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Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award

The Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award is named in honor of Mr. Charles Taylor, the first aviation mechanic in powered flight. The Charles Taylor "Master Mechanic" Award recognizes the lifetime accomplishments of senior mechanics. Mr. Taylor served as the Wright brothers' mechanic and is credited with designing and building the engine for their first successful aircraft.

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SAVE THE DATE!

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Hotel MTK, 1 Holiday Dr, Mt Kisco NY

5:30PM-8:30PM

Multi Sponsored WAMA April Dinner Sponsored by:

   

Cocktails, Networking and Dinner

WAMA and the FAA will recognize and present the prestigious Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award to former WAMA Board member and industry professional, Mr Roger Boeckmann!

Come share in the celebration of this exciting achievement!

REGISTER HERE

Roger Boeckmann

Roger grew up in Sayville, NY and in 1968/69 attended BOCES Aviation Power Plant Training at McArthur Airport in Islip, NY.  He attended Southampton High School, Southampton, NY and graduated from there in 1970.  Following graduation he attended and graduated from Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa Oklahoma, and  pursued his A & P License.  His first aviation job was at Pete Field, Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he worked for just under a year as a civilian for a military contractor on the T-41, 172 aircraft.  He was then hired by Cessna Aircraft Company, Military Twin Division in Wichita, Kansas.  Within that year, transferred to the Cessna Citation Service Center in Wappingers Falls, NY.
He worked several jobs and projects within the Cessna company before transferring to Field Service headquartered in Wichita, Kansas.  His territory was the Northeast US and Canada and was based in upstate New York.  During those years he met with customers at their bases and assisted them with their needs.  He graduated from Mount Saint Mary’s College, Newburgh, NY. Received the first “Taking Care of the Customer Award “ from Cessna Aircraft Company.
Roger is married with 2 grown sons, Jason and Bryan, and enjoy having fun with them when they were growing up.  He now has four grandchildren on the ramp and 1 in the hangar.
Roger Joined WAMA and served as a Board member for 20 years. After 47 years at Cessna/Textron Aviation he retired at the end of 2019.  He currently resides in Florida, and does some consulting.


The Westchester Aircraft Maintenance Association, also known as WAMA, is a professional association that advances the arts and sciences of aircraft maintenance, management, and ground support.

Founded in 1960 and based at Westchester County Airport, WAMA membership provides opportunities for ongoing learning and professional networking. The organization promotes the public welfare by educating members and industry about issues concerning aircraft maintenance and management operations.

Our mission is to promote increased safety, efficiency and economy in aircraft maintenance work, and to encourage the exchange of information and provide member education through monthly meetings with planned programs.



See you in 2023!

TRAINING


Concorde Battery Corporation Opens Registration for 2023 Virtual & In Person Maintenance Training Events

Registration is now available for Concorde Battery Corporation's 2023 Virtual IA Renewal Series and the in-person IA Renewal event at Midlands Technical college in West Columbia, South Carolina. These free aviation maintenance training sessions are available to inspectors, maintenance professionals, pilots, operators, aviation professionals, students and enthusiasts.

Registration Info Page

Download Event Flyer

Job Postings

Thu, April 29, 2021 7:51 AM Jody Kerton

Dutchess Community College - Airframe and Power Plant Instructor

Job Description:
The A&P instructor is a full time faculty position tasked to support the AMT program at the Dutchess County Airport.  The selected individual will be teaching in the program beginning in August  2021, but he/she will need to be hired as soon as possible in order to complete preliminary tasks required for the program

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WAMA NEWS


Please welcome Textron Aviation as our newest SILVER Member!


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WAMA receives prestigious award by NBAA for Recognition of Outstanding Excellence by a Local or Regional Group

For the latest recognition of a Local or Regional Group who has shown excellence in 5 named categories, we received multiple nominations for your work in the areas of Advocacy Through Community Outreach and Career / Educational Achievements!

HPN NEWS

ACTIVITIES


IN MEMORIAM

Former WAMA President Brad Bertele passes.

William Bradford Bertele, 56, of Bethany, CT died at home on February 25, 2023. He passed surrounded by his wife and loved ones. Brad was the cherished and devoted husband to his best friend, Melissa Pogwizd Bertele.

He was born on July 2, 1966, the son of William H. Bertele and the late Mop Prime. Brad proudly served his country in the United States Army as a helicopter crew chief in the 11th ACR. He continued to serve his fellow veterans as the Executive Director and Founder of the organization, Blackhorse 4 Heroes, Inc., which provided equine-based therapy to all those in need.

Brad is survived by siblings, Amanda Bertele and Theodore (Kim) Bertele and nephews Max and Sam, many aunts, uncles and cousins, especially Peter Prime and Mark Sullivan. He will be greatly missed by many, including his good friend, John Riccio and his young border collie, Berk.
Brad had an extensive and varied career in all aspects of aviation, including aircraft and helicopter pilot, mechanic and director of maintenance for many companies. Together with his wife, Melissa they operated Blackhorse Equestrian Center in Bethany, CT.

His days off from flying about the world were spent either at the farm driving horses and working with his sheep or at the airport working on his personal airplane. Brad's other passions included, riding his motorcycle, cooking, especially his farm-raised lamb, entertaining friends and family and always telling a great story. He loved mentoring others on coping with PTS and encouraging youth to pursue and explore an interest in aviation and military service.

Gil Wolin

Credit: AIN magazine


The business aviation community paid tribute to the passing of veteran business aviation marketing, communications, and publishing executive Gilbert Wolin.  Called a "stalwart" and a "luminary" by his peers in the industry, Wolin died on Monday September 5 2022, at the age of 71.

“Gil’s passing comes as a great loss for the business aviation community,” National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) president and CEO Ed Bolen said. “He set an example as a friend, a mentor, and an industry champion. Through his words and actions, he made us better.”

His career led him to a publisher’s role at Business & Commercial Aviation, A/C Flyer, and Show News magazines—which were then owned by McGraw-Hill—before he joined TAG Aviation USA as v-p of corporate communications. Wolin ultimately founded his own consultancy in 2009 to assist business aviation service providers and launched Business Aviation Advisor for business jet users.

Read full article here

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Michael K. Moore

Credit: AIN magazine

Long-time business aviation executive Michael K. Moore, 78, died of natural causes at his home in Tucson, Arizona, on July 31, 2022.

He graduated from Columbia University in 1965 and subsequently attended Naval Aviation Flight Training, earning his U.S. Navy wings in 1966. He flew the P-3 Orion on active duty, as well as during his years in the Navy Reserves.

After active duty, Moore joined the business aviation industry when he went to work for FlightSafety International (FSI) at its LaGuardia headquarters in 1974. He then moved to Wichita, where he managed FSI’s Learjet Training Center. 

Moore later held vice president of sales positions at Executive Air Fleet, Simuflite, and Learjet. In 2000, he joined TAG Aviation USA as senior v-p of sales and marketing and managed TAG’s Business Development group, its aircraft sales department, and oversaw marketing strategies for the company. An accident in December 2008 caused him to retire early, but he since remained a passionate advocate for the business aviation community.

Read full article here

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Bill Zink Sr.

We are saddened to inform you of the passing of our dear brother, Bill Zink Sr.

William "Bill" Zink Sr, of Cornwall NY, passed away on May 11th, 2022.

Bill Zink was an active member of WAMA and best remembered as a long time employee of the Wayfarer Ketch flight department at Westchester County Airport.

We are all saddened at the news and extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.


VIRTUAL EVENTS


There are no Virtual Events scheduled at this time.

Check back soon

INDUSTRY NEWS





NBAA Call to Action

To all WAMA members, friends and associates...

While we kick off the Fall season, NBAA is working hard to combat the problematic NY State helicopter legislation, Senate Bill S7493A.  Last week, NBAA sent a call to action to our NY area members requesting them to contact the Governor in opposition to the bill. Now, in turn, I ask that you share this Call to Action with your members as well.  

Here is also the link for the grassroots action center where you can find all of the information.

 CALL TO ACTION – CLICK HERE

Here is a quick recap:

  • This bill allows for NY citizens to seek monetary reparations for noise pollution from rotorcraft. It passed through the Senate and the Assembly and currently awaits the Governor’s decision to either sign or veto it.  
  • NBAA , collectively with other aviation groups, have sent a coalition letter to the Governor strongly opposing that the bill be signed and it is attached for your reference.
  • This Call to Action is for the State bill, however there is additional legislation mirroring this bad policy at both the NYC level and the Federal level.  


NY Helicopter Coalition Letter to Governor



Carolina GSE Recognizes Its Global Expansion with Pilot John International

Carolina GSE, the leading global GSE distributor is pleased to announce the launch of its new brand, Pilot John International. The new brand includes an updated e-commerce website and reflects the company's continued expansion with new products and services into global markets.

Read More

SPOTLIGHT ON...

WAMA News

Submissions

Have an interesting Local or industry news to share?

  Write :  gkleros@jetsupport.com

Spotlight Submissions

We invite you to submit your favorite or interesting story of a WAMA member, flight department or some historical aspect related to Westchester County Airport or surrounding community.  Articles, stories and photos are encouraged.

Please send Spotlight submissions to: daveschiavone61@gmail.com 


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