Snap-on Industrial Awards Tools in General Aviation Program

Kenosha, Wis., Aug 21, 2013 – Snap-on Industrial bestowed tools and equipment to the four recipients of the 2013 General Aviation Awards Program, Aug. 1, at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s AirVenture 2013, in Oshkosh, Wis.

The General Aviation Awards Program annually recognizes aviation professionals in the fields of aviation maintenance, flight instruction, avionics and flight safety for their contributions to the aviation community. After nominations were received, a panel of professionals from the four fields selected the national recipients. The 2013 General Aviation Awards Program recipients are:

• Bill Fifles, Honolulu, Hawaii – Aviation Maintenance Technician of the Year
• Dean Eichholz, Soldotna, Alaska – Certified Flight Instructor of the Year
• Bruce Lundquist, Willis, Mich. – Avionics Technician of the Year
• Mark Madden, Anchorage, Alaska – Federal Aviation Administration Safety Team Representative of the Year

“We’re very pleased to recognize these four outstanding aviation professionals, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the General Aviation Awards Program in delivering quality, innovative tooling solutions that further the aviation profession,” said Andy Ginger, president, Snap-on Industrial.

The four recipients received their award at a presentation hosted by Barry Cooper, the Federal Aviation Administration’s Great Lakes Region Administrator, and Greg Feith, a 20-year veteran of the National Transportation Safety Board. Part of each person’s prize package included a $2,000 Snap-on Industrial gift certificate.

Fifles, who is the director of maintenance at Kamaka Air, Inc., in Honolulu, was recently hired at United Airlines and is relocating to California. He is a life-long Snap-on tool user and continues to use them as their precise tolerances make them ideal for the aviation industry.

“I use Snap-on because of the tolerances in their tools. They’re made with closer tolerances than other manufacturers’ tools,” he said. “You can buy throw-away tools all day long, but when you need a close-tolerance tool, Snap-on is the one. A quarter inch wrench or socket means a quarter inch – you can rely on it.”

Although Fifles said his tool box is filled with Snap-on right now, he plans to use the $2,000 gift certificate to find a more exclusive tool or two.

“I’m a gadget guy so I’ll probably be looking for something unique or something you don’t see in the everyday tool box,” he said. “Something that cuts harder or is bigger or has more torque, that’s what I’ll be looking for. I like the unique tools that nobody else has.”

“Snap-on Industrial has been a platinum level gift sponsor of the General Aviation Awards Program for several years, and we’re proud to support efforts that advance the aviation maintenance career field,” said Pat McDevitt, manager business development, Snap-on Industrial. “There’s a reason why technicians like Bill are life-long Snap-on tool users. When it comes to aviation, Snap-on has the tools, equipment and customer support to bring a complete tooling solution to our customers.”

For more information on Snap-on Industrial’s tools for the aviation industry, visit http://www1.snapon.com/Industrial. For more information on the General Aviation Awards Program, visit http://www.generalaviationawards.com/.

About Snap-on Industrial
Snap-on Industrial is a division of Snap-on Incorporated, a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of tools, diagnostics, equipment, software and service solutions for professional users. Products and services include hand and power tools, tool storage, diagnostics software, information and management systems, shop equipment and other solutions for vehicle dealerships and repair centers, as well as customers in industry, government, agriculture, aviation and natural resources. Products and services are sold through the company’s franchisee, company-direct, distribution and Web-based channels. Founded in 1920, Snap-on is a $2.9 billion, S&P 500 Company headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin.