Posted by Diane Heiserman on Wed, Oct 03, 2012 @ 11:15 AM
Over 250 high school students and teachers gather to tour Duncan Aviation and learn about aviation career opportunities.
Over 250 high school students, teachers, sponsors and parents gathered this morning at Duncan Aviation in Lincoln, Nebraska, to explore the unique career opportunities available in the aviation industry. Representatives from Colleges and Universities, Tech Schools, Aviation exhibitors, Aviation Media, Government Agencies and Military organizations were on hand to talk with interested students.
Todd Duncan addressed the group explaining, "to be in the aviation industry is more than a job, it is a career. One that you can be proud of with advancement opportunities limited only by your imagination."
All students in attendance are elible to win scholarships totalling $3000.
Duncan Aviation is the largest family owned aviation maintenance company in the world and employs more than 2,000 aviation professionals around the world. To learn more about the career opportunities at Duncan Aviation, visit www.duncanaviation.aero/careers.
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Posted by Diane Heiserman on Fri, Sep 07, 2012 @ 05:00 PM
[L to R] Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler, Jeff Lake, Todd Duncan, Aaron Hilkeman, Chamber President Wendy Birdsall.
The Lincoln, NE, Chamber of Commerce held their 17th annual Celebrate Business awards reception on September 5, 2012. The program presented eight business awards celebrating public service, free enterprise, tourism development, entrepreneurship, and environmental responsibility.
Cornerstone Award
Duncan Aviation was presented with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Cornerstone Award. The Cornerstone Award is presented to the corporate entity whose entrepreneurship has added to the economic base of the Lincoln community and provided opportunity for others to work and live in Lincoln.
Todd Duncan, Chairman of Duncan Aviation, was joined on stage by Aaron Hilkemann, President, and Jeff Lake, Chief Operating Officer, as he received the Cornerstone Award from Lincoln Mayor, Chris Beutler, and Lincoln Chamber of Commerce President, Wendy Birdsall.
Todd says, “We are honored to be recognized for our achievements. We would not be the company we are today had we not started in Lincoln Nebraska.” Todd contributes this award and the successes of Duncan Aviation to every team member and their dedication. “Greatness in any organization is defined by its people,” says Todd. “This award is a tribute to the people and teams at Duncan Aviation. They are the ones who make it happen.”
Watch the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce video featuring Duncan Aviation and it's contribution to the Lincoln, Nebraska, community.
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Posted by Diane Heiserman on Tue, Jun 05, 2012 @ 07:00 AM
Contributed by Erin Hart, Corporate Apprentice
At the foundation of any company stands its Core Values, the ideals that guide day-to-day interactions between employees, customers and competitors. They serve as the bedrock upon which decisions are made by the leaders of the company.
A number of years ago, a team of Duncan Aviation employees put to words what they felt made the company so unique. They identified the characteristics that lie at its very core; family atmosphere, strong work ethic, good values and team approach. These Core Values are now established into the heritage of the company. It is not required that employees have them memorized or learned. They were simply a description of who we are and how we do business every day.
Watch as Duncan Aviation team members express why the Duncan Aviation Core Values resonate so much with their teams and how they can be seen in every aspect of their workday.
Download a copy of Duncan Aviation's Core Values.
Erin Hart is a Duncan Aviation Apprentice working in the Marketing Communications department at the Lincoln Nebraska facility. She began working in aviation in 2007.
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Posted by Diane Heiserman on Wed, May 23, 2012 @ 01:49 PM
"Our industry is uniquely American. It’s worth supporting and fighting for. It’s about jobs, careers and building strong American communities and productive, competitive businesses."
-Todd Duncan at GAMA rally in Lincoln, Nebr.
On Friday, May 18, Todd Duncan addressed a crowd of several hundred Duncan Aviation and Hamilton Sundstrand employees, in addition to Nebraska Senators Ben Nelson and Mike Johanns at a General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) rally in Duncan Aviation’s new paint hangar in Lincoln, Nebraska. Also in attendance were several employees from the Hamilton Sundstrand facility in York, Nebraska. Below are his opening remarks.
GAMA Rally Opening Remarks
"I want to thank all of the Duncan Aviation and Hamilton Sundstrand team members who are here today. This rally is for you, because you’re the ones who make this industry work, the ones who put in the hours to make and keep the aircraft flying and to ensure that their passengers are safe and productive for their companies. Thanks for all you do!
"My grandfather, Donald Duncan would be so proud of what we’re doing today; how we’ve grown and the high-quality work we produce. He founded Duncan Aviation in 1956 in Omaha. By 1958, my father, Robert, was learning to fly, soloing when he was just 16 years old and selling his first aircraft for Duncan Aviation while he was still in high school.
"In 1963, we moved the business here to the Lincoln Municipal Airport to expand and accommodate more general aviation business. In 1965, we took delivery of our first Learjet, lucky Serial Number 13.
"Over the years, we slowly added services like avionics, airframe and engine to support our aircraft sales focus. By 1981, service revenues exceeded our revenues from aircraft sales. From that point on, we have continued to invest in the service side of the business aviation. We continue to innovate, as well as diversify, those services.
"In more recent years, we have developed into a company with three main service locations, 25 avionics satellite and work-away shops, and eight engine Rapid Response launch points. We have team members located worldwide.
"We work in a great industry. That industry is made up of great people doing something that they love. As most of you know, I am a pilot. I love coming to work every day; working with, around and in these amazing flying machines. Most of us share that passion. We love airplanes and love what we do to keep them flying.
"Over the last few years, business aviation has certainly received some criticism in the media and in Washington D.C. Yes, some use of business aviation has been over the top. But for the most part, these aircraft are valuable business tools. 59 percent of companies operating business aircraft have fewer than 500 total employees and 80% of the passengers flying in business aircraft are middle managers and salespeople."
Why is general aviation so important to business?
"Company aircraft save employee time. They increase productivity, safety and security while en route. They allow users to visit multiple destinations quickly and efficiently. And they can access 10 times the number of airports served by commercial airlines. They just travel at the speed of business much better than the airlines."
Why is general aviation so important to our people?
"Our industry provides more than 1.2 million jobs countrywide. But it provides more than just jobs, it provides excellent careers!
"At Duncan Aviation, we currently have 1,975 team members, 1,207 of them here in Lincoln. 165 of our team members have been working for us for more than 25 years. Another 68 have been here for 23 or 24 years. Dozens more have been with Duncan Aviation between 15 to 20 years. That is more than just a job. That is a career that allows them to support their families well and build a career in aviation."
Giving Back
"While we work to support our families, they in-turn, support the community. Our team members are very generous. They participate in blood drives, build homes for those who cannot afford them, tutor kids, as well as participate in many non-profit walks, runs and fundraisers.
"In 2010, we had more than 200 team members volunteer their time to help with the Special Olympics Airlift that occurred in Lincoln. It’s the business aviation community that makes this possible."
Uniquely American
"Our industry is uniquely American. It’s worth supporting and fighting for. It’s about jobs, careers and building strong American communities and productive, competitive businesses.
"With the support of our elected officials in Washington, we can continue to grow and improve and give back. That’s the purpose for this rally. To thank those officials who support our industry and to show that we are proud to be part of general aviation.
"We look forward to working with the Administration, Congress, government and local officials to develop the policies and the procedures that will perpetuate, rather than destroy, those benefits – and provide the future growth needed by this industry … and this nation.
"We sincerely appreciate Senator Johanns efforts as the co-chair of the GA Caucus and Senator Nelson being a member. Both Senators Johanns and Nelson truly understand the economic impact and essential services provided to Nebraska by General Aviation.
"It’s an honor that they took time out of their schedules today to come see us and celebrate general aviation in Duncan Aviation’s newest facility."
Todd Duncan is the third-generation in the Duncan family to lead Duncan Aviation. He is currently serving as Chairman. His aviation career began in 1988.
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Posted by Diane Heiserman on Thu, Feb 02, 2012 @ 09:54 AM
Contributed by Bob Tooker, Propeller Sales & Tech Rep
Final propeller assembly was performed by Duncan Aviation team members (left to right) Nate Tvrdy, Jeff Schlegel and Scott Lau.
On a trip to Iowa Western Community College last year, I learned from Eugene Jedlicka, Aviation Department Chair, that the Test Club propellers, used on aircraft engines the students rebuild as a part of their studies, were old and not very safe.
When I returned back to my office, I consulted with Scott Lau, Team Leader of Duncan Aviation’s prop shop. We decided we were in a position to help out Western Community College and all future A&P students. After looking through our own inventory and reaching out to other propeller shops, we collected all the necessary parts to complete the project.
The Duncan Aviation propeller shop assembled all the pieces and sent the completed prop to a local airbrush art studio for a custom paint job. The finished product made the blades look riveted together with the logos of both Iowa Western Community College and Duncan Aviation on the blades. Thanks to Duncan Aviation propeller shop for final assembly.
On January 12th, I traveled to Iowa Western Community College to deliver a two-blade and a three-blade propeller to their program. I know that the propellers will benefit many students and our donation was much appreciated.
"We here at Iowa Western greatly appreciate the donation of the two propellers from Duncan Aviation," said Jedlicka. "One will replace an old propeller on one of our engine run up stands while the other will help complete a new engine run up stand that is going to be turbo charged. That is something Iowa Western has never had before. Again we thank the hard working people at Duncan Aviation for taking the time to make these two props appear."
Duncan Aviation's FAA Approved Propeller Repair Station provides extensive aircraft propeller maintenance and overhaul services and we are a leading Raisbeck Dealer, a McCauley Service Center and a Hartzell Top Prop Dealer. We maintaing a large inventory of overhauled turbine propellers for outright exchange sales.
Now through June 30, 2012, get get a free dynamic balancing with each propeller overhaul. Weather restrictions may apply. Click here for more information.
Bob Tooker is an aircraft parts consignment expert specializing in quality control and export documentation. His aviation career began in 1967.For more updates from Duncan Aviation, please follow us on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.
Posted by Diane Heiserman on Fri, Nov 11, 2011 @ 02:41 PM
Contributed by Phillip Brooking, Government Sales Manager
Duncan Aviation honors its 493 Veteran Employees.
During this Veterans Day, we pause to remember the sacrifices our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen have made in serving our nation where and when they were needed. From one generation to the next, young men and women have willingly joined the ranks of America's Armed Forces. Aware of their obligations as citizens of the greatest nation on earth, they answered its call; they served the United States with courage and commitment.
Duncan Aviation wants to say thank you to all veterans who have sacrificed much in the defense of this country. We proudly support our 493 veteran employees representing 26 percent of the company. We are honored by their sacrifice and are proud to work side by side with these brave men and women. We cannot thank them and their families enough for the sacrifices they have made for our nation. Duncan Aviation openly supports our Reserve and Guard members, who continue to sacrifice for our country.
We honor each of you, America’s veterans, who served so faithfully and honorably. Through your sacrifices you have secured for millions of others the blessings of freedom, democracy and the unmatched opportunities that we enjoy in the United States today.
May each of you have a safe Veterans Day weekend. God bless each of you and your families, God bless our armed services and God bless the United States of America.
Phillip Brooking retired from United States Marine Corps after serving 23 years as a Aircraft Maintenance and Logistics Officer. He is Duncan Aviation's Government Sales Manager in Lincoln, Nebraska, specializing in business development and government contracts with U.S. and foreign governments.
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Posted by Diane Heiserman on Thu, Dec 09, 2010 @ 03:45 PM
Contributed by Erin Hart, Duncan Aviation Apprentice
A wide array of visitors can be found at Duncan Aviation during any given week. Most are on site for business or education. We openly provide tours to local schools and programs and host time for many vendors and customers on a daily basis. But a very unique visitor landed in the Battle Creek hangars during a week in July 2010.
Throughout that week Rachel Lussier was stationed near a blue and white Falcon 50. Rachel, an artist originally from the area, was back at Duncan Aviation for a second visit. Several years ago she began a journey to test her artistic, conceptual and technical skills by traveling around, choosing unconventional subject matter for her art.
Rachel comments, “When approaching a prospective new host/collaborator, there is always a certain level of uncertainty. There is risk, thrill and the challenge, because the outcome is unknown... even for me. Duncan Aviation and staff have been gracious and equally adventurous by participating in these artistic explorations.”
She chooses to work almost always from life and away from her studio. She describes her explorations as “art adventures”. If interested in learning more about Rachel and her work and to view more photos of her Duncan Aviation explorations visit her website at rachellussierart.com.
Rachel has visited Duncan Aviation twice and we are honored that she finds so much inspiration within our facility. Ironically, the Duncan family themselves are very avid art collectors, so the thought of professional art being created within the facility is rewarding.
Rachel explains: “my hope is that my host(s) find as much sense of discovery and enjoyment as I do during these on-site work sessions. For me, art is as much about the journey as it is about the final destination. Sharing that journey, and struggle, is one of the enriching byproducts of such a collaboration".
The employees at Duncan Aviation have definitely enjoyed the visits from Rachel. During her last visit she was even prodded for advice by the nine year old granddaughter of a Duncan team member. Needless to say Rachel’s kindness and love to inspire artistic ability shown through as she ended up setting up a small still life and lending the young girl some of her art supplies.
Rachel’s work is stunning and with each visit she seems to grasp more and more the non-technical beauty of the subjects. In reflection of Rachel’s last visit, Battle Creek COO and General Manager, Tom Burt stated, “It seems that we all have a love for the art of aviation”. We welcome Rachel to visit Duncan Aviation any time and wish her the best of luck in all her “art adventures” to come.
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Posted by Diane Heiserman on Thu, Sep 30, 2010 @ 02:57 PM
Left to right: Goverment & Special Programs Manager Rich Baeder, Vice President of Sales John Slieter and Manager of Engineering Services Ryan Oestmann serve lunch at a United Way fundraiser in Lincoln, Neb. this afternoon.
One of Duncan Aviation’s "Core Values" reads "Support our communities and encourage volunteerism." This isn’t just a passive statement; it is lived out loud daily among many Duncan Aviation team members with the full support of members of the Senior Management Team.
For more than 20 years, Duncan Aviation has held annual fundraisers to support United Way. Today, we kick off the beginning of this year's United Way campaign with a free-will appreciation lunch at our Lincoln, NE, and Battle Creek, MI, locations. While we enjoy all the planned activities, we keep in mind the ultimate purpose: that the residents of our communities have hope for a better life tomorrow because we choose to participate to make a difference today.
When members of our community face hardships, we are all affected. The good news is that we can join together, neighbor helping neighbor, to make a difference. It all starts with us, because we We Live United!
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Posted by Diane Heiserman on Tue, Jul 20, 2010 @ 09:19 AM
Cessna owners came together on July 17, 2010, to transport Special Olympics athletes and coaches from across the United States to Lincoln, Nebraska.
Robert Duncan, Dove 1, landed at 7:30 a.m. with athletes from Ohio.
A plane landed every 60/90 seconds to bring 800+ athletes by corporate jet to the USA National Games in Lincoln, Nebraska.
View photos of the Cessna Citation Special Olympics on Duncan Aviation's Facebook Fan page.
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Posted by Diane Heiserman on Fri, Jul 16, 2010 @ 01:41 PM
Here I am with Robert Duncan standing next to Dove 1.
It didn't take me long to realize I was a part of something big, bigger than myself, bigger than the company I work for and the community in which I live. This is the opening weekend of the Special Olympics National Games in Lincoln, Nebraska, marking only the second time the National Games have been held in the United States.
The games will officially kick off at the opening ceremony on Sunday, July 18, at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in downtown Lincoln, Nebraska. However, the excitement begins with the first contingency of athletes arriving tomorrow morning at 7:28 a.m. at the Lincoln Airport as part of the Cessna Citation Special Olympics Airlift. For eight hours, 165 Citations will be flying 800+ athletes and coaches in from 28 different states. There will be an aircraft landing every two minutes. Each flight coming in is assigned the "Dove" call sign and given priority handling by air traffic control.
Robert Duncan, Chairman Emeritas of Duncan Aviation, is flying Dove 1 carrying athletes from Ohio in his Citation Mustang (N1RD).
For two years, a small group of dedicated Duncan Aviation team members have worked tirelessly discussing, planning, organizing and implementing plans to make sure the airlift ground support operations go off without a hitch. But Duncan Aviation is not alone. We are only part of a larger team made up of Cessna Aircraft Co., FAA, Lincoln Airport Authority, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visitors Bureau, among a long list of other very important volunteers. Hundreds will be on hand to greet each flight, unload the athletes, handle the 5,600 pieces of luggage and refuel the aircraft. Hundreds more will be welcoming the athletes to the games and cheering them on to victory.
If you are in Lincoln tomorrow, make plans to stop by and witness what could be one of the most trafficked events in Nebraska history, according to the FAA. If you miss it, don't worry. There will be a second showing, only in reverse when the Dove flights take to the air again to return athletes to their home states.
My part in this whole process has been quite small, minuscule in fact when compared to the magnitude of the entire event and the sheer number of volunteers that have pledged their time and talents to support the games. But it's not about the airlift or the volunteers. It's not about the community support or corporate sponsorship.
It's about the athletes. And that's all it's about.
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