Duncan Aviation's Joe Tulowitzki Receives Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award

Duncan Aviation's Joe Tulowitzki, Turbine Engine Service sales rep, is honored with the FAA’s (Federal Aviation Administration's) Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award, recognizing his 51-year career and lifetime dedication to the aviation maintenance profession.

The Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award recognizes aviation maintenance professionals who have demonstrated at least 50 years of service, technical expertise, professionalism, and dedication to aviation safety.

Representing the FAA as a FAASTeam member, Duncan Aviation Technical Education team leader Darwin Godemann presented Tulowitzki with the award during Duncan Aviation's annual sales meeting. Attendees gave Tulowitzki a standing ovation as he accepted the award.

Tulowitzki’s aviation journey began in 1975 while attending a high-school career day. Although he had the opportunity to pursue baseball in college, he chose a different path. Inspired by his father's military service as a paratrooper, he enlisted in the United States Air Force that very day. Looking back, Tulowitzki calls it "the best move I ever made."

After completing his training, he served as a jet-engine mechanic at Castle Air Force Base in California and later at RAF Lakenheath in England. Following his honorable discharge in 1979, he continued his aviation career with Garrett Aviation, MCI Flight Operations, MidCoast Aviation's Premier Turbines division, and Dallas Airmotive before joining Duncan Aviation in 2012.

Throughout his career, Tulowitzki has combined his technical knowledge with a commitment to customer service and the relationships he has built across the aviation industry.

"Joe has been a great leader in aviation, caring about the customers, the teams, and the family environment," says Ryan Huss, Duncan Aviation vice president of Sales and Marketing. "He brought more than knowledge to the job. He held amazing relationships throughout the industry."

Duncan Aviation chairman Todd Duncan said Tulowitzki's personality and approach to life remind him in some ways of his father, Robert Duncan. "Joe has a special style that can be compared to Robert’s — from suits to boots," Duncan says. "He's down-to-earth and fun-loving but always professional. This airplane business brings us together, but the industry is about the people. Joe proves this."

Known for his distinctive style, Tulowitzki placed his infamous white boots on either side of the podium and invited attendees to sign them as a memento of the occasion.

As he accepted the award, he thanked his family and the Duncan Aviation team for making his experience with the company so meaningful. His wife, Joanne, sons Jason and John, and daughter-in-law Allyson were also present to celebrate the milestone.

After 51 years in aviation, Tulowitzki continues to share his knowledge and experience with the next generation of aviation professionals. The Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award recognizes not only his long career in aviation but also the professionalism, relationships and commitment to people that have defined his journey.

Tulowitzki joins a growing list of Duncan Aviation technical experts who have received the FAA's Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award in recognition of 50 or more years of aviation maintenance experience.

Lincoln, NE (LNK)

• Bernard Michael (2016)
• Joe Huffman, Sr. (2016)
• Bob Tooker (2018)
• Leo Sawatzki (2019)
• Ron Grose (2024)
• Tim Garity (2024)
• Curt Campbell (2026)
• Joe Tulowitzki (2026)

Battle Creek, MI (BTL)

• Howard Schroeder (2006)
• Gary Dunn (2025)

For more information, visit www.DuncanAviation.aero.