NATA Recognizes Outstanding Performance of a GA Service Technician
NATA is extremely pleased to recognize the outstanding performance of a licensed airframe and powerplant mechanic or radio repairman who has practiced his or her craft for a period of 20 or more years.
2026 Winner | Mike McGuire, Shift Supervisor, Duncan Aviation
When Mike McGuire joined Duncan Aviation right out of college, he saw himself as one of the new guys. He had little experience, while his colleagues had 10, 20, or 30 years at Duncan. There was a lot to learn and plenty of people to learn from.
McGuire’s diligence and skill quickly drew notice, and he worked his way up. More than 30 years later, he is one of the people others turn to. A seasoned technician, McGuire is happy to share the knowledge he has gained from working on a wide variety of aircraft.
For his dedication to the craft and willingness to share his knowledge with his teams and colleagues across the company, McGuire has received NATA’s GA Service Technician Award. The award recognizes the “outstanding performance of a licensed airframe and powerplant mechanic or radio repairman who has practiced his or her craft for a period of 20 or more years.”
Current Recipient
2026 – Mike McGuire, Shift Supervisor, Duncan Aviation
Past Recipients
2025 – Duane Fowler, Lead Avionics Technician, Heritage Aviation, Burlington, Vermont
2024 – John Malecha, Technician, Stevens Aerospace and Defense Systems
2023 – Andrew Fuller, PC-24 Supervisor, Aero Center Epps Atlanta
2018 – Douglas Levangie, Vice President of Maintenance Operations and Advisory Services, Pentastar Aviation
2017 – George Terry, VP Director of Maintenance, Corporate Eagle
2016 – Jerry Richard Marolt, Jr., Senior Crew Chief, Flexjet
2015 – Mark E. Jensen, Director of Maintenance, Bakersfield Jet Center by Loyd’s Aviation
2014 – James (Tony) Gay, Engine Service Manager, StandardAero
2013 – Jack Vazquez, Director of Maintenance, Bergstrom Aircraft Inc.
2012 – Greg Paxson, Director of Maintenance, TWC Aviation Inc.
2011 – John (Ray) Hartley, deceased, former Manager and Chief Inspector – QA inspector, Standard Aero
2010 – Steve Taylor, Epps Aviation
2009 – Pat James, Field Service Engineer, Cessna Aircraft Co.
2008 – Jimmy P. Ray, A & P Mechanic, Million Air Salt Lake City
2007 – Greg Coile, Avionics Technician, Business Jet Access
2006 – Dale Meiler, Lead Maintenance Inspector, Banyan Air Service
2005 – Willard Kelley, SevenBar Flying Service
2004 – Joseph Babis, Avionics, Inc.
2003 – Terry Wagner, National Flight Service
2002 – Ed Boyd, Garrett Aviation
2001 – Bartholomew Lalla, Director of Marketing Services, Jet Aviation-West Palm Beach
2000 – Hugh Gwyn-Williams, Maintenance Manager, Executive Air Fleet/Jet Aviation
1999 – Warren Hartquist, Signature Flight Support
1998 – George W. Townson, aviation consultant
1997 – Jim Carr, Midcoast Aviation
1996 –
1995 – Henry C. Morgan, Ronson Aviation
1994 –
1993 –
1992 – James E. (Jimmy) Anderson, Owner, Anderson Aircraft
1991 – Irving Kuenzie, Senior A&E Mechanic and Inspector, Hughes Aviation Services
1990 – Fred E. Hetrick, President, Hetrick Aircraft, Inc.
1989 – James W. Adams, Montgomery Aviation
1988 – Jerry L. Hughes, Vice President of Aircraft Maintenance, Atlantic Aero, Inc.
1987 – Howard J. Fuller, Co-Founder, Aviation Training Academy, Inc.