2014 General Aviation Awards Program
The General Aviation Awards Program — started in 1963 — is a cooperative effort between the FAA and 38 GA industry partners. Each year it recognizes aviation professionals for their contributions in the fields of aviation, education, and flight safety. Applicants are evaluated against at least four required metrics: professional involvement, pro bono service to the aviation community, continuing education, and the strength of three letters of recommendation.
The national winners are officially recognized during EAA AirVenture each year in July, which includes an all-expenses-paid trip to the world’s greatest aviation celebration in Oshkosh, WI. AMTSociety Executive Director Ron Donner was there to offer congratulations. AMTSociety is a proud sponsor of the General Aviation Awards Program.
Max Loyd Burnette, Rockvale, TN, is the 2014 National Aircraft Maintenance Technician of the Year. Burnette is semi-retired after 50 years in aircraft maintenance and 25 years as an A&P mechanic. He began flying as a hobby in 1956 and remains an active pilot. In his semi-retirement, Max is currently doing a complete restoration of a 1941 Piper J-5 Cub Cruiser. He has been an active member of EAA and AOPA since 1986.
David Brian Kocak, Guilford, CT, is the 2014 National Avionics Technician of the Year. Kocak serves as the avionics service manager, installation manager, and inspector at V.I.P. Avionics at Hartford-Brainard Airport, where he has been employed for the past 16 years. He holds a repairman’s certificate with inspection authorization and a FCC General Radio Telephone Operator license
Howard William Wolvington of Issaquah, WA, is the 2014 National Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI) of the Year. Wolvington works as an independent CFI with the Boeing Employees Flying Association (BEFA) at the Renton Municipal Airport, and with private clients at airports in the Seattle area. He holds an ATP certificate and has more than 13,000 hours of flight time. As a Gold Seal CFI with instrument and multiengine ratings, he has given more than 10,000 hours of flight instruction and 8,000 hours of ground instruction.
Richard Loren Stowell, Jr., McCall, ID, is the 2014 National FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) Representative of the Year. Stowell is a full-time aviation educator specializing in spin, emergency maneuver, and aerobatic training since 1987. He owns and operates Rich Stowell Consulting and is an independent flight instructor, author and speaker. Stowell has given more than 8,700 hours of flight instruction and performed more than 33,400 spins in 215 spin-approved aircraft.
For more information visit www.generalaviationawards.org.
AMTSociety Education/IA Refresher Events
The next series of AMTSociety Education/IA Refresher training events are scheduled. Visit www.amtsociety.org to register.
Kansas City, MO
Oct. 8, 2014 (Wednesday)
Holiday Inn KCI Airport & KCI Expo Center
11728 NW Ambassador Dr., Kansas City, MO 64153
Denver, CO
Nov. 3, 2014 (Monday)
The Summit Conference and Event Center
411 Sable Blvd., Aurora, CO 80011
Tulsa, OK
Dec. 5, 2014 (Friday)
Tulsa Tech Riverside Campus
801 E. 91st, Tulsa, OK 74132
Atlanta, GA
Jan. 16, 2015 (Friday)
Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta Airport Millennium Center
2031 Sullivan Rd,, College Park, GA 30337
Some of the speakers and topics already confirmed are:
FAA speakers from FSDO, FAASTeam, or the ACO will update attendees on numerous maintenance and safety related topics
SMA Engines will provide attendees maintenance and operating information on Diesel Technology Engines
Bell Helicopter Technical Representatives will present on Preventative Maintenance: Minutes and Pennies Now: Hours and Dollars Later
Global Parts.aero will speak on the topic of Proper Removal, Installation, and Care of Pneumatic Deice Boots
Cirrus Aircraft on Composite Repair
Champion Aerospace on the Slick Magneto 500-hour inspection, and harness and spark plug maintenance
Aircraft Electronics Association on An IA’s Guide to Avionics
NORDAM on Improving Maintenance Reliability on Nacelles and Thrust Reversers
Additional speakers and topics are being confirmed and some may change depending on location. Refreshments and lunch will be provided. Visit with exhibitors and don’t forget about the door prizes!
Focus on AMTSociety Corporate and School Members
Dallas Airmotive
AMTSociety is pleased to have Dallas Airmotive as the newest corporate member. Dallas Airmotive operates three major overhaul facilities, 12 regional turbine centers, two parts supply companies, and one turbine engine controls company. It provides 24-hour technical support, every day of the year, AOG parts support and mobile response teams for emergencies virtually anywhere in the world, with a pool of more than 150 rental engines available. Dallas Airmotive has a long and rich history which began in 1932 as the Piston Engine Overhaul Company at Dallas Love Field. Dallas Airmotive is a key component of BBA Aviation’s Aftermarket Services Division which provides comprehensive turbine engine repair, overhaul and support services for more than 80 percent of the engines in use in the business and general aviation market. For more information visit http://www.dallasairmotive.com/.
George T. Baker Aviation School
George T. Baker Aviation School is located near the Miami International Airport. The school is a public, tax-supported institution authorized by the Florida Department of Education and operated by the Miami-Dade County Public School System. It is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE) and the National Center for Aircraft Technician Training (NCATT) and is certificated by the Federal Aviation Administration under Part 147 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. The mission of George T. Baker Aviation School is to provide training to persons interested in aviation maintenance, electronics, and avionics to become an integral part of the industry. The following programs are currently offered: Airframe Technician; Powerplant Technician; Avionics I Technician; Avionics II Technician. For more information visit www.bakeraviation.edu.
Del Mar College
Del Mar College located in Corpus Christi, TX, was certified by the FAA as an Aviation Maintenance Technician School in 2006. It offers aircraft maintenance training in Airframe and Powerplant, Avionics, and Non-Destructive Testing. The Aviation Maintenance program prepares individuals for employment in the aircraft maintenance industry. Aircraft mechanics are employed by the airlines, aircraft manufacturing companies, repair stations, the United States military, and general aviation fixed base operators. Some mechanics specialize in work on a particular part of an aircraft, such as metal or composite surfaces, avionics equipment, hydraulic systems, landing gear, propellers or engines. Others, particularly those employed by the smaller fixed base operators, work on many different aircraft. For more information visit www.delmar.edu.
