The General Aviation Awards program announced recently that Fairbanks mechanic David Delcourt is a finalist for the 2014 Aviation Maintenance Technician of the year.
The awards program, an effort between the Federal Aviation Administration and more than three dozen general aviation sponsors that stretches back nearly five decades, recognizes accomplishments of aviation professionals from the eight regions of the FAA. Individuals are nominated by local FAA districts and then undergo a rigorous application process. The regional offices, in this case Anchorage, then make the final choice for submission to the program. Delcourt is one of 14 finalists for this year; the award recipients will be announced no later than March 1.
Delcourt owns and operates Delcourt Aviation on the east ramp of Fairbanks International Airport. He obtained his A&P license in 2003 while working for local air taxi operator Arctic Circle Air. His Inspector Authorization followed in 2006 and then, after working for Wright Air Service before going out on his own, he became a Designated Mechanic Examiner in 2012. This allows him to administer oral and practical examinations for other mechanics; he is the only private DME in Fairbanks.
Delcourt Aviation specializes in what the owner terms "typical Alaska Bush planes." These are primarily Super Cubs, Cessna 185s and 206s. In a recent phone interview he explained that there are certain aspects of Alaska aviation maintenance that are unique to the industry.
"Alaska airplanes tend to be heavily modified," said Delcourt. "When these aircraft come in you have to check them over and make sure the mods are legal, properly installed, etc." He also noted that off-airport activity can take a particular physical toll on aircraft and so-called "working airplanes," utilized by air taxis and charter operations, will eventually see that rough treatment add up.
In addition to private aircraft owners, Delcourt Aviation also has a contract with the Department of the Interior and works on a multitude of government aircraft for several different agencies.
The GA Awards recognize individuals not only for their professional achievements but also, and perhaps more importantly, for their "contributions to aviation, education, and flight safety." Delcourt feels this aspect of the award is particularly important as aviation must continue to attract young people to keep it "alive".
"We sponsor the annual Aviation Day in Fairbanks and also participate in the job shadowing program with the local school district. This brings students in for a day so they can see what the job is like," he explains. "For the kids who are interested, who have grown up looking at airplanes and watching them, it's easy to get them more excited by a few hours in the shop. We want them to see a career in this field is totally doable; they can come in here and see what it takes and know they can do it."
If Delacourt makes the final hurdle then he and a guest will be on an all expenses paid trip to Oshkosh, Wis., in July for the annual banquet held during the Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture. Here's hoping he joins Alaska's previous winners, like last year's Dean Eichholtz of Soldotna and Mark Madden of Anchorage.
Contact Colleen Mondor at colleen(at)alaskadispatch.com. Follow her on Twitter @chasingray.