FAA Honors Former StandardAero Regional Sales Manager Steve Lunde with Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award
StandardAero is proud to celebrate Steve Lunde, former Regional Sales Manager for the Western U.S. on our Business Aviation team, who was awarded the Federal Aviation Administration’s Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award earlier this year. The award was presented on June 17, 2025, during a ceremony held at our Van Nuys, California facility, surrounded by friends, family, and colleagues from across the country.
This prestigious recognition commemorates Steve’s remarkable achievement of maintaining an Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) License for over 50 years—reflecting his lifelong passion, technical expertise, and exceptional service within the aviation industry. After decades of meaningful contributions to StandardAero and the business aviation community, Steve has since retired from his role but remains actively involved with us as a valued customer.
“I have now been an A&P Technician for over 50 years. What a great ride. I’ve worked on everything from a C-150 to a Boeing BBJ. I can’t tell you how rewarding it has been. What a great industry we work in.” – Steve Lunde
Steve’s passion for aviation began at just four years old, inspired by childhood summer trips to Hawaii. This early fascination developed into a dynamic career after he earned his A&P License in 1975, working on 737s and C130s.
He later advanced to the role of Director of Sales at Gulfstream Aerospace, where he was directly involved in former Gulfstream owner Allen Paulson’s world record-setting G400 project. Steve’s career ultimately led him to Dallas Airmotive, which later became StandardAero, where he carved out a legacy as a trusted leader and friend. In his most recent role, Steve served as Regional Sales Manager within StandardAero’s Rolls-Royce Engine Program, embodying true dedication to both customer success and industry excellence.
“It’s everything. It’s what my whole life has been,” Steve said when asked about the meaning of receiving the Charles Taylor Award.
Reflecting on Steve’s decades-long impact, Michael McCauley, Senior Director of the Rolls-Royce Program at StandardAero, shared:
“The Charles Taylor Award is a great example of Steve’s dedication to the industry… for over five decades. You don’t have the knowledge that Steve has and share the knowledge that Steve has without the character and respect of others to do so.”
Congratulations once again to Steve on earning this esteemed recognition and for an incredible career in aviation—one that we are grateful to continue supporting through his new role as a customer.
If you’re inspired by Steve’s lifelong passion and want to build a rewarding career in aviation, explore opportunities at StandardAero:
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StandardAero is a leading independent pure-play provider of aerospace engine aftermarket services for fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, serving the commercial, military and business aviation end markets. StandardAero provides a comprehensive suite of critical, value-added aftermarket solutions, including engine maintenance, repair and overhaul, engine component repair, on-wing and field service support, asset management and engineering solutions. StandardAero is an NYSE listed company under the ticker symbol SARO.