction in
      military spending since the end of the Cold War. Further decreases in
      military spending could further depress demand for military aircraft.
 
    - The Asian markets are important for manufacturers of commercial aircraft
      and components for those aircraft. Boeing has a large backlog of aircraft
      sales to customers in Asia, and some deliveries have been deferred or
      cancelled. Boeing has characterized the economic situation in Asia as a
      risk to its deliveries over the next few years. It has previously
      announced scheduled production slowdowns in its 747 and 777 aircraft
      lines, among others, during 1999. Boeing continues to reassess its
      production rates based on Asian demand and expects to make downward
      revisions based on its customer requirements. That situation could, if it
      continues or worsens, result in additional significant cancellations or
      deferrals of deliveries for new aircraft.
 
CONCENTRATION OF KEY CUSTOMERS--WE RECEIVE A SIGNIFICANT SHARE OF OUR REVENUES
FROM A SMALL GROUP OF KEY CUSTOMERS, AND ARE VULNERABLE TO CHANGES IN THEIR
ECONOMIC CONDITION AND PURCHASING PLANS.
 
    A significant decline in business from any one of our key customers could
have a material adverse effect on our business. Our two largest customers for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 were Boeing, including McDonnell
Douglas, and Matsushita Avionics Systems. Boeing accounted for approximately
29.6% of our consolidated revenues for that year, and Matsushita for
approximately 5.0%, on a pro forma basis but excluding the effects of the
acquisition of PPI.
 
    If we had completed our acquisition of PPI at the beginning of 1998, as is
assumed by our pro forma financial statements, it would have resulted in 48.4%
of our consolidated revenues concentrated among four principal customers for
1998 on a pro forma basis. Boeing would have been 25.1%, Cessna 11.4%, Raytheon
7.6%, and Matsushita 4.3% of those revenues.
 
    In addition to the percentage of revenues directly earned from Boeing, a
significant part of our revenues from components are sold to Boeing indirectly,
through sales to suppliers of Boeing. Most of our contracts with Boeing allow
Boeing to stop purchasing or terminate the contract at any time. In addition,
under some circumstances, those contracts may allow Boeing to enforce
alternative economic terms, which would make
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
the contracts less commercially favorable to us. During October 1997, Boeing
announced that parts shortages adversely affected its production and delivery
rates. Boeing shut down its 737 and 747 production lines for approximately one
month and did not resume normal production rates until late November 1997. In
late 1998, among other things, Boeing announced reductions in its previously
scheduled production for the 747 and 777 programs in 1999 and 2000, as described
in "--Aircraft Industry Risks" above. Boeing might suffer further production
schedule disruptions. Boeing recently announced internal studies indicating that
about one-fourth of its product lines are not likely to be profitable as
currently conducted. Boeing did not disclose which lines fail to return
break-even or positive returns; however, it has previously acknowledged that
some of its commercial airplane programs were not meeting expectations. Boeing
plans to announce specific growth and profit information for its commercial
aircraft product lines later in 1999.
 
    We generally sell components and services to Matsushita pursuant to purchase
orders, rather than under long-term contracts. However, we do have a supply
agreement for connectors through September 1999. On a pro forma basis, again
excluding PPI, during the twelve months ended December 31, 1998 as compared to
the same period in 1997, our revenues from Boeing increased $25.5 million while
our revenues from Matsushita declined by $1.8 million.
 
REGULATION--MANY OF OUR OPERATIONS ARE CLOSELY REGULATED BY THE FAA. IF WE FAIL
TO COMPLY WITH ITS MANY STANDARDS, OR THOSE STANDARDS CHANGE, WE COULD LOSE
INSTALLATION OR CERTIFICATION CAPABILITIES WHICH ARE IMPORTANT TO OUR BUSINESS.
 
    The Federal Aviation Administration prescribes standards and licensing
requirements for aircraft components, licenses private repair stations and
issues Designated Alteration Station approvals, which give the holder the right
to certify some aircraft design modifications on behalf of the FAA. Our ability
to arrange for rapid government certification of the systems integration
services we perform is important to our business. It depends on our continuing
access to, or use of, these FAA certifications and approvals, and our employment
of, or access to, FAA-certified individual engineering professionals. We cannot
assure you that we will continue to have adequate access to those
certifications, approvals and certified professionals. The FAA curtailed our
subsidiary's use of a Designated Alteration Station certification for new
projects for several months during 1997, until the facility was brought into
compliance with the FAA's regulations governing FAA-certified repair stations as
further described in "Business--Industry Regulation." The loss of a required
license or certificate, or its unavailability, could adversely affect our
operations. The FAA could also change its policies regarding the delegation of
inspection and certification responsibilities to private companies, which could
adversely affect our business.
 
GOLD AND COPPER PRICES--A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE PRICE OF GOLD OR COPPER
COULD REDUCE OUR GROSS PROFIT.
 
    A significant portion of the cost of the materials used in our contacts is
comprised of the cost of gold, and to a lesser extent, the cost of copper.
Accordingly, a significant increase in the price of gold or copper could
adversely affect our results of operations. We have not purchased commodities
contracts for gold or copper and do not anticipate doing so.
 
ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS AND REGULATION--SOME OF OUR OPERATIONS AND FACILITIES
GENERATE WASTE OR HAVE DONE SO IN THE PAST, WHICH MAY RESULT IN UNKNOWN FUTURE
LIABILITIES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION.
 
    Federal and state laws, particularly the federal Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation and Liability Act, impose strict, retroactive and joint
and several liability upon persons responsible for releases or potential
releases of hazardous substances. We have sent waste to treatment, storage or
disposal facilities that have been designated as National Priority List sites
under that statute or equivalent listings under state laws. We have received
requests for information or allegations of potential responsibility from the
Environmental Protection Agency regarding our use of some sites. Given the
retroactive nature of federal environmental liability, it is possible that we
will receive additional notices of potential liability relating to current or
former activities. We may incur costs in the future for prior waste disposal by
us or former owners of our subsidiaries or our facilities. Some of our
operations are located on properties which are contaminated to varying degrees.
Some of our manufacturing processes create wastewater which requires chemical
treatment, and one of our facilities has been cited for failure to adequately
treat that water. We may incur costs in the future to address existing or future
contamination.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
YEAR 2000--SOME OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AND MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS ON WHICH WE RELY
MAY NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY DUE TO THE DATE CHANGES OCCURRING ON OR AROUND JANUARY
1, 2000.
 
    Many existing computer programs use only two digits to identify a year in
the date field. These programs, if not corrected, could fail or create erroneous
results when dealing with dates later than December 31, 1999. This "Year 2000"
issue is believed to affect virtually all companies and organizations, including
DeCrane Aircraft. We are dependent in part on computer- and date-controlled
systems for some internal functions, particularly inventory control, purchasing,
customer billing and payroll. Similarly, suppliers of components and services on
which we rely, and our customers, may have Year 2000 compliance risks which
would affect their operations and their transactions with us. Other parties with
whom we have commercial relationships rely heavily on computer-based technology.
 
    We have taken steps to identify and limit the risks to our operations and
products, which are described under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Conditions and Results of Operations." However, Year 2000 issues
present a number of risks that are beyond our reasonable control, such as the
failure of utility companies to deliver electricity, the failure of
telecommunications companies to provide voice and data services, the failure of
financial institutions to process transactions and transfer funds, the failure
of vendors to deliver materials or perform services required by us and the
collateral effects on us of the effects of Year 2000 issues on the economy in
general or on our customers in particular. Although we believe that our
compliance efforts are designed to appropriately identify and address those Year
2000 issues, we cannot assure you that our efforts will be fully effective, or
that Year 2000 risks will not have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition or results of operations. If the risks to our operating
computer systems, machinery and vendors, or our customer base, are greater than
we anticipate, the resulting losses might be difficult to resolve quickly,
because a pattern of similar system failures in the business community would
strain available resources for assistance or remediation.
 
REPURCHASE UPON CHANGE OF CONTROL--WE MAY NOT HAVE THE ABILITY TO RAISE THE
FUNDS NECESSARY TO FUND A CHANGE OF CONTROL OFFER IF IT IS REQUIRED BY THE
INDENTURE.
 
    If we experience a change of control of the types described in "Description
of Notes--Repurchase at the Option of Holders," you will have the right to
require us to repurchase all or any part of your notes at an offer price in cash
equal to 101% of their aggregate principal amount, plus accrued interest to the
date of repurchase. We cannot assure you that we will have sufficient resources
to satisfy our repurchase obligation to every note holder following a change of
control.
 
    Our bank credit facility prohibits us from purchasing the notes, and makes
change of control events a default. The terms of any other future senior debt
may contain similar restrictions. If a change of control occurs while any senior
debt prohibits us from purchasing the notes, we could seek the consent of the
senior lenders to the purchase, or attempt to refinance the debt which prohibits
it. However, we can not assure you that those attempts would be successful. If
they are not, we would still be prohibited from repurchasing the notes. Our
failure to do so would result in a default under the indenture, which could also
result in a default in the senior debt, and therefore block any payments to you
under the "blocking" covenants described in "--Subordination."
 
CONTROL BY PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS--WE ARE CONTROLLED BY PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
WHO ARE AFFILIATED WITH OUR LENDERS AND MAY HAVE ECONOMIC INTERESTS WHICH DIFFER
OR CONFLICT WITH YOURS.
 
    DeCrane Aircraft is wholly owned by DeCrane Holdings, and all of the
outstanding shares of common stock of DeCrane Holdings are held by DLJ Merchant
Banking Partners II, L.P. and affiliated funds and entities. Those DLJ
affiliates own approximately 94% of the common stock of DeCrane Holdings, on a
fully diluted basis assuming exercise of all outstanding warrants. As a result
of their stock ownership, the DLJ affiliates control DeCrane Holdings and
DeCrane Aircraft, and have the power to elect all of their directors, appoint
new management, approve sales of all or substantially all of the assets of the
companies, issue additional capital stock, establish stock purchase programs and
declare dividends. The ownership by the DLJ affiliates could have a depressive
effect on the common stock and the warrants.
 
    DLJ Capital Funding, Inc., which is an agent and lender under our bank
credit facility, DLJ Bridge Finance, Inc., which purchased the original bridge
notes refinanced by the old notes, and Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities
Corporation, which was the initial purchaser of the old notes, are also DLJ
affiliates.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
    The interests of those principal shareholders could conflict with your
interests as a holder of the notes. Those shareholders may also have an interest
in pursuing transactions that they believe enhance the value of their equity
investment in DeCrane Aircraft or DeCrane Holdings, even though the transactions
involve risks to your investment in the notes.
 
FRAUDULENT TRANSFERS--FEDERAL AND STATE "FRAUDULENT TRANSFER" STATUTES ALLOW
COURTS TO ORDER NOTEHOLDERS TO RETURN PAYMENTS ALREADY MADE, OR VOID GUARANTEES,
IF THE ISSUER'S OR GUARANTOR'S FINANCIAL CONDITION MEETS SPECIFIC TESTS.
 
    Your rights to repayment of the notes, and to retain amounts already paid
under the notes, could be affected by the application of federal or state
"fraudulent transfer" laws. These statutes permit obligations to be undone or
rescinded if tests having to do with the obligation, the person's intent and the
person's financial condition are satisfied. Our repayment obligations to you
under the notes could be impaired by those laws if a court determined that, when
entering into or exchanging the notes, we either:
 
    - had the actual intent to hinder, delay or defraud current or future
      creditors, or
 
    - received less than fair consideration or reasonably equivalent value for
      incurring the debt represented by the notes, AND we were:
 
       - insolvent or were rendered insolvent by reason of the issuance of the
         notes, or
 
       - were engaged, or about to engage, in a business or transaction for
         which our assets were unreasonably small, or
 
       - intended to incur, or believed or should have believed we would incur,
         debts beyond our ability to pay as such debts mature.
 
Based on such a finding, a court could void all or a portion of our obligations
to you, subordinate your right to repayment to our other existing and future
senior debt, in which case those other creditors would be paid in full before
any payment could be made on the notes, and take other action detrimental to
your rights, including invalidating the notes. We cannot assure you that, if
that occurred, you would ever recover any repayment on your notes.
 
    The definition of insolvency used in the foregoing tests varies among
jurisdictions, depending upon the court and the law that is being applied. A
given court might apply different standards in determining whether we were
insolvent on a particular date, or regarding other grounds that might lead it to
take the actions noted above.
 
NO PRIOR PUBLIC MARKET--YOU CANNOT BE SURE THAT AN ACTIVE TRADING MARKET WILL
DEVELOP FOR THE NOTES.
 
    Prior to the registration of the new notes, there was no public market for
the notes. In addition, the liquidity of the trading market in the notes, and
the market price quoted for the notes, may be adversely affected by changes in
the overall market for high yield securities and by changes in our financial
performance or prospects or in the prospects for companies in our industry
generally. As a result, you cannot be sure that an active trading market will
develop for these notes.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
                              RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
 
    THE DLJ ACQUISITION
 
    In August 1998, DeCrane Holdings, one of three holding companies organized
by DLJ Merchant Banking Partners II, L.P. and several affiliates, completed a
successful tender offer for all shares of our common stock for $23.00 per share,
resulting in a net price of approximately $182.0 million. All outstanding
options to purchase shares were purchased for the same price, net of their
exercise proceeds. At the completion of the tender offer, the two other holding
companies merged with DeCrane Aircraft. All of our old outstanding shares and
share options were cancelled, non-tendering shareholders were paid out, and as a
result DeCrane Aircraft became a wholly-owned subsidiary of DeCrane Holdings.
 
    Prior to the tender offer, one of the merging holding companies entered into
a $130.0 million syndicated bank credit facility, with a group of lenders led by
DLJ Capital Funding, Inc. That syndicated facility is now our bank credit
facility. For its principal terms, see "Description of Bank Credit Facility."
The initial borrowings from that facility totalled $80.0 million of term loans
and $5.4 million of revolving loans, and were used to fund the purchase of
shares in the tender offer, as well as to refinance existing debt of DeCrane
Aircraft. That same merging company also issued $100.0 million of senior
subordinated increasing rate notes to DLJ Bridge Finance, Inc. before merging
into DeCrane Aircraft, making the bridge notes our obligation. The proceeds from
those bridge notes were used to fund the tender offer purchases. The bridge
notes were refinanced by our initial offering of the old notes in October 1998
to the initial purchaser Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation.
 
    DeCrane Holdings raised additional funds for the tender offer purchases, and
expenses of the acquisition transactions, by selling all of the shares of its
common stock for $65.0 million and all of the shares of its Senior Redeemable
Exchangeable Preferred Stock due 2009 for $34.0 million. In connection with the
latter, DeCrane Holdings also issued to DLJ affiliates warrants to acquire an
additional 5.0% of its common stock on a fully diluted basis.
 
    The following table sets forth the cash sources and uses of funds for the
DLJ acquisition, including the initial offering of the old notes completed in
October 1998 and related fees and expenses (dollars in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                   <C>
SOURCES
Cash from income tax refund (1).....................................................   $   4,368
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options.........................................       4,314
Bank credit facility:
  Revolving credit facility.........................................................       5,400
  Term facility.....................................................................      80,000
Units sold in the initial offering..................................................     100,000
DLJ equity investment...............................................................      99,000
Estimated additional borrowings to fund transaction fees and expenses...............       2,528
                                                                                      -----------
      Total Sources.................................................................   $ 295,610
                                                                                      -----------
                                                                                      -----------
 
USES
Purchase price for the shares.......................................................   $ 173,116
Purchase of shares from the exercise of stock options...............................      13,194
Repayment of prior senior credit facility...........................................      93,000
Estimated transaction fees and expenses.............................................      16,300
                                                                                      -----------
      Total Uses....................................................................   $ 295,610
                                                                                      -----------
                                                                                      -----------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) As of June 30, 1998, DeCrane Aircraft had approximately $4.4 million of
    income taxes refundable. Since that time, we have received all of this
    amount and used the cash to reduce our indebtedness.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
    PATS
 
    In January 1999, we acquired all of the stock of PATS, Inc. for a price of
approximately $41.5 million, including the assumption of debt, and subject to
adjustments for changes to its net working capital, and reserves for
environmental and other indemnities made by the selling shareholders. PATS is a
designer, manufacturer and installer of auxiliary fuel tanks which significantly
extend the flight range of commercial and corporate aircraft. Among other
things, PATS is the principal supplier of auxiliary fuel tank systems to the
Boeing Business Jet program, as described under "Business--Products and
Services--Auxiliary Fuel Systems." PATS is also a supplier of auxiliary power
units which supply ground power to aircraft.
 
    PPI
 
    In April 1999, we acquired all of the stock of PPI Holdings, Inc. for a
price of approximately $79.7 million in cash, which is to be adjusted upwards or
downwards based on post-closing contingencies relating to financial matters.
That purchase price includes $19.5 million which is to be paid over
approximately two years after the closing, but is contingent upon the acquired
business achieving specific financial performance criteria. PPI is a
manufacturer of interior furniture components primarily for middle-and high-end
corporate aircraft.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
    We are conducting this exchange offer in order to satisfy our obligations
under the registration rights agreement entered into at the time of the initial
offering of the old notes. We will not receive any cash proceeds from the
issuance of the new notes, or the exchanges made by tendering holders of notes.
The old notes surrendered in the exchange will be canceled, so our issuance of
the new notes will not increase our outstanding debt. The terms of the new notes
and the old notes are substantially the same in all material respects, except
that the new notes will not be subject to liquidated damages penalties for
failure to timely register the notes under the Securities Act, and will be more
freely transferable by the holders thereof by reason of their registration
thereunder.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
    The following table sets forth the consolidated cash and cash equivalents
and total capitalization of DeCrane Aircraft as of December 31, 1998 on a
historical and pro forma basis. This table should be read in conjunction with
DeCrane Aircraft's consolidated financial statements and related notes, the
"Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements" and related notes and
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" included elsewhere in the prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                         AS OF
                                                                                                   DECEMBER 31, 1998
                                                                                               -------------------------
                                                                                                 ACTUAL    PRO FORMA(1)
                                                                                               ----------  -------------
                                                                                                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                                            <C>         <C>
Cash and cash equivalents....................................................................  $    3,518   $     7,894
                                                                                               ----------  -------------
                                                                                               ----------  -------------
Total debt:
  Bank credit facility
    Term facility............................................................................  $   79,888   $   149,888
    Revolving credit facility................................................................       5,800        24,100
  Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008.........................................................     100,000       100,000
  Other debt.................................................................................       1,077         1,527
                                                                                               ----------  -------------
Total debt...................................................................................     186,765       275,515
Stockholder's equity.........................................................................      97,921       110,027
                                                                                               ----------  -------------
Total capitalization.........................................................................  $  284,686   $   385,542
                                                                                               ----------  -------------
                                                                                               ----------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) Pro forma reflects the additional borrowings required to fund the PATS and
    PPI acquisitions.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
                UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
                             BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
    The following unaudited pro forma consolidated financial data of DeCrane
Aircraft are based on its historical financial statements adjusted to reflect
transactions of two types: the "Acquisition Adjustments" and the "Offering
Adjustments." The Acquisition Adjustments reflect the 1998 Avtech, Dettmers and
DLJ acquisitions and the 1999 PATS and PPI acquisitions. For additional
information on these acquisitions, see "Recent Developments--PATS and --PPI" and
the notes to DeCrane Aircraft's consolidated financial statements included
elsewhere in this prospectus. The Offering Adjustments reflect the issuance and
sale of units in the initial offering and additional revolving credit facility
borrowings and the use of the proceeds therefrom to repay the bridge notes,
including fees and expenses, as described in the use of proceeds table in
"Recent Developments--The DLJ Acquisition." For additional information on the
units in the initial offering, see the discussion in the notes to DeCrane
Aircraft's consolidated financial statements.
 
    An unaudited pro forma consolidated statement of operations is presented for
the year ended December 31, 1998. The statement reflects the Acquisition
Adjustments and the Offering Adjustments as if they had occurred as of January
1, 1998. The unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet reflects the 1999
Acquisition Adjustments as of December 31, 1998; all of the 1998 Acquisition and
Offering Adjustment events had occurred by that date and are therefore reflected
in historical amounts.
 
    The pro forma adjustments are based upon available information and
assumptions management believes are reasonable under the circumstances. The
unaudited pro forma consolidated financial data and accompanying notes should be
read in conjunction with the historical financial statements and related notes
of DeCrane Aircraft, Avtech, PATS and PPI included elsewhere in this prospectus.
The pro forma financial data do not purport to represent what DeCrane Aircraft's
actual results of operations or actual financial position would have been if the
transactions described above in fact occurred on such dates or to project
DeCrane Aircraft's results of operations or financial position for any future
period or date. For a discussion of the consequences of the incurrence of
indebtedness in connection with the DLJ acquisition, see "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources."
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
                 UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
 
                               DECEMBER 31, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             ACQUISITION ADJUSTMENTS(2)
                                                                                            -----------------------------
                                                                              DECRANE                            PPI
                                                                              AIRCRAFT                        HOLDINGS,
                                                                             HISTORICAL      PATS, INC.         INC.
                                                                           (SUCCESSOR)(1)   HISTORICAL(3)   HISTORICAL(3)
                                                                           --------------   -------------   -------------
                                                                                       (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                        <C>              <C>             <C>
ASSETS
Current assets
  Cash and cash equivalents..............................................     $  3,518         $ 2,504         $ 1,872
  Accounts receivable, net...............................................       30,441           3,273           6,230
  Inventories............................................................       34,281          11,916           4,719
  Deferred income taxes..................................................        4,300             132          --
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets..............................        3,897              58             247
                                                                           --------------   -------------   -------------
    Total current assets.................................................       76,437          17,883          13,068
                                                                           --------------   -------------   -------------
 
Property and equipment, net..............................................       28,160           4,855           1,184
                                                                           --------------   -------------   -------------
Other assets, principally intangibles, net...............................
  Goodwill and other intangibles.........................................      216,544          --               6,017
  Deferred financing costs...............................................        8,787          --                 154
  Other assets...........................................................          999           1,399               7
                                                                           --------------   -------------   -------------
    Net other assets, principally intangibles............................      226,330           1,399           6,178
                                                                           --------------   -------------   -------------
                                                                              $330,927         $24,137         $20,430
                                                                           --------------   -------------   -------------
                                                                           --------------   -------------   -------------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Current liabilities
  Short-term borrowings..................................................     $    283         $--             $--
  Current portion of long-term obligations...............................        1,529           6,226           1,500
  Accounts payable.......................................................        6,383           2,559           1,157
  Accrued expenses.......................................................       18,466           5,633           1,603
  Income taxes payable...................................................        3,743           1,246          --
                                                                           --------------   -------------   -------------
    Total current liabilities............................................       30,404          15,664           4,260
                                                                           --------------   -------------   -------------
Long-term liabilities
  Revolving credit facility..............................................        5,800          --              --
  Term facility..........................................................       79,000          --              --
  Senior subordinated notes..............................................      100,000          --              --
  Other long-term obligations............................................          153           3,501           6,050
  Deferred income taxes..................................................       16,990          --              --
  Other long-term liabilities............................................          659          --              --
                                                                           --------------   -------------   -------------
    Total long-term liabilities..........................................      202,602           3,501           6,050
                                                                           --------------   -------------   -------------
Stockholder's equity.....................................................       97,921           4,972          10,120
                                                                           --------------   -------------   -------------
                                                                              $330,927         $24,137         $20,430
                                                                           --------------   -------------   -------------
                                                                           --------------   -------------   -------------
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                           ADJUSTMENTS   PRO FORMA
                                                                           -----------   ---------
 
<S>                                                                        <C>           <C>
ASSETS
Current assets
  Cash and cash equivalents..............................................    $--         $  7,894
  Accounts receivable, net...............................................     --           39,944
  Inventories............................................................     --           50,916
  Deferred income taxes..................................................     --            4,432
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets..............................     --            4,202
                                                                           -----------   ---------
    Total current assets.................................................     --          107,388
                                                                           -----------   ---------
Property and equipment, net..............................................     --           34,199
                                                                           -----------   ---------
Other assets, principally intangibles, net...............................
  Goodwill and other intangibles.........................................     71,506(4)   294,067
  Deferred financing costs...............................................      1,921(5)    10,862
  Other assets...........................................................     --            2,405
                                                                           -----------   ---------
    Net other assets, principally intangibles............................     73,427      307,334
                                                                           -----------   ---------
                                                                             $73,427     $448,921
                                                                           -----------   ---------
                                                                           -----------   ---------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Current liabilities
  Short-term borrowings..................................................    $--         $    283
  Current portion of long-term obligations...............................     (7,226)(6)    2,029
  Accounts payable.......................................................     --           10,099
  Accrued expenses.......................................................        975(7)    26,677
  Income taxes payable...................................................        (60)(8)    4,929
                                                                           -----------   ---------
    Total current liabilities............................................     (6,311)      44,017
                                                                           -----------   ---------
Long-term liabilities
  Revolving credit facility..............................................     18,300(9)    24,100
  Term facility..........................................................     69,500(9)   148,500
  Senior subordinated notes..............................................     --          100,000
  Other long-term obligations............................................     (9,101)(6)      603
  Deferred income taxes..................................................     --           16,990
  Other long-term liabilities............................................      4,025(7)     4,684
                                                                           -----------   ---------
    Total long-term liabilities..........................................     82,724      294,877
                                                                           -----------   ---------
Stockholder's equity.....................................................     (2,986)(10)  110,027
                                                                           -----------   ---------
                                                                             $73,427     $448,921
                                                                           -----------   ---------
                                                                           -----------   ---------
</TABLE>
 
 See accompanying notes to the Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Data.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
            UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                     TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           ACQUISITION ADJUSTMENTS
                                                      -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    COMPANIES ACQUIRED (11)
                        DECRANE AIRCRAFT HISTORICAL   ---------------------------------------------------
                                    (1)                                                           PPI
                        ---------------------------     AVTECH       DETTMERS                  HOLDINGS,
                        (PREDECESSOR)   (SUCCESSOR)   CORPORATION   INDUSTRIES   PATS, INC.       INC       ADJUSTMENTS
                        -------------   -----------   -----------   ----------   ----------   -----------   -----------
                                                            (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                     <C>             <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>
Revenues..............     $90,077       $ 60,356       $20,984       $2,013      $  33,348    $ 37,714      $   (133)(12)
Cost of sales.........      60,101         42,739        13,267        1,454         24,321      24,376          (851)(13)
                        -------------   -----------   -----------   ----------   ----------   -----------   -----------
Gross profit..........      29,976         17,617         7,717          559          9,027      13,338           718
Selling, general and
  administrative
  expenses............      15,719         10,274         3,695          760          4,906       2,218        (1,728)(14)
Nonrecurring
  acquisition
  expenses............       3,632         --             1,229        --               250      --            (5,111)(15)
Nonrecurring bonuses
  and employment
  contract termination
  expenses............      --             --             3,592        --               480      --            (4,072)(16)
ESOP contribution.....      --             --               300        --               230      --              (530)(17)
Amortization of
  intangible assets...       1,347          3,148        --            --            --             328         7,066(18)
                        -------------   -----------   -----------   ----------   ----------   -----------   -----------
Operating income
  (loss)..............       9,278          4,195        (1,099)        (201)         3,161      10,792         5,093
Interest expense
  (income)............       2,350          6,852           (60)          13            296       1,096        16,191(19)
Other expenses
  (income)............         847            335           (35)       --            --               5          (600)(20)
                        -------------   -----------   -----------   ----------   ----------   -----------   -----------
Income (loss) before
  provision for income
  taxes and
  extraordinary
  item................       6,081         (2,992)       (1,004)        (214)         2,865       9,691       (10,498)
Provision for income
  taxes (benefit).....       2,892         (2,668)         (322)       --             1,013      --             2,946(21)
                        -------------   -----------   -----------   ----------   ----------   -----------   -----------
Income (loss) before
  extraordinary item
  (24)................     $ 3,189       $   (324)      $  (682)      $ (214)     $   1,852    $  9,691      $(13,444)
                        -------------   -----------   -----------   ----------   ----------   -----------   -----------
                        -------------   -----------   -----------   ----------   ----------   -----------   -----------
 
<CAPTION>
 
                         OFFERING
                        ADJUSTMENTS   PRO FORMA
                        -----------   ---------
 
<S>                     <C>           <C>
Revenues..............    $--         $244,359
Cost of sales.........     --          165,407
                        -----------   ---------
Gross profit..........     --           78,952
Selling, general and
  administrative
  expenses............     --           35,844
Nonrecurring
  acquisition
  expenses............     --            --
Nonrecurring bonuses
  and employment
  contract termination
  expenses............     --            --
ESOP contribution.....     --            --
Amortization of
  intangible assets...     --           11,889
                        -----------   ---------
Operating income
  (loss)..............     --           31,219
Interest expense
  (income)............      1,867(22)   28,605
Other expenses
  (income)............     --              552
                        -----------   ---------
Income (loss) before
  provision for income
  taxes and
  extraordinary
  item................     (1,867)       2,062
Provision for income
  taxes (benefit).....       (733)(23)    3,128
                        -----------   ---------
Income (loss) before
  extraordinary item
  (24)................    $(1,134)    $ (1,066)
                        -----------   ---------
                        -----------   ---------
</TABLE>
 
 See accompanying notes to the Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Data.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
            NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
 (1) As of December 31, 1998, reflects DeCrane Aircraft's financial position
     subsequent to the DLJ acquisition and the initial offering. For the twelve
     months ended December 31, 1998, reflects DeCrane Aircraft's historical
     results of operations for the eight months ended August 31, 1998
     (Predecessor) and the four months ended December 31, 1998 (Successor).
 
 (2) Reflects DeCrane Aircraft's purchase of all of the outstanding stock of
     PATS in January 1999 and the purchase of all of the outstanding stock of
     PPI in April 1999. Sources and uses of funds for the acquisitions, had they
     occurred on December 31, 1998, are as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 PPI
                                                                              HOLDINGS,
                                                               PATS, INC.       INC.         TOTAL
                                                               -----------  -------------  ----------
<S>                                                            <C>          <C>            <C>
  SOURCES:
  Senior credit facility borrowings:
    Term B facility..........................................   $  20,000     $  --        $   20,000
    Term C facility..........................................      --            50,000        50,000
    Acquisition facility.....................................      16,500        --            16,500
    Working capital facility.................................       1,000           800         1,800
  DeCrane Holdings equity investment.........................      --            12,500        12,500
  Customer prepayment........................................       5,000        --             5,000
                                                               -----------  -------------  ----------
      Total Sources..........................................   $  42,500     $  63,300    $  105,800
                                                               -----------  -------------  ----------
                                                               -----------  -------------  ----------
  USES:
  Purchase of common stock...................................   $  31,212     $  53,250    $   84,462
  Debt repaid upon acquisition...............................       9,277         7,550        16,827
  Estimated acquisition fees and expenses....................       1,136         1,000         2,136
  Estimated financing fees and expenses......................         875         1,500         2,375
                                                               -----------  -------------  ----------
      Total Uses.............................................   $  42,500     $  63,300    $  105,800
                                                               -----------  -------------  ----------
                                                               -----------  -------------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
 (3) Reflects the financial position of PATS and PPI as of December 31, 1998.
 
 (4) Reflects the excess purchase price of the acquisitions over the fair value
     of net assets acquired. For purposes of the Pro Forma Consolidated
     Financial Data, we allocated the excess purchase price to goodwill which is
     being amortized on a straight-line basis over 30 years. Such allocation is
     preliminary and may change upon the completion of the final valuations of
     the net assets acquired.
 
 (5) Reflects $2.1 million of credit facility amendment fees and expenses
     capitalized as deferred financing costs net of a $0.2 million write off of
     PPI deferred financing costs related to debt to be repaid upon acquisition.
 
 (6) Reflects the $16.8 million repayment of PATS and PPI debt upon acquisition
     offset by $0.5 million of Term C facility borrowings classified as a
     current obligation.
 
 (7) Reflects a customer prepayment for product to be delivered by PATS through
     2001 used by DeCrane Aircraft to finance the acquisition. The prepayment
     will be offset semiannually against future amounts receivable and has a
     7.5% effective interest rate.
 
 (8) Reflects the income tax benefit of the write off of PPI deferred financing
     costs.
 
 (9) Reflects the long-term portion of senior credit facility borrowings for the
     acquisitions. The terms of the senior credit facility are described in the
     DeCrane Aircraft historical consolidated financial statements and related
     notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.
 
(10) Reflects the $12.5 million DeCrane Holdings equity investment net of $0.3
     million of issuance costs, the elimination of the acquired companies
     stockholders'equity upon acquisition and the $0.1 million write off, net of
     income tax benefit, of PPI deferred financing costs.
 
(11) Reflects the results of operations for the companies acquired for the
     periods not included in the historical columns. The results of operations
     for the acquired companies are for the periods from January 1, 1998 to:
     June 25, 1998 for Avtech; June 29, 1998 for Dettmers; and December 31, 1998
     for PATS and PPI.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
(12) Reflects the elimination of intercompany sales.
 
(13) Reflects the net change in cost of goods sales attributable to the
     following (dollars in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                        <C>
Decrease in depreciation expense (a).....................................  $    (658)
Elimination of intercompany sales........................................       (133)
Work force reductions attributable to merging the companies acquired.....        (60)
                                                                           ---------
Net increase (decrease) in cost of sales.................................  $    (851)
                                                                           ---------
                                                                           ---------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
    (a) To reflect a decrease in depreciation expense resulting from the fair
       value and remaining economic useful lives of depreciable assets acquired
       in connection with the DLJ acquisition.
 
(14) Reflects the net decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses
     attributable to the following (dollars in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                       <C>
Decrease in compensation expense (a)....................................  $  (1,775)
Decrease in investor relations expenses (b).............................       (221)
Other, net (c)..........................................................        268
                                                                          ---------
Net decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses............  $  (1,728)
                                                                          ---------
                                                                          ---------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
    (a) To reflect the resignation of some former employees and changes to
       employment agreements for remaining employees of the companies acquired.
 
    (b) To reflect the decrease in investor relations expenses associated with
       becoming a privately held company as a result of the DLJ acquisition.
 
    (c) To reflect an increase in depreciation expense resulting from the fair
       value and remaining economic useful lives of depreciable assets acquired
       in connection with the DLJ acquisition, net of cost savings attributable
       to employee benefit plans implemented at the companies acquired.
 
(15) Reflects a reduction for nonrecurring charges incurred by DeCrane Aircraft
     on behalf of its stockholders related to the DLJ acquisition, and by Avtech
     and PATS on behalf of their stockholders related to their respective
     acquisitions by DeCrane Aircraft.
 
(16) Reflects a reduction in expense attributable to employment contract
     termination expenses and nonrecurring bonuses awarded prior to, and in
     anticipation of, the acquisitions of Avtech and PATS by DeCrane Aircraft.
 
(17) Reflects a reduction in expense attributable to the termination of the
     Employee Stock Ownership Plans in conjunction with the acquisitions of
     Avtech and PATS.
 
(18) Reflects a net increase in amortization expense pertaining to the
     amortization of goodwill and other intangible assets related to the DLJ,
     PATS and PPI acquisitions on a straight-line basis as follows (dollars in
     thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                        AMORTIZATION
                                                                                   AMOUNT      YEARS      EXPENSE
                                                                                 ----------  ---------  ------------
<S>                                                                              <C>         <C>        <C>
  Elimination of Predecessor amortization
    DeCrane Aircraft...........................................................                          $   (1,347)
    PPI........................................................................                                (328)
  DLJ acquisition amortization:
    Goodwill...................................................................  $  166,674     30            3,704
    FAA certifications.........................................................      30,391     15            1,351
    Engineering drawings.......................................................       9,138     15              406
    Assembled workforce........................................................       6,588      7              627
    Tradenames, trademarks and patents.........................................       3,908   5 to 12           269
  Goodwill amortization attributable to 1999 acquisitions (a)
    PATS.......................................................................      27,376     30              913
    PPI........................................................................      44,130     30            1,471
                                                                                                        ------------
      Net increase in amortization.............................................                          $    7,066
                                                                                                        ------------
                                                                                                        ------------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
    (a) Amortization expense may change upon completion of the final valuations
       of the net assets acquired.
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
(19) Reflects the net increase in interest expense, including deferred financing
     cost amortization and commitment fees, as a result of the following
     (dollars in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                             INTEREST
                                                                               RATE OR TERM        AMOUNT     EXPENSE
                                                                          ----------------------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                       <C>                     <C>        <C>
  Elimination of historical net interest expense (a):
    Pertaining to debt refinanced (b):
      Interest expense..................................................                                     $  (3,575)
      Deferred financing cost amortization, commitment fees and
        expenses........................................................                                          (236)
    Interest income (c).................................................                                           207
    Successor net interest expense......................................                                        (6,794)
  Pro forma interest expense (d):
    Interest expense:
      Revolving credit facility:
        Working capital facility........................................     LIBOR (e) +2.75%     $   8,912        692
        Acquisition facility............................................     LIBOR (e) +2.75%        16,500      1,282
      Term facility:
        Term A..........................................................     LIBOR (e) +2.75%        35,000      2,720
        Term B..........................................................     LIBOR (e) +3.00%        65,000      5,213
        Term C..........................................................     LIBOR (e) +3.25%        50,000      4,135
      Bridge notes......................................................       Prime + (f)          100,000     10,625
      Customer prepayment interest......................................          7.50%               5,000        375
    Deferred financing cost amortization:
      Revolving credit facility.........................................       6 years (g)            1,277        213
      Term facility:
        Term A..........................................................       6 years (h)              894        200
        Term B..........................................................       7 years (h)            2,025        315
        Term C..........................................................       7 years (h)            1,200        176
      Bridge notes......................................................      7.5 years (g)           3,180        424
    Commitment fees and expenses........................................                                           219
                                                                                                             ---------
      Net increase in interest expense..................................                                     $  16,191
                                                                                                             ---------
                                                                                                             ---------
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------
 
    (a) Excludes interest expense pertaining capital lease obligations and other
       debt obligations not refinanced.
 
    (b) Includes DeCrane Aircraft Predecessor debt refinanced in conjunction
       with the DLJ acquisition, Dettmers debt not acquired and PATS and PPI
       debt refinanced in conjunction with their acquisitions by DeCrane
       Aircraft. See the notes to the DeCrane Aircraft, PATS and PPI
       consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus
       for a description of the debt refinanced.
 
    (c) Interest income earned from invested surplus cash balances prior to
       acquisition.
 
    (d) Pro forma for the DLJ, PATS and PPI acquisitions as if they had occurred
       on January 1, 1998.
 
    (e) Calculations based on LIBOR at 5.02%.
 
    (f) Calculations based on Prime at 8.5%, the rate in effect during the
       period the bridge notes were issued and outstanding, plus 2.125%.
 
    (g) Deferred financing costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the
       term of the agreement.
 
    (h) Deferred financing costs are amortized using the effective interest
       method.
 
(20) Reflects adjustment for nonrecurring charges associated with a terminated
     debt offering in June 1998. Such offering was terminated upon initiation of
     the DLJ acquisition.
 
(21) Represents an increase in the provision for income taxes as a result of a
     change in pro forma taxable income, a provision for income taxes on the
     income of PPI which was taxed as an S Corporation prior to its acquisition,
     and elimination of the $2.6 million one time benefit caused by reversal of
     DeCrane Aircraft's deferred tax valuation allowance. The effective tax rate
     differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate due to goodwill amortization
     related to acquisitions not deductible for income tax purposes.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
(22) Reflects the net increase in interest expense, including deferred financing
     cost amortization and commitment fees, as a result of the initial offering
     as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                            INTEREST
                                                                              RATE OR TERM        AMOUNT     EXPENSE
                                                                          ---------------------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                       <C>                    <C>        <C>
  Elimination of bridge notes interest expense:
    Interest expense....................................................       Prime + (a)       $ 100,000  $ (10,625)
    Deferred financing cost amortization................................      7.5 years (b)          3,180       (424)
  Senior subordinated notes due 2008:
    Interest expense....................................................         12.00%            100,000     12,000
    Deferred financing cost amortization (c)............................      10 years (d)           5,810        581
  Revolving credit facility:
    Interest expense....................................................    LIBOR (e) + 2.75%        4,610        358
    Commitment fees and expenses........................................                                          (23)
                                                                                                            ---------
    Net increase in interest expense....................................                                    $   1,867
                                                                                                            ---------
                                                                                                            ---------
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------
 
    (a) Calculations based on Prime at 8.50%, the rate in effect during the
       period the bridge notes were issued and outstanding, plus 2.125%.
 
    (b) Deferred financing costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the
       term of the agreement.
 
    (c) Includes $1.2 million for the value ascribed to the warrants issued by
       DeCrane Holdings in conjunction with the sale of the units in the initial
       offering.
 
    (d) Deferred financing costs are amortized using the effective interest
       method.
 
    (e) Calculations based on LIBOR at 5.02%.
 
(23) Represents a decrease in the provision for income taxes as a result of a
     decrease in pro forma taxable income.
 
(24) In conjunction with the DLJ acquisition, deferred financing costs of
     $347,000, net of income tax benefit, were written off as an extraordinary
     charge as a result of the termination of DeCrane Aircraft's prior senior
     credit facility. In conjunction with the initial offering, deferred
     financing costs of $1.9 million, net of income tax benefit, were written
     off as an extraordinary charge as a result of the termination of the bridge
     notes. In conjunction with the PPI acquisition, deferred financing costs of
     $.1 million, net of income tax benefit, were written off as an
     extraordinary charge as a result of the repayment of PPI debt upon
     acquisition. These amounts have not been reflected in the unaudited pro
     forma consolidated statement of operations.
 
(25) Supplemental financial data, pro forma for the Acquisition and Offering
     adjustments, is as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                     <C>
Cash flows from operating activities..................................  $   5,486
Cash flows from investing activities..................................   (174,548)
Cash flows from financing activities..................................    170,415
EBITDA (a)............................................................     52,663
Depreciation and amortization (b).....................................     16,996
Capital expenditures..................................................      6,693
Cash interest expense.................................................     27,120
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (c)................................       1.1x
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
    (a) EBITDA equals operating income plus depreciation, amortization and
       non-cash acquisition related charges to reflect cost of sales based on
       the fair value of inventory acquired in connection with the DLJ
       acquisition. EBITDA is not a measure of performance or financial
       condition under generally accepted accounting principles. EBITDA is not
       intended to represent cash flow from operations and should not be
       considered as an alternative to income from operations or net income
       computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, as
       an indicator of our operating performance, as an alternative to cash flow
       from operating activities or as a measure of liquidity. The funds
       depicted by EBITDA are not available for our discretionary use due to
       funding requirements for working capital, capital expenditures, debt
       service, income taxes and other commitments and contingencies. We believe
       that EBITDA is a standard measure of liquidity commonly reported and
       widely used by analysts, investors and other interested parties in the
       financial markets. However, not all companies calculate EBITDA using the
       same method and the
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
       EBITDA numbers set forth above may not be comparable to EBITDA reported
       by other companies.
 
    (b) Reflects depreciation and amortization of plant and equipment, goodwill
       and other intangible assets. Excludes amortization of deferred financing
       costs and debt discounts which is classified as a component of interest
       expense.
 
    (c) For purposes of calculating the earnings to fixed charges ratio,
       earnings represent net income before income taxes, minority interest in
       the income of majority-owned subsidiaries, extraordinary items and fixed
       charges. Fixed charges consist of:
 
       - interest, whether expensed or capitalized;
 
       - amortization of debt expense and discount relating to any indebtedness,
         whether expensed or capitalized; and
 
       - one-third of rental expense under operating leases which is considered
         to be a reasonable approximation of the interest portion of such
         expense.
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
                      SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
    The following table presents historical consolidated financial data of
DeCrane Aircraft as of and for each of the four years in the period ended
December 31, 1997, the eight months ended August 31, 1998 and the four months
ended December 31, 1998 derived from the audited financial statements. The
information in this table should be read in conjunction with "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and
DeCrane Aircraft's consolidated financial statements and related notes included
elsewhere in this prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          (PREDECESSOR)                          (SUCCESSOR)
                                                   -----------------------------------------------------------  -------------
                                                                                                 EIGHT MONTHS    FOUR MONTHS
                                                             YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                 ENDED          ENDED
                                                   --------------------------------------------   AUGUST 31,    DECEMBER 31,
                                                     1994       1995       1996(1)     1997(2)      1998(3)        1998(4)
                                                   ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -------------  -------------
                                                                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
<S>                                                <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>            <C>
Revenues.........................................  $  47,092  $  55,839   $  65,099   $ 108,903    $  90,077      $  60,356
Cost of sales(5).................................     36,407     43,463      49,392      80,247       60,101         42,739
                                                   ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -------------  -------------
Gross profit.....................................     10,685     12,376      15,707      28,656       29,976         17,617
Selling, general and administrative expenses.....      7,716      9,426      10,747      15,756       15,719         10,274
Nonrecurring charges(6)..........................         --         --          --          --        3,632             --
Amortization of intangible assets................      1,209      1,115         709         905        1,347          3,148
                                                   ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -------------  -------------
Operating income.................................      1,760      1,835       4,251      11,995        9,278          4,195
Interest expense.................................      3,244      3,821       4,248       3,154        2,350          6,852
Terminated debt offering expenses................         --         --          --          --          600             --
Other expenses, net..............................        332        382         108         243          247            335
                                                   ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -------------  -------------
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes
  and
  extraordinary item.............................     (1,816)    (2,368)       (105)      8,598        6,081         (2,992)
Provision for income taxes (benefit)(7)..........        613      1,078         712       3,344        2,892         (2,668)
                                                   ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -------------  -------------
Income (loss) before extraordinary item..........     (2,429)    (3,446)       (817)      5,254        3,189           (324)
Extraordinary loss from debt refinancing(8)......       (264)        --          --      (2,078)          --         (2,229)
                                                   ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -------------  -------------
Net income (loss)................................  $  (2,693) $  (3,446)  $    (817)  $   3,176    $   3,189      $  (2,553)
                                                   ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -------------  -------------
                                                   ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -------------  -------------
 
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:
Cash flows from operating activities.............  $  (2,322) $   1,457   $   2,958   $   4,641    $   3,014      $   1,008
Cash flows from investing activities.............       (993)    (1,462)    (24,016)    (27,809)     (87,378)        (1,813)
Cash flows from financing activities.............      3,028         41      21,051      22,957       89,871         (1,597)
EBITDA(9)........................................      5,196      5,471       7,602      16,915       13,636         13,247
EBITDA margin(10)................................       11.0%       9.8%       11.7%       15.5%        15.1%          21.9%
Depreciation and amortization(11)................  $   3,436  $   3,636   $   3,351   $   4,920    $   4,358      $   4,604
Capital expenditures(12).........................      1,016      1,203       5,821       3,842        1,745          1,813
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(13)...........         --         --        1.0x        3.3x         3.0x             --
 
OTHER OPERATING DATA:
Bookings(14).....................................  $  47,896  $  50,785   $  81,914   $ 112,082    $  94,439      $  54,021
Backlog at end of period(15).....................     24,493     19,761      44,433      49,005       84,184         75,388
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               AS OF DECEMBER 31,
                                                          -------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           (PREDECESSOR)                    (SUCCESSOR)
                                                          ------------------------------------------------  -----------
                                                            1994        1995       1996(1)      1997(2)      1998(16)
                                                          ---------  -----------  ---------  -------------  -----------
                                                                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
<S>                                            <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>            <C>
Cash and cash equivalents...............................  $     236   $     305   $     320    $     206     $   3,518
Working capital.........................................     11,459      12,583      10,486       24,772        46,033
Total assets............................................     37,685      36,329      69,266       99,137       330,927
Total debt(17)..........................................     23,874      24,672      42,250       38,838       186,765
Mandatorily redeemable preferred stock and common stock
  warrants..............................................      2,329       1,633       6,879           --            --
Stockholders' equity (deficit)..........................        766      (1,697)      1,236       39,527        97,921
</TABLE>
 
         See accompanying notes to Selected Consolidated Financial Data
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
NOTES TO SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
(1) Includes the effect of: the acquisition of the remaining 25% minority
    interest in Cory Components beginning February 20, 1996, the date on which
    the transaction occurred; and the results of Aerospace Display Systems
    beginning September 18, 1996, and Elsinore Aerospace Services, Inc. and
    Elsinore Engineering, Inc. beginning December 5, 1996, the dates on which
    they were acquired.
 
(2) Includes the effect of the acquisition of Audio International beginning
    November 14, 1997, the date on which it was acquired.
 
(3) Includes the results of operations of Avtech and Dettmers beginning June 26,
    1998 and June 30, 1998, respectively, the dates on which they were acquired.
 
(4) Reflects the results of operations subsequent to the DLJ acquisition
    (Successor).
 
(5) Includes $4.4 million of non-cash charges for the four months ended December
    31, 1998 to reflect cost of sales based on the fair value of inventory
    acquired in connection with the DLJ acquisition.
 
(6) Represents non-capitalizable transaction costs associated with the DLJ
    acquisition.
 
(7) Prior to the acquisition of the remaining 25% minority interest in Cory
    Components in 1996, DeCrane Aircraft did not consolidate the earnings of
    Cory Components for tax purposes. As such, despite a consolidated pre-tax
    loss in each of the years, DeCrane Aircraft recorded a provision for income
    taxes from 1993 up to the date of the acquisition in 1996 which primarily
    relates to Cory Components. For the four months ended December 31, 1998,
    includes a $2.6 million benefit from the reduction of the deferred tax
    valuation allowance.
 
(8) Represents:
 
    - the write-offs of unamortized deferred financing costs, unamortized
      original issue discounts and a prepayment penalty incurred as a result of
      the refinancing by DeCrane Aircraft of a substantial portion of our debt
      in November 1994;
 
    - the write-offs, net of an income tax benefit, of deferred financing costs,
      unamortized original issue discounts, a prepayment penalty and other
      related expenses incurred as a result of the repayment of debt by DeCrane
      Aircraft with the net proceeds from its initial public offering in April
      1997; and
 
    - the write-offs, net of an income tax benefit, of deferred financing costs
      as a result of the repayment of DeCrane Aircraft's existing indebtedness
      in connection with the DLJ acquisition and the refinancing of the bridge
      notes during the four months ended December 31, 1998.
 
(9) EBITDA equals operating income plus depreciation, amortization and non-cash
    acquisition related charges described in Note 5 above. EBITDA is not a
    measure of performance or financial condition under generally accepted
    accounting principles. EBITDA is not intended to represent cash flow from
    operations and should not be considered as an alternative to income from
    operations or net income computed in accordance with generally accepted
    accounting principles, as an indicator of our operating performance, as an
    alternative to cash flow from operating activities or as a measure of
    liquidity. The funds depicted by EBITDA are not available for our
    discretionary use due to funding requirements for working capital, capital
    expenditures, debt service, income taxes and other commitments and
    contingencies. We believe that EBITDA is a standard measure of liquidity
    commonly reported and widely used by analysts, investors and other
    interested parties in the financial markets. However, not all companies
    calculate EBITDA using the same method and the EBITDA numbers set forth
    above may not be comparable to EBITDA reported by other companies.
 
(10) EBITDA margin is computed by dividing EBITDA by revenues.
 
(11) Reflects depreciation and amortization of plant and equipment and goodwill
    and other intangible assets. Excludes amortization of deferred financing
    costs and debt discounts which are classified as a component of interest
    expense.
 
(12) Includes $4.4 million for the year ended December 31, 1996 related to the
    acquisition of a manufacturing facility.
 
(13) For purposes of calculating the earnings to fixed charges ratio, earnings
    represent net income before income taxes, minority interests in the income
    of majority-owned subsidiaries, cumulative effect of an accounting change,
    extraordinary items and fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of:
 
    - interest, whether expensed or capitalized;
 
    - amortization of debt expense and discount or premium relating to any
      indebtedness, whether expensed or capitalized; and
 
    - one-third of rental expenses under operating leases which is considered to
      be a reasonable approximation of the interest portion of such expense.
 
    There was a deficiency of earnings to cover fixed charges for the years
    ended December 31, 1994 and 1995 and the four months ended December 31, 1998
    of $1.8 million, $2.3 million and $2.9 million, respectively.
 
(14) Bookings represent the total invoice value of purchase orders received
    during the period.
 
(15) Orders are generally subject to cancellation by the customer prior to
    shipment. The level of unfilled orders at any given date during the year
    will be materially affected by the timing of DeCrane Aircraft's receipt of
    orders and the speed with which those orders are filled.
 
(16) Reflects the financial position of Avtech and Dettmers and the DLJ
    acquisition.
 
(17) Total debt is defined as long-term debt, including current portion, and
    short-term borrowings.
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
          MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                           AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
    THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSIONS SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF DECRANE AIRCRAFT AND THE RELATED NOTES INCLUDED
ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS.
 
OVERVIEW
 
    Our results of operations have been affected by our history of acquisitions.
Since our formation in 1989, we have completed thirteen acquisitions of
businesses or assets, most recently PATS in January 1999 and PPI in April 1999.
As a result, our historical financial statements do not reflect the results of
all of our current businesses. Additionally, our capital structure was
significantly altered by the tender offer for our stock successfully conducted
by an affiliate of DLJ Merchant Banking Partners II, L.P. in August 1998.
 
THE DLJ ACQUISITION AND FINANCING
 
    In August 1998, DeCrane Holdings and its two subsidiaries, an acquisition
subsidiary and a financing subsidiary, completed a successful $186.3 million
cash tender offer for all of the shares of DeCrane Aircraft. DeCrane Holdings
was organized by DLJ Merchant Banking II, L.P. and several of its affiliates.
The funds for the tender offer, and the refinancing of DeCrane Aircraft's
existing debt, were obtained from the sale of equity by DeCrane Holdings and the
issuance of debt by its finance subsidiary. DeCrane Holdings received an initial
capital contribution of approximately $99.0 million from the sale of its
preferred and common stock and warrants to DLJ Merchant Banking. DeCrane
Holdings used these funds to capitalize its finance subsidiary. The finance
subsidiary then entered into a $130.0 million syndicated bank credit facility
with a group of lenders led by DLJ Capital Funding, Inc. and issued $100.0
million of senior subordinated increasing rate bridge notes to DLJ Bridge
Finance Inc. The finance subsidiary capitalized the acquisition subsidiary with
the funds necessary to complete the tender offer.
 
    Upon completion of the tender offer, the acquisition and finance
subsidiaries were merged into DeCrane Aircraft and DeCrane Aircraft's existing
debt was repaid. As a result of the mergers, DeCrane Aircraft became a
wholly-owned subsidiary of DeCrane Holdings and the bank credit facility and
bridge notes became obligations of DeCrane Aircraft. In October 1998, DeCrane
Aircraft refinanced the bridge notes with the proceeds from the sale of the old
notes issued under the indenture described in this prospectus.
 
    The gross purchase price for DeCrane Aircraft's shares and options was
$186.3 million. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed have been recorded at
their estimated fair values based on an independent appraisal. The purchase
price was allocated to the assets acquired based on the estimated fair values of
$4.4 million for inventory, $2.6 million for fixed assets, and $50.0 million for
identifiable intangible assets. The excess of the purchase price over the fair
value of the net assets acquired totalling $70.0 million was allocated to
goodwill. The increase in inventory value was expensed as the inventory was sold
during the four months ended December 31, 1998. The intangible assets, other
than goodwill, are being amortized on a straight-line basis over periods between
five and fifteen years. Goodwill is being amortized on a straight-line basis
over a period of thirty years.
 
    The term loan facility under our bank credit facility consists of a $35.0
million amortizing Term A loan maturing in six years and a $65.0 million
amortizing Term B loan maturing in seven years. The Term B loan was increased
from $45.0 to $65.0 million at the time of the PATS acquisition. Scheduled
aggregate amortization is $1.1 million in 1999. The bank credit facility also
includes a $25.0 million working capital revolving credit facility and a $25.0
million acquisition revolving credit facility, of which $5.4 million was
borrowed upon completion of the DLJ acquisition. Both revolving credit
facilities will terminate after six years.
 
    Borrowings under our bank credit facility generally bear interest based on a
margin over, at DeCrane Aircraft's option, either the base rate or the
Euro-Dollar rate. The applicable margin for the revolving credit facilities and
Term A loan is 1.50% for base rate borrowings and 2.75% for Euro-Dollar
borrowings for the first six months after the January 1999 PATS acquisition
amendment was adopted; the Term B loan has a margin of 1.75% for base rate
borrowings and 3.00% for Euro-Dollar borrowings.
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
After the first six months, the applicable margin will vary based upon DeCrane
Aircraft's ratio of total debt to EBITDA, as defined. DeCrane Aircraft's
obligations under the bank credit facility are:
 
    - guaranteed by DeCrane Holdings and all existing and future wholly-owned
      domestic subsidiaries of DeCrane Aircraft;
 
    - secured by substantially all of the assets of DeCrane Aircraft and the
      subsidiary guarantors, including a pledge of the capital stock of all
      existing and future subsidiaries of DeCrane Aircraft, provided that no
      more than 65% of the voting stock of any foreign subsidiary shall be
      pledged; and
 
    - secured by a pledge by DeCrane Holdings of the stock of DeCrane Aircraft.
 
The bank credit facility contains customary covenants and events of default.
 
    Both the old and new notes will mature in 2008 and are guaranteed by DeCrane
Aircraft's wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries. Interest on the notes is payable
semiannually in cash. The notes contain customary covenants and events of
default, including covenants that limit DeCrane Aircraft's ability to incur
debt, pay dividends and acquire or make equity investments in other companies.
 
    In connection with the DLJ acquisition, DeCrane Holdings raised
approximately $99.0 million through its sale of common stock, preferred stock,
and warrants. The proceeds of those sales were contributed to the paid-in
capital of DeCrane Aircraft. The DeCrane Holdings preferred stock provides for
cumulative dividends that do not require payment in cash through 2003, but will
be payable in cash thereafter and will be mandatorily redeemable in 2009. The
DeCrane Holdings preferred stock is exchangeable into debentures that will
contain customary covenants and events of default, including covenants that
limit the ability of DeCrane Holdings and its subsidiaries to incur debt, pay
dividends and acquire or make equity investments in other companies.
 
INDUSTRY OUTLOOK AND TRENDS
 
    We sell to the commercial, regional, corporate and military aircraft
markets. Within these markets, our customers include original manufacturers of
aircraft and related electronic equipment, aircraft repair and modification
centers, and airlines. We believe there are favorable trends in the markets we
serve that will result in continuing strong demand for our products and
services.
 
    The 1998 CURRENT MARKET OUTLOOK released by the Boeing Company in early 1998
projected that:
 
    - worldwide revenue passenger kilometers will increase at a compounded
      annual growth rate of 5.0% over the next ten years;
 
    - the world jetliner fleet will grow from 12,300 aircraft at the end of 1997
      to nearly 17,700 aircraft in 2007 and to 26,200 aircraft by 2017; and
 
    - over the next 20 years, the industry will require 17,650 new aircraft,
      both to support the projected world fleet expansion and to replace
      capacity lost as older aircraft are removed from commercial airline
      service.
 
    We believe these projected increases over the prolonged time frame indicated
above will result in strong demand for our products and services in the
commercial, regional and corporate aircraft markets that we serve. However, the
shorter-term outlook includes Boeing's recent announcements concerning
production line cutbacks, which will result in a projected decline in commercial
aircraft deliveries in late 1999 and 2000.
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
    The following table sets forth the items in our consolidated statements of
operations as percentages of its revenues for the periods indicated. The
percentages for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997 reflect the
historical results of operations prior to the DLJ acquisition. The percentages
for the year ended December 31, 1998 reflect the combined historical results of
operations for the eight months ended August 31, 1998 prior to the DLJ
acquisition and the four months ended December 31, 1998 subsequent to the DLJ
acquisition.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                       -------------------------------
                                                                                         1996       1997       1998
                                                                                       ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                    <C>        <C>        <C>
Revenues.............................................................................      100.0%     100.0%     100.0%
Cost of sales........................................................................       75.9       73.7       68.4
                                                                                       ---------  ---------  ---------
Gross profit.........................................................................       24.1       26.3       31.6
Selling, general and administrative expenses.........................................       16.5       14.5       19.7
Amortization of intangible assets....................................................        1.1        0.8        3.0
                                                                                       ---------  ---------  ---------
Operating income.....................................................................        6.5       11.0        8.9
Interest expense.....................................................................        6.5        2.9        6.1
Other expense, net...................................................................        0.2        0.2        0.8
                                                                                       ---------  ---------  ---------
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes,
  and extraordinary item.............................................................       (0.2)       7.9        2.0
Provision for income taxes...........................................................       (1.1)      (3.1)      (0.1)
                                                                                       ---------  ---------  ---------
Income (loss) before extraordinary item..............................................       (1.3)       4.8        1.9
Extraordinary loss from debt refinancing.............................................         --       (1.9)      (1.5)
                                                                                       ---------  ---------  ---------
Net income (loss)....................................................................       (1.3)%       2.9%       0.4%
                                                                                       ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                       ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
 
    REVENUES.  Revenues increased $41.6 million, or 38.2%, to $150.5 million for
the year ended December 31, 1998 from $108.9 million for the year ended December
31, 1997. Revenues increased primarily due to the inclusion of:
 
    - $20.2 million of revenues from Audio International, which was acquired on
      November 14, 1997;
 
    - $25.2 million of revenues from Avtech, which was acquired on June 26,
      1998; and
 
    - $3.3 million of revenues from Dettmers, which was acquired on June 30,
      1998.
 
    These revenue increases were somewhat offset by continued softness in the
electrical contact markets, where we experienced a sales decline of
approximately $8.6 million for the year ended December 31, 1998 compared with
the same period last year.
 
    GROSS PROFIT.  Gross profit increased $18.9 million, or 65.9%, to $47.6
million for the year ended December 31, 1998 from $28.7 million for the year
ended December 31, 1997. Gross profit as a percent of revenues increased to
31.6% for the year ended December 31, 1998 from 26.3% for the year ended
December 31, 1997. Factors contributing to the gross profit increase were:
 
    - $12.4 million from an overall increase in sales volume, primarily a result
      of the November 1997 Audio International and June 1998 Avtech and Dettmers
      acquisitions;
 
    - $10.3 million due to the higher overall gross margins of the acquired
      companies; and
 
    - $1.8 million due to overall margin improvements at existing companies.
 
    The increase was offset by:
 
    - a $1.2 million decrease due to a decline in electrical contact revenues;
      and
 
    - a $4.4 million charge for the portion of the DLJ acquisition purchase
      price allocated to inventory and expensed as the inventory was sold during
      the four months ended December 31, 1998.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
    SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.  Selling, general and
administrative expenses increased $13.8 million, or 87.3%, to $29.6 million for
the year ended December 31, 1998 from $15.8 million for the year ended December
31, 1997. SG&A expenses as a percent of revenues increased to 19.7% for the year
ended December 31, 1998 from 14.5% for the year ended December 31, 1997. SG&A
expenses increased primarily as a result of:
 
    - the inclusion of $9.2 million of expenses pertaining to Audio
      International, Avtech and Dettmers which were acquired during 1997 and
      1998;
 
    - $3.6 of non-capitalizable costs associated with the DLJ acquisition; and
 
    - a $1.9 million increase in research and development costs related to new
      product introductions at Audio International and Dettmers.
 
    OPERATING INCOME.  Operating income increased $1.5 million to $13.5 million
for the year ended December 31, 1998 from $12.0 million for the year ended
December 31, 1997. Operating income as a percent of revenues decreased to 8.9%
for the year ended December 31, 1998 from 11.0% for the year ended December 31,
1997. An overall $13.1 million increase in operating income, including $12.0
million from the acquisitions of Audio International, Avtech and Dettmers, was
offset by:
 
    - the $4.4 million charge for the portion of the DLJ purchase price
      allocated to inventory;
 
    - $3.6 million of higher amortization expense associated with acquisitions,
      including the DLJ acquisition; and
 
    - the $3.6 million charge for non-capitalizable costs associated with the
      DLJ acquisition.
 
    INTEREST EXPENSE.  Interest expense increased $6.0 million, or 187.5%, to
$9.2 million for the year ended December 31, 1998 from $3.2 million for the year
ended December 31, 1997. This increase resulted primarily from the higher debt
levels associated with the DLJ acquisition.
 
    PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES.  During the year ended December 31, 1998, we
decreased our provision for income taxes by $3.2 million to $0.2 million from
$3.4 million for the year ended December 31, 1997, as a result of lower income
before taxes and the reduction of our deferred tax asset valuation allowance by
$2.6 million. This decrease was significantly offset by an increase in
non-deductible expenses, particularly the amortization of intangible assets,
during the same period. We have approximately $17.4 million and $0.6 million in
loss carry forwards available at December 31, 1998 for federal and state income
tax purposes.
 
    EXTRAORDINARY LOSS FROM DEBT REFINANCING.  During the year ended December
31, 1998, we incurred a $2.2 million extraordinary charge, net of an estimated
$1.5 million income tax benefit, as a result of the refinancing of the bridge
notes with a units offering consisting of notes and warrants. During the year
ended December 31, 1997, we incurred a $2.1 million extraordinary charge, net of
an estimated $1.4 million income tax benefit, as a result of a debt refinancing
with the proceeds from our initial public offering.
 
    NET INCOME (LOSS).  Net income decreased $2.6 million to $0.6 million for
the year ended December 31, 1998 compared to $3.2 million for the same period in
1997 primarily due to the higher amortization, interest and other expenses
associated with the DLJ acquisition.
 
    BOOKINGS AND BACKLOG.  Bookings increased $36.4 million, or 32.5%, to $148.5
million for the year ended December 31, 1998 compared to $112.1 million for the
same period in 1997. The increase in bookings for 1998 includes:
 
    - $21.0 million attributable to Audio International;
 
    - $15.4 million attributable to Avtech; and
 
    - $2.9 million attributable to Dettmers.
 
    As of December 31, 1998, we had a sales order backlog of $75.4 million
compared to $49.0 million as of December 31, 1997.
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
    REVENUES.  Revenues increased $43.8 million, or 67.3%, to $108.9 million for
1997 from $65.1 million for 1996. Revenues increased primarily due to:
 
    - the inclusion of $10.7 million of revenues from Aerospace Display Systems;
 
    - growth in our private labeling programs of $6.4 million;
 
    - growth in contact sales of $6.3 million driven by new aircraft production
      rate increases;
 
    - an increase in sales of harness assemblies for in-flight entertainment
      systems of $5.1 million;
 
    - an increase in sales of specialty connectors for cabin management and
      in-flight entertainment systems principally on Boeing's 777 aircraft of
      $4.9 million;
 
    - an increase of sales to Interactive Flight Technologies, Inc. of $3.3
      million relating to a major systems integration program for Swiss Air
      Transport Co. Ltd.;
 
    - the inclusion of $3.0 million of revenue from Elsinore;
 
    - new systems integration programs for navigational systems of $1.5 million;
 
    - the inclusion of $1.3 million of revenue from Audio International;
 
    - a new systems integration program for United Parcel Service, Inc. of $0.9
      million; and
 
    - the overall growth in the commercial aircraft market.
 
    Partially offsetting this increase was a decline in sales to AT&T Wireless
Services, Inc. of $3.8 million, reflecting the completion in late 1995 and early
1996 of a major systems integration program.
 
    GROSS PROFIT.  Gross profit increased $12.9 million, or 82.4%, to $28.7
million for 1997 from $15.7 million for 1996. Gross profit as a percentage of
revenues increased to 26.3% for 1997 from 24.1% for 1996. This increase in gross
profit was attributable to:
 
    - a $10.6 million increase as a result of increased sales volume, $3.8
      million of which was attributable to the Aerospace Display Systems,
      Elsinore and Audio International acquisitions; and
 
    - a $2.3 million increase attributable to a favorable shift in revenues to
      higher margin products, cost reductions and sustained price increases.
 
    SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.  SG&A expenses increased $5.0
million, or 46.6%, to $15.8 million for 1997 from $10.7 million for 1996. SG&A
expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased to 14.5% for 1997 from 16.5% for
1996. SG&A expenses increased primarily due to:
 
    - $2.3 million of incremental expenses resulting from the acquisition of
      Aerospace Display Systems, the AMP facility and Elsinore, all of which
      occurred in late 1996;
 
    - $0.8 million for additional staff to pursue higher sales to aircraft
      manufacturers and to develop capabilities for in-flight entertainment,
      navigation and satellite communication and safety systems integration
      services; and
 
    - $0.6 million of incremental expenses resulting from the acquisition of
      Audio International, which occurred in 1997.
 
    OPERATING INCOME.  Operating income increased $7.7 million, or 182.2%, to
$12.0 million for 1997 from $4.3 million for 1996. Operating income as a
percentage of revenues increased to 11.0% for 1997 from 6.5% for 1996. The
increase in operating income resulted from the factors described above.
 
    INTEREST EXPENSE.  Interest expense decreased $1.1 million, or 25.8%, to
$3.2 million for 1997 from $4.2 million for 1996. The decrease resulted from the
completion of the initial public offering on April 16, 1997 and the repayment of
a substantial portion of debt with the net proceeds.
 
    PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES.  During 1997, we reduced our deferred tax asset
valuation allowance by $0.5 million to reflect the book benefit of federal and
state net operating loss carry forwards not
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
previously recognized. We have approximately $2.5 million of net operating loss
carry forwards available at December 31, 1997 for federal income tax purposes.
 
    EXTRAORDINARY LOSS FROM DEBT REFINANCING.  During 1997, we incurred a $2.1
million extraordinary charge, net of an estimated $1.4 million income tax
benefit, as a result of refinancing debt with the net proceeds from the initial
public offering.
 
    NET INCOME (LOSS).  Net income increased $4.0 million to $3.2 million for
1997 from a net loss of $0.8 million for 1996. The increase is a result of the
factors described above.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
    We have required cash primarily to fund acquisitions and, to a lesser
extent, to fund capital expenditures and for working capital. Our principal
sources of liquidity have been cash flow from operations and third party
borrowings. Cash increased $3.3 million during 1998.
 
    For the year ended December 31, 1998, we generated cash from operating
activities of $4.0 million. Our accounts receivable consist of trade receivables
and unbilled receivables, which are recognized pursuant to the percentage of
completion method of accounting for long-term contracts. Accounts receivable
increased $6.6 million for the year ended December 31, 1998 from higher overall
sales. Unbilled receivables comprised $3.5 million of this increase. Inventories
decreased $2.2 million for the year ended December 31, 1998, due to improved
inventory management at several subsidiaries as well as the sale of some contact
product lines and the disposal of obsolete inventory items. Accounts payable
decreased $2.9 million for the year ended December 31, 1998 as a result of
payment of various assumed transaction expenses in the acquisitions of 1998 and
an agreement with a new gold supplier for significantly lower prices in exchange
for shorter payment terms. Accrued expenses, however, increased $5.9 million for
the year ended December 31, 1998, primarily as a result of a $2.8 million
increase in accrued interest.
 
    Net cash used in investing activities was $89.2 million during the year
ended December 31, 1998. Of this amount, $83.6 million was used for the Avtech
acquisition and $2.2 million for the Dettmers acquisition, net of cash acquired.
The total purchase price for the Dettmers acquisition also included additional
contingent consideration with a maximum of $2.0 million payable between 1999 and
2002. We spent $3.6 million on capital expenditures during the year ended
December 31, 1998, which was lower than the $4.5 million originally anticipated
because the actual cash outlays for our information systems upgrade program were
delayed until 1999. The bank credit facility contains restrictions on our
ability to make capital expenditures; however, we believe the permitted capital
expenditures will be sufficient to complete our investment program and maintain
our facilities.
 
    Net cash provided by financing activities was $88.3 million for the year
ended December 31, 1998. In connection with the DLJ acquisition, we entered into
a new bank credit facility that initially provided for term loan borrowings in
the aggregate principal amount of $80.0 million, now increased to $99.9 million,
and revolving loan borrowings up to an aggregate principal amount of $50.0
million, including $25.0 million for working capital purposes which expires in
2004. In 1998, prior to the DLJ acquisition, we also completed a common stock
offering and used the $34.8 million net proceeds to reduce the amount
outstanding under our credit facility, and borrowed $85.8 million under our
then-existing senior credit facility to finance the Avtech and Dettmers
acquisitions.
 
    The DLJ acquisition created substantial debt for us, resulting in
significant debt service obligations. Although we cannot be certain, we
anticipate that operating cash flow, together with borrowings under the bank
credit facility, will be sufficient to meet our future short- and long-term
operating expenses, working capital, capital expenditures and debt service
obligations for the next three years. However, our ability to pay principal or
interest, to refinance our debt and to satisfy our other debt obligations will
depend on our future operating performance. We will be affected by economic,
financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory, business and other factors
beyond our control. In addition, we are continually considering acquisitions
that complement or expand our existing businesses or that may enable us to
expand into new markets. Future acquisitions may require additional debt, equity
financing or both. We may not be able to obtain any additional financing on
acceptable terms.
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT
 
    In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 133,
"Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." SFAS No. 133
requires companies to record derivatives on the balance sheet as assets or
liabilities, measured at fair value. It also requires that gains or losses
resulting from changes in the values of those derivatives be accounted for
depending on the use of the derivative and whether it qualifies for hedge
accounting. Adoption of SFAS No. 133 is required for the fiscal year beginning
January 1, 2000. Management believes the adoption of SFAS No. 133 will not have
a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of
operations.
 
SWISS FRANC FORWARD EXCHANGE CONTRACTS
 
    Some of the contact blanks we use in the production of our contacts are
manufactured at our Swiss facility and shipped to our El Segundo, California
facility for plating and assembly. In 1996, 1997 and 1998, solely in an effort
to mitigate the effects of currency fluctuations between the U.S. Dollar and the
Swiss Franc, we entered into forward exchange contracts at fixed rates. We plan
to continue efforts to mitigate this risk in the future. We do not engage in any
currency exchange transactions for trading or speculative purposes. Realized and
unrealized gains and losses on foreign exchange contracts are recognized
currently in the consolidated statements of operations.
 
COMPLIANCE OF KEY SYSTEMS WITH YEAR 2000 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
 
    We are dependent in part on computer- and date-controlled systems for some
internal functions, particularly inventory control, purchasing, customer billing
and payroll. Similarly, suppliers of components and services on which we rely,
and our customers, may have Year 2000 compliance risks which would affect their
operations and their transactions with us. Other parties with whom we have
commercial relationships, including raw materials suppliers and service
providers, such as banking and financial services, data processing services,
telecommunications services and utilities, are highly reliant on computer-based
technology.
 
    The costs we have incurred to remediate and test our systems, and evaluate
and address the risks of our key customers and vendors, have been immaterial to
date and we expect to incur less than $1.0 million of costs in the aggregate.
All of our Year 2000 compliance costs have been or are expected to be funded
from our operating cash flow. We believe the number of products manufactured by
us whose functioning is dependent upon computer-controlled or other
date-controlled systems is not significant. We are not aware of any material
customer- or vendor-related Year 2000 issues. Our manufacturing operations and
our products generally are not based upon date-controlled machinery; our
business operations and systems are not so time-sensitive that brief
interruptions, or a shift to backup paper records, should cause significant
losses.
 
    Our Year 2000 compliance efforts are directed primarily towards ensuring
that we will be able to continue to perform three critical functions:
 
    - make and sell our products,
 
    - order and receive raw material and supplies, and
 
    - pay our employees and vendors.
 
    Our assessment of year 2000 performance standards is 90% complete for our
information technology systems and 100% complete for those systems deemed to be
critical to our operations. Our assessment phase will be completed in the second
quarter of 1999 for both the remaining, non-essential information technology
systems and non-information technology systems. Our review of third-party
compliance risks from our key vendors and customers is not yet complete. We
intend to complete our review of data from all of those vendors and customers
who respond during the second quarter of 1999. However, even assuming that all
of the non-responding parties suffer interruptions to their operations due to
Year 2000 systems failures, our management does not anticipate any resulting
failures in our systems, products or supply chain that would disrupt our
operations to a material degree.
 
    We have completed the renovation, upgrade or replacement of all of our
significant information technology systems for year 2000 performance standards,
except that during the third quarter of 1999
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
several of our subsidiaries will complete the installation of an accounting and
manufacturing system which replaces existing systems not compliant with year
2000 performance standards. We expect to complete this phase in the third
quarter of 1999. All of our significant systems which have been renovated or
newly installed have been tested and are presently operating.
 
    However, the novelty and complexity of the issues presented, and our
dependence on the technical skills of employees and independent contractors and
on the representations and preparedness of third parties, could cause our
efforts to be less than fully effective. Moreover, Year 2000 issues present a
number of risks that are beyond our control, such as the failure of utility
companies to deliver electricity, the failure of telecommunications companies to
provide voice and data services, the failure of financial institutions to
process transactions and transfer funds, the failure of vendors to deliver
materials or perform services required by us and the collateral effects on us of
the effects of Year 2000 issues on the economy in general or on our customers in
particular. Additionally, in view of the mixed results achieved by software
vendors in correcting these problems, we cannot assure you that new systems we
obtain to replace noncompliant systems will themselves prove to be fully
compliant. Although we believe that our compliance efforts are designed to
appropriately identify and address those Year 2000 issues that are subject to
our reasonable control, we cannot assure you that our efforts will be fully
effective, or that Year 2000 issues will not have a material adverse effect on
our business, financial condition or results of operations. In the worst case, a
protracted failure of general business systems among our customers or vendors,
or in our own plant, could cause production delays or cancelled orders which
would significantly reduce our revenue for the duration of such a situation. We
have not developed a contingency plan which assumes significant and protracted
Year 2000-related failures of major vendors, customers or systems, and do not
plan to do so.
 
COMMON EUROPEAN CURRENCY
 
    The Treaty on European Economic and Monetary Union provides for the
introduction of a single European currency, the Euro, in substitution for the
national currencies of the member states of the European Union that adopt the
Euro. In May 1998, the European Council determined the 11 member states that met
the requirement for the Monetary Union and the currency exchange rates among the
currencies for the member states joining the Monetary Union. The transitory
period for the Monetary Union started on January 1, 1999. According to the
European Council Resolution of July 7, 1997, the transition will be made in
three steps, beginning with a transition period from January 1, 1999 to December
31, 2001, in which currency accounts may be opened and financial statements may
be drawn in Euros, and local currencies and Euros will coexist. From January 1,
2002 to June 30, 2002, local currencies will be exchanged for Euros. On July 1,
2002, local currencies are scheduled to disappear. We could incur substantial
transitional costs as we redesign our software systems to reflect the adoption
of the new currency. In addition, we do not know whether the adoption of the
Euro will affect the enforceability of, or the denomination of payment
obligations under, our commercial agreements in currencies to be replaced by the
Euro.
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
                                    BUSINESS
 
    We manufacture aviation electronic components called "avionics" and related
components, and provide systems integration services, for niche markets within
the commercial, regional, corporate and military aircraft industries. We believe
that we are a leading provider of components within each niche market we serve.
Since DeCrane Aircraft was founded in 1989, our strategy has been to combine
complementary businesses with leading positions in cabin and flight deck
systems. We generated revenues of $244.4 million, Adjusted EBITDA of $55.9
million and a loss before extraordinary item of $1.1 million for the twelve
months ended December 31, 1998 on a pro forma basis.
 
    We seek to maximize our sales by emphasizing the complementary nature of our
products and services. We manufacture:
 
    - electrical contacts;
 
    - connectors, which often include our contacts;
 
    - wire harness assemblies, which often include our connectors;
 
    - structural supports for avionic connectors and harnesses, often packaged
      with other products of ours and sold as "installation kits";
 
    - auxiliary fuel tank systems and auxiliary power systems;
 
    - dichroic liquid crystal display devices, commonly called "LCDs", which are
      often used with flight deck avionics;
 
    - cockpit audio and communications, lighting, and power and control devices
      for commercial aircraft; and
 
    - stereo systems, video monitors, passenger switches, cabin lighting,
      seating and climate controls for the high-end corporate aircraft market.
 
    Our systems integration services include design and engineering of avionics
systems, supplemental type certifications on behalf of the Federal Aviation
Administration, the assembly of installation kits for various aircraft systems
and installation services. Smoke detection, fire suppression and in-flight
entertainment systems for jet aircraft are among the systems for which we supply
design, certification, assembly and/or installation services. We manufacture
many of the components required to complete a systems integration project. We
believe that our combination of these component manufacturing and integration
capabilities gives us a critical competitive advantage which would be difficult
for competitors to duplicate.
 
    By successfully combining and growing complementary businesses, we have
achieved strong revenue growth. From 1994 to 1998, our revenues increased from
$47.1 million to $150.5 million on a historical basis. That increase resulted in
a compound annual growth rate of 33.7%. During the same period, our EBITDA
increased from $5.2 million to $26.9 million on a historical basis, representing
a combined annual growth rate of 50.8%, and our historical income before
extraordinary items increased from a $1.8 million loss to $3.1 million in
income. We have achieved this growth primarily by:
 
    - obtaining new customers and additional business from existing customers;
 
    - selectively acquiring complementary avionics businesses, generally with
      high margins;
 
    - taking advantage of favorable trends in the aerospace industry;
 
    - initiating cost reduction programs and productivity improvements; and
 
    - increasing the revenues of acquired businesses, by refocusing or
      diversifying their strategies and products.
 
Since 1990, we have completed thirteen acquisitions, most recently PATS, Inc. in
January 1999 and PPI Holdings, Inc. in April 1999, as described in "Recent
Developments."
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW AND TRENDS
 
    We sell to the commercial, regional, corporate and military aircraft
markets. Within these markets, our customers include original manufacturers of
aircraft and related electronic equipment, aircraft repair and modification
centers and airlines.
 
    The Boeing Company and Airbus Industrie are the primary manufacturers of
commercial aircraft designed to carry 100 or more passengers. The leading
manufacturers of regional and corporate aircraft, include Bombardier, Dassault
and Gulfstream and will soon include the Boeing Business Jet and the Airbus A319
corporate jet. The major systems installed on new aircraft, such as flight deck
avionics systems, are produced by a limited number of manufacturers, including
AlliedSignal, Rockwell Collins, Honeywell and Sextant Avionique. The integration
of new systems into existing aircraft, called the "retrofit" market, and the
manufacture and sale of replacement products for existing aircraft, called the
"aftermarket," are served by a highly fragmented group of companies, including
many of the foregoing manufacturers and a number of smaller, specialized
companies like our operating subsidiaries. We market our commercial aircraft
products directly to the aircraft manufacturers as well as to the manufacturers
of major aircraft sub-systems. In some cases, we sell our products to competing
manufacturers--so some of our competitors ultimately may also sell some of our
products. The aviation industry has been consolidating at an increasing pace in
recent years, and we expect that consolidation will continue for the foreseeable
future.
 
    We believe that there are many barriers to entry which limit access to the
aircraft industry, including:
 
    - the reluctance of aircraft manufacturers to include new companies as
      additional approved vendors on their engineering drawings, a favored
      status often called "print position";
 
    - the general FAA certification requirements necessary to perform aircraft
      modifications or maintenance;
 
    - the required compliance with FAA aircraft manufacturing and aircraft
      modification design and installation standards;
 
    - the required compliance with military specifications for some products
      sold to military and commercial markets;
 
    - the required compliance with qualification and approval standards imposed
      by aircraft and electronic systems manufacturers; and
 
    - the initial capital investment and tooling requirements necessary for the
      manufacture of some aircraft components and systems.
 
    We believe the following trends are affecting the industry:
 
    INCREASED DEMAND FOR NEW COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT.  The 1998 CURRENT MARKET
OUTLOOK released by Boeing in early 1998 projected that the world jetliner fleet
will grow from 12,300 aircraft at the end of 1997 to nearly 17,700 aircraft in
2007 and to 26,200 aircraft by 2017. The report also estimated that, over the
next 20 years, the industry will require 17,650 new aircraft, both to support
the projected world fleet expansion and to replace capacity lost as aircraft are
removed from commercial airline service. We believe that every commercial
aircraft model currently produced by Boeing and Airbus contains components
manufactured by us. Boeing has, however, recently announced production cutbacks
in several of its lines for 1999 and 2000. Boeing continues to re-evaluate its
production schedules in response to instability in its Asian markets and to
assess the profitability of its various product lines. These events are
described in greater detail in "Risk Factors--Instability of Asian Market" and
"Risk Factors--Dependence on Key Customers."
 
    INCREASED DEMAND FOR NEW REGIONAL AIRCRAFT.  We believe that the total
commercial regional aircraft fleet will grow over the next ten years. Boeing's
1998 CURRENT MARKET OUTLOOK projected that worldwide revenue passenger
kilometers will increase at a compound annual growth rate of 5.0% over that
period. We believe that this increase will drive demand for regional aircraft
production as well, due to:
 
    - the introduction of new regional aircraft with state-of-the-art cockpits
      and the same safety equipment as larger commercial aircraft;
 
    - continued integration of the services of regional carriers with major
      carriers;
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
    - newer longer-range turboprop and jet aircraft that allow regional carriers
      to consider new point-to-point routes, which would permit passengers to
      bypass hubs; and
 
    - upgraded airport facilities for regional passengers.
 
    INCREASED DEMAND FOR NEW CORPORATE AIRCRAFT.  We believe that the following
factors will drive increased demand for new corporate aircraft:
 
    - the introduction of new, larger and more efficient aircraft;
 
    - the growing popularity of fractional aircraft ownership;
 
    - the minimal availability of used aircraft;
 
    - the need for long range flights to expanding international markets; and
 
    - the increased demand for more expedient travel.
 
    INCREASED DEMAND FOR CABIN AND FLIGHT DECK SYSTEMS.  In recent years, demand
for cabin systems has increased. These systems include in-flight passenger
telecommunications systems and in-flight entertainment systems, such as video,
video-on-demand and other interactive systems. We believe that demand for
avionics systems on the flight deck, as well as in the passenger cabin, is
increasing, as a result of:
 
    - a desire by airlines for additional revenue-producing services;
 
    - longer flights combined with a demand by airline passengers for more
      sophisticated forms of in-flight services; and
 
    - the advent of new technologies and FAA mandates related to aircraft safety
      and navigation.
 
    INDUSTRY CONSOLIDATION-REDUCTION IN NUMBER OF APPROVED SUPPLIERS AND
VENDORS.  To reduce purchasing costs and have greater control over quality,
manufacturers and aircraft operators have been reducing the number of vendors
and suppliers from whom they purchase. Suppliers and vendors must now possess
the size and production and distribution capabilities required to provide a
broader range of products and services to airlines and manufacturers.
 
    NEW SAFETY REQUIREMENTS.  New technologies and FAA mandates are driving a
proliferation of new safety systems for airplanes. The world's airlines and
aircraft and electronic systems manufacturers have cooperated with regulatory
agencies in the development of industry standards, regulations and system
requirements for future air navigation systems. We expect that this initiative
will drive a complete modernization of both airborne and ground-based air
traffic management systems. As navigation technology becomes more accurate, new
navigation systems such as global positioning systems may become federally
required. Other new technologies which have already been mandated include
traffic collision avoidance systems, cargo hold fire detection and suppression
systems, and windshear detection systems. In anticipation of new FAA
recommendations and mandates, many airlines have already begun to install
enhanced ground proximity warning systems, predictive windshear detection
systems and enhanced digital flight data recorders. Each of these systems
presents aircraft avionics retrofit opportunities for us.
 
    DOWNSIZING AND OUTSOURCING.  Airlines have come under increasing pressure to
reduce the operating and capital costs associated with providing services. In
response, airlines have increased purchases of some components from third
parties and have outsourced some repair, overhaul and retrofit functions.
Similarly, aircraft and electronic system manufacturers increasingly are
reducing their level of vertical integration by outsourcing more manufacturing,
repair and retrofit functions to third parties. We believe that these trends are
creating increased demand for low-cost, high-quality component manufacturers and
systems integrators.
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
ACQUISITION HISTORY
 
    DeCrane Aircraft was formed in 1989 to capitalize on emerging trends in the
aircraft market through acquisitions. Since its formation, we have completed
thirteen acquisitions, summarized as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   YEAR OF                                                                     PRINCIPAL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
 COMPLETION                  ACQUIRED ENTITY OR ASSET                           AT THE TIME OF THE TRANSACTION
- -------------  ----------------------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------------------
<C>            <S>                                                   <C>
       1990    Hollingsead International                             Avionics support structures
       1991    Tri-Star Electronics International                    Contacts and connectors
       1991    Tri-Star Europe, S.A.                                 Contact blanks
       1991    Tri-Star Technologies                                 Wire marking equipment
       1991    Cory Components                                       Connectors & harness assemblies
       1996    Aerospace Display Systems                             Dichroic liquid crystal displays
       1996    Elsinore Engineering                                  Engineering services
       1996    AMP manufacturing facility                            Contact blanks
       1997    Audio International                                   Cabin management & entertainment products
       1998    Avtech Corporation                                    Cockpit audio, lighting, power & control
       1998    Dettmers Industries                                   Corporate aircraft seats
       1999    PATS                                                  Auxiliary fuel & power systems
       1999    PPI                                                   Aircraft furniture components
</TABLE>
 
COMPETITIVE STRENGTHS
 
    We believe that we are well-positioned to take advantage of the foregoing
trends and expected growth, as a result of the following competitive strengths:
 
    LEADING POSITIONS IN NICHE MARKETS.  We have established strong sales
positions in several specialized niches within the commercial aircraft industry.
We believe that we are:
 
    - the largest supplier of bulk contacts to commercial aircraft
      manufacturers;
 
    - the largest supplier of dichroic liquid crystal display devices for use by
      commercial aircraft manufacturers;
 
    - the largest provider of aircraft entertainment and cabin management
      products and systems for the high-end corporate aircraft market;
 
    - a major supplier of wire harness assemblies for use in in-flight
      entertainment systems; and
 
    - a leading supplier of cockpit audio controls.
 
    We have used our strong market positions to compete more effectively as well
as to capitalize on industry consolidation trends.
 
    DIVERSIFIED REVENUE BASE.  We sell to the commercial, regional, corporate
and military aircraft markets. Within these markets, our customers include
manufacturers of aircraft and related electronic equipment, aircraft repair and
modification centers, and airlines. Each of these markets typically experience
different production cycles. We believe that our involvement in multiple
markets, reduces our exposure to cyclical product demand in the aircraft
industry. Additionally, as a primary supplier of products and services to
manufacturers of cabin and flight deck systems, we believe we have opportunities
for growth that are independent of the original aircraft market. Such systems
typically are installed on a retrofit basis by purchasers and operators of
existing aircraft rather than by aircraft manufacturers.
 
    COMPLEMENTARY AND STRATEGICALLY INTEGRATED BUSINESS LINES.  Since DeCrane
Aircraft was formed in 1989, we have completed twelve acquisitions of businesses
and assets. We have successfully executed our strategy of acquiring
complementary businesses in the cabin and flight deck markets. Our acquisitions
complement each other, and create a core of avionics products and services which
increases our cross-selling opportunities. For example, our acquisitions of
Dettmers, a corporate aircraft seat manufacturer, and Audio, which makes custom
aircraft entertainment and cabin management products, will enable us to offer a
more integrated set of products and services to the high-end corporate aircraft
market.
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
    STRONG CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS.  We seek to establish and maintain long-term
relationships with leaders in our primary markets. For example, we have entered
into requirements contracts to supply bulk contacts and specific connectors to
Boeing, which is the largest commercial aircraft manufacturer. Through these and
other similar agreements, we believe that we are:
 
    - the supplier of a substantial majority of the bulk contacts for all
      aircraft currently manufactured by Boeing;
 
    - the sole source supplier of some connectors for in-flight entertainment
      systems installed by Boeing on its 777 aircraft;
 
    - a significant supplier of cockpit audio control systems to Boeing; and
 
    - the primary supplier of auxiliary fuel systems to the Boeing Business Jet
      program.
 
We are also a preferred supplier of wire harness assemblies to Matsushita for
its in-flight entertainment systems.
 
    LOW-COST, HIGH-QUALITY OPERATIONS.  We believe that we have established
low-cost operations through cost reduction programs, technological development
and, where appropriate, the use of vertical integration. Our low-cost operations
are demonstrated, for example, by the growth of programs under which we supply
contacts to many of our competitors.
 
    We use sophisticated processes to ensure that our products meet or exceed
industry and customer quality requirements. Many customers formally have
recognized the effectiveness of our quality programs by issuing quality approval
letters, awarding quality compliance certificates and authorizing our inspection
personnel to act as their authorized quality certification representatives. For
example, four of our facilities have received a quality award from Boeing, and
nine of our facilities are currently certified according to the International
Standards Organisation specifications ISO-9001 or ISO-9002.
 
    REGULATORY CERTIFICATIONS.  We employ FAA-certified airframe and power-plant
mechanics who are authorized to perform specified aircraft modification
functions. This level of expertise enables us to respond rapidly and effectively
to our customers' technical requirements. As of February 1, 1999, our
subsidiaries:
 
    - include one of only 31 currently active Designated Alteration Stations
      worldwide which are authorized by the FAA to provide approval and
      certification of the design of specific aircraft modifications on behalf
      of the FAA;
 
    - hold numerous Parts Manufacturer Approval authorizations from the FAA,
      permitting them to manufacture and sell various parts in many different
      types of aircraft; and
 
    - hold nine FAA domestic repair station certificates, authorizing them to
      perform specific aircraft modifications.
 
GROWTH STRATEGY
 
    Our principal strategy is to establish and expand leading positions in
high-margin, niche markets within the commercial, regional, corporate and
military aircraft markets. We focus on the manufacture of avionics components
and the integration of avionics systems. We also seek to maintain a balance of
revenues among the equipment manufacturer market, the retrofit market and the
aftermarket. We believe that such a strategy will position us to grow by:
 
    CAPITALIZING ON GROWTH IN AIRCRAFT PRODUCTION AND INCREASED DEMAND FOR CABIN
AND FLIGHT DECK SYSTEMS. Our strong market positions, and alignment with many of
the leading participants in the industry, should permit us to take advantage of
the projected increases in the production of aircraft discussed above. For
example, in-flight entertainment systems have become more sophisticated in
recent years with the inclusion of such products as video-on-demand and in-seat
video tape players. Increasingly, airlines view sophisticated in-flight
entertainment systems as a required service on airlines' long-haul flights,
particularly in first class. Such systems are also increasingly being installed
in business and coach class and on planes serving shorter routes. We believe
that the trend toward jets instead of turboprops in the corporate and regional
markets will further increase our dollar content per aircraft, as well as the
demand for our products and services in that market. We believe that this
increased demand creates a significant retrofit and aftermarket opportunity for
cabin avionics systems, as well as the components and systems integration
services necessary to such
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
systems. We work closely with manufacturers and modification centers to meet
their delivery and scheduling requirements, and, in some cases, to provide
total, turnkey solutions to adding avionics systems new aircraft.
 
    EXPANDING SYSTEMS INTEGRATION SERVICES.  Our systems integration services
began in the in-flight passenger telecommunications market. Beginning in 1995,
we expanded our systems integration expertise and sales efforts to include
navigation and satellite communication, safety, and in-flight entertainment
systems. We believe that we are one of the few companies having in-house
capabilities in each of the four elements of systems integration: design,
certification, kitting and system installation.
 
    EMPHASIZING INTEGRATED PRODUCT SYSTEMS AND COMPLEMENTARY SERVICES.  Over the
past several years, we increasingly have combined our manufactured components to
create higher value-added products. This activity has created additional
opportunities to cross-sell and vertically integrate our products. For example,
our contact business provides components to our connector business, which
supplies components to our wire harness business. Our harness assemblies often
are packaged with its avionics support structures to form the foundation as the
installation kits which we then sell to our systems integration customers. We
believe that these complementary products and services provide opportunities to
increase our sales to existing customers and compete more effectively for new
customers.
 
    COMPLETING ADDITIONAL STRATEGIC ACQUISITIONS.  We operate in a fragmented
market, which we estimated to include over 100 companies with revenues of less
than $100 million in 1997. We target for acquisition aircraft component
manufacturers and systems integration providers that are complementary to our
existing businesses, and have a leading market share in their own niches. We
seek to leverage our existing strengths, and add new expertise, through
acquisitions that offer strategic value and cross-selling opportunities. We
regard economies of scale, product line extensions, new customer relationships,
increased manufacturing capacity and opportunities for increased cost reductions
as particularly important in our analysis of a potential acquisition's strategic
value. We are continually engaged in discussions with potential acquisition
candidates. However, acquisitions involve many uncertainties, and our attempts
to identify appropriate acquisitions, and finance and complete any particular
acquisition, may not be successful.
 
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
 
    We believe that our products are used in each of the commercial aircraft
models currently produced by Boeing and Airbus, the two largest commercial
aircraft OEMs. Our seven principal classes of products and services are:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        SHARE OF 1998
                                                                         SALES ON A
           CLASS                                                       PRO FORMA BASIS
           ---------------------------------------------------------  -----------------
<C>        <S>                                                        <C>
        -  entertainment and cabin management products                          26%
 
        -  cockpit audio, communications, lighting and power and
           control devices                                                      19%
 
        -  electrical contacts                                                  14%
 
        -  auxiliary fuel systems and auxiliary power units                     14%
 
        -  connectors and harness assemblies                                    13%
 
        -  integration of cabin and flight deck systems                          7%
 
        -  liquid crystal display devices                                        6%
</TABLE>
 
    No other product or service accounted for more than 5% of our pro forma
revenues in 1998.
 
    ENTERTAINMENT AND CABIN MANAGEMENT.  We are a leading supplier of aircraft
entertainment and cabin management products and systems to the high-end
corporate aircraft market. We supply switching and control modules, audio and
video components, stereo systems, video monitors, amplifiers, chimes and paging
devices, headphone systems, passenger switches, and cabin lighting and climate
controls. We also offer systems integration services for cabin management
electronics to corporate aircraft manufacturers and major modification centers.
 
    COCKPIT AUDIO, COMMUNICATION, LIGHTING AND POWER AND CONTROL DEVICES.  We
are a leading manufacturer of cockpit audio, lighting and power and control
devices used in commercial, regional and corporate aircraft. We believe we are
the primary supplier of cockpit audio control systems to Boeing, and a leading
supplier of
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
power conversion and fluorescent lamp ballast devices and dimmers to corporate
aircraft OEMs. We also manufacture a variety of other commercial aircraft safety
system components, including warning tone generators, temperature and de-icing
monitoring systems, steep approach monitors and low voltage power supplies for
traffic collision avoidance systems.
 
    ELECTRICAL CONTACTS.  Contacts conduct electronic signals or electricity and
are installed at the terminus of a wire or an electronic or electrical device.
We supply precision-machined contacts for use in connectors found in virtually
every electronic and electrical system on a commercial aircraft. We sell
contacts directly to aircraft and related electronics manufacturers and, through
our private labeling programs, to several major connector manufacturers who sell
connectors to the same markets under their brand name. We believe that we are
the supplier of a substantial majority of the bulk contact requirements for all
aircraft currently manufactured by Boeing, and the largest supplier of bulk
contacts to the commercial aircraft manufacturers.
 
    AUXILIARY FUEL SYSTEMS AND AUXILIARY POWER UNITS.  Through our newest
subsidiary, PATS, we manufacture and install auxiliary fuel tanks for commercial
and corporate aircraft. Our unique design and tank construction have made us a
leader in the auxiliary fuel tank market. We have a contract with Boeing's
Business Jet program to supply 120 aircraft with multiple auxiliary fuel tanks.
In connection with our acquisition of PATS, Boeing agreed to make modifications
to the contract and to pre-pay $5.0 million against future deliveries of the
systems. We believe that the auxiliary fuel tanks will permit the Boeing
Business Jet 737-700 to compete with long-range aircraft such as the Gulfstream
G-V and Bombardier's Global Express. We also manufacture auxiliary power units
which provide ground power to aircraft.
 
    CONNECTORS AND HARNESS ASSEMBLIES.  Electronic and electrical connectors
link wires and devices in avionics systems, and permit their assembly,
installation, repair and removal. Our connectors are specially manufactured to
meet the critical performance requirements demanded by manufacturers and
required in the harsh environment of an operating aircraft. We produce
connectors that are used in aircraft galleys, flight decks and control panels in
the passenger cabin. We are the sole-source supplier of several specific
connectors for in-flight entertainment systems installed by Boeing on its 777
aircraft.
 
    We also produce wire harness assemblies for use in cabin avionics systems,
from wire, connectors, contacts and hardware. We typically sell our harness
assemblies to manufacturers of aircraft electronic systems. In addition, we
incorporate and sell our harness assemblies as part of our systems integration
services. We are a primary supplier of harness assemblies to Matsushita, one of
the largest manufacturers of in-flight entertainment systems.
 
    INTEGRATION OF CABIN AND FLIGHT DECK SYSTEMS.  We have designed, patented
and produced a wide range of avionics support structures. These structures are
used to support and environmentally cool avionics equipment, including
navigation, communication and flight control equipment. Our avionics support
structures are sold under the Box-Mount-TM- name, which we believe is highly
respected in the marketplace. We sell these support structures to aircraft and
related electronics manufacturers, airlines and major modification centers. In
addition, these products are essential components of the installation kits used
in our systems integration operations. We also perform all of the functions,
including design, engineering, certification, manufacturing & installation,
necessary to retrofit an aircraft with a new or upgraded avionics system.
 
    DICHROIC LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY DEVICES.  We believe we are a leading
manufacturer of dichroic liquid crystal displays, also known as "LCDs", and
modules used in commercial and military aircraft and the largest supplier to the
commercial aircraft industry. Modules are liquid crystal displays packaged with
a backlight source and some on-board electronic components. We believe we are a
primary supplier of these devices to aircraft and avionics OEMs and the U.S.
military. Our products are used in a variety of flight deck applications, such
as flight control systems, fuel quantity indicators, airborne communications and
safety systems. Dichroic liquid crystal display products are widely used in the
aircraft industry because they are easily adapted to custom design, and they
possess high performance characteristics, which include high readability in
sunlight and darkness, readability from extreme viewing angles, and the ability
to withstand wide temperature fluctuations. We also manufacture electronic
clocks which use our liquid crystal display devices. We believe that we are the
only clock manufacturer which has designed a line of clocks capable of serving
all types of aircraft.
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
INDUSTRY REGULATION
 
    The aviation industry is highly regulated in the U.S. by the Federal
Aviation Administration, and in other countries by similar agencies to ensure
that aviation products and services meet stringent safety and performance
standards. We and our customers are subject to these regulations. In addition,
many customers impose their own compliance and quality requirements on their
suppliers. The FAA prescribes standards and licensing requirements for aircraft
components, issues Designated Alteration Station authorizations, and licenses
private repair stations. Our subsidiaries hold various FAA approvals, which may
only be used by the subsidiary obtaining such approval.
 
    The FAA can authorize or deny authorization of many of the services and
products we provide. Any such denial would preclude our ability to provide the
pertinent service or product. If we failed to comply with applicable FAA
standards or regulations, the FAA could exercise a wide range of remedies,
including a warning letter, a letter of correction, a civil penalty action, and
emergency or non-emergency suspension or revocation of a certificate or
approval.
 
    In July of 1997, the FAA notified us that our FAA-approved repair station
which holds Designated Alteration Station authorization did not fully comply
with some of the requirements for some of the FAA ratings that it held. The FAA
granted us until September 10, 1997 to bring the facility into full compliance,
and curtailed several operations of the repair station, including prohibiting
initiation of new projects under that authorization, until it achieved full
compliance. On August 28, 1997 the FAA inspected the repair station and
determined that it was in full compliance with all FAA requirements applicable
to Class III and Class IV Airframe ratings. The FAA issued a revised Air Agency
Certificate including those ratings, and removed the operating restrictions, as
of September 5, 1997.
 
    The FAA also has the power to issue cease and desist orders and orders of
compliance and to initiate court action for injunctive relief. If the FAA were
to suspend or revoke our certificates or approvals on a nonemergency basis, we
would be permitted to continue making the products and delivering the goods
pending any available appeals, but would be required to stop if the FAA
eventually prevailed on appeal. If the FAA did so on an emergency basis, we
would be obliged to stop immediately the manufacturing of products and
delivering of services that require such certificate or approval. If the FAA
were to determine that noncompliance with its standards creates a safety hazard,
it also could order that the pertinent component or aircraft immediately cease
to be operated until the condition is corrected. This could require that
customers ground aircraft or remove affected components from aircraft currently
in service, both of which are expensive actions.
 
    Each type of aircraft operated by airlines in the United States must possess
an FAA type certificate, generally held by the aircraft manufacturer, indicating
that the type design meets applicable airworthiness standards. When someone else
develops a major modification to an aircraft already type-certificated, that
person must obtain an FAA-issued Supplemental Type Certificate for the
modification. Historically, we have obtained several hundred of these
Supplemental Type Certificates, most of which we obtained on behalf of our
customers as part of our systems integration services. Some of these
certificates we obtain are or will eventually be transferred to our customers.
As of February 1, 1999, we own and/or manage slightly over 200 Supplemental Type
Certificates. Many are multi-aircraft certificates which apply to all of the
aircraft of a single type. We foresee the need to obtain additional Supplemental
Type Certificates so that we can expand the services we provide and the
customers we serve.
 
    Supplemental Type Certificates can be issued for proposed aircraft
modifications directly by the FAA, or on behalf of the FAA by one of the 31
holders of currently active Designated Alteration Station authorizations as of
February 1, 1999. The FAA designates what types of Supplemental Type
Certificates can be issued by each Designated Alteration Station. Our subsidiary
Hollingsead, as one of the 31, can directly issue many of the Supplemental Type
Certificates we and our customers require for our systems integration
operations. In many cases, this has increased the speed with which we can obtain
such certificates and help bring our customers' systems to market.
 
    After obtaining a Supplemental Type Certificate, a manufacturer must apply
for a Parts Manufacturer Approval from the FAA, or a supplement to an existing
Parts Manufacturer Approval, which permits the holder to manufacture and sell
installation kits according to the approved design and data package. We have
eight Parts Manufacturer Approvals and multiple supplements to each of those
approvals. In general, each initial Parts Manufacturer Approval is an approval
of a manufacturing or modification facility's production
 
                                       47
<PAGE>
quality control system. Each Parts Manufacturer Approval supplement authorizes
the manufacture of a particular part in accordance with the requirements of the
corresponding Supplemental Type Certificate. We routinely apply for and receive
such Parts Manufacturer Approval supplements. In order to perform the actual
installations of a modification, we are also required to have FAA approval. This
authority is contained either in our Parts Manufacturer Approvals and related
supplements, or in our repair station certificates. In order for a company to
perform most kinds of repair, engineering, installation or other services on
aircraft, its facility must be designated as an FAA-authorized repair station.
As of February 1, 1999, we had nine authorized repair stations.
 
    In addition to its approval of design, production, and installation, the FAA
certifies personnel. Several of our engineering personnel have been certified by
the FAA to perform specific tasks related to the design, production, and
performance of aircraft modifications. Such certified personnel include
mechanics and repairmen. The FAA also delegates some of its oversight
responsibilities, such as testing and inspection responsibilities, to
FAA-certified Designated Engineering Representatives. We employ or contract for
several of such designated representatives who evaluate engineering design data
packages, ensure compliance with applicable FAA regulations, oversee product
testing to ensure airworthiness, and work with the FAA to obtain approvals of
those data packages.
 
    U. S. military specification standards are frequently used by both military
and commercial customers in the aircraft industry to define and control
characteristics of a product. Through the use of a government Qualified Parts
List and Qualified Vendor's List, a customer may be assured that a product or
service has met all of the requirements set forth in the military specification.
Parts listed with a Qualified Parts List allow others to reliably design parts
to interface with such parts as a result of the military specification standards
used. We believe that we hold more Qualified Parts Lists for our contact product
line than any other manufacturer.
 
SALES AND MARKETING
 
    Product line managers and our product engineering staff provide technical
sales support for our direct sales personnel and agents. We may also assign
responsibility for marketing, sales and/or services for key customers to one of
our senior executives. We have nine authorized distributors who purchase, stock
and resell several of our product lines.
 
    Our systems integration services are sold by sales managers on our staff who
are assigned to geographic territories. Because of the significant amount of
technical engineering work required in the sales process, our sales managers are
generally assisted by a support team of program management, installation and
engineering personnel. Each support team specializes in safety systems,
in-flight entertainment, or navigation systems. These support teams continue to
manage the project throughout the entire integration process.
 
CUSTOMERS
 
    We estimate that in 1998, we sold our products and services to about 1,300
customers. Our primary customers include manufacturers of aircraft and related
electronics, airlines, aircraft component manufacturers and distributors, and
aircraft repair and modification companies. Boeing accounted for approximately
29.6% and Matsushita for approximately 5.0% of our 1998 consolidated pro forma
revenues BEFORE taking into account the PPI acquisition. See
"Business--Customers" for the expected changes to those numbers resulting from
the acquisition. In addition, a significant portion of our sales of components
also are sold to Boeing indirectly through our sales to suppliers of Boeing.
 
    Historically, our systems integration operations have been affected by the
timing and magnitude of program awards, at times resulting in quarterly and
yearly fluctuations in revenue and earnings. We believe that we have reduced our
exposure to such fluctuations by developing capabilities in multiple specialties
such as safety systems, in-flight entertainment systems and navigation systems.
We have secured orders for integration services in each of these targeted areas.
The timing and magnitude of program awards for systems integration services may
make other customers significant sources of nonrecurring income in a single
year. However, we believe that we will continue to be able to significantly
offset such year-to-year fluctuations with new contracts.
 
    Most of our sales to Boeing are pursuant to contracts which may be
terminated by Boeing at any time, and include various terms favorable to the
buyer. For example, one provides that we must extend to Boeing
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
any reductions in prices or lead times that we provide to other customers; and
that we must match other suppliers' price reductions of more than five percent,
or else delete the affected products from the contract. Another contract
relieves Boeing from any obligation to order products covered by the contract if
Boeing's customers request an alternate supplier, or our product is not
technologically competitive in Boeing's judgment, or Boeing changes the design
of an aircraft so that our products are no longer needed, or Boeing reasonably
determines that we cannot meet its requirements in the amounts and within the
schedules it requires. Our contracts with Boeing also generally grant Boeing an
irrevocable non-exclusive worldwide license to use our designs tooling and other
intellectual property rights related to products sold to Boeing, if we default,
or suffer a bankruptcy filing, or transfer our manufacturing rights to a third
party.
 
    We generally sell components and services to Matsushita pursuant to purchase
orders. However, we do have one supply agreement with Matsushita for connectors,
through September 1999.
 
MANUFACTURING AND QUALITY CONTROL
 
    Many of our product lines use process-specific equipment and procedures that
have been custom-designed or fabricated to provide high-quality products at
relatively low cost. Some of our key product lines are vertically integrated,
which we believe improves our product performance, customer service and
competitive pricing.
 
    We have conducted programs to reduce costs including overhead expenses. In
some cases these programs have involved the use of proprietary equipment or
processes which have enabled us to reduce costs without reducing quality levels.
 
    Several of our key customers have developed their own design, product
performance, manufacturing process and quality system standards and require
their suppliers to comply with such standards. As a result, we have developed
and conducted comprehensive quality policies and procedures which meet or exceed
our customers' requirements. Many of our customers have recognized formally the
effectiveness of our quality programs by issuing quality approval letters and
awarding quality compliance certificates. In addition, some of our customers
have authorized our inspection personnel also to act as their authorized quality
representatives. That authorization enables us to ship directly into the
inventory stockrooms of these customers, eliminating the need for inspection at
the receiving end.
 
    We use sophisticated equipment and procedures to ensure the quality of our
products and to comply with mil-specs and FAA certification requirements. We
perform a variety of testing procedures, including environmental testing under
different temperature, humidity and altitude levels, shock and vibration testing
and X-ray fluorescent measurement. These procedures, together with other
customer approved techniques for document, process and quality control, are used
throughout our manufacturing facilities.
 
RAW MATERIALS AND COMPONENT PARTS
 
    The components we manufacture require the use of various raw materials
including gold, aluminum, copper, rhodium, plating chemicals and plastics. The
availability and prices of these materials may fluctuate. Their price is a
significant component in, and part of, the sales price of many of our products.
Although some of our contracts have prices tied to raw materials prices, we
cannot always recover increases in raw materials prices in our product sale
prices. We also purchase a variety of manufactured component parts from various
suppliers. Raw materials and component parts are generally available from
multiple suppliers at competitive prices. However, any delay in our ability to
obtain necessary raw materials and component parts may affect our ability to
meet customer production needs.
 
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION
 
    We have various trade secrets, proprietary information, trademarks, trade
names, patents, copyrights and other intellectual property rights which we
believe are important to our business in the aggregate, but not individually.
 
COMPETITION
 
    We compete with a number of established companies that have significantly
greater financial, technological, manufacturing and marketing resources than
ours. We believe that our ability to compete
 
                                       49
<PAGE>
depends on high product performance, short lead-time and timely delivery,
competitive price and superior customer service and support.
 
    The niche markets within the aircraft industry that we serve are relatively
fragmented, with several competitors for each of the products and services we
provide. Due to the global nature of the aircraft industry, competition in these
categories comes from both U.S. and foreign companies. However, we know of no
single competitor that offers the same range of products and services as those
we provide.
 
    Our principal competitors in contacts and connectors are large and
diversified corporations which produce a broad range of products. In other areas
we generally face a group of smaller companies and enterprises.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   CLASS OF PRODUCT                                     PRINCIPAL COMPETITORS
- ------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                     <C>
 - cockpit audio,                                       - Becker Avionics, Inc.
   communications, lighting and power                   - Crane ELDEC Corp.
   and control devices                                  - Diehl GmbH & Co.
                                                        - Gables Engineering Inc.
                                                        - Page Aerospace, Inc.
 
 - electrical contacts                                  - Amphenol Corporation
                                                        - Deutsch Engineered Connecting Devices, a division of
                                                          Deutsch Co.
                                                        - ITT Cannon, a division of ITT Industries, Inc.
 
 - auxiliary fuel systems and auxiliary power units     - Marshall Engineering
 
 - connectors                                           - AMP, Inc.
                                                        - ITT Cannon
                                                        - Radiall S.A.
 
 - entertainment and cabin management products          - Aerospace Lighting Corporation
                                                        - Baker Electronics
                                                        - DPI Labs
                                                        - Grimes Aerospace Company
                                                        - Nellcor Puritan Bennett Inc.
                                                        - Pacific Systems Corporation
 
 - integration of cabin and flight deck avionics        - Electronic Cable Specialists
   systems                                              - Engineering departments of airlines
                                                        - Numerous independent airframe maintenance and
                                                          modification companies
 
 - dichroic LCD devices                                 - Cristalloid, Inc.
</TABLE>
 
BACKLOG
 
    As of December 31, 1998, we had an aggregate sales order backlog of $130.9
million compared to $125.5 million as of December 31, 1997, all on a pro forma
basis. Orders are generally filled within twelve months; however, our orders are
generally subject to cancellation by the customer prior to shipment. The level
of unfilled orders at any given date will be materially affected by when we
receive orders and how fast we fill them. Period-to-period comparisons of
backlog figures may not be meaningful. For that reason, our backlogs do not
necessarily accurately predict actual shipments or sales for any future period.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
    As of December 31, 1998, we had 1,451 employees, of whom 206 were in
engineering, 68 were in sales, 1,040 were in manufacturing operations and 137
were in finance and administration. The foregoing numbers include 44 temporary
employees. None of our employees are subject to a collective bargaining
agreement, and we have not experienced any material business interruption as a
result of labor disputes since DeCrane Aircraft was formed. We believe that we
have a good relationship with our employees.
 
                                       50
<PAGE>
FACILITIES
 
    We lease most of our principal facilities, as described in the following
table.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                    APPROX.      LEASE
LOCATION                                                              DESCRIPTION                   SQ. FT.   EXPIRATION
- ----------------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------------  ---------  -----------
<S>                                                   <C>                                          <C>        <C>
Wichita, KS.........................................            Manufacturing facility               107,000        2007
Georgetown, DE......................................            Manufacturing facility                85,000        2041
El Segundo, CA......................................    Manufacturing and engineering facility        81,300        2005
Columbia, MD........................................      Manufacturing facility and offices          65,923        2007
Garden Grove, CA....................................    Manufacturing and engineering facility        58,300        2004
Stuart, FL..........................................      Manufacturing facility and offices          29,700        2008
Lugano, Switzerland.................................            Manufacturing facility                28,000        2003
Hatfield, PA........................................    Manufacturing and engineering facility        27,500        2002
Lugano, Switzerland.................................            Manufacturing facility                21,000        2001
Irvine, CA..........................................            Manufacturing facility                16,400        1999
Seattle, WA.........................................               Storage facility                   10,000        2001
Wiltshire, United Kingdom...........................            Manufacturing facility                 5,700        2013
Hutchinson, KS......................................            Manufacturing facility                 5,300        1999
El Segundo, CA......................................               Executive offices                   5,000        2004
Santa Barbara, CA...................................             Engineering facility                  3,500        2000
Seattle, WA.........................................             Engineering facility                  3,200        1999
Santa Ana, CA.......................................             Engineering facility                  1,300        1999
</TABLE>
 
    We also have a leased manufacturing facility of approximately 52,000 square
feet in Santa Fe Springs, CA, which expires in 2000, and that we have leased in
part to several subtenants. Additionally, we own a manufacturing and engineering
facility comprised of six buildings having an aggregate of 87,382 square feet in
Seattle, Washington, and additional leased rental office and vacant space
nearby, comprising another 34,229 square feet, and an 18,000 square foot
manufacturing and engineering facility in North Little Rock, Arkansas. We
believe that our properties are in good condition and are adequate to support
our operations for the foreseeable future.
 
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
 
    Our facilities and operations are subject to various federal, state, local,
and foreign environmental requirements, including those relating to discharges
to air, water, and land, the handling and disposal of solid and hazardous waste,
and the cleanup of properties affected by hazardous substances. In addition,
some environmental laws, such as the federal Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation and Liability Act, as amended, similar state laws, impose
strict liability upon persons responsible for releases or potential releases of
hazardous substances. That liability generally is retroactive, and may be
separately asserted federal environmental as "joint and several" liability
against multiple parties who have some relationship to a site or a source of
waste. We have sent waste to treatment, storage, or disposal facilities that
have been designated as National Priority List sites under that statute or
equivalent listings under state laws. We have received requests for information
or allegations of potential responsibility from the Environmental Protection
Agency regarding our use of several of those sites. In addition, some of our
operations are located on properties which are contaminated to varying degrees.
 
    We have not incurred, nor do we expect to incur, liabilities in any
significant amount as a result of the foregoing matters, because in these cases
other entities have been held primarily responsible, the levels of contamination
are sufficiently low so as not to require remediation, or we are indemnified
against such costs. In most cases, we do not believe that we have any material
liability for past waste disposal. However, in a few cases, we do not have
sufficient information to assess our potential liability, if any. It is
possible, given the retroactive nature of federal environmental liability, that
we will from time to time receive additional notices of potential liability
relating to current or former activities. Some of our manufacturing processes
create wastewater which requires chemical treatment, and one of our facilities
has been cited for failure to adequately treat that water. The costs associated
with remedying that failure have been immaterial. See "--Legal Proceedings." We
have been and are in substantial compliance with environmental requirements. We
believe that we have no liabilities under environmental requirements, except for
liabilities which would we do not expect would likely have a material adverse
effect on our business, results of operations or
 
                                       51
<PAGE>
financial condition. However, some risk of environmental liability is inherent
in the nature of our business, and we might in the future incur material costs
to meet current or more stringent compliance, cleanup, or other obligations
pursuant to environmental requirements as described in "Risk
Factors--Environmental Risks and Regulation."
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
    One of our manufacturing facilities has received several notices of
violation related to its wastewater discharge permit, most recently in June
1998. We have taken various corrective measures. However, we continue to
experience difficulty in meeting the wastewater flow limitations contained in
its discharge permit and we are evaluating additional measures, including
seeking modification to our permit. We have installed new treatment equipment.
The cost for such installation, plus the anticipated cost of any additional
installations and/or outsourcing of the plating processes that create the
discharge, is not expected to be material. We do not believe that the notices
will result in any material sanctions.
 
    As part of its investigation of the crash off the Canadian coast on
September 2, 1998 of Swissair Flight 111, the Canadian Transportation Safety
Board notified us that they recovered burned wire which was attached to the
in-flight entertainment system installed on some of Swissair's aircraft by one
of our subsidiaries. Attorneys for families of persons who died aboard the
flight requested that we put our insurance carrier on notice of a potential
claim by those families, and we did so. The Transportation Safety Board has
advised us that it has no evidence that the system we installed malfunctioned or
failed during the flight. We are fully cooperating with the investigation.
 
    On July 21, 1998, plaintiffs seeking to represent a purported class of our
stockholders filed in Delaware Chancery Court an action entitled TAAM
Associates, Inc. v. DeCrane, et al. against DeCrane Aircraft, our directors,
DLJ, Inc. and one of its affiliates. The complaint alleged, among other things,
that our directors had breached their fiduciary duties by entering into the
merger with the DLJ affiliate described in "Recent Developments--The DLJ
Acquisition" without engaging in an auction or "active market check" and,
therefore, agreed to terms that were unfair and inadequate from the standpoint
of our stockholders. On July 24, 1998, the plaintiffs amended the complaint to
add allegations that the Schedule 14D-9 we filed with the SEC as part of the
tender offer and merger transaction contained various material misstatements or
omissions; that the termination fees to the affiliate of DLJ were unreasonable;
and that the directors who approved the DLJ acquisition had conflicts of
interest. The complaint sought among other things an injunction barring the
transaction, or damages plus attorneys' fees and litigation expenses. Without
admitting any wrongdoing in the action, in order to avoid the burden and expense
of further litigation, the defendants reached an agreement in principle with the
plaintiffs which contemplates settlement of the action. The foregoing defendants
and the plaintiffs entered into a memorandum of understanding under which the
parties, subject to selected facts being confirmed through discovery which has
not been completed, would enter into a settlement agreement subject to approval
by the Court of Chancery. That memorandum of understanding required that we make
several additional disclosures by filing an amendment to our Schedule 14D-9,
which we did, and provided for a complete release and settlement of all claims
arising out of the facts set forth in the complaint. The memorandum also
contemplates that plaintiffs' counsel will apply to the Court of Chancery for an
award of attorney's fees and litigation expenses in an amount not exceeding
$375,000, which application the defendants agreed not to oppose.
 
    In August 1998, DeCrane Aircraft and R. Jack DeCrane, its chief executive
officer, were served in an action filed in state court in California by Robert
A. Rankin, claiming that he was due additional compensation in the form of stock
options, and claiming fraud, negligent misrepresentation and breach of contract
in connection therewith, fraudulent misrepresentation in violation of provisions
of the California Labor Code for which doubled damages are sought, promissory
estoppel, and wrongful discharge in violation of public policy as a result of
his allegations of improprieties in connection with the DLJ acquisition
transactions. The action seeks not less than $1.5 million plus punitive damages
and costs. Discovery has not been completed. We intend to vigorously defend
against the claim. Mr. Rankin's employment with DeCrane Aircraft was terminated.
 
    We are party to other litigation incident to the normal course of business.
We do not believe that the outcome of any of such other matters in which we are
currently involved will have a material adverse effect on our financial
condition or results of operations.
 
                                       52
<PAGE>
                       WHERE YOU CAN GET MORE INFORMATION
 
    Each registered purchaser of the old notes from the initial purchaser will
receive a copy of this prospectus and any related amendments or supplements. Any
registered purchaser may request from us any information it wishes in order to
verify the information in this prospectus. Apart from this prospectus and any
responses we make to those requests, no-one is authorized to give information
about this exchange offer or the notes on our behalf.
 
    We have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a registration
statement on the SEC's Form S-1, to register the new notes. This prospectus is a
part of that registration statement. However, the registration statement has
additional information which is not included here, in accordance with SEC rules.
Our descriptions and statements about any contract or other document in this
Prospectus are summaries. We are required to attach copies of most important
contracts and documents as exhibits to the registration statement.
 
    We intend to become a reporting company as a result of the registration of
the notes, and file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and
other information with the SEC. Our fiscal year ends on December 31. You may
read and copy any reports, statements or other information we file at the SEC's
reference room in Washington D.C. Please call the SEC at (202) 942-8090 for
further information on the operation of the reference rooms. You can also
request companies of these documents, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by
writing to the SEC, or review our SEC filings on the SEC's EDGAR web site, which
can be found at http\\www.sec.gov. You may also write or call us at our
corporate headquarters located at 2361 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 180, El Segundo,
California 90245. Our telephone number is (310) 725-9123.
 
                                       53
<PAGE>
                                   MANAGEMENT
 
    The following table sets forth certain information concerning each person
who is currently a director or executive officer of DeCrane Aircraft. Each
director also serves as a director of DeCrane Holdings.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME                                           AGE                                   POSITION
- ------------------------------------------     ---     ---------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>        <C>
R. Jack DeCrane...........................         52  Director and Chief Executive Officer
Charles H. Becker.........................         52  President and Chief Operating Officer
Richard J. Kaplan.........................         56  Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and
                                                       Treasurer
Thompson Dean.............................         40  Chairman of the Board of Directors
John F. Fort, III.........................         57  Director
Dr. Robert J. Hermann.....................         65  Director
Dr. Paul G. Kaminski......................         56  Director
Susan C. Schnabel.........................         37  Director
Timothy J. White..........................         37  Director
</TABLE>
 
    R. JACK DECRANE is the founder of DeCrane Aircraft. Mr. DeCrane served as
President since it was founded in December 1989, until April 1993 when he was
elected to the newly-created office of Chief Executive Officer. Prior to
founding our company, Mr. DeCrane held various positions at the aerospace
division of B.F. Goodrich. Mr. DeCrane was a Group Vice President at the
aerospace division of B.F. Goodrich with management responsibility for three
business units from 1986 to 1989. He has served on the board of directors since
its inception.
 
    CHARLES H. BECKER has been President and Chief Operating Officer of DeCrane
Aircraft since April 1998. Mr. Becker previously served as Group Vice President
of Components of the Company from December 1996 to April 1998, and President of
Tri-Star from December 1994 to April 1998. Prior to joining us, Mr. Becker was
President of the Interconnect Systems Division of Microdot, Inc., a manufacturer
of contacts and connectors for aerospace applications, from 1984 to 1994.
 
    RICHARD J. KAPLAN has been the Senior Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer, Secretary and Treasurer for DeCrane Aircraft since April 1999. From
April 1998 to March 1999, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer of Developers Diversified Realty Corporation. From 1977 to
1998, he was a partner with Price Waterhouse LLP, having joined the firm in
1964.
 
    THOMPSON DEAN has been the Managing Partner of DLJ Merchant Banking, Inc.
since November 1996. Previously, Mr. Dean was a Managing Director of DLJ
Merchant Banking, Inc. and its predecessor. Mr. Dean serves as a director of
Commvault Inc., Von Hoffman Press, Inc., Manufacturer's Services Limited, Phase
Metrics, Inc., AKI Holding Corp. and Insilco Holding Corporation. He became a
director in 1998.
 
    JOHN F. FORT, III served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Tyco
International, Inc. from 1982 to December 1992, and as Chief Executive Officer
from 1982 to June 1992. Mr. Fort serves as a director of Tyco International,
Inc., Dover Corporation and Roper Industries. He became a director in 1998.
 
    DR. ROBERT J. HERMANN is a Senior Partner of Global Technology Partners. Dr.
Hermann most recently served as Senior Vice President for Science and Technology
at United Technologies Corporation and served in various other capacities at
United Technologies Corporation since 1982. Prior to joining United Technologies
Corporation, Dr. Hermann spent 20 years with the National Security Agency. In
1977 he was appointed Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for
Communications, Command, Control and Intelligence, and in 1979 was named
Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Research, Development and Logistics and
Director of the National Reconnaissance Office. He became a director in 1998.
 
    DR. PAUL G. KAMINSKI is a Senior Partner of Global Technology Partners. Dr.
Kaminski currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Technovation, Inc., a
consulting firm focusing on business strategy and advanced technology. Dr.
Kaminski served as U.S. Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology
from October 1994 to 1997. Prior to that time, he served as Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of Technology Strategies and Alliances. Dr. Kaminski is a
former Chairman of the Defense Science Board and is currently a member of the
Senate Select Committee on Intelligence-Technical Advisory Group, the NRO
Advisory Council and the National Academy of Engineering. Dr. Kaminski is a
director of General Dynamics Corporation, Dyncorp, Eagle-Picher Technologies and
several privately held information technology companies. He became a director in
1998.
 
                                       54
<PAGE>
    SUSAN C. SCHNABEL has been a Managing Director of DLJ Merchant Banking, Inc.
since January 1998. In 1997, she served as Chief Financial Officer of PETsMART,
a high growth specialty retailer of pet products and supplies. From 1990 to
1996, Ms. Schnabel was with Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation,
where she became a Managing Director in 1996. Ms. Schnabel serves as a director
of Dick's Clothing and Sporting Goods, Environmental Systems Products and
Wavetek Corporation. She became a director in 1998.
 
    TIMOTHY J. WHITE has been a Vice President of DLJ Merchant Banking, Inc.
since June 1998. From October 1994 to May 1998, Mr. White was an Associate and
Vice President at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation. From May
1994 to October 1994, Mr. White was an Associate Counsel in the Office of the
Independent Counsel, United States Department of Justice. Prior to that time,
Mr. White was an attorney with Davis Polk & Wardwell. He became a director in
1998.
 
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
    The following table describes all annual compensation awarded to, earned by
or paid to our Chief Executive Officer and the four-most highly compensated
executive officers other than the Chief Executive Officer for the years ended
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       ANNUAL COMPENSATION                            LONG TERM COMPENSATION
                           --------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------------------
                                                               OTHER                  SECURITIES
                                                              ANNUAL     RESTRICTED   UNDERLYING               ALL OTHER
                                                            COMPENSATION    STOCK      OPTIONS/      LTIP     COMPENSATION
                             YEAR      SALARY      BONUS        (1)        AWARDS       SAR(2)      PAYOUT        (3)
                           ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  -----------
<S>                        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>
R. Jack DeCrane..........       1998  $ 281,761  $1,044,000  $  30,151                    50,000                  --
Chief Executive Officer         1997    244,744    220,000      --                        50,000               $  29,411
and Director(4)                 1996    206,600    146,000       7,813                    34,028                  --
 
Charles H. Becker........       1998  $ 206,948  $ 160,000   $  14,678                    --                      --
President and Chief             1997    174,492    102,000       6,168                    15,000               $  18,000
Operating Officer(5)            1996    148,750     65,000       9,103                    19,850                  30,586
 
R.G. MacDonald(6)........       1998  $ 212,744  $ 107,000   $  20,260                    --                      --
                                1997    184,859    102,000      10,536                     4,000                  --
                                1996    177,437     82,000      13,200                    --                      --
 
John R. Hinson(7) .......       1998  $ 136,155  $ 126,000   $   3,872                    --                      --
                                1997    108,400     33,500       2,112                    --                      --
                                1996     88,273     28,500       2,083                    --                      --
 
Robert A. Rankin(8)......       1998  $ 131,115  $      --   $   9,856                    --                      --
                                1997    149,309    103,000       7,158                    15,000                  --
                                1996    139,375     65,000      12,838                    19,850                  --
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) Amounts paid by us for premiums on health, life and long-term disability
    insurance and automobile leases provided by us for the benefit of the named
    executive officer.
 
(2) Number of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of options granted
    during the last fiscal year.
 
(3) Relocation costs.
 
(4) Mr. DeCrane also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors through August
    1998.
 
(5) Mr. Becker served as Group Vice President of Components, and President of
    Tri-Star, through April 1998. Mr. Becker became President and Chief
    Operating Officer in April 1998.
 
(6) Mr. MacDonald served as President through December 1996 and Vice Chairman of
    the Board of Directors through August 1998.
 
(7) Mr. Hinson served as Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer until
    March 1998.
 
(8) Mr. Rankin served as Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer until
    August 1998.
 
                                       55
<PAGE>
STOCK OPTION/SARS GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
 
    The following table sets forth individual grants of stock options granted to
the executive officers named below during the fiscal year ended December 31,
1998, pursuant to the share incentive plan then in place. See "Employment
Agreements and Compensation Arrangements--Former Share Incentive Plan."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                              POTENTIAL
                                                                                                              REALIZABLE
                                                                                                               VALUE AT
                                                                                                               ASSUMED
                                                                                                                ANNUAL
                                                                                                               RATES OF
                                                    NUMBER OF                                                   STOCK
                                                    SECURITIES                                                  PRICE
                                                    UNDERLYING        % OF        EXERCISE OR                 APPRECIATION
                                                     OPTIONS/      OPTIONS/SAR    BASE PRICE    EXPIRATION    ----------
NAME                                               SAR GRANTED       GRANTED       PER SHARE       DATE           5%
- -------------------------------------------------  ------------  ---------------  -----------  -------------  ----------
<S>                                                <C>           <C>              <C>          <C>            <C>
 
R. Jack DeCrane..................................       50,000            100%     $  16.875          2007    $      (1)
 
Charles H. Becker................................      --             --              --            --            --
 
R.G. MacDonald...................................      --             --              --            --            --
 
John R. Hinson...................................      --             --              --            --            --
 
Robert A. Rankin.................................      --             --              --            --            --
 
<CAPTION>
 
NAME                                                   10%
- -------------------------------------------------  ------------
<S>                                                <C>
R. Jack DeCrane..................................  $        (1)
Charles H. Becker................................       --
R.G. MacDonald...................................       --
John R. Hinson...................................       --
Robert A. Rankin.................................       --
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) DeCrane Aircraft cancelled all options for common stock, and all holders
    thereof were paid $23.00 per share, shortly after the grant of these
    options.
 
AGGREGATED OPTION/SAR EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FY-END OPTION/SAR VALUES
 
    The following table sets forth information about the stock options exercised
by the executive officers named below during the fiscal year ended December 31,
1998.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         NUMBER OF        VALUE OF
                                                                        SECURITIES       UNEXERCISED
                                               SHARES                   UNDERLYING      IN-THE-MONEY
                                              ACQUIRED        VALUE     UNEXERCISED      OPTIONS/SAR
NAME                                         ON EXERCISE    REALIZED    OPTIONS/SAR     AT FY-END(1)
- -----------------------------------------  ---------------  ---------  -------------  -----------------
 
                                                                       EXERCISABLE/     EXERCISABLE/
                                                                       UNEXERCISABLE    UNEXERCISABLE
                                                                       -------------  -----------------
<S>                                        <C>              <C>        <C>            <C>
 
R. Jack DeCrane..........................        --         $3,347,850 $    0/0       $      0/0
 
Charles H. Becker........................        --         $ 811,419       0/0              0/0
 
R.G. MacDonald...........................            --     $1,299,422      0/0              0/0
 
John R. Hinson...........................        --         $ 107,092       0/0              0/0
 
Robert A. Rankin.........................        --         $ 811,419       0/0              0/0
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) Based on the common stock share price of $23.00 per share as of August 28,
    1998, the measuring date.
 
    In August 1998, on the effective date of the mergers conducted as a part of
the DLJ acquisition, all outstanding options for the common stock of DeCrane
Aircraft were canceled. See "Recent Developments-- The DLJ Acquisition". The
holders of all vested and unvested options received a cash payment determined,
for each option, as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                               <C>        <C>
($23.00 per share--exercise       X          maximum number of shares holder could
price of option)                             have purchased, if all options were
                                             fully vested, by exercising option
                                             just before the effective date.
</TABLE>
 
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS AND COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS
 
    On July 17, 1998, the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors
approved an employment agreement between DeCrane Aircraft and R. Jack DeCrane
replacing his prior employment agreement that was to expire on September 1,
1998. Mr. DeCrane's employment agreement provides for various benefits,
including:
 
    - an initial salary of $310,000, which is subject to annual review and
      increase, but not decrease;
 
    - an annual bonus ranging from 0% to 100% of Mr. DeCrane's annual base
      salary depending on the degree to which we achieve performance goals;
 
                                       56
<PAGE>
    - a $500,000 bonus in recognition of our then-recent acquisition of Avtech
      Corporation;
 
    - a $250,000 signing bonus;
 
    - options to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock of DeCrane Aircraft at a
      price equal to the fair market value of the shares as of July 16, 1998,
      one-half of which were immediately exercisable; the rest became
      exercisable upon the completion of the DLJ acquisition; and
 
    - a $150,000 cash continuation bonus payable on January 2, 1999, if employed
      by us on January 1, 1999.
 
    Mr. DeCrane's immediately exercisable options were cancelled in August 1998
and he received a cash payout in lieu of the options, calculated according to
the formula noted above under "Aggregated Option/ SAR Exercises in Last Fiscal
Year and FY-End Option/SAR Values."
 
    The employment agreement also provides that if change-of-control events
occur, and Mr. DeCrane's employment is terminated by us for any reason other
than for cause or as a result of his death or disability, or by Mr. DeCrane for
good reason, as defined in the agreement, then we will pay Mr. DeCrane a lump
sum in cash within fifteen days. The amount of that payment will be $1.00 less
than three times the sum of Mr. DeCrane's average base salary plus bonus for the
five calendar years preceding his termination date.
 
    401(K) RETIREMENT PLAN
 
    Effective April 1992, we adopted the Lincoln National Life Insurance Company
Non-Standardized 401(k) Salary Reduction Plan and Trust Prototype Plan. The
401(k) allows employees as participants to defer, on a pre-tax basis, a portion
of their salary and accumulate tax deferred earnings, plus interest, as a
retirement fund. Effective October 1, 1997, we matched 25% of the employee
contribution up to 6% of the employee's salary for the fourth quarter of 1997
and each quarter of 1998. Effective January 1, 1999, we plan to match 50% of the
employee contribution for up to 6% of the employee's salary. The full amount
vested in a participant's account will be distributed to a participant following
termination of employment, normal retirement or in the event of disability or
death.
 
    INCENTIVE PLANS
 
    Our board of directors has approved a stock option incentive plan providing
for the issuance of options for the common stock of DeCrane Holdings as
incentive compensation to designated executive personnel and other key employees
of DeCrane Aircraft and its subsidiaries, to persons and in amounts determined
by the compensation committee of the Board from time to time, and has reserved
an aggregate amount of the common stock of DeCrane Holdings equal to 10% of all
such stock outstanding, on a fully diluted basis, for stock issued under those
options. Under the plan, the Board's compensation committee will make a single
award during 1999 to each designated participant, which will progressively vest
as the participant's operating unit achieves EBITDA targets set for that unit
during the four year period following the award. No awards have been made under
the plan.
 
    Our board of directors has approved a stock purchase plan providing for the
purchase of shares of common stock of DeCrane Holdings as incentive compensation
to designated executive personnel and other key employees of DeCrane Aircraft
and its subsidiaries, with a portion of the purchase price to be loaned to the
participants by DeCrane Aircraft, available to persons and in amounts determined
by the compensation committee of the Board from time to time. No awards have
been made under the plan.
 
    Our board of directors has approved a cash incentive bonus plan providing
for the allocation of a bonus pool each year for incentive compensation to
designated executive personnel and other key employees of DeCrane Aircraft and
its subsidiaries, as the exclusive sources of elective merit raises during the
next four years. The bonus pool for participants will be adjusted upwards or
downwards each year based on EBITDA and cash flow generated by the relevant
participant's operating unit.
 
    ARRANGEMENTS PRIOR TO DLJ ACQUISITION
 
    We adopted a Share Incentive Plan in 1993 which permitted us to grant to our
eligible employees options to purchase shares of our common stock, shares of
common stock with conditional vesting based upon performance criteria, and
options to receive payments based on the appreciation of common stock, commonly
known as Share Appreciation Rights called "SARs." That plan permitted such
grants to be made to key employees of DeCrane Aircraft designated by a
compensation committee of the Board of Directors. As described above, all
options to purchase common stock outstanding in August 1998 were terminated when
 
                                       57
<PAGE>
the DLJ acquisition transactions were completed, and the holders received cash
payments in exchange for those options.
 
    In 1996 we introduced an incentive plan for our management personnel tied to
DeCrane Aircraft's and each operating unit's annual budget as approved each year
by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The 1996 incentive plan
matrix provided for an annual bonus of up to 70% of participating employees'
base salary if the relevant operating unit achieves 110% of budget. Fifty
percent of the bonus was payable solely based on performance of the relevant
operating unit and the remainder was payable upon the achievement by the
employee of his or her individual objectives in the discretion of our Chief
Executive Officer or the president of the relevant operating unit.
 
DIRECTORS' COMPENSATION
 
    The directors of DeCrane Aircraft generally do not receive annual fees or
fees for attending meetings of DeCrane Aircraft of the Board of Directors or
committees thereof. However, John F. Fort, III, an independent director not
affiliated with any investor in DeCrane Holdings, receives a director's fee of
$5,000 for each meeting attended. Also, all directors are reimbursed for
out-of-pocket expenses. We expect to continue those policies. DeCrane Holdings
does not compensate or intend to compensate its directors.
 
                                       58
<PAGE>
       SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF SIGNIFICANT BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
 
    All of the 100 outstanding shares of common stock of DeCrane Aircraft are
owned by DeCrane Holdings. DeCrane Aircraft has no other class of stock
outstanding. DeCrane Holdings has 3,389,663 shares of common stock issued and
outstanding, owned by 18 shareholders. The following table sets forth the
beneficial ownership of DeCrane Holdings' voting securities as of April 1, 1999
by its principal owners and other persons who we are required to mention, such
as executive officers and directors.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         COMMON STOCK              14% SENIOR REDEEMABLE
                                                                 -----------------------------  EXCHANGEABLE PREFERRED STOCK
                                                                 NUMBER OF                                DUE 2008
                                                                  SHARES,                       ----------------------------
                                                                 PARTIALLY                       NUMBER OF
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER (1)                                     DILUTED(2)    PERCENTAGE(2)      SHARES       PERCENTAGE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------  ----------  -----------------  -----------  ---------------
<S>                                                              <C>         <C>                <C>          <C>
DLJMB Merchant Banking Partners II, L.P., and affiliates(3)....   3,519,565             99%        340,000             99%
Thompson Dean(4)...............................................      --             --                             --
  DLJMB Inc.
  277 Park Avenue
  New York, New York 10172
Susan C. Schnabel(4)...........................................      --             --              --             --
  DLJMB Inc.
  277 Park Avenue New York, New York 10172
Timothy J. White(4)............................................      --             --              --             --
  DLJMB Inc.
  277 Park Avenue
  New York, New York 10172
Global Technology Partners, LLC(5).............................      --             --              --             --
  1300 I Street N.W.
  Washington, D.C.
Dr. Robert J. Hermann(5).......................................       5,938         --                 714         --
c/o Global Technology Partners, LLC
  1300 I Street, N.W.
  Washington, D.C.
Dr. Paul G. Kaminski(5)........................................       5,938         --                 714         --
c/o Global Technology Partners, LLC
  1300 I Street, N.W.
  Washington, D.C.
John F. Fort, III..............................................      --             --              --             --
R. Jack DeCrane................................................      --             --              --             --
Charles H. Becker..............................................      --             --              --             --
Richard J. Kaplan..............................................      --             --              --             --
All directors and named executive officers as a group
  (9 persons)..................................................      11,876         --               1,428         --
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) Each person who has the power to vote and direct the disposition of shares
    is deemed to be a beneficial owner of those shares.
 
(2) The common stock columns show number of shares owned and total percentage of
    ownership in the manner required by SEC rules. The entry for each holder of
    warrants assumes that the particular holder, and no-one else, fully
    exercises all rights under those warrants to purchase shares of common
    stock.
 
(3) Reflects 3,369,565 shares, and warrants for the issuance of an additional
    150,000 shares, held directly by DLJ Merchant Banking Partners II, L.P. and
    the following related investors: DLJ Merchant Banking Partners II-A, L.P.;
    DLJ Offshore Partners II, C.V.; DLJ Diversified Partners, L.P.; DLJ
    Diversified Partners-A, L.P.; DLJ Millennium Partners, L.P.; DLJ Millennium
    Partners-A, L.P.; DLJMB Funding II, Inc.; UK Investment Plan 1997 Partners,
    Inc.; DLJ EAB Partners, L.P.; DLJ First ESC L.P. and DLJ ESC II L.P. See
    "Related Party Transactions" and "Plan of Distribution." The address of DLJ
    Offshore Partners II, C.V. is John B. Gorsiraweg 14, Willemstad, Curacao,
    Netherlands Antilles. The address of UK Investment Plan 1997 Partners, Inc.
    is 2121 Avenue of the Stars, Fox Plaza, Suite 3000, Los
 
                                       59
<PAGE>
    Angeles, California 90067. The address of each of the other persons is 277
    Park Avenue, New York, New York 10172.
 
(4) Messrs. Dean and White and Ms. Schnabel are officers of DLJ Merchant
    Banking, Inc., an affiliate of Merchant Banking Partners II, L.P. as well as
    Donaldson, Lufkin & Jennette Securities Corporation. The share data shown
    for these individuals excludes shares shown as held by the DLJ affiliates
    separately listed in this table; Messrs. Dean and White and Ms. Schnabel
    disclaim beneficial ownership of those shares.
 
(5) Messrs. Hermann and Kaminski are members of Global Technology Partners, LLC.
    Six members of Global Technology Partners, including Messrs. Hermann and
    Kaminski, acquired 20,098 shares of DeCrane Holdings common stock, and 2,417
    shares of DeCrane Holdings 14% Senior Redeemable Exchangeable Preferred
    Stock due 2008, in a transaction negotiated with DeCrane Holdings. The share
    data shown for Global Technology Partners and Messrs. Hermann and Kaminski
    excludes shares shown as held by the individual members; Messrs. Hermann and
    Kaminski disclaim beneficial ownership in any of the shares held by the
    other members.
 
    DeCrane Holdings is authorized to issue an aggregate of 4,500,000 shares of
DeCrane Holdings Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of which 3,389,663 are
outstanding, excluding 305,000 reserved for issuance for outstanding warrants.
DeCrane Holdings is authorized to issue up to 2,500,000 shares of DeCrane
Holdings preferred stock, par value $.01 per share, in one or more series, of
which 342,417 are outstanding. For a full description of DeCrane Holdings'
capital stock, please review DeCrane Holdings' Certificate of Incorporation and
Certificate of Designation for its 14% Senior Redeemable Exchangeable Preferred
Stock due 2008. You can obtain a copy from us or from the exhibits to the
registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. See "Where You Can
Obtain More Information" at the end of "Business."
 
                                       60
<PAGE>
                           RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
    The merger agreement entered into in connection with the DLJ acquisition
entitled a holding company controlled by DLJ Merchant Banking Partners II, L.P.
to designate a number of directors proportionally commensurate with its stock
ownership of DeCrane Aircraft. DeCrane Holdings selected all of the current
members of the Board of Directors of DeCrane Aircraft. DLJ Merchant Banking or
its designate selected all of the members of the Board of Directors of DeCrane
Holdings.
 
    DLJ Capital Funding, Inc., another DLJ affiliate of DLJ Merchant Banking,
received customary fees and reimbursement of expenses in connection with the
arrangement and syndication of the bank credit facility and as a lender
thereunder. DLJ Bridge Finance, Inc., also an affiliate of DLJ Merchant Banking,
received customary fees in connection with its commitment to purchase and its
purchase of the bridge notes. Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities
Corporation, which is also an affiliate of DLJ Merchant Banking, acted as
financial advisor and dealer manager in connection with the tender offer, as
arranger of the bank credit facility and received customary fees for those
services; DLJ Securities Corporation also acted as the initial purchaser of the
old notes. The aggregate amount of all fees payable to the DLJ entities in
connection with the DLJ acquisition is approximately $12.0 million. DeCrane
Aircraft is also obligated to reimburse DLJ Securities Corporation for
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the tender offer,
including the fees and disbursements of outside counsel, and to indemnify DLJ
Securities Corporation against liabilities, including liabilities under the
federal securities laws. In addition, DeCrane Aircraft is obligated to pay DLJ
Securities Corporation an annual advisory fee of $300,000 beginning on the
consummation of the tender offer for a period of five years. We may from time to
time enter into other investment banking relationships with DLJ Securities
Corporation or one of its affiliates pursuant to which DLJ Securities
Corporation or its affiliate will receive customary fees and will be entitled to
reimbursement for all reasonable disbursements and out-of-pocket expenses
incurred in connection therewith. We expect that any such arrangement will
include provisions for the indemnification of DLJ Securities Corporation against
liabilities, including liabilities under the federal securities laws.
 
    In connection with the DLJ acquisition, an Investors' Agreement dated as of
August 28, 1998 was entered into among DeCrane Holdings, DLJ Merchant Banking
and its affiliates which hold DeCrane Holdings stock. It provides that:
 
    - Any person acquiring shares of common stock or preferred stock of DeCrane
      Holdings who is required by the terms of the Investors' Agreement or any
      employment agreement or stock purchase, option, stock option or other
      compensation plan of DeCrane Holdings to become a party thereto shall
      execute an agreement to become bound by the Investors' Agreement and
      thereafter shall be bound by it.
 
    - Transfers of the shares of DeCrane Holdings common stock and preferred
      stock by the parties to the agreement.
 
    - Parties to the agreement may participate in some specific kinds of sales
      of shares of DeCrane Holdings' common stock by the DLJ affiliates.
 
    - The DLJ affiliates may require the other parties to the agreement to sell
      shares of DeCrane Holdings' common stock in some cases should the DLJ
      affiliates choose to sell any such shares owned by them.
 
    - The DLJ affiliates may request six demand registrations with respect to
      the warrants for DeCrane Holdings common stock held by DLJ Merchant
      Banking, the common stock and preferred stock held by those affiliates,
      which are immediately exercisable subject to customary deferral and
      cutback provisions.
 
    - The parties to the agreement are entitled to unlimited piggyback
      registration rights, subject to customary cutback provisions, and
      excluding registrations of shares issuable in connection with any employee
      benefit plan or an acquisition.
 
    - DeCrane Holdings will indemnify the shareholders against some liabilities
      and expenses, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
 
    - The DLJ affiliates have the right to appoint all of the members of the
      Boards of Directors of DeCrane Holdings and DeCrane Aircraft, and at least
      one of such directors on each board will be an independent director.
      Messrs. Hermann, Kaminski and Fort are independent directors.
 
                                       61
<PAGE>
    Each warrant for DeCrane Holdings common stock held by the DLJ affiliates
entitles the holder thereof to purchase one share of common stock at an exercise
price of not less than $0.01 per share subject to customary antidilution
provisions and other customary terms. Those DLJ warrants are exercisable at any
time prior to 5:00 p.m. New York City time on August 28, 2009, subject to
applicable federal and state securities laws.
 
    In connection with the DLJ acquisition, Global Technology Partners, LLC will
have options to purchase up to 1.25% of DeCrane Holdings common stock. The
options will vest over a three-year period, subject to acceleration if the
foregoing DLJ affiliates sell any of their shares of common stock. Those options
will be exercisable at an exercise price equal to the price paid for DeCrane
Holdings' common stock by the foregoing DLJ affiliates. In addition, in December
1998 six members of Global Technology Partners, including Messrs. Hermann and
Kaminski, purchased approximately $704,000 of shares of newly issued common and
preferred stock of DeCrane Holdings. DeCrane Aircraft loaned half of the
purchase price for such shares to those members at an interest rate equal to the
interest rate on the longest maturity senior bank debt of DeCrane Aircraft in
effect from time to time, plus 1.0%. The loans are repayable out of the proceeds
from the sale of such stock and are secured by such stock. DeCrane Holdings has
indemnified Global Technology Partners against some claims and liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act.
 
    In connection with our acquisition of PPI in April 1999, DLJ Merchant
Banking invested an additional $12.5 million of capital in DeCrane Holdings by
purchasing 543,478 additional shares of its common stock, for $23.00 per share.
DeCrane Holdings, in turn, contributed the proceeds to DeCrane Aircraft. This
additional investment is included as part of the acquisition financing in the
unaudited pro forma financial data in this prospectus.
 
                                       62
<PAGE>
                      DESCRIPTION OF BANK CREDIT FACILITY
 
    The bank credit facility is provided by a syndicate of lenders led by DLJSC,
as arranger, and DLJ Capital Funding, as syndication agent. The bank credit
facility initially included an $80.0 million term loan facility and a $50.0
million revolving credit facility which provides for loans and under which up to
$10.0 million in letters of credit may be issued. The term loan facility is
comprised of a Term A facility in the original amount of $35.0 million which
matures on August 28, 2004 and a Term B facility in the original amount of $45.0
million which matures on August 28, 2005. The revolving credit facility is
comprised of an acquisition facility of $25.0 million and a working capital
facility of $25.0 million. A portion of the working capital facility was used to
finance the conversion of shares into cash in connection with the DLJ
acquisition and the remainder can be used for general corporate and working
capital purposes, each of which matures on August 28, 2004. The working capital
facility is subject to a potential, but uncommitted, increase of up to $20.0
million at the our request at any time prior to such maturity date. Such
increase will be available only if one or more financial institutions agrees, at
the time of our request, to provide it.
 
    The Term B facility was increased to $65.0 million in January 1999 by a
first amendment to the facility, in connection with our acquisition of PATS. In
connection with our acquisition of PPI in April 1999 and the potential for
future acquisition transactions, we obtained an additional increase in the term
loan amounts available for acquisitions, by adding a new Term C facility in an
amount of up to $70 million, in an amended and restated loan agreement dated
April 23, 1999.
 
    Loans under the bank credit facility generally bear interest based on a
margin over, at our option, the base rate or the Euro-Dollar rate. For the first
six months after the January 1999 amendment, the margin for Term A loans and the
revolving credit facility is 1.50% for base rate borrowings and 2.75% for
Euro-Dollar borrowings. Thereafter, the margin will vary based upon DeCrane
Aircraft's ratio of total debt to EBITDA as defined in the bank credit
agreement: ranging from 0.0% to 1.50% over the alternate base rate and from
1.00% to 2.75% over the reserve adjusted Euro-Dollar rate. The margin for Term B
loans through their maturity is 1.75% for base rate borrowings and 3.00% for
Euro-Dollar borrowings. The margin for Term C loans through their maturity is
2.00% for base rate borrowings and 3.25% for Euro-Dollar borrowings. The
applicable commitment fees are also determined based on the ratio of
consolidated total debt to consolidated EBITDA of DeCrane Aircraft and its
subsidiaries as specified in the bank credit agreement, called the "Leverage
Ratio." We will pay commitment fees at a rate equal to 0.5% per annum on the
unused portion of the working capital facility and at a rate equal to 0.5% or
0.75% per annum, depending upon utilization, on the unused portion of the
acquisition facility. Those fees are payable quarterly in arrears and upon the
maturity or termination of the revolving credit facility.
 
    We pay a letter of credit fee on the undrawn amounts of letters of credit
issued and outstanding under the bank credit facility, at a rate per annum equal
to the then-applicable margin for Euro-Dollar loans under the Term A facility,
which is shared by all lenders participating in such letter of credit, and an
additional amount to be mutually agreed upon to the issuer of each letter of
credit.
 
    The term loans are subject to the following amortization schedule, which was
amended as to the Term B loans by the January 1999 amendment:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           TERM A LOAN    TERM B LOAN
YEAR                                                                      AMORTIZATION   AMORTIZATION
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------
<S>                                                                       <C>            <C>
1.......................................................................          0.0%           0.9%
2.......................................................................          5.0%           1.0%
3.......................................................................         10.0%           1.0%
4.......................................................................         20.0%           1.0%
5.......................................................................         25.0%           1.0%
6.......................................................................         40.0%           1.0%
7.......................................................................           --           94.1%
                                                                                -----          -----
                                                                                100.0%         100.0%
                                                                                -----          -----
                                                                                -----          -----
</TABLE>
 
    The bank credit facility will be subject to mandatory prepayment:
 
    - with 50% of the net cash proceeds received from the issuance of equity
      securities to the extent that the foregoing leverage ratio exceeds 3.5 to
      1, subject to exceptions,
 
                                       63
<PAGE>
    - with 100% of the net cash proceeds received from the issuance of debt,
      subject to exceptions,
 
    - with 100% of the net cash proceeds received from permitted asset sales,
      subject to exceptions and
 
    - with 50% of excess cash flow, as specified in the bank credit facility for
      each fiscal year to the extent that the Leverage Ratio exceeds 3.5 to 1.
      We are required to apply all mandatory prepayment amounts first to the
      prepayment of the term loan facility, and thereafter to the prepayment of
      the revolving credit facility.
 
    DeCrane Holdings, and each of DeCrane Aircraft's wholly-owned direct and
indirect domestic subsidiaries other than Audio International Sales, Inc., a
U.S. Virgin Islands corporation, are guarantors of the bank credit facility. Our
obligations under the bank credit facility are also secured by:
 
    - all existing and after-acquired personal property of DeCrane Aircraft and
      the foregoing subsidiary guarantors, including a pledge of all of the
      stock of all existing or future subsidiaries of DeCrane Aircraft, or in
      the case of foreign subsidiaries, 65% of their voting stock.
 
    - first-priority perfected liens on all material existing and after-acquired
      real property interests of DeCrane Aircraft and the foregoing subsidiary
      guarantors, subject to customary permitted liens,
 
    - a pledge by DeCrane Holdings of the stock of DeCrane Aircraft, and
 
    - a negative pledge on all assets of DeCrane Aircraft and its subsidiaries,
      subject to some exceptions.
 
    The bank credit facility contains customary covenants and restrictions on
our ability to engage in some activities, including, but not limited to:
 
    - limitations on other indebtedness, liens, investments and guarantees.
 
    - restrictions on dividends and redemptions and payments on subordinated
      debt.
 
    - restrictions on mergers and acquisitions, sales of assets and leases.
 
    - a minimum level of EBITDA, a minimum coverage ratio of interest expense.
 
    - a minimum coverage ratio of fixed charges.
 
    - a maximum leverage ratio.
 
    - a maximum level of capital expenditures.
 
    Borrowings under the bank credit facility are subject to significant
conditions, including compliance with several tests of our financial condition
and the absence of any material adverse change. These restrictions may limit our
access to borrowings, as discussed in "Risk Factors--Substantial Leverage."
 
                                       64
<PAGE>
                              DESCRIPTION OF NOTES
 
GENERAL
 
    The notes have been issued pursuant to an indenture between DeCrane Aircraft
and State Street Bank and Trust Company, as Trustee. The terms of the notes
include those stated in the indenture, and those which are incorporated into the
indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939. The notes are subject
to all of those terms, and holders of notes are referred to the indenture and
the Trust Indenture Act for a statement thereof.
 
    The terms of the new notes and the old notes are substantially the same in
all material respects, except that the new notes will not be subject to
liquidated damages penalties for failure to timely register the notes under the
Securities Act, and will be more freely transferable by the holders thereof by
reason of their registration thereunder.
 
    You should read the entire indenture, and the registration rights agreement
described below, for a complete understanding of the rights and obligations of
the holders of notes. Copies of the indenture and registration rights agreement
are available as set forth under "--Additional Information." Also, the terms of
the indenture use many specially defined terms. In this summary, we have used
the key defined terms, which are shown here as capitalized words. You should
refer to the definitions listed in "--Key Definitions" below for their complete
scope and meaning.
 
    The notes are:
 
    - general unsecured obligations of DeCrane Aircraft;
 
    - subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future Senior
      Indebtedness of DeCrane Aircraft, including the bank credit facility;
 
    - ranking at the same level of payment priority, sometimes called "PARI
      PASSU," with any future senior subordinated Indebtedness of DeCrane
      Aircraft and senior in right of payment to all future subordinated
      Indebtedness of DeCrane Aircraft;
 
    - effectively subordinated to all liabilities of DeCrane Aircraft's
      subsidiaries that are not Guarantors, including trade payables;
 
    - fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis by
      DeCrane Aircraft's existing wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries, as their
      general unsecured obligations, subordinated in right of payment to all
      existing and future Senior Indebtedness of the Guarantors, including
      indebtedness under our bank credit facility, and ranking senior in right
      of payment to any future subordinated indebtedness of the Guarantors.
 
    We may issue an unlimited amount of additional senior subordinated notes
under the indenture, so long as the total amount of debt is permitted by our
financial covenants.
 
    On a pro forma basis, as of December 31, 1998, DeCrane Aircraft and the
Guarantors would have had outstanding approximately $175.2 million of Senior
Indebtedness and DeCrane Aircraft's non-Guarantor subsidiaries would have had
approximately $2.2 million of outstanding liabilities, including trade payables
but excluding guarantees under the bank credit facility. The indenture will
permit DeCrane Aircraft and its Subsidiaries to incur additional Indebtedness,
including Senior Indebtedness, in the future. The risk of such indebtedness to
you as an investor is described in "Risk Factors--Subordination."
 
    As of the date of the indenture, all of DeCrane Aircraft's Subsidiaries were
designated as Restricted Subsidiaries. However, under some circumstances,
DeCrane Aircraft will be permitted to designate current or future Subsidiaries
as Unrestricted Subsidiaries. Unrestricted Subsidiaries will not be subject to
the restrictive covenants set forth in the indenture.
 
PRINCIPAL, MATURITY AND INTEREST
 
    The notes will initially be limited in aggregate principal amount to $100.0
million and will mature on September 30, 2008. Interest on the notes will accrue
at the rate of 12% per annum and will be payable semi-annually in arrears on
March 30 and September 30, commencing on March 30, 1999, to holders of record on
the immediately preceding March 15 and September 15. Interest on the notes will
accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no
interest has been paid, from the date of original issuance. Interest will be
computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.
 
    Principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the notes will be payable at
the office or agency of DeCrane Aircraft maintained for such purpose in New York
City or, at the option of DeCrane Aircraft,
 
                                       65
<PAGE>
payment of interest may be made by check mailed to the holders of the notes at
their respective addresses set forth in the register of holders of notes.
However, all payments of principal, premium and interest with respect to notes
represented by one or more permanent global notes will be paid by wire transfer
of immediately available funds to the account of the Depository Trust Company or
any successor thereto. Until otherwise designated by DeCrane Aircraft, DeCrane
Aircraft's office or agency in New York will be the office of the Trustee
maintained for such purpose. The notes will be issued in denominations of $1,000
and integral multiples thereof.
 
SUBORDINATION
 
    The payment of Subordinated Note Obligations is subordinated in right of
payment, as set forth in the indenture, to the prior payment in full in cash or
cash equivalents of all Senior Indebtedness, whether outstanding on the date of
the indenture or thereafter incurred.
 
    Upon any distribution to creditors of DeCrane Aircraft in a liquidation or
dissolution of DeCrane Aircraft or in a bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency,
receivership or similar proceeding relating to DeCrane Aircraft or their
property, an assignment for the benefit of creditors or any marshalling of
DeCrane Aircraft's assets and liabilities, the holders of Senior Indebtedness
will be entitled to receive payment in full in cash or cash equivalents of all
Obligations due in respect of such Senior Indebtedness, including interest after
the commencement of any such proceeding at the rate specified in the applicable
Senior Indebtedness, before the holders of notes will be entitled to receive any
payment with respect to the Subordinated Note Obligations. In that instance,
until all Obligations with respect to Senior Indebtedness are paid in full in
cash or cash equivalents, any distribution to which the holders of notes would
be entitled shall be made to the holders of Senior Indebtedness except Permitted
Junior Securities and payments made from the trust described under "--Legal
Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance."
 
    DeCrane Aircraft also may not make any payment upon or in respect of the
Subordinated Note Obligations, except in Permitted Junior Securities or from the
trust described under "--Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance", if a default
in the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on or
commitment fees relating to, Designated Senior Indebtedness occurs and is
continuing beyond any applicable period of grace, or if any other default occurs
and is continuing with respect to Designated Senior Indebtedness that permits
holders of the Designated Senior Indebtedness as to which such default relates
to accelerate its maturity and the Trustee receives a notice of such default
from the holders of any Designated Senior Indebtedness. This right of a senior
creditor is typically called "blockage." Payments on the notes may and shall be
resumed, in the case of a payment default, upon the date on which such default
is cured or waived, and otherwise, upon the earlier of the date on which such
nonpayment default is cured or waived or 179 days after the date on which the
applicable blockage notice is received, unless the maturity of any Designated
Senior Indebtedness has been accelerated. No new period of payment blockage may
be commenced unless and until 360 days have elapsed since the effectiveness of
the immediately prior blockage notice. No nonpayment default that existed or was
continuing on the date of delivery of any blockage notice to the Trustee shall
be, or be made, the basis for a subsequent blockage notice unless such default
shall have been waived or cured for a period of not less than 90 days.
 
    "Designated Senior Indebtedness" means any Indebtedness outstanding under
the bank credit facility, and any other Senior Indebtedness permitted under the
indenture the principal amount of which is $25.0 million or more and that has
been designated by DeCrane Aircraft in writing to the Trustee as "Designated
Senior Indebtedness."
 
    "Permitted Junior Securities" means Equity Interests in DeCrane Aircraft or
debt securities of DeCrane Aircraft that are subordinated to all Senior
Indebtedness, and any debt securities issued in exchange for Senior
Indebtedness, to substantially the same extent as, or to a greater extent than,
the notes are subordinated to Senior Indebtedness.
 
    "Senior Indebtedness" means, with respect to any person,
 
    - all Obligations of such person outstanding under the bank credit facility
      and all Hedging Obligations payable to a lender or an Affiliate thereof or
      to a person that was a lender or an Affiliate thereof at the time the
      contract was entered into under the bank credit facility or any of its
      Affiliates, including interest accruing subsequent to the filing of, or
      which would have accrued but for the filing of, a petition for bankruptcy,
      whether or not such interest is an allowable claim in such bankruptcy
      proceeding,
 
                                       66
<PAGE>
    - any other Indebtedness, unless the instrument under which such
      Indebtedness is incurred expressly provides that it is subordinated in
      right of payment to any other Senior Indebtedness of such person and
 
    - all Obligations with respect to the foregoing.
 
However, Senior Indebtedness does not include any liability for federal, state,
local or other taxes, any Indebtedness of such person, excluding that arising
under the bank credit facility, to any of its Subsidiaries or other Affiliates,
any trade payables or any Indebtedness that is incurred in violation of the
indenture.
 
    "Subordinated Note Obligations" means all Obligations with respect to the
notes, including principal, premium if any and interest payable pursuant to the
terms of the notes, including upon the acceleration or redemption thereof,
together with and including any amounts received or receivable upon the exercise
of rights of rescission, claims for damages or other rights of action or
otherwise.
 
    The indenture further requires that DeCrane Aircraft promptly notify holders
of Senior Indebtedness if payment of the notes is accelerated because of an
Event of Default. As a result of the subordination provisions described above,
in the event of a liquidation or insolvency, holders of notes may recover less
ratably than creditors of DeCrane Aircraft who are holders of Senior
Indebtedness.
 
NOTE GUARANTEES
 
    DeCrane Aircraft's payment obligations under the notes are fully and
unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by the Guarantors. The
guarantee of each Guarantor is subordinated to the prior payment in full in cash
or cash equivalents of all Senior Indebtedness of such Guarantor, including such
Guarantor's guarantee of the bank credit facility, to the same extent that the
notes are subordinated to Senior Indebtedness of DeCrane Aircraft. The
obligations of each Guarantor under its guarantee are limited so as not to
constitute a fraudulent conveyance under applicable law.
 
    The indenture provides that no Guarantor may consolidate or merge with or
into another corporation, person or entity whether or not affiliated with such
Guarantor unless:
 
    - subject to the provisions of the following paragraph, the person formed by
      or surviving any such consolidation or merger assumes all the obligations
      of such Guarantor pursuant to a supplemental indenture in form and
      substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, under the notes, the
      indenture and the registration rights agreement;
 
    - immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Default or Event
      of Default exists; and
 
    - Unless the consolidation or merger is with DeCrane Aircraft, DeCrane
      Aircraft or another Guarantor would, at the time of such transaction and
      after giving pro forma effect thereto as if such transaction had occurred
      at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period, be permitted to
      incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed
      Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in the covenant described in
      "--Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock."
 
    The indenture provides that, in the event of a sale or other disposition of
all of the assets of any Guarantor, by way of merger, consolidation or
otherwise, or a sale or other disposition of all of the capital stock of any
Guarantor, that Guarantor will be released and relieved of any obligations under
its guarantee, so long as the Net Proceeds of such sale or other disposition are
applied in accordance with the applicable provisions of the indenture, as
described in "--Repurchase at the Option of Holders."
 
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION
 
    Except as provided below, the notes are not redeemable at DeCrane Aircraft's
option before September 30, 2003. Thereafter, the notes will be subject to
redemption at any time at the option of DeCrane Aircraft, in whole or in part,
on not less than 30 nor more than 60 days' notice, in cash at the redemption
prices set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the
applicable redemption date, if redeemed during the twelve months beginning on
September 30 of the years indicated below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          PERCENTAGE
                                                                                         OF PRINCIPAL
YEAR                                                                                        AMOUNT
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------------
<S>                                                                                   <C>
2003................................................................................         106.000%
2004................................................................................         104.000%
2005................................................................................         102.000%
2006 and thereafter.................................................................         100.000%
</TABLE>
 
                                       67
<PAGE>
    Notwithstanding the foregoing, on or prior to September 30, 2001, DeCrane
Aircraft may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of notes ever
issued under the indenture in cash at a redemption price of 112% of the
principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the
redemption date, with the net cash proceeds of one or more Public Equity
Offerings. However, the foregoing redemption is only permitted if at least 65%
of the aggregate principal amount of notes ever issued under the indenture
remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of the redemption, and the
redemption occurs within 90 days of the date of the closing of any such Public
Equity Offering.
 
    In addition, at any time prior to September 30, 2003, DeCrane Aircraft may,
at its option upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, redeem the notes, in
whole but not in part, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days' prior
notice, and no more than 60 days after the occurrence of such Change of Control,
in cash at a redemption price equal to
 
        (1) the present value of the sum of all the remaining interest,
    excluding any accrued and unpaid interest, premium and principal payments
    that would become due on the notes as if the notes were to remain
    outstanding and be redeemed on September 30, 2003, computed using a discount
    rate equal to the Treasury Rate plus 50 basis points, plus
 
        (2) accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption.
 
    "Treasury Rate" means, as of any redemption date, the yield to maturity as
of such redemption date of United States Treasury securities with a constant
maturity most nearly equal to the period from the redemption date to September
30, 2003, as stated in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15
(519) that has become publicly available at least two Business Days prior to the
redemption date or, if such Statistical Release is no longer published, any
publicly available source of similar market data. However, if the period from
the redemption date to September 30, 2003 is less than one year, the weekly
average yield on actually traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to a
constant maturity of one year shall be used.
 
SELECTION AND NOTICE
 
    If less than all of the notes are to be redeemed at any time, selection of
notes for redemption will be made by the Trustee in compliance with the
requirements of the principal national securities exchange, if any, on which the
notes are listed, or, if the notes are not so listed, on a pro rata basis, by
lot or by such method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate. However,
notes of $1,000 or less shall be redeemed in part. Notices of redemption shall
be mailed by first class mail at least 30 but not more than 60 days before the
redemption date to each holder of notes to be redeemed at its registered
address. Notices of redemption may not be conditional. If any note is to be
redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that relates to such note shall
state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed. A new note in
principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof will be issued in the
name of the holder thereof upon cancellation of the original note. Notes called
for redemption become due on the date fixed for redemption. On and after the
redemption date, interest ceases to accrue on notes or portions of them called
for redemption.
 
MANDATORY REDEMPTION
 
    DeCrane Aircraft is not required to make mandatory redemption of, or sinking
fund payments with respect to, the notes.
 
REPURCHASE AT THE OPTION OF HOLDERS UPON CHANGE OF CONTROL
 
    Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, as specifically defined in the
indenture and summarized below, each holder of notes will have the right to
require DeCrane Aircraft to repurchase all or any part, equal to $1,000 or an
integral multiple thereof, of such holder's notes which the holder offers in the
manner described below at an offer price in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate
principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the date
of repurchase. Within 60 days following any Change of Control, DeCrane Aircraft
will cause the mailing of a notice to each holder describing the transaction or
transactions that constitute the Change of Control and offering to repurchase
notes on the payment date specified in such notice, which date shall be no
earlier than 30 days and no later than 60 days from the date such notice is
mailed, pursuant to the procedures required by the indenture and described in
such notice. DeCrane Aircraft will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1
under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder
to the extent such laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the
repurchase of the notes as a result of a Change of Control. To the extent that
the
 
                                       68
<PAGE>
provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of
the Indenture relating to the foregoing offer and repurchase, DeCrane Aircraft
will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be
deemed to have breached their obligations described in the Indenture by virtue
thereof.
 
    On the foregoing payment date, DeCrane Aircraft will, to the extent lawful,
accept for payment all notes or portions thereof properly tendered pursuant to
its offer to repurchase, deposit with the paying agent an amount equal to the
foregoing payment in respect of all notes or portions thereof so tendered, and
deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee the notes so accepted together
with an officers' certificate stating the aggregate principal amount of notes or
portions thereof being purchased by DeCrane Aircraft. The paying agent will
promptly mail to each holder of notes so tendered the foregoing payment for such
notes, and the Trustee will promptly authenticate and mail, or cause to be
transferred by book-entry, to each holder a new Note equal in principal amount
to any unpurchased portion of the notes surrendered, if any. However, each such
new Note must be in a principal amount of $1,000 or an integral multiple
thereof. The indenture provides that, prior to complying with the provisions of
this covenant, but in any event within 90 days following a Change of Control,
DeCrane Aircraft will either repay all outstanding Senior Indebtedness or obtain
the requisite consents, if any, under all agreements governing outstanding
Senior Indebtedness to permit the repurchase of notes required by this covenant.
DeCrane Aircraft will publicly announce the results of its offer to repurchase
on or as soon as practicable after the foregoing payment date.
 
    The change of control provisions described above will be applicable whether
or not any other provisions of the indenture are applicable. Except as described
above, the indenture does not contain provisions that permit the holders of the
notes to require that DeCrane Aircraft repurchase or redeem the notes in the
event of a takeover, recapitalization or similar transaction.
 
    The bank credit facility prohibits DeCrane Aircraft from purchasing any
notes and also provides that change of control events, which may include events
not otherwise constituting a "change of control" as defined in the indenture,
with respect to DeCrane Aircraft would constitute a default thereunder. Any
future credit agreements or other agreements relating to Senior Indebtedness to
which DeCrane Aircraft becomes a party may contain similar restrictions and
provisions. In the event such a change of control occurs at a time when DeCrane
Aircraft is prohibited from purchasing notes, DeCrane Aircraft could seek the
consent of its lenders to the purchase of notes or could attempt to refinance
the borrowings that contain such prohibition. If DeCrane Aircraft does not
obtain such a consent or repay such borrowings, DeCrane Aircraft will remain
prohibited from purchasing notes. In such case, DeCrane Aircraft's failure to
purchase tendered notes would constitute an Event of Default under the
indenture, which would, in turn, constitute a default under the bank credit
facility. In such circumstances, the subordination provisions in the Indenture
would likely restrict payments to the holders of notes.
 
    DeCrane Aircraft will not be required to make an offer to repurchase upon a
change of control in the manner described above if a third party makes the offer
to repurchase in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the
requirements set forth in the indenture applicable to an offer to repurchase
made by DeCrane Aircraft and purchases all notes validly tendered and not
withdrawn under such offer.
 
    "Change of Control" means the occurrence of any of the following:
 
        (1) the sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition, other
    than by way of merger or consolidation, in one or a series of related
    transactions, of all or substantially all of the assets of DeCrane Aircraft
    and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any "person" or "group," as such
    terms are used in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, other than the
    Principals and their Related Parties;
 
        (2) the adoption of a plan for the liquidation or dissolution of DeCrane
    Aircraft;
 
        (3) the consummation of any transaction, including, any merger or
    consolidation the result of which is that any "person" or "group," as such
    terms are used in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, other than the
    Principals and their Related Parties, becomes the "beneficial owner" (as
    such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act),
    directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, of 50% or more of
    the voting power of the outstanding voting stock of DeCrane Aircraft; or
 
        (4) the first day on which a majority of the members of the board of
    directors of DeCrane Aircraft are not Continuing Members.
 
    The definition of Change of Control includes a phrase relating to the sale,
lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of "all or substantially all"
of the assets of DeCrane Aircraft and its Subsidiaries taken as a
 
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whole. Although there is a developing body of case law interpreting the phrase
"substantially all," there is no precise established definition of the phrase
under applicable law. Accordingly, the ability of a holder of notes to require
DeCrane Aircraft to repurchase such notes as a result of a sale, lease,
transfer, conveyance or other disposition of less than all of the assets of
DeCrane Aircraft and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole to another Person or
group may be uncertain.
 
    "Continuing Members" means, as of any date of determination, any member of
the board of directors of DeCrane Aircraft who was a member of such board of
directors immediately after consummation of the Acquisition, or was nominated
for election or elected to such board of directors with the approval of, or
whose election to the board of directors was ratified by, at least a majority of
the Continuing Members who were members of such board of directors at the time
of such nomination or election or any successor Continuing Directors appointed
by such Continuing Directors or their successors.
 
ASSET SALES
 
    The indenture provides that DeCrane Aircraft will not, and will not permit
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, consummate an Asset Sale unless
 
        (1) DeCrane Aircraft or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be,
    receives consideration at the time of such Asset Sale at least equal to the
    fair market value, evidenced by a resolution of the board of directors set
    forth in an officers' certificate delivered to the Trustee, of the assets or
    Equity Interests issued or sold or otherwise disposed of, and
 
        (2) at least 75% of the consideration therefor received by DeCrane
    Aircraft or such Restricted Subsidiary is in the form of cash or Cash
    Equivalents or property or assets that are used or useful in a Permitted
    Business, or the Capital Stock of any person engaged in a Permitted Business
    if, as a result of the acquisition by DeCrane Aircraft or any Restricted
    Subsidiary thereof, such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary The
    foregoing 75% requirement will not apply to any Asset Sale in which the cash
    or Cash Equivalents portion of the consideration received therefrom,
    determined in accordance with the foregoing proviso, is equal to or greater
    than what the after-tax proceeds would have been had such Asset Sale
    complied with that 75% rule. The following types of assets will be deemed
    cash in applying that 75% test:
 
           (a) any liabilities as shown on DeCrane Aircraft's most recent
       balance sheet or such Restricted Subsidiary's of DeCrane Aircraft or any
       Restricted Subsidiary as shown on their most recent balance sheet, other
       than contingent liabilities and liabilities that are by their terms
       subordinated to the notes or any guarantee thereof, that are assumed by
       the transferee of any such assets pursuant to a customary novation
       agreement that releases DeCrane Aircraft or such Restricted Subsidiary
       from further liability,
 
           (b) any securities, notes or other obligations received by DeCrane
       Aircraft or any such Restricted Subsidiary from such transferee that are
       contemporaneously converted by DeCrane Aircraft or such Restricted
       Subsidiary into cash or Cash Equivalents, to the extent of the cash or
       Cash Equivalents received, and
 
           (c) any Designated Noncash Consideration received by DeCrane Aircraft
       or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in such Asset Sale having an
       aggregate fair market value, taken together with all other Designated
       Noncash Consideration received pursuant to this clause (c) that is at
       that time outstanding, not to exceed 15% of Total Assets at the time of
       the receipt of such Designated Noncash Consideration, with the fair
       market value of each item of Designated Noncash Consideration being
       measured at the time received and without giving effect to subsequent
       changes in value.
 
    Within 365 days after the receipt of any Net Proceeds from an Asset Sale,
DeCrane Aircraft or any such Restricted Subsidiary shall apply such Net
Proceeds, at its option, or to the extent DeCrane Aircraft is required to apply
such Net Proceeds pursuant to the terms of the bank credit facility, to
 
        (1) repay or purchase Senior Indebtedness or Pari Passu Indebtedness of
    DeCrane Aircraft or any Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary, PROVIDED
    that, if DeCrane Aircraft shall so repay or purchase Pari Passu Indebtedness
    of DeCrane Aircraft, it will equally and ratably reduce Indebtedness under
    the notes if the notes are then redeemable, or, if the notes may not then be
    redeemed, DeCrane Aircraft shall make an offer in accordance with the
    procedures set forth below for an Asset Sale Offer to all holders of notes
    to purchase at a purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the
    notes,
 
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    plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the date of purchase, the notes
    that would otherwise be redeemed, or
 
        (2) an investment in property, the making of a capital expenditure or
    the acquisition of assets that are used or useful in a Permitted Business,
    or Capital Stock of any Person primarily engaged in a Permitted Business if
 
           (a) as a result of the acquisition by DeCrane Aircraft or any
       Restricted Subsidiary thereof, such Person becomes a Restricted
       Subsidiary or
 
           (b) the Investment in such Capital Stock is permitted by clause (f)
       of the definition of Permitted Investments. Pending the final application
       of any such Net Proceeds, DeCrane Aircraft may temporarily reduce
       Indebtedness or otherwise invest such Net Proceeds in any manner that is
       not prohibited by the Indenture.
 
Any Net Proceeds from Asset Sales that are not applied or invested as provided
in the first sentence of this paragraph will be deemed to constitute "Excess
Proceeds." When the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $10.0 million,
DeCrane Aircraft will be required to make an offer to all holders of notes
referred to as an "Asset Sale Offer," to purchase the maximum principal amount
of notes that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds, at an offer price in
cash in an amount equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued
and unpaid interest thereon to the date of purchase, in accordance with the
procedures set forth in the indenture. To the extent that any Excess Proceeds
remain after consummation of an Asset Sale Offer, DeCrane Aircraft may use such
Excess Proceeds for any purpose not otherwise prohibited by the Indenture. If
the aggregate principal amount of notes surrendered by holders thereof in
connection with an Asset Sale Offer exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the
Trustee shall select the notes to be purchased as set forth under "--Selection
and Notice." Upon completion of such offer to purchase, the amount of Excess
Proceeds shall be reset at zero.
 
    DeCrane Aircraft will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the
Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the
extent such laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the
repurchase of the notes pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer. To the extent that the
provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of
the indenture relating to such Asset Sale Offer, DeCrane Aircraft will comply
with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to
have breached its obligations described in the indenture by virtue thereof.
 
PRINCIPAL COVENANTS
 
    RESTRICTED PAYMENTS
 
    The indenture provides that DeCrane Aircraft will not, and will not permit
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly:
 
        (a) declare or pay any dividend or make any other payment or
    distribution on account of DeCrane Aircraft's or any of its Restricted
    Subsidiaries' Equity Interests, other than dividends or distributions
    payable in Equity Interests other than Disqualified Stock of DeCrane
    Aircraft or dividends or distributions payable to DeCrane Aircraft or any
    Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of DeCrane Aircraft;
 
        (b) purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value any Equity
    Interests of DeCrane Aircraft, any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or any
    other Affiliate of DeCrane Aircraft, other than any such Equity Interests
    owned by DeCrane Aircraft or any Restricted Subsidiary of DeCrane Aircraft;
 
        (c) make any principal payment on or with respect to, or purchase,
    redeem, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value, any Indebtedness
    of DeCrane Aircraft that is subordinated in right of payment to the notes,
    except in accordance with the mandatory redemption or repayment provisions
    set forth in the original documentation governing such Indebtedness, but not
    pursuant to any mandatory offer to repurchase upon the occurrence of any
    event; or
 
        (d) make any Restricted Investment;
 
all such payments and other actions set forth in clauses (a) through (d) above
are collectively referred to as "Restricted Payments"; unless, at the time of
and after giving effect to such Restricted Payment:
 
    (1) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or
would occur as a consequence thereof; and
 
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    (2) DeCrane Aircraft would, immediately after giving pro forma effect
thereto as if such Restricted Payment had been made at the beginning of the
applicable four-quarter period, have been permitted to incur at least $1.00 of
additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set
forth in the first paragraph of the covenant described under "--Incurrence of
Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock"; and
 
    (3) such Restricted Payment, together with the aggregate amount of all other
Restricted Payments made by DeCrane Aircraft and its Restricted Subsidiaries
after the date of the indenture, excluding Restricted Payments permitted by
clause (a) to the extent that the declaration of any dividend referred to
therein reduces amounts available for Restricted Payments pursuant to this
clause (3), clauses (b) through (i), and clauses (k), (l), (o), (p) and (r) of
the next succeeding paragraph, is less than the sum, without duplication, of
 
        (A) 50% of the Consolidated Net Income of DeCrane Aircraft for the
    period, taken as one accounting period, commencing October 1, 1998 to the
    end of DeCrane Aircraft's most recently ended fiscal quarter for which
    internal financial statements are available at the time of such Restricted
    Payment or, if such Consolidated Net Income for such period is a deficit,
    less 100% of such deficit, plus
 
        (B) 100% of the Qualified Proceeds received by DeCrane Aircraft on or
    after the date of the Indenture from contributions to DeCrane Aircraft's
    capital or from the issue or sale on or after the date of the Indenture of
    Equity Interests of DeCrane Aircraft or of Disqualified Stock or convertible
    debt securities of DeCrane Aircraft to the extent that they have been
    converted into such Equity Interests, other than Equity Interests,
    Disqualified Stock or convertible debt securities sold to a Subsidiary of
    DeCrane Aircraft and other than Disqualified Stock or convertible debt
    securities that have been converted into Disqualified Stock, plus
 
        (C) the amount equal to the net reduction in Investments in Persons
    after the date of the Indenture who are not Restricted Subsidiaries other
    than Permitted Investments resulting from
 
           (x) Qualified Proceeds received as a dividend, repayment of a loan or
       advance or other transfer of assets, valued at the fair market value
       thereof, to DeCrane Aircraft or any Restricted Subsidiary from such
       Persons,
 
           (y) Qualified Proceeds received upon the sale or liquidation of such
       Investment and
 
           (z) the redesignation of Unrestricted Subsidiaries, available for
       Restricted Payments pursuant to clause (j) or (n) below arising from the
       redesignation of such Restricted Subsidiary, whose assets are used or
       useful in, or which is engaged in, one or more Permitted Business as
       Restricted Subsidiaries valued, proportionate to DeCrane Aircraft's
       equity interest in such Subsidiary, at the fair market value of the net
       assets of such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation.
 
    The foregoing provisions will not prohibit:
 
    (a) the payment of any dividend within 60 days after the date of declaration
thereof, if at said date of declaration such payment would have complied with
the provisions of the Indenture;
 
    (b) the redemption, repurchase, retirement, defeasance or other acquisition
of any subordinated Indebtedness or Equity Interests of DeCrane Aircraft (the
"Retired Capital Stock") in exchange for or out of the net cash proceeds of the
substantially concurrent sale, other than to a Subsidiary of DeCrane Aircraft,
of other Equity Interests of DeCrane Aircraft other than any Disqualified Stock
(the "Refunding Capital Stock"), PROVIDED that the amount of any such net cash
proceeds that are utilized for any such redemption, repurchase, retirement,
defeasance or other acquisition shall be excluded from clause (3)(B) of the
preceding paragraph;
 
    (c) the defeasance, redemption, repurchase, retirement or other acquisition
of subordinated Indebtedness of DeCrane Aircraft with the net cash proceeds from
an incurrence of, or in exchange for, Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness;
 
    (d) the repurchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement for value
of any Equity Interests of DeCrane Aircraft or DeCrane Holdings held by any
member of DeCrane Holdings' or DeCrane Aircraft's or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries' management pursuant to any management equity subscription
agreement or stock option agreement and any dividend to DeCrane Holdings to fund
any such repurchase, redemption, acquisition or retirement, PROVIDED that
 
        (1) the aggregate price paid for all such repurchased, redeemed,
    acquired or retired Equity Interests shall not exceed
 
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            (x) $4.0 million in any calendar year with unused amounts in any
       calendar year being carried over to succeeding calendar years subject to
       a maximum, without giving effect to the following clause (y) of $7.0
       million in any calendar year, plus
 
            (y) the aggregate cash proceeds received by DeCrane Aircraft during
       such calendar year from any reissuance of Equity Interests by DeCrane
       Aircraft or DeCrane Holdings to members of management of DeCrane Aircraft
       and its Restricted Subsidiaries and
 
        (2) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing
    immediately after such transaction;
 
    (e) payments and transactions in connection with the Acquisition, the
Acquisition Financing, the Offering, the bank credit facility including
commitment, syndication and arrangement fees payable thereunder, and the
application of the proceeds thereof including the purchase of shares of Common
Stock of DeCrane Aircraft and any payment therefor by way of dissenting rights
or otherwise, and the payment of fees and expenses with respect thereto;
 
    (f) the payment of dividends or the making of loans or advances by DeCrane
Aircraft to DeCrane Holdings not to exceed $3.0 million in any fiscal year for
costs and expenses incurred by DeCrane Holdings in its capacity as a holding
company or for services rendered by DeCrane Holdings on behalf of DeCrane
Aircraft;
 
    (g) payments or distributions to DeCrane Holdings pursuant to any Tax
Sharing Agreement;
 
    (h) the payment of dividends by a Restricted Subsidiary on any class of
common stock of such Restricted Subsidiary if such dividend is paid pro rata to
all holders of such class of common stock, and at least 51% of such class of
common stock is held by DeCrane Aircraft or one or more of its Restricted
Subsidiaries;
 
    (i) the repurchase of any class of common stock of a Restricted Subsidiary
if such repurchase is made pro rata with respect to such class of common stock,
and at least 51% of such class of common stock is held by DeCrane Aircraft or
one or more of its Restricted Subsidiaries;
 
    (j) any other Restricted Investment made in a Permitted Business which,
together with all other Restricted Investments made pursuant to this clause (j)
since the date of the Indenture, does not exceed $25.0 million, in each case,
after giving effect to all subsequent reductions in the amount of any Restricted
Investment made pursuant to this clause (j), either as a result of
 
        (1) the repayment or disposition thereof for cash or
 
        (2) the redesignation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted
    Subsidiary, valued proportionate to DeCrane Aircraft's equity interest in
    such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation at the fair market value
    of the net assets of such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation,
 
in the case of clause (1) and (2), not to exceed the amount of such Restricted
Investment previously made pursuant to this clause (j); PROVIDED that no Default
or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing immediately after
making such Restricted Investment;
 
    (k) the declaration and payment of dividends to holders of any class or
series of Disqualified Stock of DeCrane Aircraft or any Restricted Subsidiary
issued on or after the date of the indenture in accordance with the covenant
described under "--Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock";
PROVIDED that no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing immediately after making such Restricted Payment;
 
    (l) repurchases of Equity Interests deemed to occur upon exercise of stock
options if such Equity Interests represent a portion of the exercise price of
such options;
 
    (m) the payment of dividends or distributions on DeCrane Aircraft's common
stock, following the first public offering of DeCrane Aircraft's common stock or
DeCrane Holdings' common stock after the date of the Indenture, of up to 6.0%
per annum of
 
        (1) the net proceeds received by DeCrane Aircraft from such public
    offering of its common stock or
 
        (2) the net proceeds received by DeCrane Aircraft from such public
    offering of DeCrane Holdings' common stock as common equity or preferred
    equity other than Disqualified Stock,
 
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other than, in each case, with respect to public offerings with respect to
DeCrane Aircraft's common stock or DeCrane Holdings' common stock registered on
Form S-8; PROVIDED that no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and
be continuing immediately after any such payment of dividends or distributions;
 
    (n) any other Restricted Payment which, together with all other Restricted
Payments made pursuant to this clause (n) since the date of the Indenture, does
not exceed $10.0 million, in each case, after giving effect to all subsequent
reductions in the amount of any Restricted Investment made pursuant to this
clause (n) either as a result of
 
        (1) the repayment or disposition thereof for cash or
 
        (2) the redesignation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted
    Subsidiary valued proportionate to DeCrane Aircraft's equity interest in
    such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation at the fair market value
    of the net assets of such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation,
 
in the case of clause (1) and (2), not to exceed the amount of such Restricted
Investment previously made pursuant to this clause (n); PROVIDED that no Default
or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing immediately after
making such Restricted Payment;
 
    (o) the pledge by DeCrane Aircraft of the Capital Stock of an Unrestricted
Subsidiary of DeCrane Aircraft to secure Non-Recourse Debt of such Unrestricted
Subsidiary;
 
    (p) the purchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement for value of
any Equity Interests of any Restricted Subsidiary issued after the date of the
indenture, PROVIDED that the aggregate price paid for any such repurchased,
redeemed, acquired or retired Equity Interests shall not exceed the sum of
 
    - the amount of cash and Cash Equivalents received by such Restricted
      Subsidiary from the issue or sale thereof and
 
    - any accrued dividends thereon the payment of which would be permitted
      pursuant to clause (k) above;
 
    (q) any Investment in an Unrestricted Subsidiary that is funded by Qualified
Proceeds received by DeCrane Aircraft on or after the date of the Indenture from
contributions to DeCrane Aircraft's capital or from the issue and sale on or
after the date of the Indenture of Equity Interests of DeCrane Aircraft or of
Disqualified Stock or convertible debt securities to the extent they have been
converted into such Equity, other than Equity Interests, Disqualified Stock or
convertible debt securities sold to a Subsidiary of DeCrane Aircraft and other
than Disqualified Stock or convertible debt securities that have been converted
into Disqualified Stock, in an amount measured at the time such Investment is
made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value that does not
exceed the amount of such Qualified Proceeds; and
 
    (r) distributions or payments of Receivables Fees.
 
    The board of directors of DeCrane Aircraft may designate any Restricted
Subsidiary to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary if such designation would not cause
a Default. For purposes of making such designation, all outstanding Investments
by DeCrane Aircraft and its Restricted Subsidiaries, except to the extent repaid
in cash, in the Subsidiary so designated will be deemed to be Restricted
Payments at the time of such designation and will reduce the amount available
for Restricted Payments under the first paragraph of this covenant. All such
outstanding Investments will be deemed to constitute Restricted Investments in
an amount equal to the greater of
 
    - the net book value of such Investments at the time of such designation and
 
    - the fair market value of such Investments at the time of such designation.
 
Such designation will only be permitted if such Restricted Investment would be
permitted at such time and if such Restricted Subsidiary otherwise meets the
definition of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
 
    The amount of all Restricted Payments other than cash shall be the fair
market value on the date of the Restricted Payment of the assets or securities
proposed to be transferred or issued by DeCrane Aircraft or such Restricted
Subsidiary, as the case may be, pursuant to the Restricted Payment. The amount
of all Qualified Proceeds other than cash shall be the fair market value on the
date of receipt thereof by DeCrane Aircraft of such Qualified Proceeds. The fair
market value of any non-cash Restricted Payment shall be determined by the board
of directors of DeCrane Aircraft whose resolution with respect thereto shall be
delivered to the Trustee. Not later than the date of making any Restricted
Payment, DeCrane Aircraft shall deliver to the Trustee an officers' certificate
stating that such Restricted Payment is permitted and setting forth the basis
upon which the calculations required by the covenant "Restricted Payments" were
computed.
 
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INCURRENCE OF INDEBTEDNESS AND ISSUANCE OF PREFERRED STOCK
 
    The indenture provides that
 
    - DeCrane Aircraft will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted
      Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, issue, assume,
      guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable, contingently
      or otherwise, with respect to any Indebtedness, including Acquired
      Indebtedness,
 
    - DeCrane Aircraft will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted
      Subsidiaries to, issue any shares of Disqualified Stock and
 
    - DeCrane Aircraft will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to
      issue any shares of preferred stock;
 
PROVIDED that DeCrane Aircraft or any Restricted Subsidiary may incur
Indebtedness, including Acquired Indebtedness, or issue shares of Disqualified
Stock if the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for DeCrane Aircraft's most recently
ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are
available immediately preceding the date on which such additional Indebtedness
is incurred or such Disqualified Stock is issued would have been at least 2.0 to
1, determined on a consolidated pro forma basis including a pro forma
application of the net proceeds therefrom, as if the additional Indebtedness had
been incurred, or the Disqualified Stock had been issued, as the case may be, at
the beginning of such four-quarter period.
 
    The provisions of the first paragraph of this covenant will not apply to the
incurrence of any of the following items of Indebtedness (collectively,
"Permitted Indebtedness"):
 
    (1) the incurrence by DeCrane Aircraft and its Restricted Subsidiaries of
Indebtedness under the bank credit facility; PROVIDED that the aggregate
principal amount of all Indebtedness, with letters of credit being deemed to
have a principal amount equal to the maximum potential liability of DeCrane
Aircraft and such Restricted Subsidiaries thereunder, then classified as having
been incurred in reliance upon this clause (1) that remains outstanding under
the bank credit facility after giving effect to such incurrence does not exceed
an amount equal to $150.0 million;
 
    (2) the incurrence by DeCrane Aircraft and its Restricted Subsidiaries of
Existing Indebtedness;
 
    (3) the incurrence by DeCrane Aircraft of Indebtedness represented by the
notes and the Indenture and by the Guarantors of Indebtedness represented by
their note guarantees;
 
    (4) the incurrence by DeCrane Aircraft and its Restricted Subsidiaries of
Indebtedness denominated in Swiss francs or their successor European common
currency in an aggregate principal amount, or accreted value, as applicable, not
to exceed $4.0 million outstanding after giving effect to such incurrence;
 
    (5) the incurrence by DeCrane Aircraft or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
of Indebtedness represented by Capital Expenditure Indebtedness, Capital Lease
Obligations or purchase money obligations, in each case, incurred for the
purpose of financing all or any part of the purchase price or cost of
construction or improvement of property, plant or equipment used in the business
of DeCrane Aircraft or such Restricted Subsidiary, in an aggregate principal
amount or accreted value, as applicable not to exceed $15.0 million outstanding
after giving effect to such incurrence;
 
    (6) Indebtedness arising from agreements of DeCrane Aircraft or any
Restricted Subsidiary providing for indemnification, adjustment of purchase
price or similar obligations, in each case, incurred or assumed in connection
with the disposition of any business, assets or a Subsidiary, other than
guarantees of Indebtedness incurred by any Person acquiring all or any portion
of such business, assets or Restricted Subsidiary for the purpose of financing
such acquisition; PROVIDED that
 
       (A) such Indebtedness is not reflected on the balance sheet of DeCrane
    Aircraft or any Restricted Subsidiary, other than in the footnotes in the
    case of a contingent obligation; and
 
        (B) the maximum assumable liability in respect of such Indebtedness
    shall at no time exceed the gross proceeds including non-cash proceeds
    actually received by DeCrane Aircraft and/or such Restricted Subsidiary in
    connection with such disposition, the fair market value of such non-cash
    proceeds being measured at the time received and without giving effect to
    any subsequent changes in value;
 
    (7) the incurrence by DeCrane Aircraft or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
of Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in exchange for, or the net proceeds of
which are used to refund, refinance or replace Indebtedness other than
intercompany Indebtedness that was permitted by the Indenture to be incurred;
 
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    (8) the incurrence by DeCrane Aircraft or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
of intercompany Indebtedness between or among DeCrane Aircraft and/or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries; PROVIDED that
 
        (1) if DeCrane Aircraft is the obligor on such Indebtedness, such
    Indebtedness is expressly subordinated to the prior payment in full in cash
    of all Obligations with respect to the notes and
 
        (2) (A) any subsequent issuance or transfer of Equity Interests that
    results in any such Indebtedness being held by a Person other than DeCrane
    Aircraft or a Restricted Subsidiary thereof and (B) any sale or other
    transfer of any such Indebtedness to a Person that is not either DeCrane
    Aircraft or a Restricted Subsidiary thereof shall be deemed, in each case,
    to constitute an incurrence of such Indebtedness by DeCrane Aircraft or such
    Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, that was not permitted by this
    clause (8);
 
    (9) the incurrence by DeCrane Aircraft or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
of Hedging Obligations that are incurred for the purpose of fixing or hedging
 
       (A) interest rate risk with respect to any floating rate Indebtedness
    that is permitted by the terms of this Indenture to be outstanding and
 
        (B) exchange rate risk with respect to agreements or Indebtedness of
    such Person payable denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars,
 
PROVIDED that such agreements do not increase the Indebtedness of the obligor
outstanding at any time other than as a result of fluctuations in foreign
currency exchange rates or interest rates or by reason of fees, indemnities and
compensation payable thereunder;
 
   (10) the guarantee by DeCrane Aircraft or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
of Indebtedness of DeCrane Aircraft or a Restricted Subsidiary of DeCrane
Aircraft that was permitted to be incurred by another provision of this
covenant;
 
   (11) the incurrence by DeCrane Aircraft or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
of Acquired Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount or accreted value, as
applicable not to exceed $10.0 million outstanding after giving effect to such
incurrence;
 
   (12) obligations in respect of performance and surety bonds and completion
guarantees provided by DeCrane Aircraft or any Restricted Subsidiary in the
ordinary course of business; and
 
   (13) the incurrence by DeCrane Aircraft or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
of additional Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount or accreted value,
as applicable outstanding after giving effect to such incurrence, including all
Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness incurred to refund, refinance or replace any
Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (13), not to exceed $20.0 million.
 
    For purposes of determining compliance with this covenant, in the event that
an item of Indebtedness meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of
Permitted Indebtedness described in clauses (1) through (13) above or is
entitled to be incurred pursuant to the first paragraph of this covenant,
DeCrane Aircraft shall, in its sole discretion, classify such item of
Indebtedness in any manner that complies with this covenant and such item of
Indebtedness will be treated as having been incurred pursuant to only one of
such clauses or pursuant to the first paragraph hereof. In addition, DeCrane
Aircraft may, at any time, change the classification of an item of Indebtedness
or any portion thereof to any other clause or to the first paragraph hereof,
PROVIDED that DeCrane Aircraft would be permitted to incur such item of
Indebtedness or such portion thereof pursuant to such other clause or the first
paragraph hereof, as the case may be, at such time of reclassification. Accrual
of interest, accretion or amortization of original issue discount will not be
deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness for purposes of this covenant.
 
    All Indebtedness under the bank credit facility outstanding on the date of
the indenture shall be deemed to have been incurred on such date in reliance on
the first paragraph of the covenant described under "--Incurrence of
Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock." As a result, DeCrane Aircraft
will be permitted to incur significant additional secured indebtedness under
clause (1) of the definition above of "Permitted Indebtedness."
 
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    LIENS
 
    The indenture provides that DeCrane Aircraft will not, and will not permit
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur,
assume or suffer to exist any Lien, other than a Permitted Lien, that secures
obligations under any Pari Passu Indebtedness or subordinated Indebtedness of
DeCrane Aircraft on any asset or property now owned or hereafter acquired by
DeCrane Aircraft or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, or any income or profits
therefrom or assign or convey any right to receive income therefrom, unless the
notes are equally and ratably secured with the obligations so secured until such
time as such obligations are no longer secured by a Lien; PROVIDED that, in any
case involving a Lien securing subordinated Indebtedness of DeCrane Aircraft,
such Lien is subordinated to the Lien securing the notes to the same extent that
such subordinated Indebtedness is subordinated to the notes.
 
    DIVIDEND AND OTHER PAYMENT RESTRICTIONS AFFECTING RESTRICTED SUBSIDIARIES
 
    The indenture provides that DeCrane Aircraft will not, and will not permit
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create or
otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any encumbrance or
restriction on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary to
 
        (a)  (1) pay dividends or make any other distributions to DeCrane
    Aircraft or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
 
               (A) on its Capital Stock or
 
               (B) with respect to any other interest or participation in, or
           measured by, its profits, or
 
           (2) pay any Indebtedness owed to DeCrane Aircraft or any of its
       Restricted Subsidiaries,
 
        (b) make loans or advances to DeCrane Aircraft or any of its Restricted
    Subsidiaries or
 
        (c) transfer any of its properties or assets to DeCrane Aircraft or any
    of its Restricted Subsidiaries.
 
However, the foregoing restrictions will not apply to encumbrances or
restrictions existing under or by reason of
 
        (a) Existing Indebtedness as in effect on the date of the indenture,
 
        (b) the bank credit facility as in effect as of the date of the
    indenture, and any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals,
    increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings thereof,
 
        (c) the indenture and the notes,
 
        (d) applicable law and any applicable rule, regulation or order,
 
        (e) any agreement or instrument of a Person acquired by DeCrane Aircraft
    or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries as in effect at the time of such
    acquisition, except to the extent created in contemplation of such
    acquisition, which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any
    person, or the properties or assets of any person, other than the person, or
    the property or assets of the person, so acquired, PROVIDED that, in the
    case of Indebtedness, such Indebtedness was permitted by the terms of the
    Indenture to be incurred,
 
        (f) customary non-assignment provisions in leases and contracts entered
    into in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practices,
 
        (g) purchase money obligations for property acquired in the ordinary
    course of business that impose restrictions of the nature described in
    clause (e) above on the property so acquired,
 
        (h) contracts for the sale of assets, including, without limitation,
    customary restrictions with respect to a Subsidiary pursuant to an agreement
    that has been entered into for the sale or disposition of all or
    substantially all of the Capital Stock or assets of such Subsidiary,
 
        (i) Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness, PROVIDED that the restrictions
    contained in the agreements governing such Permitted Refinancing
    Indebtedness are, in the good faith judgment of DeCrane Aircraft's board of
    directors, not materially less favorable, taken as a whole, to the holders
    of the notes than those contained in the agreements governing the
    Indebtedness being refinanced,
 
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        (j) secured Indebtedness otherwise permitted to be incurred pursuant to
    the covenants described under "--Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of
    Preferred Stock" and "--Liens" that limit the right of the debtor to dispose
    of the assets securing such Indebtedness,
 
        (k) restrictions on cash or other deposits or net worth imposed by
    customers under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business,
 
        (l) other Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock of Restricted Subsidiaries
    permitted to be incurred subsequent to the Issuance Date pursuant to the
    provisions of the covenant described under "--Incurrence of Indebtedness and
    Issuance of Preferred Stock",
 
        (m) customary provisions in joint venture agreements and other similar
    agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business, and
 
        (n) restrictions created in connection with any Receivables Facility
    that, in the good faith determination of the board of directors of DeCrane
    Aircraft, are necessary or advisable to effect such Receivables Facility.
 
    MERGER, CONSOLIDATION, OR SALE OF ASSETS
 
    The indenture provides that DeCrane Aircraft may not consolidate or merge
with or into, whether or not DeCrane Aircraft is the surviving corporation, or
sell, assign, transfer, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all
of its properties or assets in one or more related transactions, to another
person unless
 
        (a) DeCrane Aircraft is the surviving corporation, or the other person
    formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger or to which such
    sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition shall have been
    made is a corporation organized or existing under the laws of the United
    States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia,
 
        (b) the person other than DeCrane Aircraft formed by or surviving any
    such consolidation or merger or the person to which such sale, assignment,
    transfer, conveyance or other disposition shall have been made assumes all
    the obligations of DeCrane Aircraft under the registration rights agreement,
    the notes and the indenture pursuant to a supplemental indenture in a form
    reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee,
 
        (c) immediately after such transaction no Default or Event of Default
    exists, and
 
        (d) DeCrane Aircraft or the other person formed by or surviving any such
    consolidation or merger, or to which such sale, assignment, transfer,
    conveyance or other disposition shall have been made
 
           (1) will, at the time of such transaction and after giving pro forma
       effect thereto as if such transaction had occurred at the beginning of
       the applicable four-quarter period, be permitted to incur at least $1.00
       of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio
       test set forth in the first paragraph of the covenant described under
       "--Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock" or
 
           (2) would together with its Restricted Subsidiaries have a higher
       Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio immediately after such transaction, after
       giving pro forma effect thereto as if such transaction had occurred at
       the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period, than the Fixed
       Charge Coverage Ratio of DeCrane Aircraft and its Restricted Subsidiaries
       immediately prior to such transaction.
 
    The foregoing clause (d) will not prohibit a merger between DeCrane Aircraft
    and a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of DeCrane Holdings created for the purpose of
    holding the Capital Stock of DeCrane Aircraft, a merger between DeCrane
    Aircraft and a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary or a merger between
    DeCrane Aircraft and an Affiliate incorporated solely for the purpose of
    reincorporating DeCrane Aircraft in another state of the United States so
    long as, in each case, the amount of Indebtedness of DeCrane Aircraft and
    its Restricted Subsidiaries is not increased thereby.
 
The indenture provides that DeCrane Aircraft will not lease all or substantially
all of its assets to any person.
 
    TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
 
    The indenture provides that DeCrane Aircraft will not, and will not permit
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, make any payment to, or sell, lease,
transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its properties or
 
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assets to, or purchase any property or assets from, or enter into or make or
amend any transaction, contract, agreement, understanding, loan, advance or
guarantee with, or for the benefit of, any Affiliate of DeCrane Aircraft each of
which the indenture refers to as an "Affiliate Transaction", unless
 
        (a) such Affiliate Transaction is on terms that are no less favorable to
    DeCrane Aircraft or such Restricted Subsidiary than those that would have
    been obtained in a comparable transaction by DeCrane Aircraft or such
    Restricted Subsidiary with an unrelated Person and
 
        (b) DeCrane Aircraft delivers to the Trustee, with respect to any
    Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions involving
    aggregate consideration in excess of $7.5 million, either
 
           (1) a resolution of the board of directors set forth in an Officers'
       Certificate certifying that such Affiliate Transaction complies with
       clause (a) above and that such Affiliate Transaction has been approved by
       a majority of the disinterested members of the board of directors or
 
           (2) an opinion as to the fairness to the holders of such Affiliate
       Transaction from a financial point of view issued by an accounting,
       appraisal or investment banking firm of national standing.
 
    Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following items shall not be deemed to be
Affiliate Transactions:
 
        (a) customary directors' fees, indemnification or similar arrangements
    or any employment agreement or other compensation plan or arrangement
    entered into by DeCrane Aircraft or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in
    the ordinary course of business, including ordinary course loans to
    employees not to exceed
 
           (1) $5.0 million outstanding in the aggregate at any time and
 
           (2) $2.0 million to any one employee,
 
    and consistent with the past practice of DeCrane Aircraft or such Restricted
    Subsidiary;
 
        (b) transactions between or among DeCrane Aircraft and/or its Restricted
    Subsidiaries;
 
        (c) payments of customary fees by DeCrane Aircraft or any of its
    Restricted Subsidiaries to DLJ Merchant Banking and its Affiliates made for
    any financial advisory, financing, underwriting or placement services or in
    respect of other investment banking activities, including, without
    limitation, in connection with acquisitions or divestitures which are
    approved by a majority of the board of directors in good faith;
 
        (d) any agreement as in effect on the date of the indenture or any
    amendment thereto which such amendment is not disadvantageous to the holders
    of the notes in any material respect, or any transaction contemplated
    thereby;
 
        (e) payments and transactions in connection with the Acquisition, the
    bank credit facility and the bridge notes and the Offering and the
    application of the proceeds thereof, and the payment of the fees and
    expenses with respect thereto;
 
        (f) Restricted Payments that are permitted by the provisions of the
    indenture described under "--Restricted Payments" and any Permitted
    Investments;
 
        (g) payments and transactions in connection with the Global Technology
    Investment, and the payment of fees and expenses with respect thereto; and
 
        (h) sales of accounts receivable, or participations therein, in
    connection with any Receivables Facility.
 
    SALE AND LEASEBACK TRANSACTIONS
 
    The indenture provides that DeCrane Aircraft will not, and will not permit
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, enter into any sale and leaseback
transaction; PROVIDED that DeCrane Aircraft or any Restricted Subsidiary may
enter into a sale and leaseback transaction if
 
        (a) DeCrane Aircraft or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be,
    could have incurred Indebtedness in an amount equal to the Attributable
    Indebtedness relating to such sale and leaseback transaction pursuant to the
    Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in the first paragraph of the
 
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<PAGE>
    covenant described under "--Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of
    Preferred Stock," and incurred a Lien to secure such Indebtedness pursuant
    to the covenant described under "--Liens,"
 
        (b) the gross cash proceeds of such sale and leaseback transaction are
    at least equal to the fair market value, as determined in good faith by the
    board of directors and set forth in an officers' certificate delivered to
    the Trustee, of the property that is the subject of such sale and leaseback
    transaction and
 
        (c) the transfer of assets in such sale and leaseback transaction is
    permitted by, and DeCrane Aircraft applies the proceeds of such transaction
    in compliance with, the covenant described under "--Repurchase at the Option
    of Holders--Asset Sales."
 
    NO SENIOR SUBORDINATED INDEBTEDNESS
 
    The indenture provides that DeCrane Aircraft will not incur any Indebtedness
that is subordinate or junior in right of payment to any Senior Indebtedness and
senior in right of payment to the notes and no Guarantor will incur any
Indebtedness that is subordinate or junior in right of payment to any Senior
Indebtedness and senior in right of payment to the Note Guarantees.
 
    ADDITIONAL NOTE GUARANTEES
 
    The indenture provides that, if any Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary of
DeCrane Aircraft that is a Domestic Subsidiary guarantees any Indebtedness under
the bank credit facility, then such Restricted Subsidiary shall become a
Guarantor and execute a supplemental indenture and deliver an opinion of
counsel, in accordance with the terms of the indenture.
 
    ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE FACILITY
 
    The indenture provides that no Accounts Receivable Subsidiary will incur any
Indebtedness if immediately after giving effect to such incurrence the aggregate
outstanding Indebtedness of all Accounts Receivable Subsidiaries, excluding any
Indebtedness owed to DeCrane Aircraft or any Restricted Subsidiary, would exceed
$60.0 million.
 
    REPORTS
 
    The indenture provides that, whether or not required by the rules and
regulations of the SEC, so long as any notes are outstanding, DeCrane Aircraft
will furnish to the holders of notes
 
        (1) all quarterly and annual financial information that would be
    required to be contained in a filing with the SEC on Forms 10-Q and 10-K if
    DeCrane Aircraft were required to file such forms, including a "Management's
    Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations"
    and, with respect to the annual information only, a report thereon by
    DeCrane Aircraft's certified independent accountants and
 
        (2) all current reports that would be required to be filed with the SEC
    on Form 8-K if DeCrane Aircraft were required to file such reports, in each
    case, within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and regulations.
 
In addition, following the consummation of the exchange offer contemplated by
the registration rights agreement, whether or not required by the rules and
regulations of the SEC, DeCrane Aircraft will file a copy of all such
information and reports with the SEC for public availability within the time
periods specified in the SEC's rules and regulations and make such information
available to securities analysts and prospective investors upon request. In
addition, DeCrane Aircraft and the Guarantors have agreed that, for so long as
any notes remain outstanding, they will furnish to the holders and to securities
analysts and prospective investors, upon their request, the information required
to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act.
 
EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES
 
    The indenture provides that each of the following constitutes an Event of
Default:
 
        (a) default for 30 days in the payment when due of interest on the
    notes, whether or not prohibited by the subordination provisions of the
    indenture;
 
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        (b) default in payment when due of the principal of or premium, if any,
    on the notes, whether or not prohibited by the subordination provisions of
    the indenture;
 
        (c) failure by DeCrane Aircraft or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
    for 30 days after receipt of notice from the Trustee or holders of at least
    25% in principal amount of the notes then outstanding to comply with the
    provisions described under "Repurchase at the Option of Holders--Change of
    Control," "--Asset Sales," "Principal Covenants--Restricted Payments,"
    "--Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock" or "Merger,
    Consolidation or Sale of Assets";
 
        (d) failure by DeCrane Aircraft for 60 days after notice from the
    Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the notes then
    outstanding to comply with any of its other agreements in the Indenture or
    the notes;
 
        (e) default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which
    there may be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any
    Indebtedness for money borrowed by DeCrane Aircraft or any of its Restricted
    Subsidiaries, or the payment of which is guaranteed by DeCrane Aircraft or
    any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, whether such Indebtedness or guarantee
    now exists, or is created after the date of the indenture, which default
 
           (1) is caused by a failure to pay Indebtedness at its stated final
       maturity after giving effect to any applicable grace period provided in
       such Indebtedness (a "Payment Default") or
 
           (2) results in the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its
       stated final maturity and,
 
    in each case, the principal amount of any such Indebtedness, together with
    the principal amount of any other such Indebtedness under which there has
    been a Payment Default or the maturity of which has been so accelerated,
    aggregates $10.0 million or more;
 
        (f) failure by DeCrane Aircraft or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to
    pay final judgments aggregating in excess of $10.0 million, net of any
    amounts with respect to which a reputable and creditworthy insurance company
    has acknowledged liability in writing, which judgments are not paid,
    discharged or stayed for a period of 60 days;
 
        (g) except as permitted by the indenture, any note guarantee shall be
    held in any judicial proceeding to be unenforceable or invalid or shall
    cease for any reason to be in full force and effect or any Guarantor, or any
    person acting of behalf of any Guarantor, shall deny or disaffirm its
    obligations under its note guarantee; and
 
        (h) events of bankruptcy or insolvency with respect to DeCrane Aircraft
    or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary.
 
    If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the holders
of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding notes may declare
all the notes to be due and payable immediately; PROVIDED that, so long as any
Indebtedness permitted to be incurred pursuant to the bank credit facility shall
be outstanding, such acceleration shall not be effective until the earlier of
 
        (a) an acceleration of any such Indebtedness under the bank credit
    facility or
 
        (b) five business days after receipt by DeCrane Aircraft and the
    administrative agent under the bank credit facility of written notice of
    such acceleration.
 
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an Event of Default arising from
events of bankruptcy or insolvency with respect to DeCrane Aircraft or any
Significant Subsidiary, all outstanding notes will become due and payable
without further action or notice. holders of the notes may not enforce the
indenture or the notes except as provided in the indenture. In the event of a
declaration of acceleration of the notes because an Event of Default has
occurred and is continuing as a result of the acceleration of any Indebtedness
described in clause (e) of the preceding paragraph, the declaration of
acceleration of the notes shall be automatically annulled if the holders of any
Indebtedness described in clause (e) have rescinded the declaration of
acceleration in respect of such Indebtedness within 30 days of the date of such
declaration, and if the annulment of the acceleration of the notes would not
conflict with any judgment or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction, and
all existing Events of Default, except non-payment of principal or interest on
the notes that became due solely because of the acceleration of the notes, have
been cured or waived.
 
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    Subject to limitations, holders of a majority in principal amount of the
then outstanding notes may direct the Trustee in its exercise of any trust or
power. The Trustee may withhold from holders of the notes notice of any
continuing Default or Event of Default, except a Default or Event of Default
relating to the payment of principal or interest, if it determines that
withholding notice is in their interest.
 
    The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the notes then
outstanding by notice to the Trustee may on behalf of the holders of all of the
notes waive any existing Default or Event of Default and its consequences under
the indenture except a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of
interest on, or the principal of, the notes.
 
    DeCrane Aircraft is required to deliver to the Trustee annually a statement
regarding compliance with the indenture, and DeCrane Aircraft is required upon
becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default to deliver to the Trustee a
statement specifying such Default or Event of Default.
 
NO PERSONAL LIABILITY OF MEMBER, DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES AND STOCKHOLDERS
 
    No member, director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of
DeCrane Aircraft, as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of
DeCrane Aircraft under the notes or the indenture or for any claim based on, in
respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each holder of
notes by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and
release are part of the consideration for issuance of the notes. Such waiver may
not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws, and it
is the view of the SEC that such a waiver is against public policy.
 
LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
 
    DeCrane Aircraft may, at its option and at any time, elect to have all of
its and the Guarantors' obligations discharged with respect to the outstanding
notes, the note guarantees and the indenture ("Legal Defeasance") except for
 
        (a) the rights of holders of outstanding notes to receive payments in
    respect of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on such notes
    when such payments are due from the trust referred to below,
 
        (b) DeCrane Aircraft's obligations with respect to the notes concerning
    issuing temporary notes, registration of notes, mutilated, destroyed, lost
    or stolen notes and the maintenance of an office or agency for payment and
    money for security payments held in trust,
 
        (c) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee,
    and DeCrane Aircraft's obligations in connection therewith and
 
        (d) the Legal Defeasance provisions of the indenture.
 
In addition, DeCrane Aircraft may, at its option and at any time, elect to have
their obligations released with respect to some covenants that are described in
the indenture ("Covenant Defeasance") and thereafter any omission to comply with
such obligations shall not constitute a Default or Event of Default with respect
to the notes. In the event Covenant Defeasance occurs, some of the events
described under "--Events of Default and Remedies" other than non-payment and
bankruptcy will no longer constitute an Event of Default with respect to the
notes.
 
    In order to exercise either Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance,
 
        (a) DeCrane Aircraft must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in
    trust, for the benefit of the holders of the notes, cash in U.S. dollars,
    non-callable Government Securities, or a combination thereof, in such
    amounts as will be sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized
    firm of independent public accountants, to pay the principal of, premium, if
    any, and interest on the outstanding notes on the stated maturity or on the
    applicable redemption date, as the case may be, and DeCrane Aircraft must
    specify whether the notes are being defeased to maturity or to a particular
    redemption date,
 
        (b) in the case of Legal Defeasance, DeCrane Aircraft shall have
    delivered to the Trustee an opinion of counsel in the United States
    reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that DeCrane Aircraft has
    received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service
    a ruling, or since the date of the indenture, there has been a change in the
    applicable federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and
    based thereon such opinion of counsel shall confirm that, subject to
 
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    customary assumptions and exclusions, the holders of the outstanding notes
    will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a
    result of such Legal Defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on
    the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have
    been the case if such Legal Defeasance had not occurred,
 
        (c) in the case of Covenant Defeasance, DeCrane Aircraft shall have
    delivered to the Trustee an opinion of counsel in the United States
    reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that, subject to customary
    assumptions and exclusions, the holders of the outstanding notes will not
    recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result
    of such Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the
    same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been
    the case if such Covenant Defeasance had not occurred,
 
        (d) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing
    on the date of such deposit, other than a Default or Event of Default
    resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit, or,
    insofar as Events of Default from bankruptcy or insolvency events are
    concerned, at any time in the period ending on the 123rd day after the date
    of deposit,
 
        (e) such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance will not result in a
    breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any material
    agreement or instrument other than the indenture to which DeCrane Aircraft
    or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which DeCrane Aircraft or any of
    its Subsidiaries is bound,
 
        (f) DeCrane Aircraft must have delivered to the Trustee an opinion of
    counsel to the effect that, subject to customary assumptions and exclusions,
    after the 123rd day following the deposit, the trust funds will not be
    subject to the effect of Section 547 of the United States Bankruptcy Code or
    any analogous New York State law provision or any other applicable federal
    or New York bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting
    creditors' rights generally,
 
        (g) DeCrane Aircraft must deliver to the Trustee an officers'
    certificate stating that the deposit was not made by DeCrane Aircraft with
    the intent of preferring the holders of notes over the other creditors of
    DeCrane Aircraft with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or
    defrauding creditors of DeCrane Aircraft or others, and
 
        (h) DeCrane Aircraft must deliver to the Trustee an officers'
    certificate and an opinion of counsel, subject to customary assumptions and
    exclusions, each stating that all conditions precedent provided for relating
    to the Legal Defeasance or the Covenant Defeasance have been complied with.
 
TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE
 
    A holder may transfer or exchange notes in accordance with the indenture.
The Registrar and the Trustee may require a holder, among other things, to
furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and DeCrane Aircraft may
require a holder to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the
indenture. DeCrane Aircraft are not required to transfer or exchange any note
selected for redemption. Also, DeCrane Aircraft is not required to transfer or
exchange any note for a period of 15 days before a selection of notes to be
redeemed. The registered holder of a note will be treated as the owner of it for
all purposes.
 
AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER
 
    Except as provided in the next two succeeding paragraphs, the indenture, the
note guarantees and the notes may be amended or supplemented with the consent of
the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the notes then
outstanding, and any existing default or compliance with any provision of the
indenture, the note guarantees or the notes may be waived with the consent of
the holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding notes.
 
    Without the consent of each holder affected, an amendment or waiver may
not,with respect to any notes held by a non-consenting holder:
 
        (a) reduce the principal amount of notes whose holders must consent to
    an amendment, supplement or waiver,
 
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        (b) reduce the principal of or change the fixed maturity of any note or
    alter the provisions with respect to the redemption of the notes, other than
    the provisions described under the caption "--Repurchase at the Option of
    Holders,"
 
        (c) reduce the rate of or extend the time for payment of interest on any
    note,
 
        (d) waive a Default or Event of Default in the payment of principal of
    or premium, if any, or interest on the notes, except a rescission of
    acceleration of the notes by the holders of at least a majority in aggregate
    principal amount of the notes and a waiver of the payment default that
    resulted from such acceleration,
 
        (e) make any note payable in money other than that stated in the notes,
 
        (f) make any change in the provisions of the indenture relating to
    waivers of past Defaults,
 
        (g) waive a redemption payment with respect to any note, other than the
    provisions described under the caption "--Repurchase at the Option of
    Holders,"
 
        (h) release any Guarantor from its obligations under its note guarantee
    or the Indenture, except in accordance with the terms of the indenture or
 
        (i) make any change in the foregoing amendment and waiver provisions.
 
    Notwithstanding the foregoing, any amendment to or waiver of the covenant
described under the caption "--Repurchase at the Option of Holders--Change of
Control," and any amendment to Article 10 of the indenture, which relates to
subordination, will require the consent of the holders of at least two-thirds in
aggregate principal amount of the notes then outstanding if such amendment would
materially adversely affect the rights of holders of notes.
 
    Notwithstanding the foregoing, without the consent of any holder of notes,
DeCrane Aircraft, the Guarantors and the Trustee may amend or supplement the
indenture, the note guarantees or the notes to cure any ambiguity, defect or
inconsistency, to provide for uncertificated notes in addition to or in place of
certificated notes, to provide for the assumption of DeCrane Aircraft's
obligations to holders of notes in the case of a merger or consolidation or sale
of all or substantially all of DeCrane Aircraft's assets, to make any change
that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the holders of notes or
that does not materially adversely affect the legal rights under the indenture
of any such holder, or to comply with requirements of the SEC in order to effect
or maintain the qualification of the indenture under the Trust Indenture Act or
to provide for guarantees of the notes.
 
CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
 
    The indenture contains limitations on the rights of the Trustee, State
Street Bank & Trust Co., should it become a creditor of any Company, to obtain
payment of claims in some cases, or to realize on property received in respect
of any such claim as security or otherwise. The Trustee will be permitted to
engage in other transactions. However, if it acquires any conflicting interest
it must eliminate such conflict within 90 days, apply to the SEC for permission
to continue or resign.
 
    The holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding notes
will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any
proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the Trustee, subject to
exceptions. The indenture provides that in case an Event of Default shall occur
and not be cured, the Trustee will be required, in the exercise of its power, to
use the degree of care of a prudent man in the conduct of his own affairs.
Subject to such provisions, the Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise
any of its rights or powers under the indenture at the request of any holder of
notes, unless such holder shall have offered to the Trustee security and
indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense.
 
                    REGISTRATION RIGHTS; LIQUIDATED DAMAGES
 
    We are conducting this exchange offer, and filing the registration statement
of which this Prospectus is part, in order to comply with our obligations under
the registration rights agreement which we entered into with the initial
purchaser at the time of the DLJ acquisition. If we are not permitted to
complete this exchange offer, because it is not permitted by applicable law or
SEC policy, or any holder of the old notes, or new notes bearing transfer
restrictions, notifies us of restrictions on its participation in the exchange
offer within 20 business days of the completion of this exchange offer, we will
file with the SEC a shelf
 
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registration statement to cover resales of the notes by holders who satisfy
conditions relating to the provision of information.
 
    The registration rights agreement requires that we file the registration
statement of which this Prospectus is part, within 120 days after October 5,
1998; use our reasonable best efforts to have it declared effective by the SEC
within 180 days after October 5, 1998; unless not permitted by applicable law or
SEC policy, commence the exchange offer described herein and use our reasonable
best efforts to issue the new notes, within 30 business days after the effective
date of the foregoing registration statement; and, if obligated to file a shelf
registration statement because some parties cannot register their notes in
connection with the exchange offer, file it within 120 days after such
obligation arises, and use our reasonable best efforts to cause it to be
declared effective within 180 days after that date.
 
    If
 
    - we fail to file any of the registration statements required by the
      registration rights agreement when required,
 
    - any of those registration statements is not declared effective by the SEC
      by the deadlines specified above,
 
    - we fail to complete this exchange offer within 40 business days of the
      deadline for filing the related registration statement, or
 
    - any required registration statement declared effective but thereafter
      ceases to be effective or usable as contemplated by the registration
      rights agreement,
 
we are in default of the registration rights agreement. We are required under
the terms of the old notes and the registration rights agreement to pay
"liquidated damages" to each holder of notes, with respect to the first 90-day
period immediately following the occurrence of the first default of that type in
an amount equal to $0.05 per week per $1,000 principal amount of notes held by
such holder. The amount of the liquidated damages will increase by an additional
$0.05 per week per $1,000 principal amount of notes with respect to each
subsequent 90-day period until all defaults of that type have been cured, up to
a maximum amount of liquidated damages for all defaults of that type of $0.25
per week per $1,000 principal amount of notes. All accrued liquidated damages
will be paid by us on each Damages Payment Date to the Global Note holder by
wire transfer of immediately available funds or by federal funds check and to
holders of Certificated Securities by wire transfer to the accounts specified by
them or by mailing checks to their registered addresses if no such accounts have
been specified. Following the cure of all defaults of that type, the accrual of
liquidated damages will cease.
 
    Holders of notes will be required to make representations to DeCrane
Aircraft and the Guarantors, which are described in the registration rights
agreement, in order to participate in the exchange offer and will be required to
deliver information to be used in connection with the shelf registration
statement and to provide comments on the shelf registration statement within the
time periods set forth in the registration rights agreement in order to have
their notes included in the shelf registration statement and benefit from the
provisions regarding liquidated damages set forth above with respect to the
shelf registration statement.
 
                                KEY DEFINITIONS
 
    Set forth below are key defined terms used in the indenture. Please refer to
the indenture for a full description of all such terms, and any other
capitalized terms used herein for which no definition is provided.
 
    "ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE SUBSIDIARY" means an Unrestricted Subsidiary of DeCrane
Aircraft to which DeCrane Aircraft or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries sells
any of its accounts receivable pursuant to a Receivables Facility.
 
    "ACQUIRED INDEBTEDNESS" means, with respect to any specified person,
 
        (a) Indebtedness of any other person existing at the time such other
    person is merged with or into or became a Subsidiary of such specified
    person, including, without limitation, Indebtedness incurred in connection
    with, or in contemplation of, such other person merging with or into or
    becoming a Subsidiary of such specified person, and
 
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        (b) Indebtedness secured by a Lien encumbering an asset acquired by such
    specified person at the time such asset is acquired by such specified
    person.
 
    "ACQUISITION" means the acquisition by an indirect subsidiary of DeCrane
Holdings of at least majority of the outstanding stock of DeCrane Aircraft, the
merger of such subsidiary into DeCrane Aircraft, the repayment of specified
indebtedness of DeCrane Aircraft, the payment of related fees and expenses and
the Finance Merger.
 
    "ACQUISITION FINANCING" means the issuance and sale by DeCrane Aircraft of
the notes, the execution and delivery by DeCrane Aircraft and certain of its
subsidiaries of the bank credit facility and the borrowing thereunder and the
issuance and sale by DeCrane Aircraft of bridge notes to finance the Acquisition
and the issuance and sale by DeCrane Holdings of common stock and preferred
stock for consideration, the proceeds of each of which were used to fund the
purchase price for the Acquisition.
 
    "AFFILIATE" of any specified person means any other person which, directly
or indirectly, controls, is controlled by or is under direct or indirect common
control with, such specified person. For purposes of this definition, "control,"
when used with respect to any person, means the power to direct the management
and policies of such person, directly or indirectly, whether through the
ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise, and the terms
"controlling" and "controlled" have meanings correlative to the foregoing.
 
    "ASSET SALE" means
 
        (1) the sale, lease, conveyance, disposition or other transfer referred
    to as a "disposition" of any properties, assets or rights, provided that the
    sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of
    the assets of DeCrane Aircraft and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole will be
    governed by the provisions of the indenture described under the caption "--
    Change of Control" and the provisions described under the caption "--Merger,
    Consolidation or Sale of Assets" and not by the provisions of the
    indenture's asset sale covenant, and
 
        (2) the issuance, sale or transfer by DeCrane Aircraft or any of its
    Restricted Subsidiaries of Equity Interests of any of DeCrane Aircraft's
    Restricted Subsidiaries, in either case, whether in a single transaction or
    a series of related transactions that either have a fair market value in
    excess of $5.0 million or are for net proceeds in excess of $5.0 million.
 
However, the following items shall not be deemed to be Asset Sales:
 
    - dispositions in the ordinary course of business;
 
    - a disposition of assets by DeCrane Aircraft to a Restricted Subsidiary or
      by a Restricted Subsidiary to DeCrane Aircraft or to another Restricted
      Subsidiary;
 
    - a disposition of Equity Interests by a Restricted Subsidiary to DeCrane
      Aircraft or to another Restricted Subsidiary;
 
    - the sale and leaseback of any assets within 90 days of the acquisition
      thereof;
 
    - foreclosures on assets;
 
    - any exchange of like property pursuant to Section 1031 of the Internal
      Revenue Code of 1986, for use in a Permitted Business;
 
    - any sale of Equity Interests in, or Indebtedness or other securities of,
      an Unrestricted Subsidiary;
 
    - a Permitted Investment or a Restricted Payment that is permitted by the
      covenant described under the caption "--Restricted Payments"; and
 
    - sales of accounts receivable, or participations therein, in connection
      with any Receivables Facility.
 
    "ATTRIBUTABLE INDEBTEDNESS" in respect of a sale and leaseback transaction
means, at the time of determination, the present value, discounted at the rate
of interest implicit in such transaction, determined in accordance with GAAP, of
the obligation of the lessee for net rental payments during the remaining term
of the lease included in such sale and leaseback transaction, including any
period for which such lease has been extended or may, at the option of the
lessor, be extended.
 
    "BANK CREDIT FACILITY" means that Credit Agreement dated as of August 28,
1998 among DeCrane Aircraft, various financial institutions party thereto, DLJ
Capital Funding, Inc., as syndication agent, and The
 
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First National Bank of Chicago, as administrative agent, including any related
notes, guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed in
connection therewith, and, in each case, as amended, modified, renewed,
refunded, replaced or refinanced from time to time, including any agreement
 
        (1) extending or shortening the maturity of any Indebtedness incurred
    thereunder or contemplated thereby,
 
        (2) adding or deleting borrowers or guarantors thereunder,
 
        (3) increasing the amount of Indebtedness incurred thereunder or
    available to be borrowed thereunder, PROVIDED that on the date such
    Indebtedness is incurred it would not be prohibited by clause (1) of
    "--Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock" or
 
        (4) otherwise altering the terms and conditions thereof. Indebtedness
    under the bank credit facility outstanding on the date of the indenture
    shall be deemed to have been incurred on such date in reliance on the first
    paragraph of the covenant described under the caption "--Certain Covenants--
    Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock."
 
    "CAPITAL EXPENDITURE INDEBTEDNESS" means Indebtedness incurred by any person
to finance the purchase or construction or any property or assets acquired or
constructed by such person which have a useful life or more than one year so
long as
 
    - the purchase or construction price for such property or assets is included
      in "addition to property, plant or equipment" in accordance with GAAP,
 
    - the acquisition or construction of such property or assets is not part of
      any acquisition of a person or line of business and
 
    - such Indebtedness is incurred within 90 days of the acquisition or
      completion of construction of such property or assets.
 
    "CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATION" means, at the time any determination thereof is
to be made, the amount of the liability in respect of a capital lease that would
at such time be required to be capitalized on a balance sheet in accordance with
GAAP.
 
    "CAPITAL STOCK" means
 
        (1) in the case of a corporation, corporate stock,
 
        (2) in the case of an association or business entity, any and all
    shares, interests, participations, rights or other equivalents, however
    designated, of corporate stock,
 
        (3) in the case of a partnership or limited liability company,
    partnership or membership interests whether general or limited and
 
        (4) any other interest or participation that confers on a person the
    right to receive a share of the profits and losses of, or distributions of
    assets of, the issuing person.
 
    "CASH EQUIVALENTS" means
 
        (1) Government Securities,
 
        (2) any certificate of deposit maturing not more than 365 days after the
    date of acquisition issued by, or demand deposit or time deposit of, an
    Eligible Institution or any lender under the bank credit facility,
 
        (3) commercial paper maturing not more than 365 days after the date of
    acquisition of an issuer, other than an Affiliate of DeCrane Aircraft, with
    a rating, at the time as of which any investment therein is made, of "A-3"
    or higher according to Standard & Poor's Rating Group or "P-2" or higher
    according to Moody's or carrying an equivalent rating by a nationally
    recognized rating agency if both of the two named rating agencies cease
    publishing ratings of investments,
 
        (4) any bankers acceptances of money market deposit accounts issued by
    an Eligible Institution,
 
        (5) any fund investing exclusively in investments of the types described
    in clauses (1) through (4) above and
 
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        (6) in the case of any Subsidiary organized or having its principal
    place of business outside the United States, investments denominated in the
    currency of the jurisdiction in which such Subsidiary is organized or has
    its principal place of business which are similar to the items specified in
    clauses (1) through (5) above, including without limitation any deposit with
    any bank that is a lender to any such Subsidiary.
 
    "CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW" means, with respect to any person for any period,
the Consolidated Net Income of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for
such period plus, to the extent deducted in computing Consolidated Net Income,
 
    - an amount equal to any extraordinary or non-recurring loss plus any net
      loss realized in connection with an Asset Sale,
 
    - provision for taxes based on income or profits of such person and its
      Restricted Subsidiaries for such period,
 
    - Fixed Charges of such person for such period,
 
    - depreciation, amortization, including amortization of goodwill and other
      intangibles, and all other non-cash charges, excluding any such non-cash
      charge to the extent that it represents an accrual of or reserve for cash
      expenses in any future period or amortization of a prepaid cash expense
      that was paid in a prior period, including charges related to non-cash
      minority interests, of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for
      such period,
 
    - net periodic post-retirement benefits,
 
    - other income or expense net as set forth on the face of such person's
      statement of operations,
 
    - expenses and charges related to the Acquisition, the bank credit facility
      and the application of the proceeds thereof which are paid, taken or
      otherwise accounted for within 180 days of the consummation of the
      Acquisition, and
 
    - any non-capitalized transaction costs incurred in connection with actual
      or proposed financings, acquisition or divestitures, including, but not
      limited to, financing and refinancing fees and costs incurred in
      connection with the Acquisition, in each case, on a consolidated basis and
      determined in accordance with GAAP.
 
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provision for taxes based on the income or
profits of, the Fixed Charges of, and the depreciation and amortization and
other non-cash charges of, a Restricted Subsidiary of a person shall be added to
Consolidated Net Income to compute Consolidated Cash Flow only to the extent and
in the same proportion that Net Income of such Restricted Subsidiary was
included in calculating the Consolidated Net Income of such person.
 
    "CONSOLIDATED INTEREST EXPENSE" means, with respect to any person for any
period, the sum of, without duplication,
 
    - the interest expense of such person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for
      such period, on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance with GAAP,
      including amortization of original issue discount, non-cash interest
      payments, the interest component of all payments associated with Capital
      Lease Obligations, imputed interest with respect to Attributable Debt,
      commissions, discounts and other fees and charges incurred in respect of
      letter of credit or bankers' acceptance financings, and net payments, if
      any, pursuant to Hedging Obligations; PROVIDED that in no event shall any
      amortization of deferred financing costs be included in Consolidated
      Interest Expense; and
 
    - the consolidated capitalized interest of such person and its Restricted
      Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued;
 
PROVIDED, however, that Receivables Fees shall be deemed not to constitute
Consolidated Interest Expense. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Consolidated
Interest Expense with respect to any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Wholly
Owned Restricted Subsidiary shall be included only to the extent and in the same
proportion that the net income of such Restricted Subsidiary was included in
calculating Consolidated Net Income.
 
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    "CONSOLIDATED NET INCOME" means, with respect to any person for any period,
the aggregate of the Net Income of such person and its Restricted Subsidiaries
for such period, on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance with GAAP;
PROVIDED that
 
    - the Net Income or loss of any person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary
      or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting shall be
      included only to the extent of the amount of dividends or distributions
      paid in cash to the referent person or a Restricted Subsidiary thereof,
 
    - the Net Income or loss of any Restricted Subsidiary other than a
      Subsidiary organized or having its principal place of business outside the
      United States shall be excluded to the extent that the declaration or
      payment of dividends or similar distributions by that Restricted
      Subsidiary of that Net Income or loss is not at the date of determination
      permitted without any prior governmental approval that has not been
      obtained or, directly or indirectly, by operation of the terms of its
      charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute,
      rule or governmental regulation applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary,
 
    - the Net Income or loss of any person acquired in a pooling of interests
      transaction for any period prior to the date of such acquisition shall be
      excluded,
 
    - the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles shall be
      excluded and
 
    - expenses and charges related to the Acquisition, the bank credit facility
      and the application of the proceeds thereof which are paid, taken or
      otherwise accounted for within 180 days of the consummation of the
      Acquisition shall be excluded.
 
    "DECRANE HOLDINGS" means DeCrane Holdings Co., a Delaware corporation, the
corporate parent of DeCrane Aircraft, or its successors.
 
    "DEFAULT" means any event that is or with the passage of time or the giving
of notice or both would be an Event of Default.
 
    "DESIGNATED NONCASH CONSIDERATION" means the fair market value of non-cash
consideration received by DeCrane Aircraft or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries
in connection with an Asset Sale that is so designated as Designated Noncash
Consideration pursuant to an officers' certificate, setting forth the basis of
such valuation, executed by the principal executive officer and the principal
financial officer of DeCrane Aircraft, less the amount of cash or Cash
Equivalents received in connection with a sale of such Designated Noncash
Consideration.
 
    "DISQUALIFIED STOCK" means any Capital Stock that, by its terms or by the
terms of any security into which it is convertible, or for which it is
exchangeable; or upon the happening of any event other than any event solely
within the control of the issuer thereof, matures or is mandatorily redeemable,
pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, is exchangeable for
Indebtedness, except to the extent exchangeable at the option of such Person
subject to the terms of any debt instrument to which such Person is a party, or
redeemable at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part, on or prior
to the date on which the notes mature. However, that any Capital Stock that
would constitute Disqualified Stock solely because the holders thereof have the
right to require DeCrane Aircraft to repurchase such Capital Stock upon the
occurrence of a Change of Control or an Asset Sale shall not constitute
Disqualified Stock, if the terms of such Capital Stock provide that DeCrane
Aircraft may not repurchase or redeem any such Capital Stock pursuant to such
provisions unless such repurchase or redemption complies with the covenant
described under the caption "--Principal Covenants--Restricted Payments."
Further, if such Capital Stock is issued to any plan for the benefit of
employees of DeCrane Aircraft or its Subsidiaries or by any such plan to such
employees, such Capital Stock shall not constitute Disqualified Stock solely
because it may be required to be repurchased by DeCrane Aircraft in order to
satisfy applicable statutory or regulatory obligations.
 
    "DOMESTIC SUBSIDIARY" means a Subsidiary that is organized under the laws of
the United States or any State, district or territory thereof other than Audio
International Sales, Inc., a U.S. Virgin Islands corporation.
 
    "ELIGIBLE INSTITUTION" means a commercial banking institution that has
combined capital and surplus not less than $100.0 million or its equivalent in
foreign currency, whose short-term debt is rated "A-3" or higher according to
Standard & Poor's Ratings Group or "P-2" or higher according to Moody's Investor
Services, Inc. or carrying an equivalent rating by a nationally recognized
rating agency if both of the two named rating agencies cease publishing ratings
of investments.
 
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    "EQUITY INTERESTS" means Capital Stock and all warrants, options or other
rights to acquire Capital Stock but excluding any debt security that is
convertible into, or exchangeable for, Capital Stock.
 
    "EXISTING INDEBTEDNESS" means Indebtedness of DeCrane Aircraft and its
Restricted Subsidiaries other than in existence on the date of the Indenture,
excluding Indebtedness under the Bank Credit Facility, until such amounts are
repaid.
 
    "FINANCE MERGER" means the merger of DeCrane Finance Co. with and into
DeCrane Aircraft.
 
    "FIXED CHARGES" means, with respect to any person for any period, the sum,
without duplication, of the Consolidated Interest Expense of such person for
such period, and all dividend payments on any series of preferred stock of such
person other than dividends payable solely in Equity Interests that are not
Disqualified Stock, in each case, on a consolidated basis and in accordance with
GAAP.
 
    "FIXED CHARGE COVERAGE RATIO" means, with respect to any person for any
period, the ratio of the Consolidated Cash Flow of such Person for such period
to the Fixed Charges of such person for such period, in each case exclusive of
amounts attributable to discontinued operations, as determined in accordance
with GAAP, or operations and businesses disposed of prior to the date on which
the event for which the calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is made
referred to as the "Calculation Date." In the event that the referent Person or
any of its Subsidiaries incurs, assumes, guarantees or redeems any Indebtedness
other than revolving credit borrowings or issues or redeems preferred stock
subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Fixed Charge Coverage
Ratio is being calculated but prior to the Calculation Date, then the Fixed
Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such
incurrence, assumption, guarantee or redemption of Indebtedness, or such
issuance or redemption of preferred stock and the use of the proceeds therefrom,
as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter
reference period. In addition, for purposes of making the computation referred
to above, acquisitions that have been made by DeCrane Aircraft or any of its
Subsidiaries, including all mergers or consolidations and any related financing
transactions, during the four-quarter reference period or subsequent to such
reference period and on or prior to the Calculation Date shall be deemed to have
occurred on the first day of the four-quarter reference period and Consolidated
Cash Flow for such reference period shall be calculated to include the
Consolidated Cash Flow of the acquired entities on a pro forma basis after
giving effect to cost savings resulting from employee terminations, facilities
consolidations and closings, standardization of employee benefits and
compensation practices, consolidation of property, casualty and other insurance
coverage and policies, standardization of sales and distribution methods,
reductions in taxes other than income taxes and other cost savings reasonably
expected to be realized from such acquisition, as determined in good faith by
the principal financial officer of DeCrane Aircraft, regardless of whether such
cost savings could then be reflected in PRO FORMA financial statements under
GAAP, Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC or any other regulation or policy of
the SEC, and without giving effect to the third clause of the proviso set forth
in the definition of Consolidated Net Income.
 
    "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles set forth in the
opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of
the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statements by such
other entity as have been approved by a significant segment of the accounting
profession, which are in effect on the date of the Indenture.
 
    "GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS" means Global Technology Partners, LLC and its
Affiliates.
 
    "GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY INVESTMENT" means the sale by DeCrane Holdings to Global
Technology Partners of its common stock, the purchase price of which will be
partially financed by Global Technology Loans, and the granting by DeCrane
Holdings to Global Technology Partners of options to purchase shares of its
common stock.
 
    "GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY LOANS" means one or more loans by DeCrane Aircraft or
DeCrane Holdings to Global Technology Partners to finance Global Technology
Partners' purchase of common stock of DeCrane Holdings; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that
the aggregate principal amount of all such Global Technology Loans outstanding
at any time shall not exceed $2.0 million.
 
    "GUARANTEE" means a guarantee other than by endorsement of negotiable
instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business, direct or
indirect, in any manner including letters of credit or reimbursement agreements
in respect thereof, of all or any part of any Indebtedness.
 
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    "GUARANTORS" means each of the Domestic Subsidiaries of DeCrane Aircraft
that is a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary on the date of the indenture, and
any other Subsidiary that executes a note Guarantee in accordance with the
provisions of the indenture.
 
    "HEDGING OBLIGATIONS" means, with respect to any person, the obligations of
such person under
 
        (a) interest rate swap agreements, interest rate cap agreements and
    interest rate collar agreements and
 
        (b) other agreements or arrangements designed to protect such person
    against fluctuations in interest rates and
 
        (c) agreements or arrangements designed to protect such person against
    fluctuations in exchange rates.
 
    "INDEBTEDNESS" means, with respect to any person, any indebtedness of such
Person in respect of borrowed money or evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or
similar instruments or letters of credit, or reimbursement agreements in respect
thereof, or banker's acceptances or representing Capital Lease Obligations or
the balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase price of any property or
representing any Hedging Obligations, except any such balance that constitutes
an accrued expense or trade payable, if and to the extent any of the foregoing
Indebtedness, than letters of credit and Hedging Obligations would appear as a
liability upon a balance sheet of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP,
as well as all Indebtedness of others secured by a Lien on any asset of such
person whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by such person and, to the
extent not otherwise included, the guarantee by such Person of any Indebtedness
of any other person, PROVIDED that Indebtedness shall not include the pledge by
DeCrane Aircraft of the Capital Stock of an Unrestricted Subsidiary of DeCrane
Aircraft to secure Non-Recourse Debt of such Unrestricted Subsidiary. The amount
of any Indebtedness outstanding as of any date shall be
 
    - the accreted value thereof, together with any interest thereon that is
      more than 30 days past due, in the case of any Indebtedness that does not
      require current payments of interest, and
 
    - the principal amount thereof, in the case of any other Indebtedness;
 
PROVIDED that the principal amount of any Indebtedness that is denominated in
any currency other than United States dollars shall be the amount thereof, as
determined pursuant to the foregoing provision, converted into United States
dollars at the Spot Rate in effect on the date that such Indebtedness was
incurred, or, if such indebtedness was incurred prior to the date of the
Indenture, the Spot Rate in effect on the date of the indenture.
 
    "INVESTMENTS" means, with respect to any person, all investments by such
person in other persons including Affiliates in the forms of direct or indirect
loans, including guarantees by the referent person of, and Liens on any assets
of the referent person securing, Indebtedness or other obligations of other
persons, advances or capital contributions, excluding commission, travel and
similar advances to officers and employees made in the ordinary course of
business, purchases or other acquisitions for consideration of Indebtedness,
Equity Interests or other securities, together with all items that are or would
be classified as investments on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with
GAAP. However, an investment by DeCrane Aircraft for consideration consisting of
common equity securities of DeCrane Aircraft shall not be deemed to be an
Investment. If DeCrane Aircraft or any Restricted Subsidiary of DeCrane Aircraft
sells or otherwise disposes of any Equity Interests of any direct or indirect
Restricted Subsidiary of DeCrane Aircraft such that, after giving effect to any
such sale or disposition, such person is no longer a Subsidiary of DeCrane
Aircraft, DeCrane Aircraft shall be deemed to have made an Investment on the
date of any such sale or disposition equal to the fair market value of the
Equity Interests of such Restricted Subsidiary not sold or disposed of in an
amount determined as provided in the final paragraph of the covenant described
under "--Restricted Payments."
 
    "LIEN" means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge,
security interest or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset, whether
or not filed, recorded or otherwise perfected under applicable law, including
any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any lease in the nature
thereof, any option or other agreement to sell or give a security interest in
and any filing of or agreement to give any financing statement under the Uniform
Commercial Code or equivalent statutes of any jurisdiction.
 
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    "MANAGEMENT LOANS" means one or more loans by DeCrane Aircraft or DeCrane
Holdings to officers and/or directors of DeCrane Aircraft and any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries to finance the purchase by such officers and directors
of common stock of DeCrane Holdings; PROVIDED, however, that the aggregate
principal amount of all such Management Loans outstanding at any time shall not
exceed $5.0 million.
 
    "NET INCOME" means, with respect to any person, the net income or loss of
such person, determined in accordance with GAAP and before any reduction in
respect of preferred stock dividends, excluding, however,
 
        (a) any gain (or loss), together with any related provision for taxes on
    such gain or loss, realized in connection with any Asset Sale, including
    dispositions pursuant to sale and leaseback transactions, or the
    extinguishment of any Indebtedness of such Person or any of its Restricted
    Subsidiaries and
 
        (b) any extraordinary or nonrecurring gain or loss, together with any
    related provision for taxes on such extraordinary or nonrecurring gain or
    loss.
 
    "NET PROCEEDS" means the aggregate cash proceeds received by DeCrane
Aircraft or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of any Asset Sale,
including any cash received upon the sale or other disposition of any non-cash
consideration received in any Asset Sale, net of, without duplication:
 
    - the direct costs relating to such Asset Sale, including legal, accounting
      and investment banking fees, and sales commissions, recording fees, title
      transfer fees and appraiser fees and cost of preparation of assets for
      sale, and any relocation expenses incurred as a result thereof,
 
    - taxes paid or payable as a result thereof after taking into account any
      available tax credits or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements,
 
    - amounts required to be applied to the repayment of Indebtedness, other
      than revolving credit Indebtedness incurred pursuant to the bank credit
      facility, secured by a Lien on the asset or assets that were the subject
      of such Asset Sale and
 
    - any reserve established in accordance with GAAP or any amount placed in
      escrow, in either case for adjustment in respect of the sale price of such
      asset or assets until such time as such reserve is reversed or such escrow
      arrangement is terminated, in which case Net Proceeds shall include only
      the amount of the reserve so reversed or the amount returned to DeCrane
      Aircraft or its Restricted Subsidiaries from such escrow arrangement, as
      the case may be.
 
    "NON-RECOURSE DEBT" means Indebtedness
 
    - no default which, including any rights that the holders thereof may have
      to take enforcement action against an Unrestricted Subsidiary, would
      permit upon notice, lapse of time or both any holder of any other
      Indebtedness of DeCrane Aircraft or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to
      declare a default on such other Indebtedness or cause the payment thereof
      to be accelerated or payable prior to its stated maturity; and
 
    - as to which the lenders have been notified in writing that they will not
      have any recourse to the stock or assets of DeCrane Aircraft or any of its
      Restricted Subsidiaries, other than the stock of an Unrestricted
      Subsidiary pledged by DeCrane Aircraft to secure debt of such Unrestricted
      Subsidiary.
 
However, in no event shall Indebtedness of any Unrestricted Subsidiary fail to
be Non-Recourse Debt solely as a result of any default provisions contained in a
guarantee thereof by DeCrane Aircraft or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries if
DeCrane Aircraft or such Restricted Subsidiary was otherwise permitted to incur
such guarantee pursuant to the Indenture.
 
    "OBLIGATIONS" means any principal, interest, penalties, fees,
indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other liabilities payable under
the documentation governing any Indebtedness.
 
    "OFFERING" means the offering of the notes by DeCrane Aircraft.
 
    "PARI PASSU INDEBTEDNESS" means Indebtedness of DeCrane Aircraft that ranks
pari passu in right of payment to the notes.
 
    "PERMITTED BUSINESS" means the avionics manufacturing industry and any
business in which DeCrane Aircraft and its Restricted Subsidiaries are engaged
on the date of the indenture or any business reasonably related, incidental or
ancillary thereto.
 
    "PERMITTED INVESTMENTS" means
 
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    - any Investment in DeCrane Aircraft or in a Restricted Subsidiary of
      DeCrane Aircraft,
 
    - any Investment in cash or Cash Equivalents,
 
    - any Investment by DeCrane Aircraft or any Restricted Subsidiary of DeCrane
      Aircraft in a Person, if as a result of such Investment such Person
      becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of DeCrane Aircraft, or such Person is
      merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into, or transfers or conveys
      substantially all of its assets to, or is liquidated into, DeCrane
      Aircraft or a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of DeCrane Aircraft,
 
    - any Investment made as a result of the receipt of non-cash consideration
      from an Asset Sale that was made pursuant to and in compliance with the
      covenant described under the caption "--Repurchase at the Option of
      Holders--Asset Sales,"
 
    - any Investment acquired solely in exchange for Equity Interests other than
      Disqualified Stock of DeCrane Aircraft,
 
    - any Investment in a Person engaged in a Permitted Business, other than an
      Investment in an Unrestricted Subsidiary, having an aggregate fair market
      value, taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this
      clause that are at that time outstanding, not to exceed 15% of Total
      Assets at the time of such Investment, with the fair market value of each
      Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to
      subsequent changes in value,
 
    - Investments relating to any special purpose Wholly Owned Subsidiary of
      DeCrane Aircraft organized in connection with a Receivables Facility that,
      in the good faith determination of the board of directors of DeCrane
      Aircraft, are necessary or advisable to effect such Receivables Facility
      and
 
    - the Management Loans and Global Technology Loans.
 
    "PERMITTED LIENS" means:
 
    - Liens on property of a person existing at the time such person is merged
      into or consolidated with DeCrane Aircraft or any Restricted Subsidiary,
      PROVIDED that such Liens were not incurred in contemplation of such merger
      or consolidation and do not secure any property or assets of DeCrane
      Aircraft or any Restricted Subsidiary other than the property or assets
      subject to the Liens prior to such merger or consolidation;
 
    - Liens existing on the date of the indenture;
 
    - Liens securing Indebtedness consisting of Capitalized Lease Obligations,
      purchase money Indebtedness, mortgage financings, industrial revenue bonds
      or other monetary obligations, in each case incurred solely for the
      purpose of financing all or any part of the purchase price or cost of
      construction or installation of assets used in the business of DeCrane
      Aircraft or its Restricted Subsidiaries, or repairs, additions or
      improvements to such assets, PROVIDED that
 
       - such Liens secure Indebtedness in an amount not in excess of the
         original purchase price or the original cost of any such assets or
         repair, additional or improvement thereto, plus an amount equal to the
         reasonable fees and expenses in connection with the incurrence of such
         Indebtedness,
 
       - such Liens do not extend to any other assets of DeCrane Aircraft or its
         Restricted Subsidiaries, and, in the case of repair, addition or
         improvements to any such assets, such Lien extends only to the assets
         and improvements thereto or thereon repaired, added to or improved,
 
       - the Incurrence of such Indebtedness is permitted by "--Principal
         Covenants--Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock"
         and
 
       - such Liens attach within 365 days of such purchase, construction,
         installation, repair, addition or improvement;
 
    - Liens to secure any refinancings, renewals, extensions, modification or
      replacements, such events are collectively referred to as "refinancing,"
      or successive refinancings, in whole or in part, of any Indebtedness
      secured by Liens referred to in the clauses above so long as such Lien
      does not extend to any other property other than improvements thereto;
 
    - Liens securing letters of credit entered into in the ordinary course of
      business and consistent with past business practice;
 
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    - Liens on and pledges of the capital stock of any Unrestricted Subsidiary
      securing Non-Recourse Debt of such Unrestricted Subsidiary;
 
    - Liens securing Indebtedness and Obligations under the bank credit
      facility; and
 
    - other Liens securing indebtedness that is permitted by the terms of the
      Indenture to be outstanding having an aggregate principal amount at any
      one time outstanding not to exceed $50.0 million.
 
    "PERMITTED REFINANCING INDEBTEDNESS" means any Indebtedness of DeCrane
Aircraft or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries issued within 60 days after
repayment of, in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are used to extend,
refinance, renew, replace, defease or refund other Indebtedness of DeCrane
Aircraft or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; PROVIDED that
 
    - the principal amount accreted value, if applicable of such Permitted
      Refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount of accreted
      value, if applicable, plus premium, if any, and accrued interest on the
      Indebtedness so extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or
      refunded, plus the amount of reasonable expenses incurred in connection
      therewith,
 
    - such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness has a final maturity date no
      earlier than the final maturity date of, and has a Weighted Average Life
      to Maturity equal to or greater than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity
      of, the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced,
      defeased or refunded, and
 
    - if the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced,
      defeased or refunded is subordinated in right of payment to the notes,
      such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness is subordinated in right of
      payment to, the notes on terms at least as favorable, taken as a whole, to
      the holders of notes as those contained in the documentation governing the
      Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or
      refunded.
 
    "PRINCIPALS" means DLJ Merchant Banking Partners II, L.P. and its
Affiliates.
 
    "PUBLIC EQUITY OFFERING" means any issuance of common stock by DeCrane
Aircraft, other than to DeCrane Holdings and other than Disqualified Stock, or
common stock or preferred stock by DeCrane Holdings, other than Disqualified
Stock, registered pursuant to the Securities Act, other than issuances
registered on Form S-8 and issuances registered on Form S-4, excluding issuances
of common stock pursuant to employee benefit plans of DeCrane Holdings or
DeCrane Aircraft or otherwise as compensation to employees of DeCrane Aircraft
or DeCrane Holdings.
 
    "QUALIFIED PROCEEDS" means any of the following or any combination of the
following:
 
    - cash;
 
    - Cash Equivalents;
 
    - assets that are used or useful in a Permitted Business; and
 
    - the Capital Stock of any person engaged in a Permitted Business if, in
      connection with the receipt by DeCrane Aircraft or any Restricted
      Subsidiary of DeCrane Aircraft of such Capital Stock,
 
       - such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of DeCrane Aircraft or any
         Restricted Subsidiary of DeCrane Aircraft or
 
       - such Person is merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into, or
         transfers or conveys substantially all of its assets to, or is
         liquidated into, DeCrane Aircraft or any Restricted Subsidiary of
         DeCrane Aircraft.
 
    "RECEIVABLES FACILITY" means one or more receivables financing facilities,
as amended from time to time, pursuant to which DeCrane Aircraft or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries sells its accounts receivable to an Accounts Receivable
Subsidiary.
 
    "RECEIVABLES FEES" means distributions or payments made directly or by means
of discounts with respect to any participation interests issued or sold in
connection with, and other fees paid to a Person that is not a Restricted
Subsidiary in connection with, any Receivables Facility.
 
    "RELATED PARTY" means, with respect to any Principal, any controlling
stockholder or partner of such Principal on the date of the indenture, or any
trust, corporation, partnership or other entity, the beneficiaries,
stockholders, partners, owners or persons beneficially holding directly or
through one or more
 
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Subsidiaries a 51% or more controlling interest of which consist of the
Principals and/or such other persons referred to in the immediately preceding
clauses.
 
    "RESTRICTED INVESTMENT" means an Investment other than a Permitted
Investment.
 
    "RESTRICTED SUBSIDIARY" of a Person means any Subsidiary of such person that
is not an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
 
    "SIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARY" means any Subsidiary that would be a "significant
subsidiary" as defined in Article 1, Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X, promulgated
pursuant to the Securities Act, as such Regulation is in effect on the date
hereof.
 
    "SPOT RATE" means, for any currency, the spot rate at which such currency is
offered for sale against United States dollars as determined by reference to the
New York foreign exchange selling rates, as published in The Wall Street Journal
on such date of determination for the immediately preceding business day or, if
such rate is not available, as determined in any publicly available source of
similar market data.
 
    "STATED MATURITY" means, with respect to any installment of interest or
principal on any series of Indebtedness, the date on which such payment of
interest or principal was scheduled to be paid in the original documentation
governing such Indebtedness, and shall not include any contingent obligations to
repay, redeem or repurchase any such interest or principal prior to the date
originally scheduled for the payment thereof.
 
    "SUBSIDIARY" means, with respect to any person,
 
    - any corporation, association or other business entity of which more than
      50% of the total voting power of shares of Capital Stock entitled without
      regard to the occurrence of any contingency to vote in the election of
      directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time owned or
      controlled, directly or indirectly, by such person or one or more of the
      other Subsidiaries of that person or a combination thereof and
 
    - any partnership or limited liability company
 
       - the sole general partner or the managing general partner or managing
         member of which is such Person or a Subsidiary of such person or
 
       - the only general partners or managing members of which are such person
         or of one or more Subsidiaries of such Person or any combination
         thereof.
 
    "TAX SHARING AGREEMENT" means any tax sharing agreement or arrangement
between DeCrane Aircraft and DeCrane Holdings, as the same may be amended from
time to time; PROVIDED that in no event shall the amount permitted to be paid
pursuant to all such agreements and/or arrangements exceed the amount DeCrane
Aircraft would be required to pay for income taxes were it to file a
consolidated tax return for itself and its consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries
as if it were a corporation that was a parent of a consolidated group.
 
    "TOTAL ASSETS" means the total consolidated assets of DeCrane Aircraft and
its Restricted Subsidiaries, as shown on the most recent balance sheet,
excluding the footnotes of DeCrane Aircraft prepared in accordance with GAAP.
 
    "UNRESTRICTED SUBSIDIARY" means any Subsidiary that is designated by the
board of directors as an Unrestricted Subsidiary pursuant to a board resolution,
but only to the extent that such Subsidiary:
 
    - has no Indebtedness other than Non-Recourse Debt;
 
    - is not party to any agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding with
      DeCrane Aircraft or any Restricted Subsidiary of DeCrane Aircraft unless
      the terms of any such agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding
      are no less favorable to DeCrane Aircraft or such Restricted Subsidiary
      than those that might be obtained at the time from Persons who are not
      Affiliates of DeCrane Aircraft;
 
    - a person with respect to which neither DeCrane Aircraft nor any of its
      Restricted Subsidiaries has any direct or indirect obligation
 
       - to subscribe for additional Equity Interests other than Investments
         described in clause (g) of the definition of Permitted Investments or
 
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<PAGE>
       - to maintain or preserve such Person's financial condition or to cause
         such Person to achieve any specified levels, of operating results; and
 
    - has not guaranteed or otherwise directly or indirectly provided credit
      support for any Indebtedness of DeCrane Aircraft or any of its Restricted
      Subsidiaries. Any such designation by the board of directors shall be
      evidenced to the Trustee by filing with the Trustee a certified copy of
      the board resolution giving effect to such designation and an officers'
      certificate certifying that such designation complied with the foregoing
      conditions and was permitted by the covenant described under "--Principal
      Covenants--Restricted Payments." If, at any time, any Unrestricted
      Subsidiary would fail to meet the foregoing requirements as an
      Unrestricted Subsidiary, it shall thereafter cease to be an Unrestricted
      Subsidiary for purposes of the Indenture and any Indebtedness of such
      Subsidiary shall be deemed to be incurred by a Restricted Subsidiary of
      DeCrane Aircraft as of such date and, if such Indebtedness is not
      permitted to be incurred as of such date under the covenant described
      under "--Principal Covenants--Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of
      Preferred Stock," DeCrane Aircraft shall be in default of such covenant.
      The board of directors of DeCrane Aircraft may at any time designate any
      Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary; PROVIDED that such
      designation shall be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness by a
      Restricted Subsidiary of DeCrane Aircraft of any outstanding Indebtedness
      of such Unrestricted Subsidiary and such designation shall only be
      permitted if such Indebtedness is permitted under the covenant described
      under "--Principal Covenants-- Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance
      Preferred of Stock," and no Default or Event of Default would be in
      existence following such designation.
 
    "WEIGHTED AVERAGE LIFE TO MATURITY" means, when applied to any Indebtedness
at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing
 
        (a) the sum of the products obtained by multiplying the amount of each
    then remaining installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required
    payments of principal, including payment at final maturity, in respect
    thereof, by the number of years calculated to the nearest one-twelfth that
    will elapse between such date and the making of such payment, by
 
        (b) the then outstanding principal amount of such Indebtedness.
 
    "WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY" of any Person means a Subsidiary of such person
all of the outstanding Capital Stock or other ownership interests of which other
than directors' qualifying shares shall at the time be owned by such person or
by one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of such person.
 
    "WHOLLY OWNED RESTRICTED SUBSIDIARY" of any person means a Restricted
Subsidiary of such person all the outstanding Capital Stock or other ownership
interests of which other than directors' qualifying shares shall at the time be
owned by such person or by one or more Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiaries of
such person or by such person and one or more Wholly Owned Restricted
Subsidiaries of such person.
 
                             ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
    Anyone who receives this prospectus may obtain a copy of the indenture and
registration rights Agreement without charge by writing to us, or obtaining from
public sources a copy of the exhibits to the registration statement of which
this prospectus is a part. See "Where You Can Get More Information" at the end
of the "Business" section.
 
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                              THE INITIAL OFFERING
 
    In August 1998, in connection with the DLJ acquisition, DeCrane Aircraft
assumed responsibility by merger for $100.0 million of Senior Subordinated
Increasing Rate Notes to DLJ Bridge Finance, Inc. We used the proceeds from
these bridge notes to fund the tender offer purchases made as part of the DLJ
acquisition, and related expenses. The bridge notes were refinanced by our
issuance in October of the old notes to the initial purchaser Donaldson, Lufkin
& Jenrette Securities Corporation. These transactions are described in more
detail in "Recent Developments--The DLJ Acquisition."
 
    The old notes were not registered under the Securities Act, and accordingly
subject to various transfer restrictions. We concurrently entered into the
registration rights agreement, which requires us to take specified steps to
issue the new notes, offer them in exchange for the old notes under this
exchange offer, and register them, all as described in "Description of
Notes--Registration Rights Agreement." The terms of the old notes and the new
notes are identical in most respects, except as described in "Description of
Notes."
 
                               THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
    We are conducting this exchange offer, and filing the registration statement
of which this prospectus is part, in order to comply with our obligations under
the registration rights agreement which we entered into with the Initial
Purchaser at the time of the DLJ acquisition. If we are not permitted to
complete this exchange offer, because it is not permitted by applicable law or
SEC policy, or any holder of the old notes or new notes bearing transfer
restrictions notifies us of restrictions on its participation in the exchange
offer within 20 business days of the completion of this exchange offer, we will
file with the SEC a shelf registration statement to cover resales of the notes
by holders who satisfy conditions relating to the provision of information.
 
    This exchange offer is not extended to, and we will not accept tenders from,
holders of old notes in any jurisdiction in which this exchange offer or the
acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities or blue sky
laws of such jurisdiction.
 
TERMS OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER; PERIOD FOR TENDERING OLD NOTES
 
    The terms and conditions for this exchange offer are set forth in this
prospectus and in the accompanying letter of transmittal. Subject to those terms
and conditions, we will accept for exchange old notes which are properly
tendered on or prior to the expiration date described below and not withdrawn as
permitted below. For each $1,000 principal amount at maturity of old notes
surrendered pursuant to this exchange offer, the holder will receive an exchange
note with the same principal amount at maturity. We will keep this exchange
offer open for not less than 20 business days, or longer if required by
applicable law, after the date that this prospectus is first sent to the holders
of the old notes. We are mailing it, on or about the date on the cover page, to
all registered holders of old notes at the addresses set forth in the register
maintained by the Trustee.
 
    This exchange offer is subject to the conditions set forth under
"--Conditions to this Exchange Offer" below.
 
    We expressly reserve the right, at any time or from time to time, to extend
the period of time during which this exchange offer is open, and thereby delay
acceptance of any old notes, by giving oral or written notice of such extension
to the exchange agent and notice of such extension to each holder as described
below. During any such extension, all old notes previously tendered will remain
subject to this exchange offer and we may accept them for exchange. We will
return any old notes not accepted for exchange for any reason, without expense
to the tendering holders, as promptly as is practicable after the expiration or
termination of this exchange offer.
 
    We expressly reserve the right to amend or terminate this exchange offer,
and to cease accepting any tenders of old notes, if any of the conditions of
this exchange offer specified below under "Conditions to this Exchange Offer"
occur. We will give oral or written notice of any extension, amendment,
non-acceptance or termination to the holders of the old notes as promptly as
practicable. If the exchange offer is extended, we will give that notice by
means of a press release or other public announcement no later than 9:00 a.m.,
New York time, on the next business day after the previously scheduled
expiration date. We have no obligation to
 
                                       97
<PAGE>
publish, advertise or otherwise communicate any such public announcement other
than by issuing a release to the Dow Jones News Service or as may otherwise be
required by applicable law.
 
    Holders of old notes do not have any appraisal or dissenters' rights in
connection with this exchange offer. Old notes which are not tendered for
exchange or are tendered but not accepted in connection with this exchange offer
will remain outstanding and be entitled to the benefits of the indenture, but
will not be entitled to any further registration rights under the registration
rights agreement. We intend to conduct this exchange offer in accordance with
the applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations of
the SEC.
 
PROCEDURES FOR TENDERING OLD NOTES
 
    If you tender old notes as set forth below and we accept them, we will have
a binding agreement on the terms and conditions set forth in this prospectus and
in the letter of transmittal. Except as set forth below, in order to tender old
notes and accept this exchange offer, you must:
 
    - complete and sign a letter of transmittal, and comply with the
      instructions which it contains,
 
    - forward it and any other required documents using a method of delivery
      permitted by the letter of transmittal to the exchange agent appointed by
      us, whose address appears below and in the letter of transmittal, by 5:00
      p.m. New York time on the expiration date, and
 
    - either deliver your old notes in the same package, or comply with the book
      entry delivery method noted below, or comply with the guaranteed postponed
      delivery method noted below.
 
    Please note that, if your old notes are held through a broker, dealer,
commercial bank, trust company or other nominee, you must contact that person
promptly if you wish to tender your notes.
 
    YOU MAY ELECT WHICH METHOD OF DELIVERY OF OLD NOTES, LETTERS OF TRANSMITTAL
AND ALL OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS YOU USE, BUT YOU DO SO AT YOUR OWN RISK. IF YOU
CHOOSE TO DELIVER DOCUMENTS BY MAIL, WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU USE REGISTERED MAIL,
PROPERLY INSURED, WITH RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED. IN ANY CASE, YOU SHOULD ALLOW
SUFFICIENT TIME TO ASSURE TIMELY DELIVERY. NO LETTERS OF TRANSMITTAL OR OLD
NOTES SHOULD BE SENT TO DECRANE AIRCRAFT.
 
    SIGNATURE GUARANTEES.  Signatures on a letter of transmittal or a notice of
withdrawal, as the case may be, must be guaranteed, unless the old notes
surrendered for exchange pursuant thereto are tendered either
 
    (1) by a registered holder of the old notes who has not completed the box
        entitled "Special Issuance Instructions" or "Special Delivery
        Instructions" on the letter of transmittal or
 
    (2) for the account of an institution which itself is eligible to issue the
        guarantees described below.
 
    The only kind of signature guarantees which will be acceptable are those
made by a firm which is a member of a registered national securities exchange, a
member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., or a commercial
bank or trust company having an office or correspondent in the United States. If
old notes are registered in the name of a person other than the person signing
the letter of transmittal, the old notes surrendered for exchange must be
endorsed by, or be accompanied by a written instrument or instruments of
transfer or exchange, in satisfactory form as determined by us in our sole
discretion, duly executed by the registered holder with a signature guarantee of
the kind described above.
 
    We will determine all questions as to the validity, form, eligibility, time
of receipt and acceptance of old notes tendered for exchange in our sole
discretion. We reserve the absolute right to reject any and all tenders of any
particular old notes not properly tendered, or to not accept any particular old
notes which acceptance, in our judgment or that of our counsel, might be
unlawful. We also reserve the absolute right to waive any defects or
irregularities or conditions of this exchange offer as to any particular old
notes, either before or after the expiration of this offer date, including the
ineligibility of any holder to tender old notes. Our interpretation of the terms
and conditions of this exchange offer as to any particular old notes shall be
final and binding on all parties. Unless waived, any defects or irregularities
in connection with the tender of old notes for exchange must be cured within
such reasonable period of time as we determine. Neither DeCrane Aircraft, the
exchange agent nor any other person shall be under any duty to give notification
of any defect or irregularity with respect to any tender of old notes for
exchange, nor incur any liability for failure to give such notification.
 
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<PAGE>
    If the letter of transmittal is signed by a person or persons other than the
registered holder or holders of old notes, those old notes must be endorsed or
accompanied by appropriate powers of attorney, in either case signed exactly as
the name or names of the registered holder or holders that appear on the old
notes.
 
    If the letter of transmittal or any old notes or powers of attorney are
signed by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact,
officers or corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative
capacity, the person signed must indicate their capacity and, unless waived by
us, submit along with the documents proper evidence satisfactory to us of its
authority to so act.
 
    By executing, or otherwise becoming bound by, the letter of transmittal,
each holder of the old notes, with a few specified exceptions, will represent
that
 
    - it is not an affiliate of DeCrane Aircraft,
 
    - any new notes to be received by it were acquired in the ordinary course of
      its business, and
 
    - it has no arrangement with any person to participate in the distribution,
      within the meaning of the Securities Act, of the new notes.
 
    If the tendering holder is a broker-dealer that will receive new notes for
its owns account in exchange for old notes that were acquired as a result of
market-making activities or other trading activities, it will be required to
acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of
such new notes. See "--Resale of the New Notes."
 
ACCEPTANCE OF OLD NOTES FOR EXCHANGE; DELIVERY OF NEW NOTES
 
    Upon satisfaction or waiver of all of the conditions to this exchange offer,
we will accept, promptly after the expiration date, all old notes properly
tendered and will issue the new notes promptly after acceptance of the old
notes. See "--Conditions to this Exchange Offer" below. For purposes of this
exchange offer, we shall be deemed to have accepted properly tendered old notes
for exchange when, as and if we have given oral or written notice thereof to the
exchange agent.
 
    In all cases, issuance of new notes for old notes that are accepted for
exchange pursuant to this exchange offer will be made only after timely receipt
by the exchange agent of certificates for such old notes or a timely book-entry
confirmation of such old notes into the exchange agent's account at DTC pursuant
to the book-entry transfer procedures described below, a properly completed and
duly executed letter of transmittal and all other required documents. If any
tendered old notes are not accepted for any reason set forth in the terms and
conditions of this exchange offer or if certificates representing old notes are
submitted for a greater principal amount than the holder desires to exchange,
such unaccepted or non-exchanged old notes will be returned without expense to
the tendering holder thereof, or, in the case of old notes tendered by
book-entry transfer into the exchange agent's account at DTC pursuant to the
book-entry transfer procedures described below, such non-exchanged old notes
will be credited to an account maintained with DTC, as promptly as practicable
after the expiration or termination of this exchange offer.
 
BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER
 
    The exchange agent will make a request to establish an account with respect
to the old notes at DTC for purposes of this exchange offer promptly after the
date of this prospectus. Any financial institution that is a participant in
DTC's systems may make book-entry delivery of old notes by causing DTC to
transfer such old notes into the exchange agent's account in accordance with
DTC's Automated Tender Offer Program procedures for transfer. However, we will
only make exchanges for old notes tendered in this manner after:
 
    - timely confirmation that the book-entry transfer of old notes has been
      made into the exchange agent's account, and
 
    - timely receipt by the exchange agent of all other documents required by
      the letter of transmittal, and a confirmation message, transmitted by DTC,
      confirming the book-entry transfer of the old notes, and stating that DTC
      has received an express acknowledgment from the holder that it has
      received and agrees to be bound by the terms of the letter of transmittal,
      and that we may enforce such agreement against it.
 
    Please note that, even if you deliver old notes by this book-entry transfer
method, you must still deliver the letter of transmittal, properly completed and
duly executed, with any required signature guarantees and
 
                                       99
<PAGE>
any other required documents, to the exchange agent at its address set forth
under "--Exchange Agent", on or before the expiration date for this exchange
offer. Please note also that delivery of documents to DTC in accordance with its
procedures does not constitute delivery to the exchange agent.
 
GUARANTEED DELIVERY PROCEDURES
 
    If a registered holder of the old notes desires to tender them, and they are
not immediately available, or time will not permit the notes or other required
documents to reach the exchange agent before the expiration date for the
exchange offer, or the procedure for book-entry transfer cannot be completed on
a timely basis, the holder still may validly accomplish a tender of the notes
if:
 
    - the tender is made through a firm which is a member of a registered
      national securities exchange, a member of the National Association of
      Securities Dealers, Inc., or a commercial bank or trust company having an
      office or correspondent in the United States,
 
    - prior to that expiration date, the exchange agent receives from one of
      those institutions a properly completed and duly executed letter of
      transmittal or a facsimile thereof along with a Notice of Guaranteed
      Delivery, substantially in the form we have provided, by telegram, telex,
      facsimile transmission, mail or hand delivery, and
 
    - the certificates for all physically tendered old notes, in proper form for
      transfer, or a confirmation of book-entry transfer as described above, and
      all other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal, are received by
      the exchange agent within five New York Stock Exchange trading days after
      the date of execution of the notice of guaranteed delivery.
 
    The notice of guaranteed delivery must state the name and address of the
holder of old notes, state the amount of old notes tendered, state that tender
is being made thereby, and guarantee that within five NYSE trading days after
the date of execution of the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, the certificates for
all physically tendered old notes, in proper form for transfer, or a
confirmation of book-entry transfer as described above, and all other documents
required by the letter of transmittal, will be deposited by the institution with
the exchange agent.
 
WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS
 
    Tenders of old notes may be withdrawn at any time prior to the expiration
date for this exchange offer.
 
    For a withdrawal to be effective, a written notice of withdrawal must be
received by the exchange agent at one of the addresses set forth below under
"--Exchange Agent." Any notice of withdrawal must specify the name of the person
having tendered the old notes to be withdrawn, identify the old notes to be
withdrawn and their principal amount at maturity, and where certificates for old
notes have been transmitted specify the name in which such old notes are
registered, if different from that of the withdrawing holder. If certificates
for old notes have been delivered or otherwise identified to the exchange agent,
then, prior to the release of such certificates, the withdrawing holder must
also submit the serial numbers of the particular certificates to be withdrawn
and a signed notice of withdrawal with signatures guaranteed by an Eligible
Institution unless such holder is an Eligible Institution. If old notes have
been tendered pursuant to the procedure for book-entry transfer described above,
any note of withdrawal must specify the name and number of the account at DTC to
be credited with the withdrawn old notes and otherwise comply with the
procedures of such facility. Our determination of all questions as to the
validity, form, eligibility and time of receipt of such notices will be final
and binding on all parties. Any old notes so withdrawn will be deemed not to
have been validly tendered for exchange for purposes of this exchange offer. We
will return any old notes tendered for exchange but which are not exchanged for
any reason, without cost to such holder or, in the case of old notes tendered by
book-entry transfer into the exchange agent's account at DTC pursuant to the
book-entry transfer procedures described above, we will cause such old notes to
be credited to an account maintained with DTC for the old notes, as soon as
practicable after withdrawal, rejection of tender or termination of this
exchange offer. Properly withdrawn old notes may be re-entered by following one
of the procedures described under "--Procedures for Tendering Old Notes" above
at any time on or prior to the expiration date for this exchange offer.
 
                                      100
<PAGE>
CONDITIONS TO THIS EXCHANGE OFFER
 
    Notwithstanding any other provisions of this exchange offer, we are not
required to accept for exchange, or to issue new notes in exchange for, any old
notes and may terminate or amend this exchange offer, if at any time before the
acceptance of such old notes for exchange or this exchange of the new notes for
such old notes, such acceptance or issuance would violate applicable law or any
interpretation of the staff of the SEC.
 
    The foregoing condition is for our sole benefit and may be asserted by us
regardless of the circumstances giving rise to such condition. Our failure at
any time to exercise the foregoing rights shall not be deemed a waiver of any
such right and each such right shall be deemed an ongoing right which may be
asserted at any time and from time to time.
 
    In addition, we will not accept for exchange any old notes tendered, nor
issue any new notes and no new notes will be issued in exchange for any such old
notes, if at such time any stop order shall be threatened or in effect with
respect to either the registration statement of which this prospectus
constitutes a part, or the qualification of the indenture under the Trust
Indenture Act.
 
EXCHANGE AGENT
 
    We have appointed State Street Bank and Trust Co. as the exchange agent for
this exchange offer. All executed letters of transmittal should be directed to
the exchange agent at one of the addresses set forth below. Questions and
requests for assistance, requests for additional copies of this prospectus or of
the letter of transmittal and requests for notices of guaranteed delivery should
be directed to the exchange agent, addressed as follows:
 
                                  Deliver To:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                        <C>
    BY REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL:              BY OVERNIGHT COURIER:
  State Street Bank and Trust Company,     State Street Bank and Trust Company,
             Exchange Agent                           Exchange Agent
              P.O. Box 778                       Two International Place
       Boston, Massachusetts 02102             Boston, Massachusetts 02110
  ATTENTION: Corporate Trust Department         ATTENTION: Corporate Trust
                                                        Department
              Kellie Mullen                           Kellie Mullen
       Reference: DeCrane Aircraft             Reference: DeCrane Aircraft
 
    BY HAND IN NEW YORK TO 4:30 P.M.         BY HAND IN BOSTON TO 4:30 P.M.:
            (as drop agent):               State Street Bank and Trust Company,
  State Street Bank and Trust Company,                Exchange Agent
             Exchange Agent                      Two International Place
               61 Broadway                             Fourth Floor
               15th Floor                      Boston, Massachusetts 02110
         Corporate Trust Window                 ATTENTION: Corporate Trust
           New York, NY 10006                           Department
       Reference: DeCrane Aircraft                    Kellie Mullen
                                               Reference: DeCrane Aircraft
</TABLE>
 
                             FOR INFORMATION CALL:
                                 Kellie Mullen
                                  617-664-5587
 
    Delivery to any other address or transmission in any other manner will not
be a valid delivery.
 
FEES AND EXPENSES
 
    Our solicitation for this exchange offer is being made primarily by mail.
However, we may made additional solicitation by telegraph, telephone, electronic
mail or in person by our officers and regular employees. No additional
compensation will be paid to any such officers and employees who engage in
soliciting tenders. We will not make any payment to brokers, dealers, or others
soliciting acceptances of this exchange offer. However, we will pay the exchange
agent reasonable and customary fees for its services and will reimburse it for
its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection therewith.
 
    Our cash expenses to be incurred in connection with this exchange offer will
be paid by us, and we estimate that they will total about $255,750.
 
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
 
    The new notes will be recorded at the same carrying value as the old notes,
which is face value, as reflected in our accounting records on the date of
exchange. Accordingly, no gain or loss for accounting purposes will be
recognized. The expenses of the exchange offer will be expensed over the term of
the new notes.
 
                                      101
<PAGE>
TRANSFER TAXES
 
    Holders who tender their old notes for exchange will not be obligated to pay
any transfer taxes in connection therewith, EXCEPT that holders who:
 
    - instruct us to register new notes in the name of a person other than the
      registered tendering holder, or
 
    - request that old notes not tendered or not accepted in this exchange offer
      to be returned to a person other than the registered tendering holder
 
will be responsible for the payment of any applicable transfer tax thereon.
 
RESALE OF THE NEW NOTES
 
    Under existing interpretations of the staff of the SEC contained in several
no-action letters to third parties, the new notes generally should be freely
transferable after this exchange offer by a holder other than a broker or dealer
without further compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery
requirements of the Securities Act, if:
 
    - the new notes are acquired in the ordinary course of the holder's
      business;
 
    - the holder is not participating, and has not entered into an arrangement
      or understanding to participate, in a distribution of the new notes, as
      "distribution" is understood under the Securities Act;
 
    - the holder is not our affiliate, as "affiliate" is defined in Rule 405
      under the Securities Act, or a broker or dealer who purchased the old
      notes for resale; and
 
    - the holder is not a broker or dealer who acquired the old notes for its
      own account.
 
    However, the foregoing view relies on statements by the staff of the
Division of Corporation Finance of the SEC, in interpretive letters which
discuss other transactions: EXXON CAPITAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION (May 13, 1988),
MORGAN STANLEY AND COMPANY INCORPORATED (June 5, 1991), WARNACO INCORPORATED
(October 11, 1991), EPIC PROPERTIES, INCORPORATED (October 21, 1991), K-III
COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION (May 14, 1993) and BROWN & WOOD LLP (February 7,
1997). We have not sought our own interpretive letter, so there is no definitive
legal determination of the foregoing issue.
 
    Each holder of old notes who signs, or otherwise becomes bound by, the
Letter of Transmittal, other than a few specified holders, will represent that
it qualifies for each of the criteria listed above. Any holders who do not meet
the foregoing criteria will not be able to tender their old notes in this
exchange offer, and must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery
requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any sale or transfer of
the notes, unless such sale or transfer is made pursuant to an exemption from
such requirements. In any resales of new notes, any participating broker-dealer
who acquired the notes for its own account as a result of market-making or other
trading activities must deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the
Securities Act. The SEC has taken the position that participating broker-dealers
may fulfill their prospectus delivery requirements with respect to the new
notes, other than a resale of an unsold allotment from the original sale of the
old notes, with this prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented. Under the
registration rights agreement, we are required to allow participating
broker-dealers and any other persons subject to similar prospectus delivery
requirements to use this prospectus as it may be amended or supplemented from
time to time, in connection with the resale of such exchange notes.
 
                                      102
<PAGE>
                        FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
 
    This section is a summary of federal income tax considerations relevant to
this exchange offer. It is not a complete analysis of all potential tax effects.
We have not considered other taxes, including foreign or state taxes, gift taxes
or gift taxes, among other things, and your individual tax liabilities and
consequences also depend on your own circumstances. We based this summary on
U.S. federal tax law, regulations, pronouncements and judicial decisions now in
effect. All of the laws and rules may change, and changes can be made
retroactively as well.
 
    YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR OWN TAX ADVISOR TO DETERMINE THE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO
YOU OF PARTICIPATING IN THIS EXCHANGE OFFER.
 
    Your exchange of old notes for new notes pursuant to this exchange offer
should have no federal income tax consequences to you as a holder of the notes.
When you exchange an old note for a new note under this exchange offer, you
should have the same adjusted basis and holding period in the new note as you
had in the old note immediately before the exchange occurred.
 
                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
    Each broker-dealer who acquired old notes for its own account, as a result
of market-making activities or other trading and who participates in this
exchange offer activities, which we call "participating broker-dealers" in this
prospectus, must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection
with any resale of new notes. This prospectus, as it may be amended or
supplemented from time to time, may be used by a participating broker-dealer in
connection with resales of the new notes received in exchange for old notes, IF
it acquired the old notes as a result of market-making activities or other
trading activities. We have agreed that we will make this prospectus, as amended
or supplemented, available to any participating broker-dealer for use in any
such resale, and those broker-dealers will be authorized to deliver it for no
more than 90 days after the expiration date of the exchange offer.
 
    We will not receive any proceeds from any sales of the new notes by
participating broker-dealers. New notes received by such brokers-dealers for
their own account in this exchange offer may be sold from time to time, in one
or more transactions in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions,
through the writing of options on the notes, or a combination of such methods of
resale, and may be sold at market prices prevailing at the time of resale, at
prices related to such prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. Any
such resale may be made directly to purchasers or to or through brokers or
dealers who may receive compensation in the form of commissions or concessions
from the participating broker-dealer that resells the new notes that were
received by it for its own account under this exchange offer.
 
    Any broker or dealer that participates in a distribution of that kind may be
deemed to be an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act. Any
profit on resulting resales of new notes, and any omissions or concessions
received by any such persons, may be deemed to be underwriting compensation
under the Securities Act. The letter of transmittal states that by acknowledging
that it will deliver and by delivering a prospectus, a participating
broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the
meaning of the Securities Act.
 
    We will promptly send additional copies of this prospectus, and any
amendment or supplement to this prospectus, to any participating broker-dealer
that requests such documents in the letter of transmittal. See "The Exchange
Offer."
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
    The validity of the new notes offered hereby will be passed upon for DeCrane
Aircraft by Spolin & Silverman LLP, Santa Monica, California and Davis, Polk &
Wardwell, New York, New York.
 
                                      103
<PAGE>
                                    EXPERTS
 
    The consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 1997 and 1998 and the
consolidated statements of operations, of stockholders' equity and of cash flows
for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997, the eight months ended August
31, 1998 and the four months ended December 31, 1998 of DeCrane Aircraft
Holdings, Inc., the balance sheets as of September 30, 1996 and 1997 and the
statements of income, of stockholder's equity and of cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended September 30, 1997 of Avtech Corporation, and
the consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 1997 and 1998 and the
consolidated statements of operations, of stockholders' equity and of cash flows
for the years then ended of PATS, Inc. included in this Prospectus have been so
included in reliance on the reports of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent
accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and
accounting.
 
    The consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 1997 and 1998 and the
consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for the
period from June 12, 1997 to December 31, 1997 and the year ended December 31,
1998 of PPI Holdings, Inc., and the consolidated statements of income,
stockholders' equity and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 1996 and for
the period from January 1, 1997 to June 11, 1997 of Precision Pattern Inc., the
predecessor to PPI Holdings, Inc., included in this prospectus have been so
included in reliance on the report of Baird, Kurtz & Dobson, independent
accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and
accounting.
 
                                      104
<PAGE>
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                               PAGE
                                                                                                             ---------
<S>                                                                                                          <C>
DECRANE AIRCRAFT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
  Report of Independent Accountants........................................................................        F-2
  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1997 and 1998.............................................        F-3
  Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997, the eight months
    ended August 31, 1998 and the four months ended December 31, 1998......................................        F-4
  Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997, the eight
    months ended August 31, 1998 and the four months ended December 31, 1998...............................        F-5
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997, the eight months
    ended August 31, 1998 and the four months ended December 31, 1998......................................        F-7
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...............................................................        F-8
AVTECH CORPORATION
  Report of Independent Accountants........................................................................       F-43
  Balance Sheets as of September 30, 1996 and 1997 and June 25, 1998 (unaudited)...........................       F-44
  Statements of Income for the years ended September 30, 1995, 1996 and 1997 and the nine months ended June
    30, 1997 and June 25, 1998 (unaudited).................................................................       F-45
  Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended September 30, 1995, 1996 and 1997 and the nine
    months ended June 25, 1998 (unaudited).................................................................       F-46
  Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended September 30, 1995, 1996 and 1997 and the nine months ended
    June 30, 1997 and June 25, 1998 (unaudited)............................................................       F-47
  Notes to Financial Statements............................................................................       F-48
PATS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
  Report of Independent Accountants........................................................................       F-55
  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 1997 and 1998 and December 31, 1998 (unaudited)...............       F-56
  Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended June 30, 1997 and 1998 and the six months ended
    December 31, 1997 and 1998 (unaudited).................................................................       F-57
  Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended June 30, 1997 and 1998 and the six
    months ended December 31, 1998 (unaudited).............................................................       F-58
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended June 30, 1997 and 1998 and the six months ended
    December 31, 1997 and 1998 (unaudited).................................................................       F-59
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...............................................................       F-60
PPI HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
  Report of Independent Accountants........................................................................       F-66
  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1997 and 1998.............................................       F-67
  Consolidated Statements of Income for the year ended December 31, 1996 and the period from January 1,
    1997 to June 11, 1997 and the period from June 12, 1997 to December 31, 1997 and the year ended
    December 31, 1998......................................................................................       F-68
  Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the year ended December 31, 1996 and the period from
    January 1, 1997 to June 11, 1997 and the period from June 12, 1997 to December 31, 1997 and the year
    ended December 31, 1998................................................................................       F-69
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 1996 and the period from January 1,
    1997 to June 11, 1997 and the period from June 12, 1997 to December 31, 1997 and the year ended
    December 31, 1998......................................................................................       F-70
  Note to Consolidated Financial Statements................................................................       F-71
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Directors
and Stockholders of
DeCrane Aircraft Holdings, Inc.
 
    In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related
consolidated statements of operations, of stockholders' equity and of cash flows
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of DeCrane
Aircraft Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 1997 and 1998 and
the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years ended
December 31, 1996 and 1997, the eight months ended August 31, 1998 and the four
months ended December 31, 1998, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles. 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 of these statements in
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which 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, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed
above.
 
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
Los Angeles, California
February 19, 1999
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
                DECRANE AIRCRAFT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                       (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              DECEMBER
                                                                                 31,      DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                1997          1998
                                                                             (PREDECESSOR) (SUCCESSOR)
                                                                             -----------  ------------
<S>                                                                          <C>          <C>
ASSETS
Current assets
  Cash and cash equivalents................................................   $     206    $    3,518
  Accounts receivable, net.................................................      18,152        30,441
  Inventories..............................................................      25,976        34,281
  Deferred income taxes....................................................      --             4,300
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets................................         782         3,897
                                                                             -----------  ------------
    Total current assets...................................................      45,116        76,437
Property and equipment, net................................................      14,054        28,160
Other assets, principally intangibles, net.................................      39,967       226,330
                                                                             -----------  ------------
      Total assets.........................................................   $  99,137    $  330,927
                                                                             -----------  ------------
                                                                             -----------  ------------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
  Short-term borrowings....................................................   $     568    $      283
  Current portion of long-term obligations.................................         858         1,529
  Accounts payable.........................................................       8,032         6,383
  Accrued expenses.........................................................       6,911        18,466
  Income taxes payable.....................................................       3,975         3,743
                                                                             -----------  ------------
    Total current liabilities..............................................      20,344        30,404
                                                                             -----------  ------------
Long-term liabilities
  Long-term obligations....................................................      37,412       184,953
  Deferred income taxes....................................................       1,758        16,990
  Other long-term liabilities..............................................          96           659
                                                                             -----------  ------------
    Total long-term liabilities............................................      39,266       202,602
                                                                             -----------  ------------
Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)....................................      --            --
                                                                             -----------  ------------
Stockholders' equity
  Cumulative convertible preferred stock, $.01 par value, 8,314,018 shares
    authorized; none issued and outstanding as of December 31, 1997 and
    1998...................................................................      --            --
  Undesignated preferred stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares
    authorized; none issued and outstanding as of December 31, 1997 and
    1998...................................................................      --            --
  Common stock, no par value, 4,253,550 shares authorized; none issued and
    outstanding as of December 31, 1997 and 1998...........................      --            --
  Common stock, $.01 par value, 9,924,950 and 100 shares authorized as of
    December 31, 1997 and 1998, respectively; 5,318,563 and 100 shares
    issued and outstanding as of December 31, 1997 and 1998,
    respectively...........................................................          53        --
  Additional paid-in capital...............................................      51,057       100,200
  Accumulated deficit......................................................     (11,444)       (2,553)
  Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)............................        (139)          274
                                                                             -----------  ------------
    Total stockholders' equity.............................................      39,527        97,921
                                                                             -----------  ------------
      Total liabilities and stockholders' equity...........................   $  99,137    $  330,927
                                                                             -----------  ------------
                                                                             -----------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
                DECRANE AIRCRAFT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                           EIGHT
                                                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER     MONTHS     FOUR MONTHS
                                                          31,              ENDED        ENDED
                                                  --------------------  AUGUST 31,    DECEMBER
                                                                           1998       31, 1998
                                                    1996       1997     (PREDECESSOR) (SUCCESSOR)
                                                     (PREDECESSOR)
<S>                                               <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>
                                                  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
Revenues........................................  $  65,099  $ 108,903   $  90,077    $  60,356
Cost of sales...................................     49,392     80,247      60,101       42,739
                                                  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
      Gross profit..............................     15,707     28,656      29,976       17,617
                                                  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
Operating expenses
  Selling, general and administrative
    expenses....................................     10,747     15,756      15,719       10,274
  Nonrecurring charges..........................     --         --           3,632       --
  Amortization of intangible assets.............        709        905       1,347        3,148
                                                  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
    Total operating expenses....................     11,456     16,661      20,698       13,422
                                                  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
Income from operations..........................      4,251     11,995       9,278        4,195
 
Other expenses
  Interest expense..............................      4,248      3,154       2,350        6,852
  Terminated debt offering expenses.............     --         --             600       --
  Other expenses................................        108        243         247          335
                                                  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes
  and extraordinary item........................       (105)     8,598       6,081       (2,992)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes............        712      3,344       2,892       (2,668)
                                                  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
Income (loss) before extraordinary item.........       (817)     5,254       3,189         (324)
 
Extraordinary loss from debt refinancing, net of
  income tax benefit............................     --          2,078      --            2,229
                                                  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
Net income (loss)...............................  $    (817) $   3,176   $   3,189    $  (2,553)
                                                  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
                                                  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-4
<PAGE>
                DECRANE AIRCRAFT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                       (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         COMMON STOCK
                                              -----------------------------------
                                                                                                           ACCUMULATED
                                               NO PAR VALUE      $.01 PAR VALUE                               OTHER
                                CUMULATIVE    ---------------   -----------------                            COMPRE-
                                CONVERTIBLE   NUMBER             NUMBER             ADDITIONAL    ACCUM-     HENSIVE
                                 PREFERRED      OF                 OF                PAID-IN      ULATED     INCOME
PREDECESSOR:                       STOCK      SHARES   AMOUNT    SHARES    AMOUNT    CAPITAL     DEFICIT     (LOSS)       TOTAL
- ------------------------------  -----------   -------  ------   ---------  ------   ----------   --------  -----------   -------
<S>                             <C>           <C>      <C>      <C>        <C>      <C>          <C>       <C>           <C>
  Balance, December 31,
    1995......................   $  5,549     85,593   $  58       --       $--      $ --        $ (7,807)    $ 503      $(1,697)
                                                                                                                         -------
  Comprehensive loss
    Net loss..................     --           --      --         --       --         --            (817)    --            (817)
    Translation adjustment....     --           --      --         --       --         --           --         (382)        (382)
                                                                                                                         -------
                                                                                                                          (1,199)
  Adjustment to estimated
    redemption value of
    mandatorily redeemable
    common stock warrants.....     --           --      --         --       --         --          (4,320)    --          (4,320)
  Issuance of cumulative
    convertible preferred
    stock, net................      8,301       --      --         --       --         --           --        --           8,301
  Mandatorily redeemable
    common stock warrants
    issued pursuant to
    anti-dilution
    provisions................     --           --      --         --       --         --              (7)    --              (7)
  Stock option compensation
    expense...................     --           --       158       --       --         --           --        --             158
                                -----------   -------  ------   ---------  ------   ----------   --------  -----------   -------
  Balance, December 31,
    1996......................     13,850     85,593     216       --       --         --         (12,951)      121        1,236
                                                                                                                         -------
  Comprehensive income
    Net income................     --           --      --         --       --         --           3,176     --           3,176
    Translation adjustment....     --           --      --         --       --         --           --         (260)        (260)
                                                                                                                         -------
                                                                                                                           2,916
 
  Delaware reorganization and
    reverse stock split.......     --         (85,593)  (216)      85,593     1           215       --        --           --
  Adjustment to estimated
    redemption value of
    mandatorily redeemable
    common stock warrants.....     --           --      --         --       --         --          (2,203)    --          (2,203)
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
                DECRANE AIRCRAFT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                 (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA) (CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         COMMON STOCK
                                              -----------------------------------
                                                                                                           ACCUMULATED
                                               NO PAR VALUE      $.01 PAR VALUE                               OTHER
                                CUMULATIVE    ---------------   -----------------                            COMPRE-
                                CONVERTIBLE   NUMBER             NUMBER             ADDITIONAL    ACCUM-     HENSIVE
                                 PREFERRED      OF                 OF                PAID-IN      ULATED     INCOME
                                   STOCK      SHARES   AMOUNT    SHARES    AMOUNT    CAPITAL     DEFICIT     (LOSS)       TOTAL
                                -----------   -------  ------   ---------  ------   ----------   --------  -----------   -------
<S>                             <C>           <C>      <C>      <C>        <C>      <C>          <C>       <C>           <C>
  Recapitalization
    Conversion of preferred
      stock into common
      stock...................    (13,850)      --      --      1,941,804    19        13,831       --        --           --
    Cashless exercise and
      conversion of
      warrants................     --           --      --        524,293     6         6,097       --        --           6,103
    Cancellation of
      mandatorily redeemable
      common stock warrants...     --           --      --         --       --         --           1,143     --           1,143
  Initial Public Offering
    Proceeds from the
      offering, net...........     --           --      --      2,700,000    27        28,229       --        --          28,256
    Cancellation of
      mandatorily redeemable
      common stock warrants
      upon debt repayment and
      reclassification of
      warrants no longer
      redeemable..............     --           --      --         --       --          1,836       --        --           1,836
    Common shares issued
      pursuant to
      anti-dilution
      provisions..............     --           --      --         50,743   --            609        (609)    --           --
  Cashless exercise of common
    stock warrants............     --           --      --         16,130   --         --           --        --           --
  Stock option compensation
    expense...................     --           --      --         --       --            240       --        --             240
                                -----------   -------  ------   ---------  ------   ----------   --------  -----------   -------
  Balance, December 31,
    1997......................     --           --      --      5,318,563    53        51,057     (11,444)     (139)      39,527
                                                                                                                         -------
  Comprehensive income
    Net income................     --           --      --         --       --         --           3,189     --           3,189
    Translation adjustment....     --           --      --         --       --         --           --           94           94
                                                                                                                         -------
                                                                                                                           3,283
 
  Exercise of stock options...     --           --      --        575,692     6         8,206       --        --           8,212
  Sale of common stock........     --           --      --      2,206,177    22        34,793       --        --          34,815
                                -----------   -------  ------   ---------  ------   ----------   --------  -----------   -------
 
  Balance, August 31, 1998....   $ --           --     $--      8,100,432   $81      $ 94,056    $ (8,255)    $ (45)     $85,837
                                -----------   -------  ------   ---------  ------   ----------   --------  -----------   -------
                                -----------   -------  ------   ---------  ------   ----------   --------  -----------   -------
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUCCESSOR:
- ------------------------------
  Sale of common stock........   $ --           --     $--            100   $--      $ 99,000    $  --        $--        $99,000
                                                                                                                         -------
  Comprehensive loss
    Net loss..................     --           --      --         --       --         --          (2,553)    --          (2,553)
    Translation adjustment....     --           --      --         --       --         --           --          274          274
                                                                                                                         -------
                                                                                                                          (2,279)
  Value of warrants issued in
    connection with debt
    offering..................     --           --      --         --       --          1,200       --        --           1,200
                                -----------   -------  ------   ---------  ------   ----------   --------  -----------   -------
  Balance, December 31,
    1998......................   $ --           --     $--            100   $--      $100,200    $ (2,553)    $ 274      $97,921
                                -----------   -------  ------   ---------  ------   ----------   --------  -----------   -------
                                -----------   -------  ------   ---------  ------   ----------   --------  -----------   -------
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-6
<PAGE>
                DECRANE AIRCRAFT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                                      YEAR ENDED DECEMBER
                                                                                              31,            EIGHT MONTHS
                                                                                      --------------------       ENDED
                                                                                                            AUGUST 31, 1998
                                                                                        1996       1997      (PREDECESSOR)
                                                                                         (PREDECESSOR)
<S>                                                                                   <C>        <C>        <C>
                                                                                      ---------  ---------  ---------------
Cash flows from operating activities
  Net income (loss).................................................................  $    (817) $   3,176     $   3,189
  Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used for)
    operating activities
      Depreciation and amortization.................................................      4,343      5,372         4,454
      Extraordinary loss from debt refinancing......................................     --          2,078        --
      Deferred income taxes.........................................................         88     (1,281)       (2,339)
      Other, net....................................................................        188        654          (360)
      Changes in assets and liabilities
          Accounts receivable.......................................................     (3,069)    (3,159)       (3,621)
          Inventories...............................................................     (2,665)    (4,956)       (2,017)
          Prepaid expenses and other assets.........................................         (3)      (136)          (58)
          Accounts payable..........................................................      1,891       (361)       (1,127)
          Accrued expenses..........................................................      2,477     (1,041)        3,519
          Income taxes payable......................................................        525      4,295         1,374
                                                                                      ---------  ---------       -------
              Net cash provided by operating activities.............................      2,958      4,641         3,014
                                                                                      ---------  ---------       -------
Cash flows from investing activities
  Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired..................................    (18,200)   (23,597)      (85,808)
  Capital expenditures..............................................................     (5,821)    (3,842)       (1,745)
  Other, net........................................................................          5       (370)          175
                                                                                      ---------  ---------       -------
              Net cash used for investing activities................................    (24,016)   (27,809)      (87,378)
                                                                                      ---------  ---------       -------
Cash flows from financing activities
  Acquisition of Predecessor
    Proceeds from senior credit facility and bridge notes...........................     --         --            --
    Proceeds from sale of common stock..............................................     --         --            --
    Proceeds from stock options exercised...........................................     --         --            --
    Purchase of shares outstanding..................................................     --         --            --
    Repayment of existing senior credit facility....................................     --         --            --
    Transaction fees and expenses...................................................     --         --            --
  Common stock offerings and application of the net proceeds
    Net proceeds from sale of common stock..........................................     --         28,933        34,815
    Borrowings under credit facility................................................     --         12,312        --
    Repayment of debt...............................................................     --        (42,160)      (34,815)
  Financing of acquisitions
    Revolving line of credit borrowings.............................................      6,399     23,597        85,808
    Proceeds from issuance of cumulative convertible preferred stock and mandatorily
     redeemable common stock warrants, net..........................................      8,805     --            --
    Senior term loan borrowings.....................................................      5,000     --            --
    Convertible subordinated note borrowings from related parties...................      3,000     --            --
    Promissory note principal payments..............................................     --         (1,095)       --
  Net borrowings under revolving line of credit agreements..........................      1,191      2,906         5,453
  Principal payments on capitalized lease and other long-term obligations...........     (2,001)    (1,675)       (1,317)
  Other, net........................................................................     (1,343)       139           (73)
                                                                                      ---------  ---------       -------
              Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities..................     21,051     22,957        89,871
                                                                                      ---------  ---------       -------
Effect of foreign currency translation on cash......................................         22         97            26
                                                                                      ---------  ---------       -------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents................................         15       (114)        5,533
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period....................................        305        320           206
                                                                                      ---------  ---------       -------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period..........................................  $     320  $     206     $   5,739
                                                                                      ---------  ---------       -------
                                                                                      ---------  ---------       -------
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       FOUR MONTHS
                                                                                          ENDED
                                                                                       DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                           1998
                                                                                       (SUCCESSOR)
<S>                                                                                   <C>
                                                                                      --------------
Cash flows from operating activities
  Net income (loss).................................................................    $   (2,553)
  Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used for)
    operating activities
      Depreciation and amortization.................................................         4,983
      Extraordinary loss from debt refinancing......................................         2,229
      Deferred income taxes.........................................................        (5,072)
      Other, net....................................................................           (97)
      Changes in assets and liabilities
          Accounts receivable.......................................................        (2,929)
          Inventories...............................................................         4,313
          Prepaid expenses and other assets.........................................          (562)
          Accounts payable..........................................................        (1,754)
          Accrued expenses..........................................................         2,342
          Income taxes payable......................................................           108
                                                                                      --------------
              Net cash provided by operating activities.............................         1,008
                                                                                      --------------
Cash flows from investing activities
  Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired..................................        --
  Capital expenditures..............................................................        (1,813)
  Other, net........................................................................        --
                                                                                      --------------
              Net cash used for investing activities................................        (1,813)
                                                                                      --------------
Cash flows from financing activities
  Acquisition of Predecessor
    Proceeds from senior credit facility and bridge notes...........................       191,722
    Proceeds from sale of common stock..............................................        99,000
    Proceeds from stock options exercised...........................................         4,314
    Purchase of shares outstanding..................................................      (186,310)
    Repayment of existing senior credit facility....................................       (93,000)
    Transaction fees and expenses...................................................       (15,726)
  Common stock offerings and application of the net proceeds
    Net proceeds from sale of common stock..........................................        --
    Borrowings under credit facility................................................        --
    Repayment of debt...............................................................        --
  Financing of acquisitions
    Revolving line of credit borrowings.............................................        --
    Proceeds from issuance of cumulative convertible preferred stock and mandatorily
     redeemable common stock warrants, net..........................................        --
    Senior term loan borrowings.....................................................        --
    Convertible subordinated note borrowings from related parties...................        --
    Promissory note principal payments..............................................        --
  Net borrowings under revolving line of credit agreements..........................        (1,103)
  Principal payments on capitalized lease and other long-term obligations...........          (458)
  Other, net........................................................................           (36)
                                                                                      --------------
              Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities..................        (1,597)
                                                                                      --------------
Effect of foreign currency translation on cash......................................           181
                                                                                      --------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents................................        (2,221)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period....................................         5,739
                                                                                      --------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period..........................................    $    3,518
                                                                                      --------------
                                                                                      --------------
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
                DECRANE AIRCRAFT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
 
    DeCrane Aircraft Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company")
manufactures avionics components and provides avionics systems integration
services in certain niche markets of the commercial, regional and high-end
corporate jet aircraft industries.
 
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
    The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
and all wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant
intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Certain
reclassifications have been made to prior years' financial statements to conform
to the current year presentation.
 
    As a result of the DLJ Acquisition (Note 2) in August 1998, the Company has
presented its financial position, results of operations, changes in
stockholders' equity and cash flows on a predecessor/successor basis.
 
    Preparation of these consolidated financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires the Company to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities,
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated
financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during
the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
INVENTORIES
 
    Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, as determined under the
first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method, or market. Costs include materials, labor
and manufacturing overhead.
 
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
    Property and equipment are stated at the Company's allocated fair value for
assets acquired through purchase acquisitions and at cost for all new additions,
and are depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful
lives. Useful lives for machinery and equipment range from two to twenty years.
Building and building improvements are depreciated using the straight-line
method over their estimated useful lives of forty years. Leasehold improvements
are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives
or remaining lease term, whichever is less. Expenditures for maintenance and
repairs are expensed as incurred. The costs for improvements are capitalized.
Upon retirement or disposal, the cost and accumulated depreciation of property
and equipment are reduced and any gain or loss is recorded in income or expense.
 
OTHER ASSETS
 
    Goodwill is amortized on a straight-line basis over thirty years. Other
intangibles are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful
lives, ranging from five to fifteen years. Deferred financing costs are
amortized using either a straight-line or effective interest method, over the
term of the related debt.
 
ACCOUNTING FOR THE IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS
 
    The Company reviews long-lived assets and certain intangible assets for
impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount
of an asset may not be recoverable. In the event the
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
                DECRANE AIRCRAFT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the
asset is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss equal to
the excess of the asset's carrying value over its fair value is recorded. The
Company has recognized no such losses.
 
ACCRUED WARRANTIES
 
    Two of the Company's subsidiaries sell a majority of their products to
customers with various repair or replacement warranties. The terms of the
warranties vary according to the customer and/or the product involved. The most
common warranty period is the earlier of; (a) 12 to 60 months from the date of
delivery to the operator; or (b) 42 months from the date of manufacture.
 
    Provisions for estimated future warranty costs are made in the period
corresponding to the sale of the product and such costs have been within
management's expectations. Classification between short and long-term warranty
obligations is estimated based on historical trends.
 
DERIVATIVES
 
    Market value gains and losses on forward foreign exchange contracts are
recognized currently in the consolidated statements of operations.
 
INCOME TAXES
 
    Deferred income taxes are determined using the liability method. A deferred
tax asset or liability is determined based on the difference between the
financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities as measured by the
enacted tax rates which will be in effect when these differences reverse.
Deferred tax expense is the result of changes in the asset and/or liability for
deferred taxes. If necessary, valuation allowances are established to reduce
deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.
 
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
    All financial instruments are held for purposes other than trading. The
estimated fair values of all nonderivative financial instruments approximate
their carrying amounts at December 31, 1997 and 1998 either because of the short
maturity of the instrument, or based on their effective interest rates compared
to current market rates for similar long-term obligations. The estimated fair
value of the Company's long-term obligations is based on either quoted market
prices or current rates for similar issues for debt of the same remaining
maturities. The estimated fair value of foreign currency forward exchange
contracts is based on quotes obtained from various financial institutions that
deal in this type of instrument.
 
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION AND TRANSACTIONS
 
    The financial statements of the Company's U.K. and Swiss subsidiaries have
been translated into U.S. dollars from their functional currencies, pounds
sterling and Swiss francs, respectively, in the consolidated financial
statements. Assets and liabilities have been translated at the exchange rate on
the balance sheet date and income statement amounts have been translated at
average exchange rates in effect during the period. The net translation
adjustment is reflected as a component of accumulated comprehensive income or
loss within stockholders' equity.
 
    Realized foreign currency exchange gains (losses) included in other expenses
(income) in the consolidated statements of operations were $71,000, $(72,000),
$(411,000) and $(262,000) for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997, the
eight months ended August 31, 1998 and the four months ended December 31, 1998,
respectively.
 
                                      F-9
<PAGE>
                DECRANE AIRCRAFT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS
 
    Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Such costs were
$1,195,000 and $832,000 for the eight months ended August 31, 1998 and the four
months ended December 31, 1998, respectively. Research and development costs
were not significant for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997.
 
STOCK OPTION PLAN
 
    As permitted under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No.
123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," the Company measures
compensation expense related to the employee stock option plan utilizing the
intrinsic value method as prescribed by Accounting Principles Board Opinion No.
25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees." Refer to Note 14 for information
concerning the pro forma effect on results of operations assuming the fair value
method of measuring compensation expense was utilized.
 
REVENUE RECOGNITION
 
    Revenues from the sale of manufactured products, except for products
manufactured under long-term contracts, are recorded when products are shipped.
Revenues on long-term contracts are recognized using the
percentage-of-completion method based on costs incurred to date compared with
total estimated costs at completion. Reimbursements for nonrecurring engineering
costs, which are expensed as incurred, are included in revenues at the time a
negotiated settlement is reached with the customer. Unbilled accounts receivable
were $654,000 and $4,156,000 at December 31, 1997 and 1998, respectively.
Unbilled accounts receivable are expected to be billed and collected during the
succeeding twelve-month period.
 
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
    For purposes of the statements of cash flows, cash equivalents include
short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months
or less.
 
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
    In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS
No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income." Comprehensive income is defined as
the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions
and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. For the Company,
comprehensive income consists of its reported net income or loss and the change
in the foreign currency translation adjustment during a period. The Company
adopted SFAS 130 for the period ended December 31, 1998 and has reclassified
earlier periods to reflect application of the statement.
 
    In June 1997, the FASB also issued SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures About Segments
of an Enterprise and Related Information." This statement establishes standards
for reporting financial and descriptive information about operating segments.
Under SFAS No. 131, information pertaining to an entity's operating segments
must be reported on the basis that is used internally for evaluating segment
performance and making resource allocation determinations. The Company adopted
SFAS 131 for the period ended December 31, 1998 and has restated disclosure
information in earlier periods to reflect application of the statement (Note
17).
 
    In June 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities." SFAS No. 133 requires companies to record
derivatives on the balance sheet as assets or liabilities, measured at fair
value. It also requires that gains or losses resulting from changes in the
values of those derivatives be accounted for depending on the use of the
derivative and whether it qualifies for
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>
                DECRANE AIRCRAFT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
hedge accounting. Adoption of SFAS No. 133 is required for the fiscal year
beginning January 1, 2000. Management believes the adoption of SFAS No. 133 will
not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position or
results of operations.
 
NOTE 2 - THE DLJ ACQUISITION
 
    In July 1998, a newly incorporated entity, DeCrane Holdings Co., and two
other holding companies were organized by DLJ Merchant Banking Partners II, L.P.
and affiliated funds and entities to carry out a tender offer for all the shares
of the Company's common stock, including options to purchase shares which became
immediately vested, for $23.00 per share. At the completion of the tender offer
in August 1998, the two other holding companies merged with the Company. All of
the Company's old outstanding shares which were tendered were cancelled,
non-tendering shareholders were paid out, and as a result the Company became a
wholly-owned subsidiary of DeCrane Holdings. This transaction, referred to
herein as the DLJ Acquisition, resulted in a predecessor entity and a successor
entity for purposes of reporting the financial results included in the
accompanying financial statements.
 
    As a result of the tender offer, the Company terminated a debt offering
which was in process at that time and recorded a $0.6 million pre-tax charge for
the eight months ended August 31, 1998 for the estimated costs incurred. The
gross purchase price for the Company's shares and options was $186.3 million.
Assets acquired and liabilities assumed have been recorded at their estimated
fair values based on an independent appraisal and, accordingly, historical
values were increased as follows: (a) $4.4 million to inventory; (b) $2.6
million to fixed assets; and (c) $50.0 million to certain identifiable
intangible assets. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the
net assets acquired totalling $70.0 million was allocated to goodwill. The
increase in inventory value was expensed as the inventory was sold during the
four months ended December 31, 1998. The intangible assets, other than goodwill,
are being amortized on a straight-line basis over periods between five and
fifteen years. Goodwill is being amortized on a straight-line basis over a
period of thirty years.
 
    At the completion of the tender offer, the Company was required to repay all
of its borrowings under its previous credit facility (Note 10). In order to fund
the purchase of the shares in the tender offer, repay the credit facility and
pay expenses incurred in connection therewith, the Company: (a) issued $100.0
million of senior subordinated increasing rate notes (the Bridge Notes) which
were subsequently replaced by $100.0 million of 12% Senior Subordinated Notes
due 2008 (the Notes) from the Company's "Units" offering (Note 10); (b) entered
into a new syndicated senior secured loan facility; and (c) received a $99.0
million equity contribution from DeCrane Holdings. In conjunction with the debt
repayment and refinancing of the Bridge Notes, the Company incurred a $2.2
million extraordinary charge, net of income tax benefit of $1.5 million for the
four months ended December 31, 1998.
 
    The Bridge Notes were purchased by an affiliate of DLJ and accrued interest
at 10%. The terms of the issue called for floating rate increases to the prime
rates plus 2.5% after six months, and increases of 0.5% every three months
subject to a 17.0% maximum, as long as the Bridge Notes remained outstanding.
The Bridge Notes were to mature on August 28, 1999, but were refinanced in
October 1998 (Note 10).
 
    The equity contribution from DeCrane Holdings represents DeCrane Holdings'
net proceeds from the sale of all of the shares of its common stock for $65.0
million and shares of its senior redeemable exchangeable preferred stock due
2009 for $34.0 million, along with warrants to purchase 150,000 common shares,
to the DLJ funds. Preferred stock dividends are payable quarterly at a rate of
14% per annum. Prior to September 30, 2003, dividends are not paid in cash but
instead accrete in liquidation value which, in turn, increases the redemption
obligation. On or after September 30, 2003, preferred stock dividends are paid
in cash. Since the Company is DeCrane Holdings' only operating subsidiary and
source of cash, the
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>
                DECRANE AIRCRAFT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 2 - THE DLJ ACQUISITION (CONTINUED)
Company may be required to fund DeCrane Holdings' preferred stock dividend and
redemption requirements in the future.
 
    The Company incurred non-recurring charges totaling approximately $3.6
million (pre-tax) during the eight months ended August 31, 1998 in conjunction
with the DLJ Acquisition.
 
NOTE 3 - ACQUISITIONS
 
AVTECH
 
    On June 26, 1998, the Company purchased substantially all of the common
stock of Avtech Corporation. Avtech is a manufacturer of avionics components and
an avionics systems integrator for the commercial and high-end corporate jet
aircraft industries.
 
    The total purchase price was $84,693,000 in cash at closing, including
$1,250,000 of acquisition related costs. The acquisition was financed with
borrowings under the Company's credit facility. The acquisition was accounted
for as a purchase and the $57,911,000 difference between the purchase price and
the fair value of the net assets acquired was recorded as goodwill and is being
amortized on a straight-line basis over 30 years.
 
    The consolidated results of operations for the eight months ended August 31,
1998 and the four months ended December 31, 1998 include the operating results
of Avtech subsequent to June 25, 1998.
 
DETTMERS
 
    On June 30, 1998, the Company purchased certain assets, subject to certain
liabilities assumed, of Dettmers Industries Inc. Dettmers is a manufacturer of
seats for high-end corporate jet aircraft.
 
    The total purchase price was $2,314,000 in cash at closing, including
$205,000 of acquisition related costs, plus contingent consideration aggregating
a maximum of $2,000,000 payable over four years based on future attainment of
defined performance criteria during each of the years in the four-year period
ending December 31, 2002. The acquisition was financed with borrowings under the
Company's credit facility. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and
the $2,068,000 difference between the purchase price, excluding the contingent
consideration, and the fair value of the net assets acquired was recorded as
goodwill and is being amortized on a straight-line basis over 30 years. The
amount of contingent consideration paid in the future, if any, will increase
goodwill and will be amortized prospectively over the remaining period of the
initial 30-year term.
 
    The consolidated results of operations for the eight months ended August 31,
1998 and the four months ended December 31, 1998 include the operating results
of Dettmers subsequent to June 29, 1998.
 
AUDIO INTERNATIONAL
 
    On November 14, 1997, the Company purchased all of the outstanding stock of
Audio International, Inc. Audio International provides premium, customized
aircraft entertainment and cabin management products and systems for the
high-end corporate jet market.
 
    The total purchase price was $24,726,000 in cash at closing, including
$726,000 in acquisition related costs, plus contingent consideration aggregating
a maximum of $6,000,000 payable over two years based on future attainment of
defined performance criteria. During 1998, Audio International attained the
required
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>
                DECRANE AIRCRAFT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 3 - ACQUISITIONS (CONTINUED)
performance criteria and the Company increased the purchase price by $3,000,000,
resulting in a corresponding increase to goodwill. The acquisition was funded
with borrowings under the Company's revolving line of credit facility.
 
    The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and the $20,110,000
difference between the purchase price, excluding the contingent consideration,
and the fair value of the net assets acquired was recorded as goodwill and is
being amortized over 30 years. The amount of contingent consideration paid in
the future, if any, will increase goodwill and will be amortized prospectively
over the remaining period of the initial 30-year term.
 
    The consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 1997
include the operating results of Audio International subsequent to November 13,
1997.
 
MINORITY STOCKHOLDER'S 25% INTEREST
 
    On February 20, 1996, the Company purchased the remaining 25% of a
subsidiary's stock it did not already own from the subsidiary's minority
stockholder for a total purchase price of $5,748,000, including $334,000 of
acquisition related costs and expenses. The purchase price consisted of
$4,873,000 paid in cash at closing and a $600,000 non-interest bearing
obligation payable to the minority stockholder. The cash portion of the purchase
price was funded with the proceeds from the sale of preferred stock and
redeemable warrants.
 
    The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and the $5,498,000
difference between the purchase price and 25% of the fair value of the net
assets acquired was recorded as goodwill and is being amortized over 26 years,
representing the remaining useful life of the goodwill recorded upon the initial
75% acquisition in October 1991.
 
    The consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 1996
include 100% of the operating results of the subsidiary subsequent to February
20, 1996. For the periods prior to February 20, 1996, the consolidated results
of operations include a charge for the minority stockholder's 25% ownership
interest.
 
AEROSPACE DISPLAY SYSTEMS
 
    On September 18, 1996, the Company purchased for cash substantially all of
the assets, subject to certain liabilities assumed, of the Aerospace Display
Systems division of Allard Industries, Inc. The total purchase price was
$13,395,000, including $402,000 in acquisition related costs. ADS develops and
manufactures dichroic liquid crystal displays and modules for commercial and
military avionics systems.
 
    The acquisition was funded with the proceeds from the sale of preferred
stock, convertible subordinated notes and redeemable warrants, borrowings under
the Company's revolving line of credit and a $2,000,000 non-interest bearing
obligation payable to certain Allard stockholders.
 
    The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and the $7,425,000
difference between the purchase price and the fair value of the net assets
acquired was recorded as goodwill and is being amortized over 30 years.
 
    The consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 1996
include the operating results of ADS subsequent to September 18, 1996.
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>
                DECRANE AIRCRAFT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 3 - ACQUISITIONS (CONTINUED)
ELSINORE
 
    On December 5, 1996, the Company acquired Elsinore Aerospace Services, Inc.
and the Elsinore Engineering Services Division of Elsinore, L.P., collectively
referred to as Elsinore. Elsinore provides engineering services to the
commercial aircraft industry. The total purchase price was $2,443,000, including
$300,000 of acquisition related costs. The purchase price consisted of
$1,000,000 paid in cash at closing and a $1,250,000 15% promissory note payable
to the sellers.
 
    The purchase agreement provided for an adjustment of the purchase price
should the amount of working capital decline as of the closing date. The
purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed
using estimated fair values and $2,585,000 was assigned to goodwill, subject to
final determination of the purchase price. During 1997, the Company and the
sellers agreed to reduce the purchase price by $155,000 to reflect the decline
in working capital as of the closing date and, as a result, goodwill was
decreased by a corresponding amount during 1997.
 
PATS
 
    In January 1999, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of PATS,
Inc. for a purchase price of $41.5 million (including the assumption of debt)
subject to adjustments for changes to its net working capital, and reserves for
environmental and other indemnities made by the shareholders. PATS is a
Maryland-based designer, manufacturer and installer of aircraft and avionics
systems. Among other things, PATS is the principal supplier of auxiliary fuel
tank systems to the Boeing Business Jet program. The transaction will be
accounted for as a purchase and the difference between the purchase price and
the fair value of the net assets acquired will be recorded as goodwill and
amortized on a straight-line basis over thirty years.
 
NOTE 4 - PRO FORMA RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE DLJ AND OTHER ACQUISITIONS
 
    Unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations are presented in the
table below for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1998 and are pro forma for
the DLJ and other acquisitions, excluding the 1999 PATS acquisition, as if they
were consummated at the beginning of each year.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           PRO FORMA FOR THE
                                                                                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER
                                                                                                  31,
                                                                                         ----------------------
                                                                                            1997        1998
                                                                                         ----------  ----------
<S>                                                                                      <C>         <C>
Revenues...............................................................................  $  160,054  $  173,297
Loss before extraordinary item.........................................................     (10,000)     (3,548)
</TABLE>
 
    The above information reflects adjustments for inventory step-up,
depreciation, amortization, general and administrative expenses, and interest
expense based on the new cost basis and debt structure of the Company. In 1997
and 1998, income excludes the effect of a $2,078,000 and $2,229,000
extraordinary loss, respectively incurred in connection with the Company's debt
refinancings (Notes 2 and 14).
 
NOTE 5 - ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS
 
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
 
    Accounts receivable is net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $487,000
and $581,000 at December 31, 1997 and 1998, respectively.
 
    The Company is potentially subject to concentrations of credit risk as the
Company relies heavily on customers operating in the domestic and foreign
commercial and high-end corporate jet aircraft industries. Generally, the
Company does not require collateral or other security to support accounts
receivable subject to credit risk. Under certain circumstances, deposits or
cash-on-delivery terms are required. The Company maintains reserves for
potential credit losses and generally, such losses have been within management's
expectations.
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>
                DECRANE AIRCRAFT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 5 - ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS (CONTINUED)
 
SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS
 
    Two customers each accounted for more than 10% of the Company's consolidated
revenues, as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                      YEAR ENDED DECEMBER                   FOUR MONTHS
                                                              31,           EIGHT MONTHS       ENDED
                                                      --------------------  ENDED AUGUST   DECEMBER 31,
                                                                              31, 1998         1998
                                                        1996       1997     (PREDECESSOR)   (SUCCESSOR)
                                                         (PREDECESSOR)
<S>                                                   <C>        <C>        <C>            <C>
                                                      ---------  ---------  -------------  -------------
Customer A..........................................       15.8%      19.0%        17.3%          20.1%
Customer B..........................................        7.2%      11.2%         7.6%           5.6%
</TABLE>
 
    Complete loss of Customer A could have a significant adverse impact on the
results of operations expected in future periods. During the year ended December
31, 1997, Customer A acquired another customer of the Company. The above amounts
for Customer A include the Company's revenue from the acquired customer after
its acquisition. For the year ended December 31, 1997, revenue from Customer A
would have been 20.9% had the acquisition been consummated on January 1, 1997.
 
NOTE 6 - INVENTORIES
 
    Inventories are comprised of the following as of December 31, 1997 and 1998
(amounts in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         1997         1998
                                                                      (PREDECESSOR) (SUCCESSOR)
                                                                      -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                   <C>          <C>
Raw material........................................................   $  14,224    $  19,221
Work-in process.....................................................       4,655        7,231
Finished goods......................................................       7,097        7,829
                                                                      -----------  -----------
  Total inventories.................................................   $  25,976    $  34,281
                                                                      -----------  -----------
                                                                      -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
    Included above are costs relating to long-term contracts recognized on the
percentage of completion method of $125,000 and $897,000 at December 31, 1997
and 1998, respectively.
 
NOTE 7 - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
    Property and equipment includes the following as of December 31, 1997 and
1998 (amounts in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         1997         1998
                                                                      (PREDECESSOR) (SUCCESSOR)
                                                                      -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                   <C>          <C>
Machinery and equipment.............................................   $  18,151    $  12,576
Tooling.............................................................       3,133        2,162
Computer equipment, furniture and fixtures..........................       3,660        3,230
Land, buildings and leasehold improvements..........................       3,580       11,967
                                                                      -----------  -----------
  Total cost........................................................      28,524       29,935
  Accumulated depreciation and amortization.........................     (14,470)      (1,775)
                                                                      -----------  -----------
    Net property and equipment......................................   $  14,054    $  28,160
                                                                      -----------  -----------
                                                                      -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>
                DECRANE AIRCRAFT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 7 - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (CONTINUED)
    Property and equipment under capital leases included above consists of the
following as of December 31, 1997 and 1998 (amounts in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          1997           1998
                                                                      (PREDECESSOR)   (SUCCESSOR)
                                                                      -------------  -------------
<S>                                                                   <C>            <C>
Machinery and equipment.............................................    $   1,160      $     693
Computer equipment, furniture and fixtures..........................          455            243
                                                                           ------          -----
  Total cost........................................................        1,615            936
  Accumulated depreciation and amortization.........................         (523)          (204)
                                                                           ------          -----
    Net property and equipment......................................    $   1,092      $     732
                                                                           ------          -----
                                                                           ------          -----
</TABLE>
 
    Depreciation of machinery and equipment under capital leases is included in
cost of sales in the consolidated financial statements.
 
NOTE 8 - OTHER ASSETS
 
    Other assets includes the following as of December 31, 1997 and 1998 and is
net of accumulated amortization for the respective periods as parenthetically
noted (amounts in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         1997         1998
                                                                      (PREDECESSOR) (SUCCESSOR)
                                                                      -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                   <C>          <C>
Goodwill (net of $1,682 and $1,839).................................   $  38,592    $ 167,836
Deferred financing costs (net of $64 and $343)......................         399        8,787
Other intangibles (net of $194 and $1,317)..........................         596       48,708
Other non-amortizable assets........................................         380          999
                                                                      -----------  -----------
  Other assets, net.................................................   $  39,967    $ 226,330
                                                                      -----------  -----------
                                                                      -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 9 - ACCRUED EXPENSES
 
    Accrued expenses are comprised of the following as of December 31, 1997 and
1998 (amounts in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          1997          1998
                                                                      (PREDECESSOR)  (SUCCESSOR)
                                                                      -------------  -----------
<S>                                                                   <C>            <C>
Salaries, wages, compensated absences and payroll related taxes.....    $   3,410     $   6,147
Additional acquisition consideration................................       --             3,000
Accrued interest....................................................          152         2,946
Other accrued expenses..............................................        3,349         6,373
                                                                           ------    -----------
  Total accrued expenses............................................    $   6,911     $  18,466
                                                                           ------    -----------
                                                                           ------    -----------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 10 - BORROWINGS
 
    SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS--The Company's Swiss subsidiary has a short-term
revolving line of credit with a Swiss bank under which Swiss franc denominated
borrowings of $568,000 and $283,000 were outstanding at December 31, 1997 and
1998, respectively. Interest on the line accrues at the bank's prime rate (5.25%
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>
                DECRANE AIRCRAFT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 10 - BORROWINGS (CONTINUED)
and 4.875% at December 31, 1997 and 1998, respectively) plus 0.25%. The line of
credit is guaranteed by the Company.
 
    LONG-TERM BORROWINGS--Long-term obligations outstanding include the
following as of December 31, 1997 and 1998 (amounts in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         1997         1998
                                                                      (PREDECESSOR) (SUCCESSOR)
                                                                      -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                   <C>          <C>
Credit facilities
  Revolving lines of credit.........................................   $  36,000    $   5,800
  Term debt.........................................................      --           79,888
12% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008, with interest payable semi-
  annually commencing on March 30, 1999.............................      --          100,000
  Capital lease obligations and equipment term financing, with
    interest at
    4.34 % to 18.08%, secured by equipment..........................         547          367
Other...............................................................       1,723          427
                                                                      -----------  -----------
      Total long-term obligations...................................      38,270      186,482
      Less current portion..........................................        (858)      (1,529)
                                                                      -----------  -----------
        Long-term obligations, less current portion.................   $  37,412    $ 184,953
                                                                      -----------  -----------
                                                                      -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
PREDECESSOR CREDIT FACILITY
 
    Prior to August 31, 1998, the Company had a credit facility with a group of
banks for a $105 million senior revolving line of credit. Borrowings under the
credit facility were secured by the Company's assets.
 
    The Company, at its option, could elect to pay interest on the credit
facility borrowings based on either the prime rate or interbank offered rate
("IBOR") plus defined margins. The Company was required to pay a commitment fee,
up to a maximum 0.375%, on the unused portion of the credit facility. The
weighted-average interest rate on borrowings outstanding was 7.03% as of
December 31, 1997.
 
SUCCESSOR CREDIT FACILITY
 
    In connection with the DLJ Acquisition, the Company was required to repay
all of its borrowings under the predecessor credit facility and entered into a
new credit facility. The new credit facility provides for term loan borrowings
in the aggregate principal amount of $80.0 million and revolving loan borrowings
up to an aggregate principal amount of $50.0 million. Principal payments under
the term loan borrowings are due in increasing amounts over the next seven years
and all borrowings under the revolving loan facility must be repaid within six
years. Loans under the new credit facility generally bear interest based on a
margin over, at the Company's option, the prime rate or the Euro-Dollar rate.
Currently, the applicable margins are 1.50%-1.75% for prime rate borrowings and
2.75%-3.00% for Euro-Dollar borrowings. Borrowings under the new credit facility
are secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company. The Company is
subject to certain commitment fees under the facility as well as the maintenance
of certain financial ratios, cash flow results and other restrictive covenants.
 
    In January 1999, term loan borrowings were increased to $99.9 million to
fund the acquisition of PATS, Inc. (Note 3).
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>
                DECRANE AIRCRAFT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 10 - BORROWINGS (CONTINUED)
12% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES
 
    On October 5, 1998 (subsequent to the DLJ Acquisition and financing), the
Bridge Notes were repaid with the net proceeds from the Units offering. Each
Unit consists of $1,000 principal amount of the Notes and one warrant
(collectively, the "Warrants") to purchase shares of common stock of DeCrane
Holdings ("Holdings Common Stock"). The Notes will mature on September 30, 2008.
Interest on the Notes is payable semi-annually on March 30 and September 30 of
each year, commencing on March 30, 1999. The Notes are unsecured general
obligations of the Company and are subordinated in right of payment to all
existing and future senior indebtedness of the Company, including indebtedness
pursuant to the credit facility. Prior to the Notes maturing, the Company may
redeem all or some of the Notes at a redemption price which may include a
premium. In the event of a change in control, the holders may require the
Company to repurchase the Notes for a redemption price which may also include a
premium. Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof, subject to certain
conditions, to purchase 1.55 shares of Holdings Common Stock at an exercise
price of $23.00 per share. The Warrants, valued at $1,200,000, will be
exercisable at the time they are registered and, unless earlier exercised, will
expire on September 30, 2008.
 
AGGREGATE MATURITIES
 
    The aggregate maturities of long-term obligations are as follows as of
December 31, 1998 (amounts in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31,
<S>                                                                                                     <C>
  1999................................................................................................       1,529
  2000................................................................................................       2,722
  2001................................................................................................       4,866
  2002................................................................................................       7,905
  2003................................................................................................      10,522
  Thereafter..........................................................................................     158,938
                                                                                                        ----------
      Total long-term obligations.....................................................................  $  186,482
                                                                                                        ----------
                                                                                                        ----------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 11 - INCOME TAXES
 
    Income (loss) before income taxes and extraordinary item was taxed under the
following jurisdictions (amounts in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER   EIGHT MONTHS     FOUR MONTHS
                                                          31,               ENDED           ENDED
                                                  --------------------   AUGUST 31,     DECEMBER 31,
                                                                            1998            1998
                                                    1996       1997     (PREDECESSOR)    (SUCCESSOR)
                                                     (PREDECESSOR)
<S>                                               <C>        <C>        <C>            <C>
                                                  ---------  ---------  -------------  ---------------
Domestic........................................  $    (855) $   7,509    $   5,637       $  (3,345)
Foreign.........................................        750      1,089          444             353
                                                  ---------  ---------       ------         -------
  Total.........................................  $    (105) $   8,598    $   6,081       $  (2,992)
                                                  ---------  ---------       ------         -------
                                                  ---------  ---------       ------         -------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>
                DECRANE AIRCRAFT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 11 - INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
    The provisions for income taxes (benefit) are as follows (amounts in
thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER   EIGHT MONTHS     FOUR MONTHS
                                                          31,               ENDED           ENDED
                                                  --------------------   AUGUST 31,     DECEMBER 31,
                                                                            1998            1998
                                                    1996       1997     (PREDECESSOR)    (SUCCESSOR)
                                                     (PREDECESSOR)
<S>                                               <C>        <C>        <C>            <C>
                                                  ---------  ---------  -------------  ---------------
Current
  U.S. federal..................................  $     269  $   3,231    $   3,835       $   1,560
  State and local...............................        194        968        1,275             699
  Foreign.......................................        161        426          121             145
                                                  ---------  ---------  -------------       -------
    Total current...............................        624      4,625        5,231           2,404
                                                  ---------  ---------  -------------       -------
Deferred
  U.S. federal..................................         70     (1,021)      (1,932)         (4,150)
  State and local...............................         21       (279)        (435)           (816)
  Foreign.......................................         (3)        19           28            (106)
                                                  ---------  ---------  -------------       -------
    Total deferred..............................         88     (1,281)      (2,339)         (5,072)
                                                  ---------  ---------  -------------       -------
    Total provision.............................  $     712  $   3,344    $   2,892       $  (2,668)
                                                  ---------  ---------  -------------       -------
                                                  ---------  ---------  -------------       -------
</TABLE>
 
    The provision for income taxes differs from the amount of income tax
determined by applying the applicable U.S. statutory federal rate to the income
(loss) before income taxes and extraordinary item as a result of the following
differences (amounts in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER
                                                          31,           EIGHT MONTHS     FOUR MONTHS
                                                  --------------------  ENDED AUGUST   ENDED DECEMBER
                                                                          31, 1998        31, 1998
                                                    1996       1997     (PREDECESSOR)    (SUCCESSOR)
                                                     (PREDECESSOR)
<S>                                               <C>        <C>        <C>            <C>
                                                  ---------  ---------  -------------  ---------------
Income tax (benefit) at U.S. statutory rates....  $     (36) $   2,923    $   2,068       $  (1,017)
Increase (decrease) resulting from
  Book benefit not provided for net operating
    loss carryforwards..........................        172     --           --              --
  Amortization of assets and other expenses not
    deductible for income tax purposes..........        137        441          594             782
  Decrease in deferred tax asset valuation
    allowance...................................     --           (488)      --              (2,575)
  State income taxes, net of federal benefit....        157        482          550             (25)
  Tax on earnings of subsidiary not consolidated
    for tax purposes............................         92     --           --              --
  Lower tax rates on earnings of foreign
    subsidiaries................................        (65)      (116)         (50)            (36)
  Other, net....................................        255        102         (270)            203
                                                  ---------  ---------       ------         -------
    Income tax (benefit) at effective rates.....  $     712  $   3,344    $   2,892       $  (2,668)
                                                  ---------  ---------       ------         -------
                                                  ---------  ---------       ------         -------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-19
<PAGE>
                DECRANE AIRCRAFT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 11 - INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
    Deferred tax liabilities (assets) are comprised of the following as of
December 31, 1997 and 1998 (amounts in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          1997         1998
                                                                       (PREDECESSOR) (SUCCESSOR)
                                                                       -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                    <C>          <C>
Gross deferred tax liabilities
  Intangible assets..................................................   $     308    $  18,320
  Tax effect on earnings of subsidiary not consolidated for tax
    purposes.........................................................       2,688       --
  Property and equipment.............................................         688        4,531
  Other..............................................................         409          416
                                                                       -----------  -----------
    Gross deferred tax liabilities...................................       4,093       23,267
                                                                       -----------  -----------
Gross deferred tax (assets)
  Inventory..........................................................      (2,811)      (2,396)
  Loss carryforwards.................................................        (865)      (6,183)
  Accrued expenses...................................................        (697)      (1,657)
  Other..............................................................        (537)        (341)
                                                                       -----------  -----------
    Gross deferred tax (assets)......................................      (4,910)     (10,577)
                                                                       -----------  -----------
Deferred tax assets valuation allowance..............................       2,575       --
                                                                       -----------  -----------
  Net deferred tax liability.........................................   $   1,758    $  12,690
                                                                       -----------  -----------
                                                                       -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
    The balance sheet classification of the net deferred tax liabilities as of
December 31, 1997 and 1998 are as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           1997          1998
                                                                       (PREDECESSOR)  (SUCCESSOR)
                                                                       -------------  -----------
Noncurrent deferred tax liability....................................    $   1,758     $  16,990
<S>                                                                    <C>            <C>
Current deferred tax asset...........................................       --            (4,300)
                                                                            ------    -----------
  Net deferred tax liability.........................................    $   1,758     $  12,690
                                                                            ------    -----------
                                                                            ------    -----------
</TABLE>
 
    Prior to 1997, the Company incurred losses and accordingly provided a
valuation allowance for its domestic deferred net tax assets. The deferred tax
asset valuation allowance was reduced in 1997 by $488,000 to reflect the amount
of federal and state tax loss carryforwards utilized to reduce 1997 current
income taxes.
 
    During the eight months ended August 31, 1998 and the four months ended
December 31, 1998, the Company incurred net operating losses for tax purposes of
approximated $1,528,000 and $486,000, respectively. The losses were caused by an
$8,880,000 tax deduction for stock options exercised, $3,632,000 of nonrecurring
charges and a $3,724,000 pre-tax extraordinary charge. The net operating loss
tax benefits for both periods were carried back to 1997 for federal income tax
purposes and carried forward for state income tax purposes. The 1998 net
operating losses resulted in $2,545,000 of taxes being refundable as of December
31, 1998 and are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets. Even
though the Company incurred tax losses during 1998, management believes that it
is more likely than not that the Company will generate taxable income sufficient
to realize the tax benefit associated with the future deductible deferred tax
assets and loss carryforwards prior to their expiration. As a result, the
Company reduced the valuation allowance by $2,575,000 during the four months
ended December 31, 1998.
 
                                      F-20
<PAGE>
                DECRANE AIRCRAFT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 11 - INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
 
    The Company has approximately $17,400,000 and $600,000 of total loss
carryforwards, which include net operating losses acquired in the Avtech
aquisition, available for federal and state income tax purposes, respectively.
In conjunction with the Avtech acquisition, the Company acquired federal loss
carryforwards of $13,700,000 that are subject to separate return limitation
rules, as defined in the Internal Revenue Code, and expire in 2018. The
remaining federal and state carryforwards expire in varying amounts through 2010
and 2018, respectively. The amount of federal loss carryforwards that may be
utilized in the future are subject to limitations because of the occurrence of
changes in control, as defined in the Internal Revenue Code.
 
    Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries are not material to the
consolidated financial statements. As such, foreign taxes that may be due, net
of U.S. foreign tax credits, have not been provided.
 
NOTE 12 - DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
    The Company does not use derivative financial instruments for trading
purposes but only to manage well-defined foreign exchange rate risks.
 
    The Company enters into Swiss franc ("CHF") forward exchange contracts to
purchase Swiss francs as a general economic hedge against foreign inventory
procurement and manufacturing costs. Market value gains and losses on forward
foreign exchange contracts are recognized in the consolidated statements of
operations and aggregated a realized net gain (loss) of ($316,000), ($487,000),
$323,000 and $146,000 for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997, the eight
months ended August 31, 1998 and the four months ended December 31, 1998,
respectively.
 
    At December 31, 1998, the Company had no open forward exchange contracts.
 
    The Company believes exposure to derivative credit losses is minimal in the
event of nonperformance by the senior lender because any amounts due, but not
paid, to the Company by the senior lender could be offset against the Company's
principal and interest payments to the lender.
 
NOTE 13 - SUCCESSOR CAPITAL STRUCTURE
 
    In connection with the DLJ Acquisition, all of the Company's old outstanding
shares which were tendered were cancelled and non-tendering shareholders were
paid out. The Company was authorized to issue 100 new common shares ($.01 par
value) all of which are issued and outstanding at December 31, 1998.
 
NOTE 14 - PREDECESSOR CAPITAL STRUCTURE AND TRANSACTIONS
 
REORGANIZATION AND REVERSE STOCK SPLIT
 
    On February 19, 1997, the Company reorganized as a Delaware corporation. In
conjunction with the reorganization, the Company established a $.01 par value
for its cumulative convertible preferred stock and common stock and increased
the number of common shares and preferred shares authorized to 9,924,950 and
18,314,018 shares (which includes 10,000,000 shares of a newly designated series
of preferred stock), respectively.
 
                                      F-21
<PAGE>
                DECRANE AIRCRAFT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 14 - PREDECESSOR CAPITAL STRUCTURE AND TRANSACTIONS (CONTINUED)
    Effective March 25, 1997, the Company effected a 3.53-for-1 reverse stock
split. All common share information set forth in the consolidated financial
statements and notes thereto has been restated to reflect the reverse stock
split.
 
RECAPITALIZATION AND CONSUMMATION OF INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING
 
    In January and March 1997, the holders of certain securities agreed to a
plan for the recapitalization of the Company. Completion of the recapitalization
was a condition to the consummation of the Company's initial public offering
(the "IPO") and, was effective concurrent therewith. The IPO was consummated on
April 16, 1997.
 
    The recapitalization provided for: (i) the conversion of all 6,847,705
shares of issued and outstanding cumulative convertible preferred stock into
1,941,804 shares of common stock; (ii) the cashless exercise and conversion of
all 52,784 and 9,355 issued and outstanding preferred stock warrants and common
stock warrants, respectively, into a total of 16,585 shares of common stock;
(iii) the cashless exercise of 508,497 mandatorily redeemable common stock
warrants (the "Redeemable Warrants") into a total of 507,708 shares of common
stock; and (iv) the cancellation of 95,368 Redeemable Warrants.
 
    Redeemable Warrants exercisable into 208,968 common shares remained after
the recapitalization. Of this amount, 138,075 Redeemable Warrants were cancelled
upon the consummation of the IPO and repayment of the Company's senior
subordinated debt and convertible notes in accordance with the terms of the
respective warrant agreements. Redeemable Warrants exercisable into 70,893
common shares remained after the recapitalization and the IPO and application of
the net proceeds therefrom. Concurrent with the consummation of the IPO, the
mandatory redemption feature of these warrants was terminated and, as a result,
the value ascribed thereto was reclassified to stockholders' equity as
additional paid-in capital.
 
    On April 16, 1997, the Company completed the IPO and sold 2,700,000 shares
of common stock for $12.00 per share. Proceeds from the IPO of $30,132,000, net
of $2,268,000 for underwriting discounts and commissions, together with
approximately $12,775,000 of proceeds from borrowings under a new credit
facility were used to repay amounts due under the Company's senior revolving
line of credit, senior term notes, senior subordinated notes and convertible
notes.
 
FOLLOW-ON EQUITY OFFERING
 
    In April 1998, the Company sold 2,206,177 shares of common stock for $17.00
per share. Net proceeds from the offering of $34,815,000 were used to partially
repay borrowings outstanding under the Company's senior credit facility.
 
DEBT REPAID WITH IPO PROCEEDS
 
    In April 1997, the Company used the net proceeds from the IPO, together with
approximately $12,775,000 of proceeds from borrowings under a credit facility,
to repay the following: (i) senior revolving line of credit borrowings of
$15,356,000; (ii) senior term notes aggregating $16,531,000; (iii) senior
subordinated notes payable to related parties aggregating $7,000,000; and (iv)
convertible notes payable to related parties aggregating $3,000,000. In
conjunction with the debt repayment, the Company incurred a $3,436,000
extraordinary charge, before an income tax benefit of $1,358,000, which is
comprised of: (i) a
 
                                      F-22
<PAGE>
                DECRANE AIRCRAFT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 14 - PREDECESSOR CAPITAL STRUCTURE AND TRANSACTIONS (CONTINUED)
$1,943,000 write-off of deferred financing costs; (ii) a $1,149,000 write-off of
unamortized original issued discounts; and (iii) a $344,000 charge for a
prepayment penalty and other related expenses.
 
MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE COMMON STOCK WARRANTS
 
    The table below summarizes Redeemable Warrant transactions during the years
ended December 31, 1996, and 1997 (amounts in thousands, except share data).
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              REDEEMABLE WARRANTS
                                                                                             ----------------------
                                                                                                         NUMBER OF
                                                                                                          COMMON
                                                                                              AMOUNT      SHARES
                                                                                             ---------  -----------
<S>                                                                                          <C>        <C>
Balance, December 31, 1995.................................................................  $   1,633     446,296
Issued in conjunction with sale of Preferred Stock to finance Minority Interest
  acquisition..............................................................................        492     194,618
Issued in conjunction with sale of Convertible Notes and Preferred Stock to finance ADS
  acquisition..............................................................................        248      98,158
Issued pursuant to anti-dilution provisions upon the sale of Preferred Stock...............          7       2,868
Issued in conjunction with debt agreement amendment........................................        179      70,893
Adjustment to estimated redemption value...................................................      4,320      --
                                                                                             ---------  -----------
Balance, December 31, 1996.................................................................      6,879     812,833
Adjustment to redemption value to reflect the IPO per share price..........................      2,203      --
Cashless exercise and conversion pursuant to the Recapitalization..........................     (6,103)   (508,497)
Cancelled pursuant to the Recapitalization.................................................     (1,143)    (95,368)
Cancelled upon debt repayment with IPO proceeds............................................     (1,657)   (138,075)
Reclassification of warrants no longer mandatorily redeemable to additional paid-in
  capital..................................................................................       (179)    (70,893)
                                                                                             ---------  -----------
Balance, December 31, 1997.................................................................  $  --          --
                                                                                             ---------  -----------
                                                                                             ---------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
    Prior to the IPO, the warrant holders had the right, after various dates and
contingent upon certain events, to require the Company to redeem the warrants
and, in certain instances, to purchase the common stock issued upon exercise of
the warrants. In all instances, the redemption or purchase price, was equal to
the greater of either fair market value, book value, or a value based upon a
defined formula which included, in part, an earnings multiple. The Redeemable
Warrants' value was subsequently adjusted to reflect estimated redemption value.
Concurrent with the consummation of the recapitalization and IPO, the Company
increased the redemption value by $2,203,000 to reflect the $12.00 per share IPO
price. The adjustments to redemption value were charged (credited) to
accumulated deficit.
 
CUMULATIVE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
 
    On February 19, 1997, the Company reorganized as a Delaware corporation. In
conjunction with the reorganization, the Company established a $.01 par value
for its preferred stock and increased the number of preferred shares authorized
to 18,314,018 shares, which includes 10,000,000 shares of a newly designated
series of preferred stock. As part of the recapitalization, which occurred
concurrent with the IPO, all issued and outstanding shares of preferred stock
were converted into .28357 of a share of common stock. The recapitalization also
provided for the cashless exercise and conversion of all preferred stock
warrants
 
                                      F-23
<PAGE>
                DECRANE AIRCRAFT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 14 - PREDECESSOR CAPITAL STRUCTURE AND TRANSACTIONS (CONTINUED)
into 10,206 common shares. There were no shares of preferred stock or warrants
to purchase preferred stock outstanding as of December 31, 1997.
 
    On February 9, 1996, certain members of Company management purchased for
$112,000 an aggregate of 75,000 preferred shares. On February 20, 1996, the
Company sold 2,000,000 preferred shares at $3.25 per share and issued Redeemable
Warrants to purchase 194,618 common shares to a related party (Note 19).
Proceeds from the sale aggregating $492,000 were ascribed to the Redeemable
Warrants to reflect their estimated fair market value on the issuance date. The
proceeds from the sale, net of issuance costs of $558,000, were used to fund the
Minority Interest Acquisition.
 
    On September 18, 1996, the Company sold 750,000 preferred shares at $4.00
per share and issued Redeemable Warrants to purchase 49,079 common shares to
related parties (Note 19). Proceeds from the sale aggregating $124,000 were
ascribed to the Redeemable Warrants to reflect their estimated fair market value
on the issuance date. The proceeds from the sale, net of issuance costs of
$137,000, were used to fund the ADS acquisition.
 
COMMON STOCK
 
    On February 19, 1997, in conjunction with reorganizing as a Delaware
corporation, the Company established a $.01 par value for its common stock and
increased to 9,924,950 the number of common shares authorized. As of December
31, 1997, a total of 527,156 common shares were reserved for issuance upon
exercise of stock options outstanding under the Company's stock option plan.
 
    As part of the recapitalization, the holders of the non-redeemable warrants
agreed to the cashless exercise and conversion of all warrants outstanding into
6,379 common shares. Redeemable Warrants to purchase 70,893 common shares at an
exercise price of $14.11 per share remained after the recapitalization.
Concurrent with the consummation of the IPO, the mandatory redemption feature of
these warrants was terminated and, consequently, became non-redeemable warrants.
In December 1997, the holders of these warrants elected to exercise all of the
warrants on a cashless basis and convert the warrants into 16,130 common shares.
No non-redeemable warrants were outstanding as of December 31, 1997.
 
    During 1998 in connection with the DLJ Acquisition all stock options became
100% vested and were either exercised or cancelled as of August 31, 1998. The
following table summarizes the status of the
 
                                      F-24
<PAGE>
                DECRANE AIRCRAFT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 14 - PREDECESSOR CAPITAL STRUCTURE AND TRANSACTIONS (CONTINUED)
Company's stock option plan at December 31, 1996, 1997, and 1998 and the
activity for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997, and the eight months
ended August 31, 1998:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        1996                    1997                    1998
                                               ----------------------  ----------------------  -----------------------
                                                           WEIGHTED-               WEIGHTED-                WEIGHTED-
                                                            AVERAGE                 AVERAGE                  AVERAGE
                                                           EXERCISE                EXERCISE                 EXERCISE
                                                SHARES       PRICE      SHARES       PRICE       SHARES       PRICE
                                               ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ----------  -----------
<S>                                            <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>
Options outstanding at beginning of
 year........................................    208,423   $   0.529     355,001   $   1.724      501,260   $   6.089
Granted......................................    147,031       3.413     163,662      15.574       75,000       16.85
Exercised....................................     --          --          --          --         (575,692)      7.496
Cancelled....................................       (453)      0.529     (17,403)      6.228         (568)      1.234
                                               ---------               ---------               ----------
Options outstanding at end of year...........    355,001       1.724     501,260       6.089       --          --
                                               ---------               ---------               ----------  -----------
                                               ---------               ---------               ----------  -----------
Options exercisable at end of year...........    141,845       0.633     200,444       0.921       --          --
                                               ---------               ---------               ----------  -----------
                                               ---------               ---------               ----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
    The Company believes the per share exercise price of options granted through
February 1996 and subsequent to January 1997 (through August 31, 1998)
approximated the fair market value of the underlying common stock on the grant
date. The exercise price of certain options granted from February 1996 to
January 1997 were deemed to be below the fair market value of the underlying
common stock on the grant date and such difference is being recognized as
additional compensation expense in the consolidated financial statements on a
straight line basis over the vesting period of the underlying options.
Compensation expense recognized was $158,000, $240,000 and $332,000 for the
years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997 and the eight months ended August 31,
1998, respectively.
 
    The Company measures compensation expense related to its employee stock
option plan using the intrinsic value method as prescribed by APB Opinion No.
25. Had compensation cost for the Company's stock option plan been determined
based on the fair value of the options at the grant dates consistent with the
method of SFAS 123, the Company's net income (loss) would have been as follows
(amounts in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,   EIGHT MONTHS
                                                                            ------------------------  ENDED AUGUST
                                                                                  1996    1997          31, 1998
                                                                                 (PREDECESSOR)        (PREDECESSOR)
                                                                            ------------------------  -------------
<S>                                                                         <C>        <C>            <C>
Net income (loss)
  As reported.............................................................  $    (817)   $   3,176      $   3,189
  Pro forma...............................................................       (822)       3,129          2,699
Weighted-average fair value of options granted
  Compensatory stock options..............................................       5.91         5.70           5.70
  Non-compensatory stock options..........................................       0.10         5.08           5.08
</TABLE>
 
    For purposes of the pro forma presentation, the fair value for options
granted subsequent to the IPO (April 16, 1997) was estimated on the dates of
grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following
weighted-average assumptions: risk-free interest rate of 5.8%; expected dividend
yield of 0%;
 
                                      F-25
<PAGE>
                DECRANE AIRCRAFT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 14 - PREDECESSOR CAPITAL STRUCTURE AND TRANSACTIONS (CONTINUED)
expected life of 2.5 years; and expected stock price volatility of 39.9%. The
fair value for options granted prior to the IPO was estimated on the dates of
grant using a minimum value method, assuming a risk-free interest rate of 5.5%
to 5.7% with no projected dividend yields. Unlike other permitted option pricing
models, the minimum value method excludes stock price volatility, which could
not be reasonably estimated for the Company prior to the IPO.
 
    The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating
the fair value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully
transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly
subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility. Because
the Company's employee stock options have characteristics significantly
different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective
input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management's
opinion, the existing models, as well as the minimum value method, do not
necessarily provide a reliable single measure of its employee stock options.
 
    For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of options
granted in fiscal years after December 31, 1994 is amortized to expense over the
options' vesting period. The effects of applying SFAS 123 in providing the pro
forma disclosures are not likely to be representative of the effects on the
reported consolidated financial statements in future years.
 
NOTE 15 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
LITIGATION
 
    Certain subsidiaries of the Company have recently been served in an action
filed in federal court by American International Airways, Inc., relating to the
conversion and modification of two Boeing 747 aircraft from passenger to
freighter configuration. No specific amount of damages is sought. The events in
question occurred prior to the Company's purchase of the relevant businesses
from its prior owner; the Company intends to deny any liability, and further
believes that it is indemnified with respect to any such liabilities. The
Company and two of its subsidiaries have confirmed that they are indemnified for
any liability in the action filed by American International Airways; and for the
further cost of defense of the action. A third subsidiary was named as a
defendant but has been dismissed from the case without prejudice.
 
    On July 21, 1998, TAAM Associates, Inc. commenced an action in Delaware
Chancery Court on behalf of a purported class of stockholders of the Company
against the Company, its directors, Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, Inc. and
certain of its affiliates ("DLJ"), alleging, among other things, that the
directors had breached their fiduciary duties by entering into the merger
agreement related to the DLJ Acquisition without engaging in an auction or
"active market check" and, therefore, agreed to terms that were unfair and
inadequate from the standpoint of the Company's stockholders. On July 24, 1998,
the plaintiffs amended the complaint by repeating the allegations in the initial
complaint and adding allegations that: (i) the Company's
Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 (the "14D-9") contained
material misstatements or omissions; (ii) the termination fees were
unreasonable; and (iii) the directors who approved the DLJ Acquisition had
conflicts of interest. The complaint sought a preliminary and permanent
injunction barring defendants from proceeding with the transaction or, if the
transaction is consummated, an order rescinding it or awarding damages, together
with interest, and an award of attorneys' fees and litigation expenses. Without
admitting any wrongdoing in the action, in order to avoid the burden and expense
of further litigation, the Company, DLJ, and the individual defendants reached
an agreement in principle with the plaintiffs which contemplates settlement of
the action. The Company, DLJ
 
                                      F-26
<PAGE>
                DECRANE AIRCRAFT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 15 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
and the individual defendants and the plaintiffs entered into a memorandum of
understanding (the "Memorandum of Understanding"), pursuant to which the parties
would, subject to certain facts being confirmed through discovery which has not
been completed, enter into a settlement agreement which would be subject to
approval by the Court of Chancery. The Memorandum of Understanding required the
Company to provide additional disclosures in an amendment to the 14D-9 which has
occurred, and for a complete release and settlement of all claims, whether
asserted directly, derivatively or otherwise, against defendants, or any of
their affiliates, directors, officers, employees or agents arising out of the
facts set forth in the complaint. The Memorandum of Understanding contemplates
that, in connection with the benefit conferred, plaintiffs' counsel will apply
to the Court of Chancery for an award of attorney's fees and litigation expenses
in an amount not exceeding $375,000, which application, the defendants have
agreed not to oppose.
 
    On August 5, 1998, the Company and its chief executive officer were served
in an action filed in state court in California by the Company's chief financial
officer and secretary claiming that he is due additional compensation in the
form of stock options, and claiming fraud, negligent misrepresentation and
breach of contract in connection therewith. On September 22, 1998, the plaintiff
amended the compliant by repeating the allegations in the initial compliant and
adding allegations of fraudulent misrepresentation in violation of certain
provisions of the California Labor Code (for which doubled damages are sought),
promissory estoppel, and wrongful discharge as a violation of public policy (as
a result of allegations made by the plaintiff of improprieties in connection
with the fairness opinion with respect to the DLJ Acquisition). The action seeks
not less than $1.5 million plus punitive damages and costs. Discovery has not
been completed. The Company intends to vigorously defend against such claim. The
plaintiff's employment with the Company was terminated.
 
    The Canadian Transportation Safety Board has notified the Company that as
part of its investigation of the crash of Swissair Flight 111 on September 2,
1998, burned wire was found which was attached to the in-flight entertainment
system installed on certain Swissair aircraft by a subsidiary of the Company.
The Canadian Transportation Safety Board has advised the Company that it does
not have evidence that the system the Company installed malfunctioned or failed
during the flight. The Company has been requested by attorneys for families of
persons who died aboard the flight to put its insurance carrier on notice of a
potential claim by such families.
 
    The Company and its subsidiaries are also involved in other routine legal
and administrative proceedings incident to the normal conduct of business.
Management believes the ultimate disposition of these matters, as well as the
matters discussed in the preceding paragraphs, will not have a material adverse
effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations
or cash flows.
 
LEASE COMMITMENTS
 
    The Company leases certain facilities and equipment under various capital
and operating leases. Certain leases require payment of property taxes and
include escalation clauses. Future minimum capital
 
                                      F-27
<PAGE>
                DECRANE AIRCRAFT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 15 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
and operating lease commitments under non-cancelable leases are as follows as of
December 31, 1998 (amounts in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                 CAPITAL     OPERATING
                                                                                                 LEASES       LEASES
                                                                                               -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                                            <C>          <C>
Year ending December 31,
  1999.......................................................................................   $     230    $   3,181
  2000.......................................................................................          99        2,758
  2001.......................................................................................          41        2,246
  2002.......................................................................................          17        2,195
  2003.......................................................................................           9        1,941
  2004 and thereafter........................................................................      --            4,811
                                                                                                    -----   -----------
  Total minimum payments required............................................................         396    $  17,132
                                                                                                            -----------
                                                                                                            -----------
  Less amount representing future interest cost..............................................         (29)
                                                                                                    -----
    Recorded obligation under capital leases.................................................   $     367
                                                                                                    -----
                                                                                                    -----
</TABLE>
 
    Total rental expense charged to operations for the years ended December 31,
1996 and 1997, the eight months ended August 31, 1998 and the four months ended
December 31, 1998 was $1,614,000, $2,065,000, $2,303,000 and $1,095,000
respectively.
 
                                      F-28
<PAGE>
                DECRANE AIRCRAFT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 16 - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS INFORMATION
 
    The Company paid the following amounts in cash (amounts in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           FOUR MONTHS
                                                YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,     EIGHT MONTHS      ENDED
                                              ----------------------------  ENDED AUGUST    DECEMBER
                                                     1996      1997           31, 1998      31, 1998
                                                     (PREDECESSOR)          (PREDECESSOR)  (SUCCESSOR)
                                              ----------------------------  -------------  -----------
Interest....................................    $   2,983      $   2,842      $   2,227     $   3,706
<S>                                           <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Income taxes................................          132            300          4,825         1,328
</TABLE>
 
INFORMATION ON NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
    Certain noncash investing and financing transactions occurred as follows
(amounts in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             EIGHT
                                                    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER     MONTHS     FOUR MONTHS
                                                            31,              ENDED        ENDED
                                                    --------------------  AUGUST 31,    DECEMBER
                                                        1996    1997         1998       31, 1998
                                                       (PREDECESSOR)      (PREDECESSOR) (SUCCESSOR)
                                                    --------------------  -----------  -----------
Refinancing of Bridge Notes with proceeds from
 Units offering...................................  $  --      $  --       $  --        $ 100,000
<S>                                                 <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>
Additional acquisition consideration..............     --         --          --            3,000
Debt incurred for the acquisition of machinery and
 equipment........................................        414        182         116           48
Financing provided by sellers in connection with
 acquisitions.....................................      3,492     --          --           --
Detail of acquisitions:
  Fair value of assets acquired, net of cash
    acquired......................................  $  20,887  $  26,178   $  90,377       --
  Liabilities assumed.............................     (2,687)    (2,581)     (4,569)      --
                                                    ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
      Cash paid for acquisition, net of cash
        acquired..................................  $  18,200  $  23,597   $  85,808       --
                                                    ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
                                                    ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-29
<PAGE>
                DECRANE AIRCRAFT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 17 - FOREIGN OPERATIONS AND EXPORT REVENUES
 
FOREIGN OPERATIONS
 
    The Company operates in one business segment - avionics components
manufacturing and integration services. Domestic and foreign operations consist
of the following (amounts in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            EIGHT
                                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER     MONTHS     FOUR MONTHS
                                                           31,              ENDED        ENDED
                                                   --------------------  AUGUST 31,    DECEMBER
                                                     1996       1997        1998       31, 1998
                                                   ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
                                                                         (PREDECESSOR) (SUCCESSOR)
                                                      (PREDECESSOR)
<S>                                                <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>
Revenues
  Gross revenues
    United States................................  $  64,383  $ 109,490   $  89,619    $  60,785
    Western Europe...............................     10,882     12,240       7,940        4,510
                                                   ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
      Total gross revenues.......................     75,265    121,730      97,559       65,295
                                                   ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
  Less interarea transfers
    United States................................     (1,496)    (2,448)     (1,744)      (1,350)
    Western Europe...............................     (8,670)   (10,379)     (5,738)      (3,589)
                                                   ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
      Total interarea transfers..................    (10,166)   (12,827)     (7,482)      (4,939)
                                                   ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
  Net revenues
    United States................................     62,887    107,042      87,875       59,435
    Western Europe...............................      2,212      1,861       2,202          921
                                                   ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
      Total net revenues.........................  $  65,099  $ 108,903   $  90,077    $  60,356
                                                   ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
                                                   ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
Consolidated long-lived assets
  United States..................................  $  10,573  $  13,230   $  24,693    $  26,455
  Western Europe.................................      1,614        824         543        1,705
                                                   ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
    Total consolidated long-lived assets.........  $  12,187  $  14,054   $  25,236    $  28,160
                                                   ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
                                                   ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
    The Company allocates its revenues on the basis of the location in which the
sale originated. Revenues in Western Europe are primarily from Switzerland.
Interarea sales are accounted for at prices that the Company believes would be
equivalent to unaffiliated customer sales. Interarea transfers and eliminations
reflect the shipment of raw component parts between areas. Long-lived assets
consists of the Company's property and equipment. Corporate long-lived assets
are included with United States assets.
 
EXPORT REVENUES
 
    Consolidated revenues include export revenues of $6,484,000, $12,430,000,
$11,804,000 and $9,983,000 for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997, the
eight months ended August 31, 1998 and the four months ended December 31, 1998,
respectively. Export revenues are primarily derived from sales to customers
located in Western Europe, the Far East and Canada.
 
NOTE 18 - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
    The Company's Swiss subsidiary sponsors a defined contribution pension plan
covering substantially all of its employees as required by Swiss law.
Contributions and costs, which are shared equally by the
 
                                      F-30
<PAGE>
                DECRANE AIRCRAFT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 18 - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)
Company and the employees, are determined as a percentage of each covered
employees' salary. Company contributions and costs associated with the plan were
$151,000, $157,000, $102,000 and $51,000 for the years ended December 31, 1996
and 1997, the eight months ended August 31, 1998 and the four months ended
December 31, 1998, respectively.
 
    Substantially all of the Company's domestic employees are eligible to
participate in a 401(k) defined contribution plan (the "Plan"). Participation in
the Plan is at the discretion of each individual employee who is eligible to
participate. Each participating employee is permitted to contribute up to a
maximum amount defined in the Plan. The Company and its subsidiaries may make
periodic discretionary matching contributions to the Plan. The Company made
matching contributions of $41,000, $128,000 and $95,000 during the year ended
December 31, 1997, the eight months ended August 31, 1998 and the four months
ended December 31, 1998, respectively. No matching contributions were made to
the plan during the year ended December 31, 1996. The costs associated with
administering the plan were not significant for any period presented.
 
                                      F-31
<PAGE>
                DECRANE AIRCRAFT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 19 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
    The Company's transactions with related parties included in the consolidated
financial statements are summarized in the table below (amounts in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           YEAR ENDED                      FOUR MONTHS
                                                          DECEMBER 31,      EIGHT MONTHS      ENDED
                                                      --------------------  ENDED AUGUST    DECEMBER
                                                        1996       1997       31, 1998      31, 1998
                                                      ---------  ---------  -------------  -----------
                                                                            (PREDECESSOR)  (SUCCESSOR)
                                                         (PREDECESSOR)
<S>                                                   <C>        <C>        <C>            <C>
DLJ
  Transaction financing fees........................  $  --      $  --        $  --         $  12,000
  Credit facility outstanding borrowings............     --         --           --             4,800
  Credit facility interest expense..................     --         --           --               282
  Bridge notes interest expense.....................     --         --           --             1,041
Global Technology Partners, LLC
  Promissory note receivable........................     --         --           --               352
Senior Subordinated Lenders
  Interest and advisory fees
    Earned during the period........................        983        358       --            --
    Accrued and payable as of year end..............         43     --           --            --
  Purchase of Convertible Notes, Preferred Stock and
    Redeemable Warrants in conjunction with ADS
    acquisition.....................................      2,000     --           --            --
  Fees and expenses earned..........................         36     --           --            --
  Debt repaid with IPO proceeds
    Senior subordinated debt........................     --          7,000       --            --
    Convertible Notes...............................     --          1,000       --            --
Investors
  Purchases of debt and equity securities
    Preferred Stock and Redeemable Warrants in
      conjunction with Minority Interest
      acquisition...................................      6,500     --           --            --
    Convertible Notes, Preferred Stock and
      Redeemable Warrants in conjunction with ADS
      acquisition...................................      4,000     --           --            --
  Fees and expenses earned..........................         74     --           --            --
  Convertible Notes
    Interest earned during the period...............         86         98       --            --
    Interest accrued and payable as of year end.....         86     --           --            --
    Repaid with IPO proceeds........................     --          2,000       --            --
</TABLE>
 
    Each related party is described below:
 
    DLJ -- The Company and its affiliates incurred fees payable to DLJ related
entities of approximately $12.0 million in connection with the DLJ Acquisition.
The Bridge Notes issued to finance the DLJ acquisition were also purchased by a
DLJ entity. In addition, DLJ is involved in making a market for the Notes and
may hold such Notes from time to time. The Company's credit facility is also
provided by a syndicate of lenders led by DLJ related entities.
 
    Global Technology Partners, LLC ("GTP") -- Two members of the Company's
Board of Directors are also members of GTP. In December 1998, GTP purchased
approximately $704,000 of shares of common
 
                                      F-32
<PAGE>
                DECRANE AIRCRAFT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 19 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (CONTINUED)
and preferred stock of DeCrane Holdings. The Company loaned half of the purchase
price for such shares to GTP at an interest rate equal to the interest rate on
the longest maturity senior bank debt of the Company in effect from time to
time, plus 1.0%. The loans are repayable out of the proceeds from the sale of
such stock, are secured by such stock, and are included in other long-term
assets. Upon collection of the notes, funds will be advanced to Holdings.
 
    Senior Subordinated Lenders - Own 8.9% of the Company's issued and
outstanding common stock at December 31, 1997, were represented on the Company's
Board of Directors in 1995 and 1996, and provided a portion of the Company's
Convertible Notes financing and the Subordinated Debt (Notes 10 and 14). The
ownership percentage reflects the cashless exercise and conversion of all
Preferred Stock, Preferred Stock warrants, common stock warrants and Redeemable
Warrants into 451,370 common shares in conjunction with the Recapitalization
(Note 14).
 
    Investors - Own 16.4% of the Company's issued and outstanding common stock
at December 31, 1997, are represented on the Company's Board of Directors, and
provided a portion of the Company's Convertible Notes and Preferred Stock
financing (Notes 10 and 14). The ownership percentage reflects the cashless
exercise and conversion of all Preferred Stock and Redeemable Warrants into
840,808 common shares in conjunction with the Recapitalization (Note 14).
 
NOTE 20 - SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
 
    In conjunction with the Notes, Bridge Notes and credit facility described in
Note 2, the following summarized condensed consolidating financial information
is presented for the Company, segregating guarantor subsidiaries and
non-guarantor subsidiaries. The accompanying financial information in the
"Guarantor Subsidiaries" column reflects the financial position, results of
operations and cash flows for those subsidiaries which guarantee the Notes and
credit facility. The guarantor subsidiaries are wholly-owned subsidiaries of the
Company and the guarantees are full, unconditional, and joint and several.
Separate financial statements of the guarantor subsidiaries are not presented
because management believes that such financial statements would not be material
to investors.
 
    Investments in subsidiaries in the following condensed consolidating
financial information are accounted for under the equity method of accounting.
Consolidating adjustments include the following:
 
        (1) Elimination of investments in subsidiaries.
 
        (2) Elimination of intercompany accounts.
 
        (3) Elimination of intercompany sales between guarantor and
    non-guarantor subsidiaries.
 
        (4) Elimination of equity in earnings of subsidiaries.
 
                                      F-33
<PAGE>
                DECRANE AIRCRAFT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 20 - SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
(CONTINUED)
BALANCE SHEETS (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               DECEMBER 31, 1997 (PREDECESSOR)
                                     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     DECRANE AIRCRAFT    GUARANTOR     NON-GUARANTOR   CONSOLIDATING        CONSOLIDATED
                                      HOLDINGS, INC.    SUBSIDIARIES   SUBSIDIARIES     ADJUSTMENTS            TOTAL
                                     ----------------   ------------   -------------   --------------       ------------
<S>                                  <C>                <C>            <C>             <C>                  <C>
ASSETS
Current assets
  Cash and cash equivalents........      $    16          $   109         $    81        $ --                 $   206
  Accounts receivable, net.........      --                17,101           1,051          --                  18,152
  Inventories......................      --                24,399           1,577          --                  25,976
  Other current assets.............           98              505             179          --                     782
                                         -------        ------------   -------------   --------------       ------------
    Total current assets...........          114           42,114           2,888          --                  45,116
 
Property and equipment, net........          290           12,928             836          --                  14,054
Other assets, principally
 intangibles, net..................          472           39,257             238          --                  39,967
Investments in subsidiaries........       20,414            3,378          --             (23,792)(1)          --
Intercompany receivables...........       60,946              659           4,357         (65,962)(2)          --
                                         -------        ------------   -------------   --------------       ------------
                                         $82,236          $98,336         $ 8,319        $(89,754)            $99,137
                                         -------        ------------   -------------   --------------       ------------
                                         -------        ------------   -------------   --------------       ------------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS'
 EQUITY
Current liabilities
  Short-term obligations...........      $     4          $   801         $   621        $ --                 $ 1,426
  Other current liabilities........        4,333           12,780           1,805          --                  18,918
                                         -------        ------------   -------------   --------------       ------------
    Total current liabilities......        4,337           13,581           2,426          --                  20,344
                                         -------        ------------   -------------   --------------       ------------
Long-term liabilities
  Long-term obligations............       36,027            1,372              13          --                  37,412
  Intercompany payable.............          873           64,430             659         (65,962)(2)          --
  Other long-term liabilities......        1,333               96             425          --                   1,854
                                         -------        ------------   -------------   --------------       ------------
    Total long-term liabilities....       38,233           65,898           1,097         (65,962)             39,266
                                         -------        ------------   -------------   --------------       ------------
Stockholders' equity
  Capital..........................       51,110           12,418           1,194         (13,612)(1)          51,110
  Retained earnings (deficit)......      (11,444)           6,439           3,741         (10,180)(1)         (11,444)
  Accumulated comprehensive income
    (loss).........................      --                --                (139)         --                    (139)
                                         -------        ------------   -------------   --------------       ------------
    Total stockholder's equity.....       39,666           18,857           4,796         (23,792)             39,527
                                         -------        ------------   -------------   --------------       ------------
                                         $82,236          $98,336         $ 8,319        $(89,754)            $99,137
                                         -------        ------------   -------------   --------------       ------------
                                         -------        ------------   -------------   --------------       ------------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-34
<PAGE>
                DECRANE AIRCRAFT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 20 - SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
(CONTINUED)
BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                DECEMBER 31, 1998 (SUCCESSOR)
                                     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     DECRANE AIRCRAFT    GUARANTOR     NON-GUARANTOR    CONSOLIDATING        CONSOLIDATED
                                      HOLDINGS, INC.    SUBSIDIARIES   SUBSIDIARIES      ADJUSTMENTS            TOTAL
                                     ----------------   ------------   -------------   ---------------       ------------
<S>                                  <C>                <C>            <C>             <C>                   <C>
ASSETS
Current assets
  Cash and cash equivalents........      $  2,458         $    762        $   298        $ --                  $  3,518
  Accounts receivable, net.........       --                28,917          1,524          --                    30,441
  Inventories......................       --                32,624          1,657          --                    34,281
  Other current assets.............         7,066              894            237          --                     8,197
                                         --------       ------------   -------------   ---------------       ------------
    Total current assets...........         9,524           63,197          3,716          --                    76,437
 
Property and equipment, net........           272           26,170          1,718          --                    28,160
Other assets, principally
 intangibles, net..................        12,105          200,383         13,842          --                   226,330
Investments in subsidiaries........       239,101            4,373         --             (243,474)(1)           --
Intercompany receivables...........        45,710              693          3,567          (49,970)(2)           --
                                         --------       ------------   -------------   ---------------       ------------
                                         $306,712         $294,816        $22,843        $(293,444)            $330,927
                                         --------       ------------   -------------   ---------------       ------------
                                         --------       ------------   -------------   ---------------       ------------
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS'
 EQUITY
Current liabilities
  Short-term obligations...........      $    892         $    628        $   292        $ --                  $  1,812
  Other current liabilities........        10,767           16,651          1,174          --                    28,592
                                         --------       ------------   -------------   ---------------       ------------
    Total current liabilities......        11,659           17,279          1,466          --                    30,404
                                         --------       ------------   -------------   ---------------       ------------
Long-term liabilities
  Long-term obligations............       184,822              131         --              --                   184,953
  Intercompany payables............        (3,694)          53,388            276          (49,970)(2)           --
  Other long-term liabilities......        16,278              658            713          --                    17,649
                                         --------       ------------   -------------   ---------------       ------------
    Total long-term liabilities....       197,406           54,177            989          (49,970)             202,602
                                         --------       ------------   -------------   ---------------       ------------
Stockholders' equity
  Capital..........................       100,200          214,823         15,440         (230,263)(1)          100,200
  Retained earnings (deficit)......        (2,553)           8,537          4,674          (13,211)(1)           (2,553)
  Accumulated comprehensive income
    (loss).........................       --                --                274          --                       274
                                         --------       ------------   -------------   ---------------       ------------
    Total stockholders' equity.....        97,647          223,360         20,388         (243,474)              97,921
                                         --------       ------------   -------------   ---------------       ------------
                                         $306,712         $294,816        $22,843        $(293,444)            $330,927
                                         --------       ------------   -------------   ---------------       ------------
                                         --------       ------------   -------------   ---------------       ------------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-35
<PAGE>
                DECRANE AIRCRAFT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 20 - SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
(CONTINUED)
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 (PREDECESSOR)
                                     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     DECRANE AIRCRAFT    GUARANTOR     NON-GUARANTOR   CONSOLIDATING        CONSOLIDATED
                                      HOLDINGS, INC.    SUBSIDIARIES   SUBSIDIARIES     ADJUSTMENTS            TOTAL
                                     ----------------   ------------   -------------   --------------       ------------
<S>                                  <C>                <C>            <C>             <C>                  <C>
Revenues...........................      $--              $61,835         $11,934        $ (8,670)(3)         $65,099
Cost of sales......................      --                48,542           9,520          (8,670)(3)          49,392
                                         -------        ------------   -------------   --------------       ------------
  Gross profit.....................      --                13,293           2,414          --                  15,707
 
Selling, general and administrative
 expenses..........................        2,461            7,240           1,046          --                  10,747
Amortization of intangible
 assets............................      --                   695              14          --                     709
Interest expense...................        4,032              129              87          --                   4,248
Intercompany charges...............       (2,182)           2,002             180          --                  --
Equity in earnings of
 subsidiaries......................       (2,820)            (594)         --               3,414(4)           --
Other expenses (income)............           (3)             204             (93)         --                     108
Provisions for income taxes........         (671)           1,225             158          --                     712
                                         -------        ------------   -------------   --------------       ------------
Net income (loss)..................      $  (817)         $ 2,392         $ 1,022        $ (3,414)            $  (817)
                                         -------        ------------   -------------   --------------       ------------
                                         -------        ------------   -------------   --------------       ------------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 (PREDECESSOR)
                                     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     DECRANE AIRCRAFT    GUARANTOR     NON-GUARANTOR   CONSOLIDATING        CONSOLIDATED
                                      HOLDINGS, INC.    SUBSIDIARIES   SUBSIDIARIES     ADJUSTMENTS             TOTAL
                                     ----------------   ------------   -------------   --------------       -------------
<S>                                  <C>                <C>            <C>             <C>                  <C>
Revenues...........................      $--              $106,154        $13,128        $(10,379)(3)         $108,903
Cost of sales......................      --                 81,115          9,511         (10,379)(3)           80,247
                                         -------        ------------   -------------   --------------       -------------
  Gross profit.....................      --                 25,039          3,617          --                   28,656
 
Selling, general and administrative
 expenses..........................        3,646            10,720          1,390          --                   15,756
Amortization of intangible
 assets............................      --                    892             13          --                      905
Interest expense...................        2,888               220             46          --                    3,154
Intercompany charges...............       (4,617)            4,432            185          --                   --
Equity in earnings of
 subsidiaries......................       (6,392)             (999)        --               7,391(4)            --
Other expenses.....................      --                    161             82          --                      243
Provision (benefit) for income
 taxes.............................         (779)            3,678            445          --                    3,344
Extraordinary charge, net of tax...        2,078            --             --              --                    2,078
                                         -------        ------------   -------------   --------------       -------------
Net income.........................      $ 3,176          $  5,935        $ 1,456        $ (7,391)            $  3,176
                                         -------        ------------   -------------   --------------       -------------
                                         -------        ------------   -------------   --------------       -------------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-36
<PAGE>
                DECRANE AIRCRAFT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 20 - SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
(CONTINUED)
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       EIGHT MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1998 (PREDECESSOR)
                                     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     DECRANE AIRCRAFT    GUARANTOR     NON-GUARANTOR   CONSOLIDATING        CONSOLIDATED
                                      HOLDINGS, INC.    SUBSIDIARIES   SUBSIDIARIES     ADJUSTMENTS             TOTAL
                                     ----------------   ------------   -------------   --------------       -------------
<S>                                  <C>                <C>            <C>             <C>                  <C>
Revenues...........................      $--              $87,312         $ 8,503         $(5,738)(3)          $90,077
Cost of sales......................      --                59,252           6,587          (5,738)(3)           60,101
                                         -------        ------------   -------------      -------           -------------
  Gross profit.....................      --                28,060           1,916          --                   29,976
 
Selling, general and administrative
 expenses..........................        3,949           11,041             729          --                   15,719
Nonrecurring charges...............        3,632           --              --              --                    3,632
Amortization of intangible
 assets............................      --                 1,337              10          --                    1,347
Interest expense (income)..........        2,343                7          --              --                    2,350
Intercompany charges...............       (4,357)           4,229             128          --                   --
Equity in earnings of
 subsidiaries......................       (6,824)            (489)         --               7,313(4)            --
Other expenses (income)............          600             (164)            411          --                      847
Provision (benefit) for income
 taxes.............................       (2,532)           5,275             149          --                    2,892
                                         -------        ------------   -------------      -------           -------------
Net income.........................      $ 3,189          $ 6,824         $   489         $(7,313)             $ 3,189
                                         -------        ------------   -------------      -------           -------------
                                         -------        ------------   -------------      -------           -------------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       FOUR MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 (SUCCESSOR)
                                     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     DECRANE AIRCRAFT    GUARANTOR     NON-GUARANTOR   CONSOLIDATING        CONSOLIDATED
                                      HOLDINGS, INC.    SUBSIDIARIES   SUBSIDIARIES     ADJUSTMENTS             TOTAL
                                     ----------------   ------------   -------------   --------------       -------------
<S>                                  <C>                <C>            <C>             <C>                  <C>
Revenues...........................      $--              $58,904         $ 5,041         $(3,589)             $60,356
Cost of sales......................      --                42,691           3,637          (3,589)              42,739
                                         -------        ------------   -------------      -------           -------------
Gross profit.......................      --                16,213           1,404          --                   17,617
Selling, general and administrative
 expenses..........................        1,741            8,124             409          --                   10,274
Nonrecurring charges...............      --                --              --              --                   --
Amortization of intangible
 assets............................          102            2,868             178          --                    3,148
Interest expense (income)..........        6,754               92               6          --                    6,852
Intercompany charges...............       (3,088)           3,025              63          --                   --
Equity in earnings of
 subsidiaries......................       (7,753)            (506)         --               8,259(4)            --
Other expenses (income)............      --                   132             203          --                      335
Provision for income taxes
 (benefit).........................        2,568           (5,275)             39          --                   (2,668)
Extraordinary charge, net of tax...        2,229           --              --              --                    2,229
                                         -------        ------------   -------------      -------           -------------
Net income (loss)..................      $(2,553)         $ 7,753         $   506         $(8,259)             $(2,553)
                                         -------        ------------   -------------      -------           -------------
                                         -------        ------------   -------------      -------           -------------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-37
<PAGE>
                DECRANE AIRCRAFT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 20 - SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
(CONTINUED)
 
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 (PREDECESSOR)
                                   -------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      DECRANE
                                     AIRCRAFT
                                     HOLDINGS,     GUARANTOR   NON-GUARANTOR  CONSOLIDATING CONSOLIDATED
                                       INC.       SUBSIDIARIES SUBSIDIARIES   ADJUSTMENTS     TOTAL
                                   -------------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                <C>            <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>
Cash flows from operating
  activities
  Net income (loss)..............    $    (817)    $   2,392     $   1,022     $  (3,414)   $    (817)
  Adjustments to net income
    (loss)
    Non-cash adjustments to net
      income (loss)..............        1,093         2,623           903        --            4,619
    Equity in earnings of
      subsidiaries...............       (2,820)         (594)       --             3,414(4)     --
    Changes in working capital...         (864)        1,525        (1,505)       --             (844)
                                   -------------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------
      Net cash provided by (used
        for) operating
        activities...............       (3,408)        5,946           420        --            2,958
                                   -------------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------
Cash flows from investing
  activities
  Acquisition of companies, net
    of cash acquired.............      (18,200)       --            --            --          (18,200)
  Capital expenditures and
    other........................          (97)       (5,353)         (366)       --           (5,816)
                                   -------------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------
      Net cash used for investing
        activities...............      (18,297)       (5,353)         (366)       --          (24,016)
                                   -------------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------
Cash flows from financing
  activities
  Net proceeds from sale of
    equity.......................        8,240        --            --            --            8,240
  Debt financing for
    acquisitions.................       13,548        --            --            --           13,548
  Principal payments on long-term
    debt and leases..............       (1,500)         (438)          (63)       --           (2,001)
  Line of credit borrowings
    (repayments).................        1,280        --               (89)       --            1,191
  Other, net.....................          158           (85)       --            --               73
                                   -------------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------
      Net cash provided by (used
        for) financing
        activities...............       21,726          (523)         (152)       --           21,051
                                   -------------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------
Effect of foreign currency
  translation on cash............       --            --                22        --               22
                                   -------------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash
  and equivalents................           21            70           (76)       --               15
Cash and equivalents at beginning
  of period......................           16            17           272        --              305
                                   -------------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------
Cash and equivalents at end of
  period.........................    $      37     $      87     $     196     $  --        $     320
                                   -------------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------
                                   -------------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-38
<PAGE>
                DECRANE AIRCRAFT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 20 - SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
(CONTINUED)
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 (PREDECESSOR)
                                   -------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      DECRANE
                                     AIRCRAFT
                                     HOLDINGS,     GUARANTOR   NON-GUARANTOR  CONSOLIDATING CONSOLIDATED
                                       INC.       SUBSIDIARIES SUBSIDIARIES   ADJUSTMENTS     TOTAL
                                   -------------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                <C>            <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>
Cash flows from operating
  activities
  Net income.....................    $   3,176     $   5,935     $   1,456     $  (7,391)   $   3,176
  Adjustments to net income
    Non-cash adjustments to net
      income.....................        1,307         4,687           829        --            6,823
    Equity in earnings of
      subsidiaries...............       (6,392)         (999)       --             7,391(4)     --
    Changes in working capital...        1,374        (4,530)       (2,202)       --           (5,358)
                                   -------------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------
      Net cash provided by (used
        for) operating
        activities...............         (535)        5,093            83        --            4,641
                                   -------------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------
Cash flows from investing
  activities
  Acquisition of companies, net
    of cash acquired.............      (23,597)       --            --            --          (23,597)
  Capital expenditures and
    other........................         (244)       (3,823)         (145)       --           (4,212)
                                   -------------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------
      Net cash used for investing
        activities...............      (23,841)       (3,823)         (145)       --          (27,809)
                                   -------------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------
Cash flows from financing
  activities
  Net proceeds from sale of
    equity.......................       28,933        --            --            --           28,933
  Net debt repaid with equity
    offering proceeds............      (29,848)       --            --            --          (29,848)
  Debt financing for
    acquisitions.................       23,597        --            --            --           23,597
  Principal payments on long-term
    debt and leases..............         (474)       (1,147)          (54)       --           (1,675)
  Line of credit borrowings
    (repayments).................        1,907        --               (96)       --            1,811
  Other, net.....................          240          (101)       --            --              139
                                   -------------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------
      Net cash provided by (used
        for) financing
        activities...............       24,355        (1,248)         (150)       --           22,957
                                   -------------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------
Effect of foreign currency
  translation on cash............       --            --                97        --               97
                                   -------------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash
  and equivalents................          (21)           22          (115)       --             (114)
Cash and equivalents at beginning
  of period......................           37            87           196        --              320
                                   -------------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------
Cash and equivalents at end of
  period.........................    $      16     $     109     $      81     $  --        $     206
                                   -------------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------
                                   -------------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-39
<PAGE>
                DECRANE AIRCRAFT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 20 - SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
(CONTINUED)
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             EIGHT MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1998 (PREDECESSOR)
                                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      DECRANE
                                     AIRCRAFT
                                     HOLDINGS,     GUARANTOR    NON-GUARANTOR   CONSOLIDATING CONSOLIDATED
                                       INC.       SUBSIDIARIES  SUBSIDIARIES    ADJUSTMENTS     TOTAL
                                   -------------  -----------  ---------------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                <C>            <C>          <C>              <C>          <C>
Cash flows from operating
  activities
  Net income.....................    $   3,189     $   6,824      $     489      $  (7,313)   $   3,189
  Adjustments to net income
    Non-cash adjustments to net
      income.....................       (2,222)        3,420            557         --            1,755
    Equity in earnings of
      subsidiaries...............       (6,824)         (489)        --              7,313(4)     --
    Changes in working capital...        5,492        (7,393)           (29)        --           (1,930)
                                   -------------  -----------         -----     -----------  -----------
      Net cash provided by (used
        for) operating
        activities...............         (365)        2,362          1,017         --            3,014
                                   -------------  -----------         -----     -----------  -----------
Cash flows from investing
  activities
  Acquisition of companies, net
    of cash acquired.............      (87,071)        1,263         --             --          (85,808)
  Capital expenditures and
    other........................          (44)       (1,306)          (220)        --           (1,570)
                                   -------------  -----------         -----     -----------  -----------
      Net cash used for investing
        activities...............      (87,115)          (43)          (220)        --          (87,378)
                                   -------------  -----------         -----     -----------  -----------
Cash flows from financing
  activities
  Net proceeds from sale of
    equity.......................       34,815        --             --             --           34,815
  Net debt repaid with equity
    offering proceeds............      (34,815)       --             --             --          (34,815)
  Debt financing for
    acquisitions.................       85,808        --             --             --           85,808
  Principal payments on long-term
    debt and leases..............           (3)       (1,280)           (34)        --           (1,317)
  Line of credit borrowings
    (repayments).................        6,007        --               (554)        --            5,453
  Other, net.....................           23           (96)        --             --              (73)
                                   -------------  -----------         -----     -----------  -----------
      Net cash provided by (used
        for) financing
        activities...............       91,835        (1,376)          (588)        --           89,871
                                   -------------  -----------         -----     -----------  -----------
Effect of foreign currency
  translation on cash............       --            --                 26         --               26
                                   -------------  -----------         -----     -----------  -----------
Net increase in cash and
  equivalents....................        4,355           943            235         --            5,533
Cash and equivalents at beginning
  of period......................           16           109             81         --              206
                                   -------------  -----------         -----     -----------  -----------
Cash and equivalents at end of
  period.........................        4,371     $   1,052      $     316      $  --        $   5,739
                                   -------------  -----------         -----     -----------  -----------
                                   -------------  -----------         -----     -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-40
<PAGE>
                DECRANE AIRCRAFT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 20 - SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
(CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                FOUR MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 (SUCCESSOR)
                                     ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        DECRANE
                                       AIRCRAFT
                                       HOLDINGS,     GUARANTOR    NON-GUARANTOR   CONSOLIDATING CONSOLIDATED
                                         INC.       SUBSIDIARIES  SUBSIDIARIES    ADJUSTMENTS     TOTAL
                                     -------------  -----------  ---------------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                  <C>            <C>          <C>              <C>          <C>
Cash flows from operating
  activities
  Net income.......................    $  (2,553)    $   7,753      $     506      $  (8,259)   $  (2,553)
  Adjustments to net income
    Non-cash adjustments to net
      income.......................       (2,647)        4,964           (274)        --            2,043
    Equity in earnings of
      subsidiaries.................       (7,753)         (506)        --              8,259(4)     --
    Changes in working capital.....       12,408       (10,272)          (618)        --            1,518
                                     -------------  -----------         -----     -----------  -----------
      Net cash provided by (used
        for) operating
        activities.................         (545)        1,939           (386)        --            1,008
                                     -------------  -----------         -----     -----------  -----------
Cash flows from investing
  activities
  Acquisition of companies, net of
    cash acquired..................       --            --             --             --           --
  Capital expenditures and other...       --            (1,746)           (67)        --           (1,813)
                                     -------------  -----------         -----     -----------  -----------
      Net cash used for investing
        activities.................       --            (1,746)           (67)        --           (1,813)
                                     -------------  -----------         -----     -----------  -----------
Cash flows from financing
  activities
  Acquisition of Predecessor,
    net............................       --            --             --             --           --
  Net proceeds from sale of
    equity.........................       --            --             --             --           --
  Net debt repaid with equity
    offering proceeds..............       --            --             --             --           --
  Debt financing for
    acquisitions...................       --            --             --             --           --
  Principal payments on long-term
    debt and leases................           (1)         (447)           (10)        --             (458)
  Line of credit borrowings
    (repayments)...................       (1,367)       --                264         --           (1,103)
  Other, net.......................       --               (36)        --             --              (36)
                                     -------------  -----------         -----     -----------  -----------
      Net cash provided by (used
        for) financing
        activities.................       (1,368)         (483)           254         --           (1,597)
                                     -------------  -----------         -----     -----------  -----------
Effect of foreign currency
  translation on cash..............       --            --                181         --              181
                                     -------------  -----------         -----     -----------  -----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and
  equivalents......................       (1,913)         (290)           (18)        --           (2,221)
Cash and equivalents at beginning
  of period........................        4,371         1,052            316         --            5,739
                                     -------------  -----------         -----     -----------  -----------
Cash and equivalents at end of
  period...........................    $   2,458     $     762      $     298      $  --        $   3,518
                                     -------------  -----------         -----     -----------  -----------
                                     -------------  -----------         -----     -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-41
<PAGE>
                DECRANE AIRCRAFT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 21 - EVENT SUBSEQUENT TO DATE OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS REPORT (UNAUDITED)
 
    In April 1999, the Company purchased all of the outstanding stock of PPI
Holdings, Inc. PPI is a manufacturer of interior furniture components primarily
for middle- and high-end corporate aircraft.
 
    The purchase price was $60.2 million, less debt acquired, in cash at closing
and is subject to adjustment for changes in working capital. Additional
contingent consideration totaling $19.5 million is payable over two years based
on future attainment of defined performance criteria. The acquisition will be
accounted for as a purchase and the difference between the purchase price and
the fair value of the net assets acquired will be recorded as goodwill and
amortized on a straight-line basis over thirty years.
 
NOTE 22 - CONDENSED QUARTERLY DATA FOR 1997 AND 1998 (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
                     --------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                             (SUCCESSOR)
                                                      (PREDECESSOR)
<S>                  <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>            <C>
                                                                                         (TWO MONTHS   (ONE MONTH
                                                                                            ENDED         ENDED
                                                                                         AUGUST 31,   SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                                            1998)         1998)
                        1ST        2ND        3RD         4TH         1ST        2ND         3RD           3RD           4TH
                     ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -------------  -----------
Revenues...........  $  26,118  $  28,130  $  26,639   $  28,016   $  29,128  $  29,854   $  31,095     $  16,012     $  44,344
Gross profit.......      6,011      7,214      6,998       8,433       8,987      9,720      11,269         4,932        12,685
Income (loss)
 before
 extraordinary
 item..............        629      1,454      1,481       1,690       1,688      1,672        (171)         (480)          156
Extraordinary loss
 from debt
 refinancing.......     --         (2,078)    --          --          --         --          --              (296)       (1,933)
Net income
 (loss)............        629       (624)     1,481       1,690       1,688      1,672        (171)         (776)       (1,777)
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-42
<PAGE>
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Directors
and Stockholders of
Avtech Corporation
 
    In our opinion, the accompanying balance sheets and the related statements
of income, of stockholders' equity and of cash flows present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Avtech Corporation at September 30,
1996 and 1997 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of
the three years in the period ended September 30, 1997, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles. 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 of these statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards which 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, assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
 
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
Los Angeles, California
June 12, 1998
 
                                      F-43
<PAGE>
                               AVTECH CORPORATION
 
                                 BALANCE SHEETS
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                    ----------------
                                                     1996     1997    JUNE 25, 1998
                                                    -------  -------  -------------
                                                                       (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                 <C>      <C>      <C>
ASSETS
Current assets
  Cash and cash equivalents.......................  $ 1,052  $ 4,136    $   1,093
  Accounts receivable, net of allowance for
    doubtful accounts of $20, $20 and $20 at
    September 30, 1996 and 1997 and June 25, 1998,
    respectively..................................    7,398    4,928        5,321
  Inventories.....................................    4,233    5,254        5,832
  Prepaid expenses and other assets...............       69      183           57
  Income taxes refundable.........................    --       --           4,368
  Deferred income taxes...........................    --         247        1,613
                                                    -------  -------  -------------
    Total current assets..........................   12,752   14,748       18,284
                                                    -------  -------  -------------
Property, plant and equipment
  Land............................................      431      791          791
  Buildings and improvements......................    2,411    4,685        5,176
  Machinery and equipment.........................    2,764    3,005        3,477
  Furniture, computer and other equipment.........    3,216    3,426        3,555
                                                    -------  -------  -------------
                                                      8,822   11,907       12,999
  Less: Accumulated depreciation..................   (6,523)  (7,050)      (7,380)
                                                    -------  -------  -------------
                                                      2,299    4,857        5,619
Other assets
  Patents, net of amortization....................        5        4            4
  Deferred income taxes...........................    --         629        3,239
                                                    -------  -------  -------------
    Total assets..................................  $15,056  $20,238    $  27,146
                                                    -------  -------  -------------
                                                    -------  -------  -------------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
  Accounts payable................................  $   768  $ 1,388    $   1,396
  Accrued expenses................................    2,120    4,043        1,955
  Deferred income taxes...........................      389    --         --
                                                    -------  -------  -------------
    Total current liabilities.....................    3,277    5,431        3,351
                                                    -------  -------  -------------
Long-term liabilities
  Deferred compensation...........................    1,229    1,385      --
  Other...........................................      438      472          472
                                                    -------  -------  -------------
                                                      1,667    1,857          472
                                                    -------  -------  -------------
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)............    --       --         --
                                                    -------  -------  -------------
Stockholders' equity
  Common stock, no par value, 1,500,000 shares
    authorized; 323,541, 318,929 and 468,929
    shares outstanding at September 30, 1996 and
    1997 and June 25, 1998, respectively..........      237      232       10,519
  Retained earnings...............................    9,875   12,718       12,804
                                                    -------  -------  -------------
                                                     10,112   12,950       23,323
                                                    -------  -------  -------------
                                                    $15,056  $20,238    $  27,146
                                                    -------  -------  -------------
                                                    -------  -------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-44
<PAGE>
                               AVTECH CORPORATION
 
                              STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,      --------------------
                                                             -------------------------------  JUNE 30,   JUNE 25,
                                                               1995       1996       1997       1997       1998
                                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                                  (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                          <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Sales......................................................  $  21,020  $  28,797  $  32,619  $  24,071  $  30,634
Cost of sales..............................................     12,333     15,967     20,422     14,667     19,643
                                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
    Gross profit...........................................      8,687     12,830     12,197      9,404     10,991
                                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Operating expenses
  General and administrative...............................      1,991      1,992      2,758      1,915      2,448
  Selling expenses.........................................      1,257      1,559      1,295        880      1,180
  Research, development and engineering....................      2,853      2,697      2,707      2,040      2,013
  Employee stock ownership plan............................      1,200      1,000      1,200        900        600
  Nonrecurring bonus and employment contract termination
    expenses...............................................     --         --         --         --          3,592
                                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                 7,301      7,248      7,960      5,735      9,833
                                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Income from operations.....................................      1,386      5,582      4,237      3,669      1,158
                                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Other income (expense)
  Interest expense.........................................         (8)        (8)        (6)    --         --
  Gain on disposal of equipment............................     --             14     --         --         --
  Interest income..........................................         46         30        269        197        169
  Rental income, net.......................................     --         --             32     --             62
  Stockholder transaction expenses.........................     --         --         --         --         (1,229)
                                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                    38         36        295        197       (998)
                                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Income before provision for federal income tax.............      1,424      5,618      4,532      3,866        160
Provision for federal income tax...........................        493      1,934      1,518      1,352         74
                                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Net income.................................................  $     931  $   3,684  $   3,014  $   2,514  $      86
                                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-45
<PAGE>
                               AVTECH CORPORATION
 
                       STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               STATED
                                                                                  NUMBER OF   VALUE OF
                                                                                   SHARES      COMMON    RETAINED
                                                                                 OUTSTANDING    STOCK    EARNINGS
                                                                                 -----------  ---------  ---------
 
<S>                                                                              <C>          <C>        <C>
Balance at September 30, 1994..................................................     323,541   $     237  $   5,260
 
Net income.....................................................................      --          --            931
                                                                                 -----------  ---------  ---------
 
Balance at September 30, 1995..................................................     323,541         237      6,191
 
Net income.....................................................................      --          --          3,684
                                                                                 -----------  ---------  ---------
 
Balance at September 30, 1996..................................................     323,541         237      9,875
 
Stock redemption...............................................................      (4,612)         (5)      (171)
 
Net income.....................................................................      --          --          3,014
                                                                                 -----------  ---------  ---------
 
Balance at September 30, 1997..................................................     318,929         232     12,718
 
Exercise of stock options (Unaudited)..........................................     150,000       2,683     --
 
Tax benefit of stock options exercised (Unaudited).............................      --           7,604     --
 
Net income (Unaudited).........................................................      --          --             86
                                                                                 -----------  ---------  ---------
 
Balance at June 25, 1998 (Unaudited)...........................................     468,929   $  10,519  $  12,804
                                                                                 -----------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                 -----------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-46
<PAGE>
                               AVTECH CORPORATION
 
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                 YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,      --------------------
                                                              -------------------------------  JUNE 30,   JUNE 25,
                                                                1995       1996       1997       1997       1998
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                                   (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                           <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Cash flows from operating activities
  Net income................................................  $     931  $   3,684  $   3,014  $   2,514  $      86
  Adjustments to reconcile net income
    to net cash provided by (used in) operating
    activities
    Depreciation and amortization...........................        587        582        528        363        405
    Gain on sale of property and equipment..................     --            (14)    --         --         --
    Deferred income tax provision...........................         54        947     (1,265)    (1,150)       334
    Changes in assets and liabilities:
      Accounts receivable...................................     (1,797)    (2,990)     2,470      2,899       (393)
      Inventories...........................................     (1,504)       198     (1,021)    (1,216)      (578)
      Prepaid and other current assets......................         63        (20)      (114)       (86)       126
      Accounts payable......................................        400       (152)       620        678          8
      Accrued expenses......................................      1,620       (872)     2,153      1,209     (2,977)
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
    Net cash provided by (used in)
      operating activities..................................        354      1,363      6,385      5,211     (2,989)
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Cash flows from investing activities
  Purchases of property and equipment.......................       (735)      (509)    (3,085)      (370)    (1,167)
  Proceeds from sale of assets..............................     --             15     --         --         --
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
    Net cash used in investing activities...................       (735)      (494)    (3,085)      (370)    (1,167)
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Cash flows from financing activities
  Exercise of stock options.................................     --         --         --         --          1,143
  Stock redemption..........................................     --         --           (176)      (176)    --
  Capital lease obligations.................................        (36)       (36)       (40)       (27)       (30)
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
    Net cash used in
      financing activities..................................        (36)       (36)      (216)      (203)     1,113
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Net (decrease) increase in cash and
  equivalents...............................................       (417)       833      3,084      4,638     (3,043)
Cash and equivalents at beginning
  of the period.............................................        636        219      1,052      1,052      4,136
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Cash and equivalents at end of
  the period................................................  $     219  $   1,052  $   4,136  $   5,690  $   1,093
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-47
<PAGE>
                               AVTECH CORPORATION
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPANY
 
    Avtech Corporation (the "Company") is a custom design and manufacturing firm
established in 1963 to produce high-quality equipment for the aircraft industry.
In 1970, the Company began to produce engineered products and has since focused
its engineering and product development efforts on responding to specifications
from original equipment aircraft manufacturers (OEMs). The Company's products
fall into five main categories:
 
1.  Aircraft communication control equipment (including audio control units,
    multiplexed audio systems and audio amplifiers).
 
2.  Aircraft lighting controls (including ballasts, dimmers and flood lighting).
 
3.  Power systems (including transformer rectifier units, power inverters and
    battery chargers).
 
4.  Airborne facsimile terminals (AvFax).
 
5.  Special products (including PDX intercoms, liquid-gauging and fill control,
    and frequency units).
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION
 
    The presentation 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 the
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting
period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
    The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three
months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
 
    At September 30, 1996 and 1997, the Company maintained $549,000 and
$119,000, respectively, of its cash and cash equivalents balances at one bank.
At September 30, 1996 and 1997, the Company maintained $503,000 and $4,017,000,
respectively, in a money market funds and bankers' acceptances.
 
RECEIVABLES AND CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK
 
    Accounts receivable from trade customers are generally due within thirty
days. The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its customers'
financial conditions and generally does not require collateral. All of the
Company's sales are to businesses directly associated with the aviation industry
(airlines, aircraft manufacturers, etc.). Approximately 70% of the Company's
sales are to customers based in the United States.
 
                                      F-48
<PAGE>
                               AVTECH CORPORATION
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
    The cost of property, plant and equipment is depreciated over the estimated
useful lives of the related assets. Depreciation is computed using the
straight-line and accelerated methods over the following estimated lives:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          YEARS
                                                                                        ---------
<S>                                                                                     <C>
Buildings.............................................................................    20-39
Building improvements.................................................................    10-39
Machinery and equipment...............................................................      5
Furniture, computer and other equipment...............................................     5-7
</TABLE>
 
    Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations when incurred. Additions
and improvements are capitalized. When property, plant and equipment are sold or
otherwise disposed of, the asset account and related accumulated depreciation
account are relieved, and any gain or loss is included in operations.
 
INVENTORIES
 
    Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (determined by the first-in,
first-out method) or market. Costs of manufactured inventories include all
direct materials, labor and an allocation of overhead. Market represents the
lower of replacement cost or estimated net realizable value.
 
REVENUE RECOGNITION
 
    Revenues from the sale of manufactured products are recorded when shipped.
Reimbursements for nonrecurring engineering costs, which are expensed as
incurred, are included in revenues at the time a negotiated settlement is
reached with the customer. The Company's nonrecurring engineering revenues for
the years ended September 30, 1995, 1996 and 1997 were $1,257,000, $4,042,000
and $527,000, respectively. Included within accounts receivable at September 30,
1996 are $3,384,000 of unbilled receivables which were collected in fiscal year
1997.
 
INCOME TAXES
 
    Deferred income taxes are determined using the liability method. A deferred
tax asset or liability is determined based on the difference between the
financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities as measured by the
enacted tax rates which will be in effect when these differences reverse.
Deferred tax expense is the result of changes in the asset and/or liability for
deferred taxes.
 
STOCK OPTION PLAN
 
    As permitted under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No., 123,
"Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" (SFAS 123), the Company measures
compensation expense related to the employee stock option plan utilizing the
intrinsic value method as prescribed by Accounting Principles Board No. 25,
"Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees".
 
                                      F-49
<PAGE>
                               AVTECH CORPORATION
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
ACCRUED WARRANTIES
 
    The Company sells a majority of its products to customers along with various
repair or replacement warranties. The terms of the warranties vary according to
the customer and/or the product involved. The most common warranty period is the
earlier of:
 
a.  36 months from the date of delivery to the operator, or
 
b.  42 months from the date of manufacture.
 
    Provisions for estimated future warranty costs are made in the period
corresponding to the sale of the product. Classification between short and
long-term warranty obligations is estimated based on historical trends.
 
UNAUDITED INTERIM RESULTS
 
    The financial information as of June 25, 1998 and for the nine months ended
June 30, 1997 and June 25, 1998 is unaudited. In the opinion of the Company, the
unaudited financial information is presented on a basis consistent with the
audited financial statements and contains all adjustments, consisting only of
normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of the results for
such interim period. The results of operations for the interim periods are not
necessarily indicative of results of operations for the full year.
 
NOTE 2 - INVENTORIES
 
    Inventories at September 30, 1996 and 1997 and June 25, 1998 (unaudited)
consist of the following (amounts in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                   --------------------   JUNE 25,
                                                                     1996       1997        1998
                                                                   ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                                                         (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                <C>        <C>        <C>
Raw materials and components.....................................  $   2,488  $   2,617   $   3,218
Work in process..................................................      1,285      2,014       1,912
Finished goods...................................................        460        623         702
                                                                   ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                                   $   4,233  $   5,254   $   5,832
                                                                   ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                                   ---------  ---------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 3 - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
    The Company owns property located immediately adjacent to its main facility.
The property is not currently used for any rental or productive activity. In
1990, the property was condemned by the local authorities and is considered
unsuitable for habitation in its current state. The current carrying value of
$62,000 represents the original cost of the land and is lower than its estimated
net realizable value.
 
    In 1997, the Company purchased a 20,275 square foot office building and an
adjacent vacant lot for investment purposes. The net book value of the property
was $2,134,000 at September 30, 1997. The Company leases the office space to
tenants under one to three-year noncancelable operating leases. At
 
                                      F-50
<PAGE>
                               AVTECH CORPORATION
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 3 - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (CONTINUED)
March 31, 1998, the building was fully occupied. Minimum future rentals to be
received on noncancelable leases are as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30,
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                 <C>
1998..............................................................  $     128
1999..............................................................  $      20
</TABLE>
 
    The Company leases equipment under a five-year lease term. Based on the
provisions of Statement No. 13, issued by the Financial Accounting Standards
Board, these leases meet the criteria of capital leases and, accordingly, have
been recorded as such. These assets are stated on the balance sheet at their
capitalized cost of $194,000. Depreciation of $161,000 has been recognized
through September 30, 1997.
 
NOTE 4 - ACCRUED EXPENSES
 
    Accrued expenses at September 30, 1996 and 1997 consist of the following
(amounts in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                    SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                                                 --------------------
                                                                                                   1996       1997
                                                                                                 ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                              <C>        <C>
Employee compensation and related taxes........................................................  $     875  $   2,556
Employee stock option plan contribution........................................................      1,000      1,200
Current portion of warranty reserve............................................................        204        240
Other..........................................................................................         41         47
                                                                                                 ---------  ---------
                                                                                                 $   2,120  $   4,043
                                                                                                 ---------  ---------
                                                                                                 ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 5 - DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS
 
    The Company sponsors an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) for the benefit
of employees with twelve or more months of continuous service. Contributions are
made to the plan at the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors. The
Company's contributions for the years ended September 30, 1995, 1996 and 1997
were $1,200,000, $1,000,000 and $1,200,000, respectively.
 
    The Company also sponsors a cash or deferred compensation (401k) plan for
the benefit of eligible employees. Under the plan, employees may elect to defer
a portion of their compensation (subject to statutory limitations).
Discretionary contributions by the Company may be made when authorized by the
Board of Directors. No such contributions were made during the years ended
September 30, 1995, 1996 and 1997.
 
NOTE 6 - FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
 
    The provision (benefit) for federal income taxes is comprised of the
following (amounts in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                                         -------------------------------
                                                                                           1995       1996       1997
                                                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                      <C>        <C>        <C>
Current................................................................................  $     439  $     987  $   2,783
Deferred...............................................................................         54        947     (1,265)
                                                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                         $     493  $   1,934  $   1,518
                                                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-51
<PAGE>
                               AVTECH CORPORATION
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 6 - FEDERAL INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
    The provision for federal income tax expense approximates the federal
statutory rate for all periods presented. The Company is not required to pay
state income taxes.
 
    Deferred tax assets and liabilities at September 30, 1996 and 1997 include
the following (amounts in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                     SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                                                  --------------------
                                                                                                    1996       1997
                                                                                                  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                               <C>        <C>
DEFERRED TAX ASSETS
Reserves........................................................................................  $     335  $     393
Compensatory stock options......................................................................        416        471
Capitalized inventories.........................................................................         10         12
                                                                                                  ---------  ---------
                                                                                                        761        876
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES
Deferred revenue................................................................................     (1,150)    --
                                                                                                  ---------  ---------
                                                                                                  $    (389) $     876
                                                                                                  ---------  ---------
                                                                                                  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    The classification in the balance sheet between current and noncurrent
deferred tax assets is based on the classification of the related asset that
gives rise to the temporary difference. A deferred tax asset that is not related
to an asset is classified according to the expected reversal date of the
temporary difference.
 
NOTE 7 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
PURCHASE COMMITMENTS
 
    The Company has commitments based on open purchase orders arising out of its
normal business operations. As of September 30, 1996 and 1997, these commitments
were $5,080,000 and $6,760,000, respectively.
 
TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE CLAUSES
 
    The Company routinely enters into contractual commitments with customers to
design and manufacture parts. These contracts contain "termination for
convenience" clauses that permit recovery of costs incurred by the Company if
the customer terminates the contract prior to its completion. These recoveries
are included in sales when billed.
 
                                      F-52
<PAGE>
                               AVTECH CORPORATION
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 7 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
LEASING ARRANGEMENTS
 
    The Company leases a building under a five-year operating lease. The lease
calls for monthly payments of $5,000 plus utilities, taxes and maintenance and
expires in April 2001. The lessor has the right to terminate the lease at
anytime by giving the Company at least twelve months written notice. The Company
subleases a portion of its facilities under an operating lease that expires
December 1998. The following is net rental expense under operating leases for
the years ended September 30, 1995, 1996 and 1997 (amounts in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                                            -------------------------------
                                                                                              1995       1996       1997
                                                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                         <C>        <C>        <C>
Rent expense..............................................................................  $      60  $      60  $      60
Less: Sublease rentals....................................................................         (7)       (11)       (10)
                                                                                                  ---        ---        ---
                                                                                            $      53  $      49  $      50
                                                                                                  ---        ---        ---
                                                                                                  ---        ---        ---
</TABLE>
 
    The following is a schedule by years of the future minimum rentals under
this lease (amounts in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30,                                              LESSEE      SUBLEASE       NET
- -------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ---------
<S>                                                                  <C>          <C>          <C>
    1998...........................................................   $      60    $      10   $      50
    1999...........................................................          60           11          49
    2000...........................................................          60           11          49
    2001...........................................................          60           11          49
                                                                          -----          ---   ---------
                                                                      $     240    $      43   $     197
                                                                          -----          ---   ---------
                                                                          -----          ---   ---------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 8 - ECONOMIC DEPENDENCE
 
    A material part of the Company's business is dependent on one customer, the
loss of which could have a material effect on the Company. For the years ended
September 30, 1995, 1996 and 1997, approximately 29.5%, 24% and 46.9%,
respectively, of revenues were attributable to this customer. At September 30,
1996 and 1997, accounts receivable from this customer represented approximately
41.1% and 23.4%, respectively, of total accounts receivable.
 
NOTE 9 - STOCK OPTION PLANS
 
    Prior to 1993, the Company implemented a nonqualified compensatory stock
option plan with the President. Under this Plan, options to purchase 90,000
shares of the Company's stock were granted at an option price of $2.70 per
share. These options are currently exercisable by the President.
 
    During the year ended September 30, 1994, the Company and three key
employees entered into employment contracts which voided all prior compensatory
stock option plans other than that of the President's. Under these new
contracts, the Company granted 20,000 shares to each of the three employees at
an exercise price of $15 per share. Fair market value was $28 per share at the
date of the grant. Each employee still employed at September 30, 1998, is
entitled to exercise his option to purchase 20,000 fully
 
                                      F-53
<PAGE>
                               AVTECH CORPORATION
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 9 - STOCK OPTION PLANS (CONTINUED)
vested shares. Accordingly, the Company has expensed $156,000 during each of the
years ended September 30, 1995, 1996 and 1997. These shares, when exercised,
cannot be sold until September 30, 2003. The Company has the first right to
purchase the shares upon exercise but is not obligated to do so.
 
    The accumulated expense resulting from the difference between the exercise
prices and fair market values at the respective date of grant has been
classified as a long-term liability in deferred compensation.
 
NOTE 10 - ADDITIONAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
 
    Supplementary cash flow information for the years ended September 30, 1995,
1996 and 1997 is as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                    ------------------------------
                                                     1995        1996        1997
                                                    ------      ------      ------
<S>                                                 <C>         <C>         <C>
Cash paid during the period for:
  Capital leases..................................  $  36       $   36      $   40
                                                    ------      ------      ------
                                                    ------      ------      ------
  Interest........................................  $  10       $    7      $    5
                                                    ------      ------      ------
                                                    ------      ------      ------
  Income taxes....................................  $--         $1,449      $2,900
                                                    ------      ------      ------
                                                    ------      ------      ------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 11 - SUBSEQUENT EVENT (UNAUDITED)
 
    In May 1998, the Company signed a definitive purchase agreement whereby all
of the outstanding shares of the Company would be acquired by DeCrane Aircraft
Holdings, Inc. The transaction was consummated on June 26, 1998. Prior to
closing the transaction, all outstanding stock options were exercised and the
income tax benefit resulting from the tax deduction allowed for the difference
between the exercise price and the fair market value of the stock was recorded.
The $7,604,000 income tax benefit from the stock options exercised is a noncash
transaction for purposes of the statement of cash flows for the nine months
ended June 25, 1998. Additionally, certain members of management were paid a
one-time bonus at closing and the balance due pursuant to their employment
contracts that were terminated immediately prior to closing.
 
                                      F-54
<PAGE>
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Directors
and Stockholders of
PATS, Inc.
 
    In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related
statements of operations, of stockholders' equity and of cash flows present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of PATS, Inc. and
subsidiaries at June 30, 1997 and 1998 and the results of its operations and its
cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles. 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 of these
statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which
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, assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
 
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
Los Angeles, California
January 25, 1999
 
                                      F-55
<PAGE>
                          PATS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     JUNE 30,
                                                                               --------------------
                                                                                 1997       1998
                                                                               ---------  ---------  DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                                     ------------
                                                                                                         1998
                                                                                                     ------------
                                                                                                     (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                            <C>        <C>        <C>
ASSETS
Current assets
  Cash and cash equivalents..................................................  $     401  $     216   $    2,504
  Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $362,
    $451 and $456, respectively..............................................      2,192      1,347        3,273
  Inventories................................................................      6,586      6,582        7,146
  Cost and estimated earnings in excess of billings..........................     --            773        4,770
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets..................................         75         59           58
  Deferred income taxes......................................................        107        132          132
                                                                               ---------  ---------  ------------
      Total current assets...................................................      9,361      9,109       17,883
                                                                               ---------  ---------  ------------
Property and equipment.......................................................      2,734      6,130        6,823
  Less accumulated depreciation..............................................     (1,334)    (1,745)      (1,968)
                                                                               ---------  ---------  ------------
                                                                                   1,400      4,385        4,855
                                                                               ---------  ---------  ------------
Deferred income taxes, net...................................................        600        878          878
Notes receivable--stockholders...............................................        556        560          521
Other assets.................................................................         24         24       --
                                                                               ---------  ---------  ------------
      Total assets...........................................................  $  11,941  $  14,956   $   24,137
                                                                               ---------  ---------  ------------
                                                                               ---------  ---------  ------------
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
  Borrowings from bank.......................................................  $     800  $   1,000   $    4,900
  Notes and lease payable--current...........................................        205        386        1,326
  Trade accounts payable.....................................................      1,106      2,468        2,559
  Customer advances..........................................................      3,668      1,792        2,943
  Accrued expenses and other liabilities.....................................      1,329      1,880        2,690
  Income taxes payable.......................................................        484        458        1,246
                                                                               ---------  ---------  ------------
      Total current liabilities..............................................      7,592      7,984       15,664
                                                                               ---------  ---------  ------------
Notes and lease payable--non-current.........................................        591      3,678        3,501
                                                                               ---------  ---------  ------------
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)......................................     --         --           --
                                                                               ---------  ---------  ------------
Stockholders' equity
  Common stock, $1 par value, 100,000 shares authorized, 18,000, 17,490 and
    18,000 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 1997 and 1998 and
    December 31, 1998, respectively..........................................         18         17           18
  Additional paid-in capital.................................................        429     --              207
  Retained earnings..........................................................      3,311      3,277        4,747
                                                                               ---------  ---------  ------------
                                                                                   3,758      3,294        4,972
                                                                               ---------  ---------  ------------
                                                                               $  11,941  $  14,956   $   24,137
                                                                               ---------  ---------  ------------
                                                                               ---------  ---------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-56
<PAGE>
                          PATS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                 YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,   ---------------------------
                                                                 --------------------  DECEMBER 31,   DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   1997       1998         1997           1998
                                                                 ---------  ---------  -------------  ------------
                                                                                               (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                              <C>        <C>        <C>            <C>
Sales..........................................................  $  21,726  $  23,464    $   9,496     $   19,380
Cost of sales..................................................     15,573     16,992        6,905         14,234
                                                                 ---------  ---------       ------    ------------
  Gross profit.................................................      6,153      6,472        2,591          5,146
Operating expenses
  Selling, general, and administrative.........................      4,106      5,976        2,645          2,535
                                                                 ---------  ---------       ------    ------------
Income from operations.........................................      2,047        496          (54)         2,611
                                                                 ---------  ---------       ------    ------------
Other expenses
  Interest expense, net........................................        (70)      (166)         (50)          (180)
                                                                 ---------  ---------       ------    ------------
Income before provision for income taxes.......................      1,977        330         (104)         2,431
Provision (benefit) for income taxes...........................        782         11          (41)           961
                                                                 ---------  ---------       ------    ------------
Net income (loss)..............................................  $   1,195  $     319    $     (63)    $    1,470
                                                                 ---------  ---------       ------    ------------
                                                                 ---------  ---------       ------    ------------
</TABLE>
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-57
<PAGE>
                          PATS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        ADDITIONAL
                                                             NUMBER OF      COMMON        PAID-IN     RETAINED
                                                              SHARES         STOCK        CAPITAL     EARNINGS      TOTAL
                                                            -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------  ---------
<S>                                                         <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>
Balance, July 1, 1996.....................................      14,616     $      15     $      55    $   2,116   $   2,186
 
Net income................................................      --            --            --            1,195       1,195
 
Share issuance............................................       3,000             3           514       --             517
 
Share purchases...........................................        (400)           (1)         (399)      --            (400)
 
Shares issued under employee stock benefit plan...........         784             1           259       --             260
                                                            -----------          ---         -----   -----------  ---------
 
Balance, June 30, 1997....................................      18,000            18           429        3,311       3,758
 
Net income................................................      --            --            --              319         319
 
Share purchases...........................................        (510)           (1)         (429)        (353)       (783)
                                                            -----------          ---         -----   -----------  ---------
 
Balance, June 30, 1998....................................      17,490            17        --            3,277       3,294
 
Net income (unaudited)....................................      --            --            --            1,470       1,470
 
Shares issued under employee stock benefit plan
(unaudited)...............................................         510             1           207       --             208
                                                            -----------          ---         -----   -----------  ---------
 
Balance, December 31, 1998 (unaudited)....................      18,000     $      18     $     207    $   4,747   $   4,972
                                                            -----------          ---         -----   -----------  ---------
                                                            -----------          ---         -----   -----------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-58
<PAGE>
                          PATS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                       JUNE 30,        --------------------------
                                                                 --------------------  DECEMBER 31,  DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   1997       1998         1997          1998
                                                                 ---------  ---------  ------------  ------------
                                                                                              (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                              <C>        <C>        <C>           <C>
Cash flows from operating activities
  Net income (loss)............................................  $   1,195  $     319   $      (63)   $    1,470
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
    (used in) operating activities
    Depreciation...............................................        306        411          155           223
    Deferred tax (benefit) expense.............................        298       (303)      --            --
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities
    Trade accounts receivable..................................        604        845       (4,836)       (1,926)
    Inventories................................................     (1,042)         4        1,432          (564)
    Cost and estimated earnings in excess of billings..........     --           (773)      --            (3,997)
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets..................        (18)        16          (44)            1
    Other assets...............................................     --         --           --                24
    Trade accounts payable.....................................        250      1,362         (848)           90
    Customer advances..........................................     (3,684)    (1,876)       2,938         1,151
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities.....................        895        551         (915)          811
    Income taxes payable.......................................        484        (26)         (41)          788
                                                                 ---------  ---------  ------------  ------------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities............       (712)       530       (2,222)       (1,929)
                                                                 ---------  ---------  ------------  ------------
Cash flows from investing activities
  Decrease in investment securities available for sale.........        312     --           --            --
  Purchases of property and equipment..........................       (248)    (3,396)      (2,482)         (693)
                                                                 ---------  ---------  ------------  ------------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities............         64     (3,396)      (2,482)         (693)
                                                                 ---------  ---------  ------------  ------------
Cash flows from financing activities
  Advance to stockholders......................................       (342)        (4)      --                39
  Increase in line of credit borrowings........................        800        200        1,700         3,900
  Increase (decrease) in notes and lease payable...............       (233)     3,268        3,113           763
  Stock purchases..............................................       (400)      (783)      --            --
  Proceeds from issuance of common stock.......................        777     --           --               208
                                                                 ---------  ---------  ------------  ------------
Net cash provided by financing activities......................        602      2,681        4,813         4,910
                                                                 ---------  ---------  ------------  ------------
Net decrease in cash...........................................        (46)      (185)         109         2,288
Cash at beginning of period....................................        447        401          401           216
                                                                 ---------  ---------  ------------  ------------
  Cash at end of period........................................  $     401  $     216   $      510    $    2,504
                                                                 ---------  ---------  ------------  ------------
                                                                 ---------  ---------  ------------  ------------
  Supplemental cash flow disclosures
    Interest paid..............................................  $      70  $     195   $       60    $      189
    Income taxes paid..........................................  $       2  $     376   $   --        $      168
</TABLE>
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-59
<PAGE>
                          PATS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
NOTE 1 - THE COMPANY
 
    PATS, Inc. (the "Company"), and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, design,
manufacture and service a variety of components for auxiliary power, cooling
systems and fuel systems for the corporate aircraft market. The Company
primarily operates in the U.S. market and approximately 45% of the Company's
sales for fiscal 1998 are to Boeing of Washington. The Company's customers are
principally concentrated in the corporate aircraft industry.
 
NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
 
    The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances are
eliminated in consolidation.
 
REVENUE RECOGNITION
 
    Revenue is recognized when products are shipped, except for products
manufactured under long-term contracts. Further, revenue associated with
manufactured products requiring customer acceptance is recognized only upon
receipt of such acceptance from the customer.
 
    Revenue under long-term contracts is recognized under the percentage of
completion method. This method recognizes costs and estimated earnings as work
is performed. The basis used is the percentage of incurred costs to estimated
total costs after giving effect to management's most recent estimates. When
contract estimates indicate a loss, provision is made for the entire estimated
loss. Long-term contracts in progress are stated at cost plus estimated earnings
but not in excess of net realizable value.
 
INVENTORIES
 
    Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market, cost being determined
using the first-in, first-out (FIFO). Provision has been made for any obsolete
and/or slow-moving inventory.
 
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
    Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation.
Major renewals and betterments are capitalized and ordinary repairs and
maintenance are charged against operations in the year incurred. Depreciation is
computed using the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes and
accelerated methods for income tax purposes. Estimated useful lives are 40 years
for buildings and 3 to 7 years for machinery, equipment and vehicles. Leasehold
improvements are depreciated over the lease term or the estimated useful life of
the improvement, whichever is shorter.
 
INCOME TAXES
 
    The Company follows the practice of providing for income taxes using the
asset and liability method specified under Statement of Accounting Standards No.
109 (SFAS 109), "Accounting for Income Taxes." SFAS 109 requires the recognition
of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences
of events that have been recognized in the Company's financial statements and
tax returns. In estimating future tax consequences under SFAS 109, all expected
future events other than enactments of changes in the tax laws or rates are
generally considered.
 
                                      F-60
<PAGE>
                          PATS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
    The carrying amounts of financial instruments including cash, receivables,
accounts payable and debt do not significantly differ from fair values as of
June 30, 1997 and 1998.
 
USE OF ESTIMATES
 
    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect certain reported amounts and disclosures. Accordingly,
actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
UNAUDITED INTERIM RESULTS
 
    The financial information as of December 31, 1998 and for the six months
ended December 31, 1997 and 1998 is unaudited. In the opinion of the Company,
the unaudited financial information is presented on a basis consistent with the
audited financial statements and contains all adjustments, consisting only of
normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of the results for
such interim period. The results of operations for the interim periods are not
necessarily indicative of results of operations for the full year.
 
NOTE 3 - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
    Property and equipment consisted of the following (amounts in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                       JUNE 30,
                                                                                                 --------------------
<S>                                                                                              <C>        <C>
                                                                                                   1997       1998
                                                                                                 ---------  ---------
Buildings......................................................................................  $  --      $   2,972
Machinery and equipment........................................................................      2,282      2,666
Leasehold improvements.........................................................................        452        492
                                                                                                 ---------  ---------
                                                                                                     2,734      6,130
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization.................................................      1,334      1,745
                                                                                                 ---------  ---------
                                                                                                 $   1,400  $   4,385
                                                                                                 ---------  ---------
                                                                                                 ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    Depreciation expense for the years ended June 30, 1997 and 1998 was $306,000
and $411,000, respectively.
 
NOTE 4 - INVENTORIES
 
    Inventories consisted of the following (amounts in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                       JUNE 30,
                                                                                                 --------------------
<S>                                                                                              <C>        <C>
                                                                                                   1997       1998
                                                                                                 ---------  ---------
Raw materials..................................................................................  $   3,609  $   4,055
Work-in-process................................................................................      2,977      2,527
                                                                                                 ---------  ---------
                                                                                                 $   6,586  $   6,582
                                                                                                 ---------  ---------
                                                                                                 ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-61
<PAGE>
                          PATS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 4 - INVENTORIES (CONTINUED)
    Inventories were pledged to the extent of amounts received as customer
advances.
 
NOTE 5 - LONG-TERM CONTRACT
 
    During 1998, the Company entered into a long-term contract with Boeing of
Washington to produce fuel tanks. The Company's policy is to account for such
contracts using the percentage of completion method. Unbilled amounts related to
costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings are expected to be billed and
collected within one year (amounts in thousands).
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                    COSTS AND
                                                                                                    ESTIMATED
                                                                                                   EARNINGS IN
                                                                                                EXCESS OF BILLINGS
                                                                                                ------------------
<S>                                                                                             <C>
Costs and estimated earnings..................................................................      $   11,513
Less--progress billings.......................................................................          10,740
                                                                                                       -------
                                                                                                    $      773
                                                                                                       -------
                                                                                                       -------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 6 - DEBT AND LINES OF CREDIT
 
    Long-term debt consisted of the following (amounts in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                       JUNE 30,
                                                                                                 --------------------
<S>                                                                                              <C>        <C>
                                                                                                   1997       1998
                                                                                                 ---------  ---------
Variable rate borrowings under the revolving credit facility...................................  $     800  $   1,000
Industrial revenue bonds variable rate borrowings at 3.75%.....................................     --          2,000
Fixed rates notes
  11.00% note due through 1999.................................................................         79         44
  10.00% note due through 2015.................................................................        385        379
  8.51% note due through 1999..................................................................        192         93
  8.50% note due through 2001..................................................................     --            237
  8.35% note due through 2000..................................................................        140         94
  7.93% note due through 2002..................................................................     --            344
  6.00% note due through 2012..................................................................     --            285
Other obligations (Grant Funds)................................................................     --            588
                                                                                                 ---------  ---------
                                                                                                     1,596      5,064
Less current portion...........................................................................      1,005      1,386
                                                                                                 ---------  ---------
                                                                                                 $     591  $   3,678
                                                                                                 ---------  ---------
                                                                                                 ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    Other obligations include a $450,000 grant from the State of Delaware which
will be forgiven based on the satisfaction of certain employment and operational
requirements. At June 30, 1998, the Company has not met those objectives and,
accordingly, has reflected this amount as an obligation.
 
    Aggregate principal payments applicable to long-term debt for the next five
fiscal years are as follows: 1999-$1,386,000; 2000-$341,000; 2001-$331,000;
2002-$307,000; 2003-$307,000; and 2004 and after-- $2,392,000.
 
                                      F-62
<PAGE>
                          PATS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 6 - DEBT AND LINES OF CREDIT (CONTINUED)
CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS
 
    As of June 30, 1998, the Company had a $3,000,000 borrowing facility with a
bank that carried an interest rate of prime rate plus 25 basis points. On
October 5, 1998, the Company increased its credit facility by $2,000,000. The
facility requires an annual commitment fee of .25%. Certain of the Company's
equipment and inventories are pledged as collateral for the outstanding debt of
the Company.
 
NOTE 7 - OPERATING LEASES AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
    The Company is a counterparty to a non-cancelable lease of office space and
manufacturing facilities in Columbia, Maryland from a partnership in which two
stockholders of the Company have a financial interest. The lease extends through
June 2007, with an annual base rent amount of $405,000 and a CPI based
escalator. The Company is responsible for maintenance, insurance, and real
estate tax expense.
 
    The Company has a land lease for its facility in Georgetown, Delaware. This
non-cancelable lease expires through December 31, 2041, with annual rental
approximating $6,000. The lessor is not a related party.
 
    The total minimum rental commitment at June 30, 1998, under these leases is
$3,903,000 which is due as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                            SUSSEX
                                                                                              COLUMBIA,     COUNTY,
                                                                                              MARYLAND     DELAWARE
                                                                                             -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                                          <C>          <C>
Year ending June 30,
  1999.....................................................................................   $     405    $       6
  2000.....................................................................................         405            6
  2001.....................................................................................         405            6
  2002.....................................................................................         405            6
  2003.....................................................................................         405            6
  2004 through 2007........................................................................       1,620           24
  After 2007...............................................................................      --              204
                                                                                             -----------       -----
                                                                                              $   3,645    $     258
                                                                                             -----------       -----
                                                                                             -----------       -----
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 8 - COMMON STOCK AND EMPLOYEE STOCK PLAN
 
    During 1997 and 1998, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the
purchase of 400 and 510 shares of the Company stock at $1,000 and $1,535 per
share, respectively. The purchases were acquired from certain existing and
former stockholders at prices believed to be fair value.
 
    The Company has an Employee Stock Benefit Plan for employees to which
discretionary contributions are made from time to time. During 1997, the Board
of Directors authorized the issuance of 784 shares to this plan at a value of
$332 per share determined by an independent appraiser.
 
                                      F-63
<PAGE>
                          PATS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 9 - INCOME TAXES
 
    The provision for income taxes is as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                       JUNE 30,
                                                                                                 --------------------
                                                                                                   1997       1998
                                                                                                 ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                              <C>        <C>
Current income taxes
  Federal......................................................................................  $     398  $     258
  State........................................................................................         86         56
                                                                                                 ---------  ---------
                                                                                                       484        314
Deferred income taxes (benefit)................................................................        298       (303)
                                                                                                 ---------  ---------
                                                                                                 $     782  $      11
                                                                                                 ---------  ---------
                                                                                                 ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    The effective rate was 39.6% and 3.2% in 1997 and 1998, respectively. A
reconciliation of this rate to the U.S. Federal income tax rate is as follows
(dollars in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                   JUNE 30,
                                                                              --------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                           <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
                                                                                        1997                      1998
                                                                                    % OF PRETAX               % OF PRETAX
                                                                              ------------------------  ------------------------
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                                AMOUNT       INCOME       AMOUNT       INCOME
                                                                              -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                           <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Computed expected tax expense...............................................   $     692         35.0%   $     116         35.0%
State income taxes, net of Federal income tax benefit.......................          90          4.6           15          4.6
Reduction of valuation allowance............................................      --              0.0         (120)       (36.4)
                                                                                   -----          ---        -----        -----
                                                                               $     782         39.6%   $      11          3.2%
                                                                                   -----          ---        -----        -----
                                                                                   -----          ---        -----        -----
</TABLE>
 
    The significant components of deferred income taxes are temporary
differences arising from the following (amounts in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                       JUNE 30,
                                                                                                 --------------------
                                                                                                   1997       1998
                                                                                                 ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                              <C>        <C>
Deferred income tax assets (liabilities)
  Accrued vacation.............................................................................  $     107  $     132
  Depreciation.................................................................................       (198)       101
  Research and development costs...............................................................        798        777
  Research and development credits.............................................................        900        780
                                                                                                 ---------  ---------
      Total....................................................................................      1,607      1,790
Valuation allowance............................................................................       (900)      (780)
                                                                                                 ---------  ---------
      Deferred income tax assets...............................................................  $     707  $   1,010
                                                                                                 ---------  ---------
                                                                                                 ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    The reduction in the valuation allowance relates to the utilization of a
portion of research and development credits.
 
NOTE 10 - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
    The Company has a savings and retirement plan which qualifies under Section
401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code in which all full-time employees are
eligible to participate. In accordance with the terms of
 
                                      F-64
<PAGE>
                          PATS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 10 - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)
the plan, employees may elect to contribute up to 15% of their annual
compensation to the plan, subject to certain limitations. The Board of Directors
may elect to declare a discretionary matching contribution to the Plan of 50% of
all contributions made up to 6% of each employee's salary. No matching
contributions were made by the Company for 1997 or 1998.
 
NOTE 11 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
    Lawsuits and claims are filed from time to time in the ordinary course of
business. For all outstanding claims, management, in consultation with legal
counsel, is of the opinion that the outcome of such matters will not have a
material effect on the financial position of the Company.
 
NOTE 12 - SUBSEQUENT EVENT
 
    In January 1999, 100% of Company's shares were acquired by DeCrane Aircraft
Holdings, Inc. for a purchase price of $41.5 million (including the assumption
of debt), subject to adjustments for changes to its net working capital, and
reserves for certain environmental and other indemnities made by the Company's
shareholders.
 
                                      F-65
<PAGE>
                        INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS' REPORT
 
To the Board of Directors of
PPI Holdings, Inc.
Wichita, Kansas
 
    We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of PPI
Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiary as of December 31, 1997 and 1998, and the related
consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the
period from June 12, 1997 to December 31, 1997 and the year ended December 31,
1998. We have also audited the statements of income, stockholders' equity, and
cash flows of Precision Pattern, Inc. (the predecessor to PPI Holdings, Inc.)
for the year ended December 31, 1996 and the period from January 1, 1997 to June
11, 1997. 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 consolidated financial position of PPI Holdings,
Inc. and Subsidiary as of December 31, 1997 and 1998, the results of its
operations and its cash flows for the period from June 12, 1997 to December 31,
1997 and the year ended December 31, 1998, and the results of operations and
cash flows of Precision Pattern Inc. for the year ended December 31, 1996 and
the period from January 1, 1997 to June 11, 1997 in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.
 
BAIRD, KURTZ & DOBSON
 
Wichita, Kansas
January 28, 1999
 
                                      F-66
<PAGE>
                       PPI HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                       (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                        DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                                    --------------------
<S>                                                                                                 <C>        <C>
                                                                                                      1997       1998
                                                                                                    ---------  ---------
                                                                                                        (SUCCESSOR)
ASSETS
Current assets
  Cash............................................................................................  $     193  $   1,872
  Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $54 and $340 for 1997 and 1998,
    respectively..................................................................................      4,847      6,230
  Inventories.....................................................................................      3,203      4,719
  Deposits........................................................................................        284        235
  Prepaid expenses and other......................................................................         28         12
                                                                                                    ---------  ---------
    Total current assets..........................................................................      8,555     13,068
                                                                                                    ---------  ---------
Property and equipment, net.......................................................................      1,065      1,184
Goodwill net of accumulated amortization of $69 and $393 for 1997 and 1998, respectively..........      6,332      6,008
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $28 and $77 for 1997 and 1998,
  respectively....................................................................................        219        170
                                                                                                    ---------  ---------
      Total assets................................................................................  $  16,171  $  20,430
                                                                                                    ---------  ---------
                                                                                                    ---------  ---------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
  Accounts payable................................................................................  $   1,032  $   1,157
  Revolving credit agreement......................................................................        626     --
  Current maturities of long-term debt............................................................      1,050      1,500
  Accrued warranties..............................................................................        300        300
  Accrued profit sharing..........................................................................        348        587
  Accrued employee compensation...................................................................        360        271
  Other accrued liabilities.......................................................................        381        445
                                                                                                    ---------  ---------
    Total current liabilities.....................................................................      4,097      4,260
                                                                                                    ---------  ---------
 
Long-term debt....................................................................................      8,850      6,050
                                                                                                    ---------  ---------
 
Stockholders' equity
  Common stock, $1 stated value; authorized 10,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 1,000,000
    shares........................................................................................      1,000      1,000
  Retained earnings...............................................................................      2,224      9,120
                                                                                                    ---------  ---------
    Total stockholders' equity....................................................................      3,224     10,120
                                                                                                    ---------  ---------
      Total liabilities and stockholders' equity..................................................  $  16,171  $  20,430
                                                                                                    ---------  ---------
                                                                                                    ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                   statements
 
                                      F-67
<PAGE>
                       PPI HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 YEAR ENDED    PERIOD FROM   PERIOD FROM  YEAR ENDED
                                                  DECEMBER     JANUARY 1,     JUNE 12,     DECEMBER
                                                  31, 1996    1997 TO JUNE     1997 TO     31, 1998
                                                 -----------    11, 1997      DECEMBER    -----------
                                                              -------------   31, 1997
                                                 (PREDECESSOR)               -----------  (SUCCESSOR)
                                                              (PREDECESSOR)
                                                                             (SUCCESSOR)
<S>                                              <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>
Net sales......................................   $  17,665     $  10,400     $  15,102    $  37,714
 
Cost of goods sold
  Direct material..............................       4,942         2,837         3,541        7,353
  Direct labor.................................       4,125         2,403         3,283        7,534
  Manufacturing expenses.......................       4,645         2,059         3,407        7,742
  Outside processing...........................         546           376           912        1,747
                                                 -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------
                                                     14,258         7,675        11,143       24,376
                                                 -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------
 
Gross profit...................................       3,407         2,725         3,959       13,338
                                                 -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------
 
Operating expenses
  General and administrative...................       1,446           667           821        2,102
  Engineering..................................         322           140           226          489
  Bad debt provision...........................          75        --            --           --
                                                 -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------
 
Income from operations.........................       1,564         1,918         2,912       10,747
                                                 -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------
 
Other income (expense)
  Interest income..............................          94            50            10       --
  Interest expense.............................      --            --              (732)      (1,051)
  Other revenue................................           8        --                39           14
  Gain on sale of asset........................          42        --                 1       --
  Other income (expense).......................         (13)            8            (6)         (19)
                                                 -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------
                                                        131            58          (688)      (1,056)
                                                 -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------
 
Net income.....................................   $   1,695     $   1,976     $   2,224    $   9,691
                                                 -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------
                                                 -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-68
<PAGE>
                       PPI HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                        (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            ADDITIONAL
                                                                                COMMON        PAID-IN      RETAINED
                                                                                 STOCK        CAPITAL      EARNINGS      TOTAL
                                                                              -----------  -------------  -----------  ---------
<S>                                                                           <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>
PREDECESSOR:
Balance, December 31, 1995..................................................   $      40     $       1     $   7,311   $   7,352
 
Net income..................................................................      --            --             1,695       1,695
 
Dividend on common stock
  $220 per share............................................................      --            --              (880)       (880)
                                                                              -----------        -----    -----------  ---------
Balance, December 31, 1996..................................................          40             1         8,126       8,167
 
Net Income..................................................................      --            --             1,976       1,976
 
Dividend on common stock
  $862.50 per share.........................................................      --            --            (3,450)     (3,450)
                                                                              -----------        -----    -----------  ---------
Balance, June 11, 1997......................................................   $      40     $       1     $   6,652   $   6,693
                                                                              -----------        -----    -----------  ---------
                                                                              -----------        -----    -----------  ---------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                                            ADDITIONAL
                                                                                COMMON        PAID-IN      RETAINED
                                                                                 STOCK        CAPITAL      EARNINGS      TOTAL
                                                                              -----------  -------------  -----------  ---------
<S>                                                                           <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>
SUCCESSOR:
Balance, June 12, 1997......................................................   $   1,000        --         $  --       $   1,000
 
Net income..................................................................      --            --             2,224       2,224
                                                                              -----------        -----    -----------  ---------
Balance, December 31, 1997..................................................       1,000        --             2,224       3,224
 
Net income..................................................................      --            --             9,691       9,691
 
Dividends on common stock $2.80 per share...................................      --            --            (2,795)     (2,795)
                                                                              -----------        -----    -----------  ---------
 
Balance, December 31, 1998..................................................   $   1,000        --         $   9,120   $  10,120
                                                                              -----------        -----    -----------  ---------
                                                                              -----------        -----    -----------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-69
<PAGE>
                       PPI HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        YEAR ENDED      PERIOD FROM     PERIOD FROM      YEAR ENDED
                                       DECEMBER 31,     JANUARY 1,     JUNE 12, 1997    DECEMBER 31,
                                           1996           1997 TO           TO              1998
                                      ---------------  JUNE 11, 1997   DECEMBER 31,    ---------------
                                                       -------------       1997
                                       (PREDECESSOR)                  ---------------    (SUCCESSOR)
                                                       (PREDECESSOR)
                                                                        (SUCCESSOR)
<S>                                   <C>              <C>            <C>              <C>
Cash flows from operating activities
  Net income........................     $   1,695       $   1,976       $   2,224        $   9,691
  Items not requiring (providing)
    cash:
    Depreciation and amortization...           181              79             304              633
    Gain on sale of property and
      equipment.....................           (42)         --                  (1)          --
  Changes in:
    Accounts receivable.............        (1,672)          1,048          (2,108)          (1,383)
    Inventories.....................          (318)            (43)           (133)          (1,515)
    Prepaid expenses and other......            35              51            (359)              65
    Accounts payable and accrued
      expenses......................            94            (158)          1,020              338
                                           -------     -------------       -------          -------
      Net cash provided by (used in)
        operating activities........           (27)          2,953             947            7,829
                                           -------     -------------       -------          -------
 
Cash flows from investing activities
  Purchase of property and
    equipment.......................          (151)           (251)            (96)            (379)
  Proceeds from sale of property and
    equipment.......................           298          --                  17           --
  Payments for organizational
    costs...........................        --              --                (247)          --
  Purchase of subsidiary............        --              --              (8,954)          --
                                           -------     -------------       -------          -------
      Net cash provided by (used in)
        investing activities........           147            (251)         (9,280)            (379)
                                           -------     -------------       -------          -------
 
Cash flows from financing activities
  Net borrowings under revolving
    credit agreement................        --              --                 626             (626)
  Proceeds from issuance of
    long-term debt..................        --              --               7,500            3,000
  Principal payments on long-term
    debt............................        --              --                (600)          (5,350)
  Dividends paid....................          (880)         (3,450)         --               (2,795)
                                           -------     -------------       -------          -------
      Net cash provided by (used in)
        financing activities........          (880)         (3,450)          7,526           (5,771)
                                           -------     -------------       -------          -------
 
Increase (decrease) in cash.........          (760)           (748)           (807)           1,679
 
Cash, beginning of period...........         2,727           1,967           1,000              193
                                           -------     -------------       -------          -------
 
Cash, end of period.................     $   1,967       $   1,219       $     193        $   1,872
                                           -------     -------------       -------          -------
                                           -------     -------------       -------          -------
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-70
<PAGE>
                       PPI HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
NOTE 1 - NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
NATURE OF OPERATIONS
 
    PPI Holdings, Inc. was incorporated under Kansas law on February 14, 1997,
and serves as the holding company for Precision Pattern, Inc. The Company began
operation on June 12, 1997, with the purchase of Precision Pattern, Inc. (Note
2)
 
    The Company's revenues are predominately earned from sales of aircraft
interior components to aircraft manufacturers in Kansas. The Company extends
unsecured credit to customers, with credit extended to one customer exceeding
59% and 71% of accounts receivable at December 31, 1997 and 1998 respectively.
Over 97% of year end receivables are concentrated among three customers at
December 31, 1997 and 1998.
 
PRINCIPALS OF CONSOLIDATION
 
    As a result of the business combination (Note 2) on June 11, 1997, the
Company has presented its financial position, results of operations, changes in
stockholders' equity and cash flows on a predecessor/ successor basis.
 
    PPI Holdings, Inc. is a holding company, which has no material operations or
assets separate from its investment in Precision Pattern, Inc. The consolidated
financial statements as of December 31, 1997 and 1998 and for the period from
June 12, 1997 to December 31, 1997 and for the year ended December 31, 1998
include the accounts of PPI Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiary. The consolidated
financial statements of the predecessor include the accounts of Precision
Pattern, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 1996 and for the period from
January 1, 1997 to June 11, 1997. All significant intercompany accounts and
transactions have been eliminated.
 
USE OF ESTIMATES
 
    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.
 
INVENTORY PRICING
 
    Inventories are stated at lower of average cost or market.
 
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
    Property and equipment are recorded at cost. The assets are depreciated over
their estimated useful lives using straight-line and accelerated methods.
 
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
 
    The Company is amortizing deferred charges consisting of loan costs, lease
costs and a noncompete agreement utilizing the straight-line method over five to
ten years. Goodwill is being amortized over twenty years also using the
straight-line method.
 
WARRANTY OBLIGATIONS
 
    The Company generally provides its customers with a one to two year warranty
from the date of purchase. Estimated warranty costs are accrued at the time of
sale.
 
INCOME TAXES
 
    The Company elected to have its income taxed as an S corporation under
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code; therefore, taxable income or loss is
reported to the individual stockholders for inclusion in their tax returns, and
no provision for Federal and state income tax is included in these statements.
 
                                      F-71
<PAGE>
                       PPI HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 1 - NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(CONTINUED)
BUY/SELL AGREEMENT
 
    On April 21, 1997, the Company and its shareholders entered into a buy/sell
agreement which restricts any sale or other transfer of shares of the Company.
The purpose of the agreement is to insure that all the shares of stock shall be
offered for sale to the Company and the other shareholders before disposition of
such shares to any other person or entity.
 
NOTE 2 - BUSINESS COMBINATION
 
    On June 11, 1997, PPI Holdings, Inc. acquired 100% of the outstanding stock
of Precision Pattern, Inc. which consisted of 4,000 shares for $13,172,706 in
cash. This transaction was accounted for using the purchase method by recording
the assets and liabilities of the acquiree at their estimated market values at
the acquisition date. PPI Holdings, Inc. is owned by several members of the
Company's management. As part of the purchase transaction, Precision Pattern,
Inc. borrowed funds from a bank to fund the acquisition.
 
NOTE 3 - INVENTORIES
 
    Inventories at December 31, 1997 and 1998, were as follows (amounts in
thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              1997          1998
                                                                          ------------  ------------
<S>                                                                       <C>           <C>
Raw material............................................................  $      2,268  $      3,205
Work in process.........................................................         1,535         2,114
                                                                          ------------  ------------
                                                                                 3,803         5,319
Less reserve for obsolesce..............................................           600           600
                                                                          ------------  ------------
                                                                          $      3,203  $      4,719
                                                                          ------------  ------------
                                                                          ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 4 - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
    Property and equipment at December 31, 1997 and 1998, were as follows
(amounts in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     1997       1998
                                                                                   ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                <C>        <C>
Leasehold improvements...........................................................  $   1,065  $     563
Machinery and equipment..........................................................      1,535        612
Furniture and fixtures...........................................................        827        343
Vehicles.........................................................................        138         16
                                                                                   ---------  ---------
                                                                                       3,565      1,534
Less accumulated depreciation....................................................      2,500        350
                                                                                   ---------  ---------
                                                                                   $   1,065  $   1,184
                                                                                   ---------  ---------
                                                                                   ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 5 - PROFIT SHARING PLAN
 
    The Company has a profit sharing plan covering substantially all employees.
The Company's contribution to the Plan is 6% of the compensation of all
participants under the Plan determined for the Company's taxable year for which
it makes the contribution. The Company must have current or accumulated net
profits exceeding 5% of the net sales in order to make the contributions.
Participant's interest is vested over a period of three to seven years of
service. The Company expensed contributions for the year ended December 31,
1996, the periods from January 1, 1997 to June 11, 1997, June 12, 1997 to
December 31, 1997 and the year ended December 31, 1998, in the amount of
$283,500, $141,352, $347,620 and $587,036 , respectively. Employees also have
the option to make elective deferrals to the Plan up to the limits set by the
Internal Revenue Service.
 
NOTE 6 - REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT
 
    At December 31, 1997 and 1998, the Company had $0 and $625,821 outstanding
borrowings under a $5,000,000 revolving credit agreement. The agreement is
secured by goods, equipment, accounts, inventory,
 
                                      F-72
<PAGE>
                       PPI HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 6 - REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT (CONTINUED)
instruments, documents, chattel paper, general intangibles and other personal
property of the Company. Interest is calculated at prime rate plus various
amounts up to 3/4% and is payable monthly. Payments on principal are made daily,
as cash is available, from a lock box maintained by the lender. Final maturity
is June 12, 2002.
 
NOTE 7 - LONG-TERM DEBT
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     1997       1998
                                                                                   ---------  ---------
                                                                                      (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                                <C>        <C>
Note payable, bank; due June 12, 2002, payable in increasing quarterly
  installments including interest at prime rate plus various amounts up to 1%
  secured by goods, equipment, accounts, inventory, instruments, documents,
  chattel paper, general intangibles and other personal property of the Company
  and its subsidiary.............................................................  $   6,900  $   4,550
 
Note payable, bank; payable in quarterly installments of $100,000 with the
  balance due June 12, 2002. The note bears interest at prime plus 1% and is
  secured by goods, equipment, accounts, inventory, instruments, documents,
  chattel paper, general intangibles and other personal property of the Company
  and its subsidiary.............................................................     --          3,000
 
Note payable, other; due September 12, 2010, payable in quarterly installments of
  $150,000 beginning on September 12, 2005. Interest is accrued on the unpaid
  portion of the note at 15% and is payable in bi-annual installments. None of
  the Company's assets are pledged as collateral on this note and it is
  subordinate to the bank note. As part of the purchase and note agreement,
  dividends are restricted to amounts necessary to cover income taxes of the
  shareholders on income from the Company. This restriction ended when the note
  was retired in 1998............................................................      3,000     --
                                                                                   ---------  ---------
                                                                                       9,900      7,550
Less current maturities..........................................................      1,050      1,500
                                                                                   ---------  ---------
                                                                                   $   8,850  $   6,050
                                                                                   ---------  ---------
                                                                                   ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
Aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 1998 are (amounts
in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                        <C>
1999.....................................................................  $   1,500
2000.....................................................................      1,550
2001.....................................................................      1,600
2002.....................................................................      2,900
                                                                           ---------
                                                                               7,550
Less current maturities..................................................      1,500
                                                                           ---------
Noncurrent portion.......................................................  $   6,050
                                                                           ---------
                                                                           ---------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 8 - SIGNIFICANT ESTIMATES AND CONCENTRATION
 
    Generally accepted accounting principles require disclosure of certain
significant estimates and current vulnerabilities due to certain concentrations.
Those matters include the following:
 
ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
 
    An allowance for doubtful accounts has been established based on
management's estimate of the uncollectible portion. However, actual losses may
be materially different than the estimated amount.
 
                                      F-73
<PAGE>
                       PPI HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 8 - SIGNIFICANT ESTIMATES AND CONCENTRATION (CONTINUED)
RESERVE FOR OBSOLETE INVENTORY
 
    The Company owns a significant amount of raw materials which were not used
in production during the year. A reserve for obsolete inventory has been
established for the estimated amount that is obsolete; however, actual losses
may be materially different than the estimated amount.
 
ACCRUED WARRANTIES
 
    Each year, the Company does a significant amount of rework related to the
satisfaction of warranties. An amount has been included in accrued expenses for
estimated warranty expense related to current year sales; however, the actual
expenses to be incurred may be materially different than the estimated amounts
which have been accrued.
 
MAJOR CUSTOMERS
 
    The Company sold approximately 49% and 35% in 1996, 56% and 35% from January
1, 1997 to June 11, 1997, 56% and 35% from June 12, 1997 to December 31, 1997
and 66% and 30% in 1998 of its primary product to two customers. There are a
limited number of buyers of the Company's products.
 
NOTE 9 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
    The Company rents its business facility from a property rental company which
is owned, in part, by one of the shareholders of the Company. For the year ended
December 31, 1996, the periods from January 1, 1997 to June 11, 1997, June 12,
1997 to December 31, 1997 and the year ended December 31, 1998, the Company made
payments totaling $250,000, $139,088, $174,950, and $355,500, respectively, for
rent to the related rental company.
 
NOTE 10 - ADDITIONAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               1997         1998
                                                                            ----------  ------------
                                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                         <C>         <C>
ADDITIONAL CASH PAYMENT INFORMATION
  Interest paid...........................................................  $      669  $        987
ADDITIONAL INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
  Long-term debt incurred for purchase of subsidiary......................  $    3,000  $    --
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 11 - YEAR 2000 ISSUE
 
    Like all entities, the Company is exposed to risks associated with the Year
2000 Issue, which affects computer software and hardware; transactions with
customers, vendors and other entities; and equipment dependent on microchips.
The Company has begun but not yet completed the process of identifying and
remediating potential Year 2000 problems. It is not possible for any entity to
guarantee the results of its own remediation efforts or to accurately predict
the impact of the Year 2000 Issue on third parties with which the Company does
business. If remediation efforts of the Company or third parties with which it
does business are not successful, the Year 2000 problem could have negative
effects on the Company's financial condition and results of operations in the
near term.
 
NOTE 12 - SUBSEQUENT EVENT
 
    In March 1999, the shareholders of the Company signed a definitive agreement
to sell all of the outstanding stock of the Company. The shareholders expect to
complete the sale during the second quarter of 1999.
 
                                      F-74
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    YOU SHOULD RELY ONLY ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT OR TO
WHICH WE HAVE REFERRED YOU. WE HAVE NOT AUTHORIZED ANYONE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH
INFORMATION THAT IS DIFFERENT. WE ARE NOT MAKING AN OFFER OF THESE SECURITIES IN
ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER IS NOT PERMITTED. YOU SHOULD NOT ASSUME THAT THE
INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR ANY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT IS ACCURATE AS OF
ANY DATE OTHER THAN THE DATE ON THE FRONT OF THOSE DOCUMENTS.
 
                            ------------------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PAGE
                                                                            ----
<S>                                                                         <C>
Summary...................................................................     2
Summary Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Data.............................     8
Summary Historical Consolidated Financial Data............................    10
Risk Factors..............................................................    12
Recent Developments.......................................................    18
Use of Proceeds...........................................................    20
Capitalization............................................................    21
Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Data...........................    22
Selected Consolidated Financial Data......................................    30
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
  Operations..............................................................    32
Business..................................................................    40
Management................................................................    54
Security Ownership of Significant Beneficial Owners and Management........    59
Related Party Transactions................................................    61
Description of Bank Credit Facility.......................................    63
Description of Notes......................................................    65
The Initial Offering......................................................    97
The Exchange Offer........................................................    97
Federal Income Tax Consequences...........................................   103
Plan of Distribution......................................................   103
Legal Matters.............................................................   103
Experts...................................................................   104
Index to Financial Statements.............................................   F-1
</TABLE>
 
                        DeCrane Aircraft Holdings, Inc.
 
                               OFFER TO EXCHANGE
              12% SERIES A SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2008 FOR
                12% SERIES B SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2008
          WHICH HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 
                             ---------------------
 
                                   PROSPECTUS
 
                             ---------------------
 
                                  MAY 14, 1999
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
                 [ALTERNATE COVER FOR MARKET-MAKING PROSPECTUS]
 
                                                FILED PURSUANT TO RULE 424(B)(3)
 
PROSPECTUS
 
   [LOGO]
                                                 DECRANE AIRCRAFT HOLDINGS, INC.
                                  -----------
 
                12% SERIES B SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2008
 
    We issued the notes in exchange for our old 12% Series A Senior Subordinated
Notes due 2008. The notes are identical to the old notes, except that certain
transfer restrictions and registration rights relating to the old notes do not
apply to the new notes.
 
    Interest on the notes is payable on March 30 and September 30 of each year,
beginning March 30, 1999. We have the right to redeem any new notes at any time
beginning September 30, 2003 at the redemption prices set forth on page [ ],
plus accrued interest. In addition, before September 30, 2001, we may redeem up
to 35% of the notes at a redemption price of 112% of their principal amount,
plus interest, using proceeds from certain sales of our stock; PROVIDED that at
least 65% of the principal amount of notes ever issued under the indenture
remains outstanding immediately after such redemption. We will also have the
right to redeem, and you will have the right to require us to purchase, the
notes upon the occurrence of certain change of control events, at the prices set
forth on page [ ].
 
    The notes rank junior to our senior indebtedness and secured debt, including
the debt owed under our bank credit facility. The notes rank equally with any
future unsecured, senior subordinated debt. The notes are unconditionally
guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis by all of our existing wholly-owned
domestic subsidiaries, and rank junior to such grantors' senior and unsecured
debt and equally with their future unsecured, senior debt. The notes will
effectively rank junior to all liabilities of our subsidiaries that are not
guarantors. As of December 31, 1998, on a pro forma basis, DeCrane Aircraft and
its guarantor subsidiaries would have outstanding approximately $ million of
senior indebtedness, and the non-guarantor subsidiaries would have had
approximately $ million of outstanding liabilities, including trade payables.
 
    INVESTING IN THE NOTES INVOLVES RISKS. SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE
[ ].
 
    This prospectus is to be used by Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities
Corporation in connection with offers and sales in market-making transactions at
negotiated prices related to prevailing market prices. We do not intend to list
the notes on any securities exchange. DLJ Securities Corporation has advised us
that it intends to make a market in the notes; however, it is not obligated to
do so and may stop at any time. We will not receive the proceeds of the sale of
the notes but will bear the expenses of registration.
 
                            ------------------------
 
    NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION HAS
APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OR
ACCURACY OF
THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
                          DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE
                  The date of this prospectus is May 14, 1999
<PAGE>
              [ALTERNATE RISK FACTOR FOR MARKET-MAKING PROSPECTUS]
 
TRADING MARKET FOR THE NOTES--WE CANNOT ASSURE YOU THAT A MARKET FOR THE NOTES
  WILL DEVELOP.
 
    There is no existing trading market for the notes. We cannot assure you that
any market for the notes will develop, or about your ability to sell the notes
or the price at which you may be able to sell them. If such a market were to
develop, the notes could trade at prices that may be higher or lower than their
initial offering price. That trading price could depend on many factors,
including prevailing interest rates, our operating results and the market for
similar securities. We have also been advised by DLJ Securities Corporation
that, subject to applicable laws and regulations, DLJ Securities Corporation
currently intends to make a market in the new notes following completion of the
exchange offer. However, DLJ Securities Corporation is not obligated to do so
and it may discontinue or interrupt any such market-making at any time without
notice.
 
    DLJ Securities Corporation may be deemed to be our "affiliate" (as defined
in the Securities Act) and, as such, may be required to deliver a prospectus in
connection with its market-making activities in the notes. Pursuant to the
registration rights agreement we signed with DLJ Securities Corporation in
connection with the initial offering of the old notes, we have agreed to use our
best efforts to file and maintain a registration statement that would allow DLJ
Securities Corporation to engage in market-making transactions in the notes for
up to 90 days from the date on which we consummate the offer to exchange the
notes for the old notes. We have agreed to bear substantially all the costs and
expenses related to that registration.
 
                [ALTERNATE SECTION FOR MARKET-MAKING PROSPECTUS]
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
    This Prospectus is delivered in connection with the sale of the notes by DLJ
Securities Corporation in market-making transactions. We will not receive any of
the proceeds from such transactions.
<PAGE>
                [ALTERNATE SECTION FOR MARKET-MAKING PROSPECTUS]
 
                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
    This prospectus is to be used by DLJ Securities Corporation in connection
with offers and sales of the new notes in market-making transactions effected
from time to time. DLJ Securities Corporation may act as a principal or agent
for one party when acting as principal or as agent for both parties, and may
receive compensation in the form of discounts and commissions, including from
both parties when it acts as agent for both. Those sales will be made at
prevailing market prices at the time of sale, at prices related thereto or at
negotiated prices.
 
    DLJ Merchant Banking Partners II, L.P. and certain of its affiliates
beneficially own approximately 94% of the common stock of DeCrane Holdings.
Thompson Dean, Susan C. Schnabel and Timothy J. White, each of whom is a
principal of DLJ Merchant Banking, are members of the Board of Directors of
DeCrane Holdings and the issuer of the notes, DeCrane Aircraft. DLJ Capital
Funding, Inc. acted as syndication agent in connection with our bank credit
facility, for which it received certain customary fees and expenses. DLJ Bridge
Finance Inc. purchased the bridge notes which were refinanced by the initial
offering of old notes, for which it received customary fees and expenses. DLJ
Securities Corporation acted as dealer/manager in connection with the tender
offer in the DLJ acquisition, as arranger in connection with the bank credit
facility, and as the initial purchaser of the old notes, and is the financial
advisor to DeCrane Holdings and DeCrane Aircraft. See "Recent Developments--The
DLJ Acquisition." DLJ Merchant Banking, DLJ Capital Funding, Inc. and DLJ Bridge
Finance, Inc. are affiliates of DLJ Securities Corporation.
 
    DLJ Securities Corporation has informed us that it does not intend to
confirm sales of the new notes to any accounts over which it exercises
discretionary authority without the prior specific written approval of such
transactions by the customer.
 
    We have also been advised by DLJ Securities Corporation that, subject to
applicable laws and regulations, DLJ Securities Corporation currently intends to
make a market in the new notes following completion of the exchange offer.
However, DLJ Securities Corporation is not obligated to do so and it may
discontinue or interrupt any such market-making at any time without notice. Any
such market-making activity also will be subject to the limits imposed by the
Securities Act and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. We cannot assure you
that any market for the notes will develop, or about your ability to sell their
new notes or the price at which you may be able to sell them. See "Risk
Factors--Trading market for the notes."
 
    DLJ Securities Corporation has, from time to time, provided investment
banking and other financial advisory services to us, for which it has received
customary compensation, and will provide such services and financial advisory
services to us in the future. DLJ Securities Corporation was the initial
purchaser in the initial offering of the old notes and received an underwriting
discount of approximately $3.3 million in connection therewith. See "Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions."
 
    We have entered into a registration rights agreement with DLJ Securities
Corporation regarding its use of this prospectus. Pursuant to such agreement, we
have agreed to bear all registration expenses incurred under that agreement, and
to indemnify DLJ Securities Corporation against certain liabilities, including
liabilities under the Securities Act.


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