master mechanic Vincent Chicoine

A local aircraft mechanic was celebrated for five decades of service to the aviation industry.

Vincent Chicoine was given the most distinguished aircraft maintenance award recognized by the FAA, the Charles Taylor “Master Mechanic” Award, This award is given to celebrate senior mechanics who have worked for 50 years.

Chicoine was not only gifted a plaque, pins, and certificates commemorating his achievements, but the FAA also printed and bound every document on file they had that showed what projects he’s worked on spanning back to the 1970s.

After receiving his award, Chicoine said he hoped that the next generation could follow in his footsteps.

"I’d like to encourage young people to think about getting into the aircraft maintenance business because there’s a lot of different skills you can learn there,” said Chicoine.
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He is just the 30th Iowan to receive the Charles Taylor “Master Mechanic” Award.

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