An Outstanding Contribution
AMXAA Mechanic Award winners have been chosen by their peers, association members, as having made an outstanding contribution to the field and to aviation.
These are the best of the best Aircraft Mechanics, each in their own way.
Al Kimball - Lifetime Achievement Award
Al has made such an invaluable contribution to aviation. He has been in Aviation for more than 50 years. He has been awarded the Master Mechanic and Master Pilot Awards. While serving the public safety as an FAA agent he was the mentor that no other FAA rep could be, and has trained a number of FAA agents that I have had the pleasure to work with, (and yes I said pleasure and FAA in the same sentence). He has been a volunteer for the Sun n Fun organization's safety team for decades. He has certified thousands of mechanics as a DME, and certified hundreds of aircraft as a DAR. He served his country with honor and distinction during the Vietnam war and continues to serve the traveling public by teaching every one the importance of safety and inspiring the up coming generation by showing them his love of aviation. His life long commitment to aviation safety has earned him the recognition of this award. I can't think of anyone more deserving than Al Kimball.
Mark McSwiggan - Golden Wrench Award
If you want to learn to turn wrenches on radials or repair Douglas Propliners - Academy Airlines was the place. Mark was an incredible mentor and expert in his trade. A patient man with the heart of a teacher. ​Thank you Mark for many years of mentoring and service to aviation!
Ron Duke - Top Shenanigator
Ron often jokes with his work crew. He photoshops their faces on pictures, tags them in posts and is always making them laugh. He brought the rubber foot to Paul's Foot's Gone Away party so that everyone could sign it and Paul take it as a memento. Laughter makes life so much better and makes work so much more enjoyable. I nominate Ron because I think he improves morale in his hangar and with his crew.
Rosey Vergaray - Top FNG
4 years ago Rosy was mopping floors as a helper mechanic. In that time she has gotten her A&P ran MD-80 C checks and became my night shift lead. She consistently out works everyone around her myself included. She is funny smart and always brings a positive attitude with her to work. Currently she is working as a phase team lead on Falcon jets. I’ve watched her single handedly change a cylinder on a P&W R-2800 in a shift.
Despite her relative inexperience she’s my first choice for road trips and rescue missions.
Despite all the hardships she has faced she’s more determined than anyone I’ve ever met. I have no doubt that she deserves this award.
