Left to right, Aspen Helicopters aviation maintenance technician Jose Valenzuela, pilot Jim McCory, company president Charles McLaughlin, and pilots Rob Scherzinger, Jim Dalton, and Barry Hansen celebrate being recognized by the FAA. Photo courtesy Aspen Helicopters.
The FAA has recognized four pilots and a maintenance technician in California for their “exemplary aviation expertise, distinguished professionalism, and steadfast commitment.” The five now join an elite group of pilots and mechanics who have previously been named as FAA Master Pilots or Master Mechanics.
In a Sep. 6 award ceremony, pilots Jim Dalton, Barry Hansen, Jim McCory, and Rob Scherzinger received the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, which recognizes pilots who have achieved at least 50 years of experience. In addition, Jose Valenzuela, an aviation maintenance technician at Aspen Helicopters, received the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award, which honors 50 years of professionalism in maintenance.
Aspen Helicopters president Charles McLaughlin nominated the five Aspen staff members for the FAA awards and hosted an awards ceremony at Aspen’s hangar at Oxnard Airport (KOXR) in Ventura County, California.
More information about the FAA’s Master Pilot Award and Master Mechanic Award can be found at faasafety.gov.
