Joe Tulowitzki, Duncan Aviation’s turbine engine service sales rep, has been honoured with the FAA’s (Federal Aviation Administration’s) Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award, recognising his 51-year career and lifetime dedication to the aviation maintenance profession.

Representing the FAA as a FAASTeam member, Darwin Godemann, Duncan Aviation technical education team leader, presented Tulowitzki with the award during Duncan Aviation’s annual sales meeting. The award recognises aviation maintenance professionals who have demonstrated at least 50 years of service, technical expertise, professionalism and dedication to aviation safety.

Tulowitzki’s aviation journey began in 1975 at a high school career day. Although he had the opportunity to pursue baseball in college, he enlisted in the US Air Force that very day, inspired by his father’s military service as a paratrooper. 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 honourable 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.

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

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. Duncan Aviation chairman Todd Duncan compared Tulowitzki’s personality and approach to life with that of his father, Robert Duncan.

Todd Duncan, Duncan Aviation chairman, adds: “Joe has a special style that can be compared to Robert’s, from suits to boots. He’s down-to-earth and fun-loving, but always professional.”

Tulowitzki joins a growing list of Duncan Aviation technical experts who have received the award. From the company’s Lincoln, Nebraska, facility these are Bernard Michael (2016), Joe Huffman Sr. (2016), Bob Tooker (2018), Leo Sawatzki (2019), Ron Grose (2024), Tim Garity (2024), Curt Campbell (2026) and Joe Tulowitzki (2026). From its Battle Creek, Michigan, location they are Howard Schroeder (2006) and Gary Dunn (2025).