Master mechanic Paul Heinze Wikander

On April 11, 2024 it was announced that Paul Heinze Wikander was designated a recipient of both the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award and the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award.

The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award is the most prestigious award the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issues to pilots certified under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 61. This award, named after the Wright Brothers, is to recognize individuals who have exhibited exemplary aviation expertise, distinguished professionalism, and steadfast commitment for at least 50 years of piloting experience or 50 or more years combined experience in both piloting and aircraft operations.

The Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award awarded by the FAA recognizes the lifetime accomplishments of senior aviation mechanics and is given to mechanics who have exhibited exemplary aviation expertise, distinguished professionalism, and steadfast commitment for at least 50 years of aviation maintenance experience.  The award presentation is scheduled for August 2024 in Sebastian, Florida.

Mr. Wikander had a love of aviation from a very young age.  Inspired by his Army aircraft mechanic and inspector father, Paul joined the Civil Air Patrol in 1953 at the age of 13.  At age 16, he made his first solo flight.  Paul then enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in 1958, earned his Air Crewman Wings in 1961, and continued to serve until his honorable discharge in 1963.

Mr. Wikander started flying in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands around 1967.  In 1970, Paul and his beloved wife Margaret started a commuter airline in 1970 called Virgin Air, which later became known as Air St. Thomas. The airline provided daily scheduled air transportation as well as mail and newspaper service to St. Barthélemy. Air St. Thomas was the only US carrier providing scheduled air service to the island. Paul and Margaret operated the airline for almost 35 years until they retired in 2005.
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Over his career, Mr. Wikander amassed over 28,000 flying hours, most of which was flying in and around St. Thomas, St. Barths and throughout the Caribbean.  Paul lived in the US Virgin Islands for 63 years dedicating himself to the island of St. Thomas and the people of the Caribbean. He is currently residing in Sebastian, Florida and is an active member of the Quiet Birdmen of Vero Beach, Florida, (EAA) Experimental Aircraft Association, (AOPA) Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Florida Aero Club and the Old Farts Flying Club of Port Saint Lucie, Florida.

Photo credit: Theresa Reynolds