Duncan Aviation has added its 15th rapid response mobile engine services launch location in the Oakland, California area. Operators in northern California now have more convenient access to Duncan services such as engine AOG and most scheduled and unscheduled events, including engine changes.

“There is a large presence of existing customers in the area who rely on our MRO facilities in Battle Creek, Michigan; Lincoln, Nebraska; and Provo, Utah; for additional MRO services,” says Shane Heier, rapid response assistant manager, west coast. “We have been providing mobile rapid response services to these customers and other local operators through our rapid response locations in Seattle, Washington, and Long Beach, California. We have been looking for the right person to step in and establish a dedicated local resource for reliable mobile engine services to support these customers.”

Greg Gaden is considered by Duncan to be the right person. His aircraft engine knowledge and experience spans more than 30 years on engine platforms including Honeywell (AS907/TFE731), Rolls Royce and Pratt & Whitney for companies like Textron Aviation, Dallas Airmotive, Talon Air and Garrett Aviation. After earning his A&P licence in 1983, Gaden has held positions that span the spectrum of the aircraft engine industry from senior technician, crew chief, DOM, field service representative and quality control inspector. “I look forward to developing connections and relationships with operators in the region. I want to be their local resource for technical questions and engine rapid response needs,” he says.

Gaden has been up and running since August, establishing relationships, providing local engine support and travelling the region to assist other Duncan Aviation RRT teams.

“If we find the right individual with the right mix of turbine engine experience, we have the spot for them and the work to keep them busy,” Heier continues.

Jason Thuman has accepted the position of manager at Duncan's satellite shop in Kansas City, Missouri. He'll transition from the company's full-service facility in Lincoln, Nebraska, to the satellite shop in Kansas City by 4 January 2021.

Manager of satellite operations Matt Nelson is delighted that Thuman has accepted the position: “Jason is an experienced technician and a competent leader who does what he says he's going to do. I'm confident that he has the right attitude and ability to lead the team at the Kansas City shop. Together, they'll implement his vision as he grows the shop to better serve Duncan Aviation customers in the area."

“I'm fortunate to have a career that lets me work on all of the things I'm passionate about. I get to help Duncan Aviation's customers achieve the ambience they want in their aircraft by rewiring aircraft and installing cockpit avionics, lighting, and cabin management systems,” says Thuman.

Brent Hudecek has joined the avionics sales team at Duncan's facility in Lincoln, Nebraska. Originally from Saginaw, Michigan, Hudecek has arrived in Lincoln via Dallas, Texas, where he worked as an internal avionics sales representative for an OEM for the last 18 years.

“Brent brings years of avionics experience and knowledge for not only Gulfstream aircraft but also many other aircraft makes/models," says modifications sales manager Nate Klenke. “He's a great addition to the avionics sales team, and we're confident he'll enhance the resources and quality of services offered to Duncan Aviation's customers."

“Having worked on avionics in the business aviation industry for the last 30 years, I have a lot of rounded experience on business jets as well as piston engine aircraft, and I have more than 20 years of direct experience selling avionics equipment,” says Hudecek. “Duncan Aviation feels like a good fit, and I'm looking forward to establishing new relationships with customers in the industry with whom I've worked over the years.”