Robert Duncan Receives Master Pilot Award

LINCOLN, NE — In a private ceremony on the morning of Dec. 24, 2008, Robert Duncan, Chairman Emeritus of Duncan Aviation, received the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. This award recognizes pilots who have demonstrated professionalism, skill, and aviation expertise by maintaining safe operations for 50 or more years. Only 20 individuals in the state of Nebraska and 1,984 nationwide have earned this award. Rick Johnson and Dan Petersen of the Lincoln Flight Standards District Office presented the award to Robert Duncan at Duncan Aviation in Lincoln, NE.

Robert Duncan credits his dad, Donald Duncan, founder of Duncan Aviation, for helping him realize his passion for flying. "The love of flying was instilled in me while sitting on my dad’s lap in the cockpit of an aircraft. Safety was the first lesson I learned at the controls," he said. He went on to say he hopes to be instrumental in developing that same love of flying in his grandchildren.

Todd Duncan, Chairman of Duncan Aviation, nominated his father for this award and was present at the ceremony. "I’m proud of my dad and his safety record," he said. "He has set a great example for me and others to remember that in order to enjoy the freedom of flying, safety is paramount."

Flying is a Duncan family tradition with all the members of Robert Duncan’s family holding pilot’s license, including his mother Betty, wife Karen, son Todd, and daughter Paige.