Curt Campbell of Duncan Aviation Receives Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award
Curt Campbell—a newly retired avionics component tech rep—has officially received the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award.
Campbell is the first avionics repairman from Duncan Aviation to be honored with this award.
FAA FAASTeam Program Manager, Mark Gaffney presented the award to Campbell during a reception at the Lincoln, Nebraska, location of Duncan Aviation, with Campbell’s wife in attendance. Other attendees included:
- Colleagues
- Invited special guests
- Company leaders
Campbell’s aviation career unfolded over more than 50 years, with much of the industry knowing him as an expert in autopilot. Colleagues praise Campbell for showing up, listening to others and staying dedicated to understanding and solving problems.
He first joined Duncan Aviation as an avionics instrument technician in May 1975, and he specialized in Learjet ancillary systems and flight control. In his early career, Campbell gained hands-on experience on flight tests, learning about aircraft avionics and flight characteristics.
Combining the perspective of a technician and a flight crew member, Campbell honed unique expertise on how avionics systems work and how they perform in varying environments in the air.
Campbell went on to work for 10 years as lead technician for his first 10 years, and then for 40 years as an avionics technical representative in the Avionics Instrument Department.
Other key contributions Campbell has made at Duncan Aviation include:
- Training and mentoring new technicians and managers
- Designing training for AEA conventions
- Supporting innovations in avionics engineering
A few innovations that Campbell helped to develop are:
- Adapter designs
- Troubleshooting software
- Testing equipment
Vice President of Parts & Rotables Sales and Component Services Mark Cote said, “Curt was known as the go-to guy for autopilot expertise in the industry.”
Cote added, “He had a way of listening, simplifying the complex, and staying with a problem until it was solved.”
Duncan Aviation Chairman Todd Duncan said, “We grew and flourished because of people like Curt and those who came before and after him.”
“It seems like yesterday that I began my career,” said Campbell, “I didn’t get here on my own. I stood on the shoulders of many great people who are no longer here.”
Campbell continued, “I learned from them and listened, passing along the knowledge I gained to others. I’m proud of the people and the company I leave behind.”
The Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award is named after the first aircraft engine that the Wright brothers successfully engineered, highlighting the highest standards in aircraft maintenance. It is historically given to aviation maintenance professionals with 50+ years of applying key skills and remaining dedicated to the industry.
Previous recipients of the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award from Duncan Aviation include:
Lincoln, Nebraska (LNK)
- Tim Garity (2024)
- Ron Grose (2024)
- Leo Sawatzki (2019)
- Bob Tooker (2018)
- Joe Huffman Sr. (2016)
- Bernard Michael (2016)
Battle Creek, Michigan (BTL)
- Gary Dunn (2025)
- Howard Schroeder (2006)