NATA Awards Top Honors to Edward M. Kilkeary, Sr. and David Todd Duncan
Washington, DC, May 11, 2017 – The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) is pleased to announce the recipients of its highest annual honors. The William A. “Bill” Ong Memorial Award, will be presented to Edward M. Kilkeary, Sr. and the NATA Distinguished Service Award will be presented to David Todd Duncan. The Awards Presentation Luncheon will take place June 7th in conjunction with the NATA 2017 Aviation Business Conference.
The William A. “Bill” Ong Memorial Award, is named in honor and memory of the association’s co-founder and first president and given for extraordinary achievement and extended meritorious service to the general aviation industry. This year’s award recognizes Edward M. Kilkeary, Sr., an innovative business leader, pilot and former NATA Board Member with an aviation career spanning more than 40 years.
Kilkeary, a Vietnam War veteran, co-founded L.J. Aviation in 1980 with his wife Mary Ann. The company now operates a fleet of 30 aircraft and has grown into a true family operation: Edward M. Kilkeary, Jr. is President of Operations, Kellie Kilkeary is Vice President of Human Resources, and Brad Kilkeary is Vice President of Pilot Services.
Kilkeary’s leadership has contributed to L.J. Aviation’s recognition as an industry leader, listed among Professional Pilot Magazine’s Best Charter Services. In 2004, he was nominated for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for his impact within the aviation community and entrepreneurial accomplishments. Continuing to log more than 400 hours yearly and 25,000 hours to date, Kilkeary holds an airline transport pilot rating in both fixed and rotary wing equipment and is type rated in the Hawker, Falcons, Westwind, Learjets, Citations, Challengers and Bell Helicopters. Kilkeary’s dedication to safety was demonstrated by L.J. Aviation’s early adoption of the NATA Safety 1st Professional Line Service Training and Air Charter Safety Foundation Industry Audit Standard, as well as other industry safety programs and ratings.
“NATA and its membership are proud to present Ed Kilkeary with the Ong award,” stated NATA President Martin H. Hiller. “For over 40 years, Ed has been an acknowledged aviation leader with a tireless commitment to the operation of a safe and successful, family-run business. He continues to leave his mark on the industry through his ongoing innovation and his magnanimous spirit.”
This year’s NATA Distinguished Service Award, recognizing outstanding service and ongoing contributions to the general aviation industry, goes to former NATA Board Chair, past Chair of the NATA Aircraft Sales Committee and current Chairman of Duncan Aviation, D. Todd Duncan.
Started by his grandfather, Donald Duncan, in 1956 as an aircraft distributorship, Duncan Aviation began servicing business aircraft in 1981 and has grown to become the world’s largest family-owned business aviation service provider. Todd began his career with Duncan Aviation nearly 30 years ago, starting in aircraft sales and leading component services before becoming Chairman in 2007.
Duncan chaired the NATA Board of Directors in 2011, following in the footsteps of his father Robert Duncan, who served on the NATA Board of Directors and chaired the NATA Aircraft Sales Committee in the 1980s. He was a founding board member of the NATA’s Air Charter Safety Foundation and continues to support NATA as a member of its Presidents Council.
Todd began flying in college and became a licensed private pilot in 1988. He holds multiple instrument ratings and has logged more than 2,200 flying hours.
“Todd Duncan’s devotion to both the aviation business community and NATA have been tremendous. Todd recognizes the importance of looking at the big picture and collaborating with peers when it comes to advocacy and fosters that throughout his business. His leadership as NATA Board Chair and founding Board Member of the Air Charter Safety Foundation was instrumental in the development of many industry programs and we continue to benefit from Todd’s guidance as a member of the NATA Presidents Council,” stated NATA President Martin H. Hiller.
Contact Karissa Uko at kuko@nata.aero or Kim Blankenship at kblankenship@nata.aero for more information on NATA's Industry Excellence Awards Presentation Luncheon and to secure tickets.
NATA, the voice of aviation business for more than 75 years, is the public policy group representing the interests of aviation businesses before Congress and the federal agencies.