The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has named L.J. Aviation co-founder Edward Kilkeary, Sr., this year’s recipient of the William A. "Bill" Ong Memorial Award, and selected Duncan Aviation chairman David Todd Duncan to receive the NATA Distinguished Service Award. The awards, considered to be the association’s highest honors, will be presented on June 7 at a luncheon held during the 2017 NATA Aviation Business Conference in Washington.
The Ong award, named after the association’s co-founder and first president, recognizes “extraordinary achievement and extended meritorious service to the general aviation industry.” Kilkeary, a business owner, pilot and former NATA board member, will be honored for an aviation career that spans 40 years. A Vietnam War veteran, Kilkeary co-founded L.J. Aviation in 1980 with his wife, Mary Ann. The company, which includes a charter and management firm and an FBO at Arnold Palmer Airport in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, now operates a fleet of 30 aircraft. Kilkeary is also an avid pilot, amassing 25,000 hours and earning type ratings in a range of business jets and helicopters. His company was among the early adopters of the NATA Safety 1st Professional Line Service Training and Air Charter Safety Foundation Industry Audit Standard.
“For over 40 years, Ed has been an acknowledged aviation leader with a tireless commitment to the operation of a safe and successful, family-run business,” said NATA president Martin Hiller. “He continues to leave his mark on the industry through his ongoing innovation and his magnanimous spirit.”
The NATA Distinguished Service Award recognizes “outstanding service and ongoing contributions to the general aviation industry,” Duncan leads the FBO and MRO organization founded by his grandfather, David Duncan, in 1956. Todd Duncan joined the family business 30 years ago, beginning in aircraft sales and component services and working his way up to chairman in 2007.
Following in the footsteps of his father, Robert, Todd Duncan chaired the NATA board of directors in 2011 and was a founding board member of the Air Charter Safety Foundation. He also remains a member of the Presidents Council of NATA. He is an instrument-rated pilot with more than 2,200 flying hours.
“Todd Duncan’s devotion to both the aviation business community and NATA have been tremendous,” Hiller said. “Todd recognizes the importance of looking at the big picture and collaborating with peers when it comes to advocacy, and he fosters that throughout his business. His leadership as NATA board chair and founding board member of the Air Charter Safety Foundation was instrumental in the development of many industry programs.”
