In the past year, China has been "snapping up" U.S. general aviation companies, including a recent deal to buy cash-strapped Cirrus Aircraft, an aviation consultant noted in a recent report.

While the purchase of Cirrus is a small transaction, it underscores China's plans to expand its aviation industry.

"In buying up established companies, China gets the management know-how, brand, distribution, technology in days, not decades," said Brian Foley, with Brian Foley Associates.

After Foley wrote a report on the issue two weeks ago, he received an "outpouring" of calls from the aviation community frustrated that Chinese companies are buying U.S.-based ones, he said.

The speed and passion of the feedback was a surprise, he said.

"It occurred to me that it may not be too late to try to get another offer in on Cirrus," Foley said.