Duncan Aviation's Bob Elrod Named Aviation Maintenance Technician of the Year at District and Regional Levels

March 24, 2003

LINCOLN, NEB. - In recognition for years of service to the business aviation industry, Duncan Aviation's Bob Elrod was recently named the FAA's Maintenance Technician of the Year for the Nebraska District and the North Central Region.

"I am honored to be selected for these awards," Elrod says. "It is especially gratifying to know that I was nominated by my peers, which makes this recognition that much more meangingful." Elrod has worked in aviation maintenance for 47 years. He began his aviation career with the United States Air Force in 1956. He held many positions as he progressed through the ranks. At retirement, he was the Wing Aircraft Maintenance Superintendent. After retiring from the military in 1985, Elrod became a part of Duncan Aviation. He began his career as a Sheet Metal Technician, but for the past six years he has been Duncan Aviation's Technical Training Coordinator. "On the wall in my office hangs a plaque stating: 'Pay for good training or pay for poor performance,'" Elrod says. "That statement sums up my philosophy of aircraft maintenance training, and that of Duncan Aviation." Over the years, Elrod has encouraged classes aimed toward safety as well as technical proficiency. His years of experience in the field of aviation maintenance have allowed him to be an effective and proficient trainer and coordinator. "Bob's willingness to share his expertise with fellow technicians is evident in the enthusiasm he brings to his profession," says Mark Matthes, Chief Operating Officer of Duncan Aviation's Lincoln, Neb., facility. "As Duncan Aviation's Technical Training Coordinator, Bob Elrod has clearly shown dedication to aviation training, education and safety."

Duncan Aviation is an aircraft service provider with 1,800 employees supporting the aviation needs of government and business operators and other service providers. These services include airframe, engine, component (avionics, instrument and accessory) repair and overhaul, avionics installations, interior and paint completions/modifications and parts support. Major service facilities are located in Lincoln, Neb., and Battle Creek, Mich. Additional locations include 20 satellite avionics facilities located throughout the United States, 19 government C-23 contract locations, a line service and regional support facility in Kalamazoo, Mich., and Lincoln-based AVPAC, a division that sells and consigns general aviation parts to aircraft operators and service organizations worldwide.

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