Bill Walker
“The best part of my job is being around the engines when they are operating, whether it’s on a test flight or engine-run…I love the noise, the action and the troubleshooting.”
Bill Walker, Duncan Aviation Engine Tech Rep, has been working on engines most of his life. It all started as a hobby with his twin brother Ray, working on car engines in his parents’ garage. With wrenches in their hands, they could troubleshoot, diagnose and fix most problems just by listening to the engines roar. But at the age of 17, they became bored and joined the U.S. Air Force in search of something bigger, louder and faster—jet engines.
For a little over nine years, Bill worked on the J79 Engine (F4 Aircraft), J85 Engine (T38 Aircraft) and the TF34 Engine (A10 Aircraft). After he was trained and signed off on teardown and buildup of the TF34 in the shop, Bill applied and was transferred to the TF34 Engine Test Cell, where for the remainder of his military service, he was stationed at RAF Bentwaters in England.
Bill continued his aviation career at McDonnell Douglas working on fighter jets. After experiencing three temporary layoffs, he wanted something more secure and signed on with an MRO located in the St. Louis area, where he was supervisor a small engine department.
On September 1, 2004, Bill made the move to Lincoln, NE, to become Duncan Aviation’s Engine Tech Rep for Challenger engines and now Pratt & Whitney engines. You will find Bill assisting the customer in the hangars at Duncan Aviation, at their home base or in the field in an AOG situation. “I’m tech support. I go where I’m needed and am on the phone constantly answering customer questions.” Bill also treats Duncan Aviation engine mechanics as his customers, teaching troubleshooting and helping them to work through problems they encounter on the floor.
Being Prepared
In addition to hands-on technical help, Bill spends many hours doing research to stay current with new OEM service bulletins and airworthy directives as well as preparing for the new work scheduled out several months. “We’re researching now to be prepared for that airplane when it arrives,” says Bill. The process of being prepared actually begins with the sales quote. Before a customer receives a quote for future engine work, Bill, along with fellow engine tech reps, Shane Heier and Jason Burhoop, work with sales in reviewing quotes to help ensure accuracy. “This helps save time, money and confusion for all involved.”
With the onset of the digital world, rather than listening to the engines tell him what’s going on, Bill replies upon computers to diagnose a problem. “You just can’t fix things by listening anymore. The technology is fascinating and a great tool, but I’m an old school guy. I like the wrench in the hand.” So does his brother Ray.
Bill and his brother have since moved on from cars and have become avid motorcycle enthusiasts. They both still work with engines and share a love of airplanes as licensed personal pilots. When they get the opportunity to get together, they can be found on a motorcycle trip across country or at an Air Show.
Bill values education and is always open to learning something new. He has earned a degree in Pilot Training and is currently finishing up his BA in Organizational Management from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska. His greatest joys are his three daughters, one son and six grandkids.
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Walker, Bill - Engine Tech Rep - Battle Creek, MI (BTL). Aviation professional since 1979. Airframes: Astra, Challenger, Citation, Embraer, Falcon, Gulfstream, Hawker, Learjet, King Air, Global, Westwind Engines: TFE731, CF34, JT15D, CFE738, ALF502, AE3007 A/C, PT6A Turboprop, APUs, FJ44, 617F-E, PW300, PW500, PW600, Williams FJ44, Rolls Royce Spey & Tay, Rolls Royce BR700, AS907 Direct: 269.969.8486 |
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