The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award is the most prestigious award the FAA issues to pilots certified under Title 14 of the Code of Regulations (14 CFR) part 61. This award recognizes 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.
In the nearly 70-year history of Duncan Aviation, we have had five team members and former team members receive the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award—Chairman Emeritus Robert Duncan, the late Harry Barr, Larry Bartlett, Ed Bowes, and David Moll.
We are excited to add a new name to that list—longtime Duncan Aviation Aircraft Sales & Acquisitions Sales Rep Doug Roth.
“It is very special to me to receive this award,” says Doug. “It’s hard to believe it’s been 50 years—I just can’t believe it! It truly is an honor.”
As far back as Doug can remember, he’s had a fascination with airplanes. Whether he was building model airplanes or flying with his dad, he knew one thing for sure: He knew he wanted to be at the airport.
“I always liked airplanes,” Doug says. “Out of high school I didn’t know what I wanted to do, but I knew I wanted to be around airplanes at the airport.”
When Doug was in first grade, his dad learned how to fly.
“As a kid, I remember one time going out to the uncontrolled airport in Des Moines, Iowa, when my dad was learning to fly,” he says. “I stood there in the parking lot, which was right next to the runway, watching him go round-and-round doing solo touch-and-gos.”
Six-year-old Doug loved every minute of it.
“My greatest advice is to follow your passion,” he says. “Try to do something that you’re passionate about. It makes coming to work every day a lot more enjoyable when you’re doing something you love. Over all these years, it’s always been really easy for me to come to work because of my love for aircraft and passion for aviation.”
Doug has always been fascinated with the aspects of how airplanes work, technically and aerodynamically. On top of that, he is fascinated with the freedom of flight.
“Whether flying low checking out the open countryside, flying aerobatic contests or airshows, or flying at high altitude in the upper flight levels, I have always felt a great sense of freedom and relaxation.”
Doug originally started at Duncan Aviation in 1983 when there were only 200-some team members at the company. He had previously worked in the radio shop at Lincoln Avionics, then spent time selling new Piper piston-powered airplanes at Lincoln Air. One day, he got a call from a friend who worked at Duncan Aviation, saying the company was looking to hire a turboprop salesman and that he ought to apply. Doug, hesitant at first, eventually came in to visit with Duncan Aviation about the position. The rest is history.
“It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” he says. “It’s been inspiring to watch how much the company has grown.”
Doug has enjoyed the process of growing from selling turboprops to larger jet-powered aircraft and enjoys the internal backing and technical support he receives. He also loves the complexity of selling airplanes.
“It has to do with helping people either get into an airplane, whether it’s their first or a make/model they are unfamiliar with, and going through all the technicalities,” he says. “Or with selling—helping them work through the complexities of the airplane value, finding a buyer, and negotiating a final price. It comes down to helping someone accomplish that mission whether it’s buying or selling. On top of that, what makes it easy for me is I have a passion for that product.”
Soon after earning his private pilot’s license, Doug wanted to master a tailwheel aircraft—a true stick-and-rudder plane. He took a flight with an owner, unaware it would spark a lifelong passion.
“We climbed high, pointed the nose down, and did a loop,” Doug says. “Then a spin. I thought, ‘Wow… double wow!’ I was hooked. The freedom was exhilarating.”
He eventually bought an Aeronca Champ with his dad to build tailwheel time and sharpen his skills. He later upgraded to a Citabria for competition aerobatics, and then to a Sorrell Hiperbipe, which opened the door to advanced categories and airshows. With the Hiperbipe, Doug earned his low-level waiver for airshow performances.
Doug has since flown in more than 100 airshows. When asked how long he’ll continue, he simply says, “As long as someone keeps inviting me.”
Doug has been buying and selling airplanes for 42 years, but there is no end in sight.
“I have no plans on giving it up at this point,” Doug says. “I love what I do, the company I work for, and the people I’m surrounded by. I mean, I get to be around people who love airplanes as much as I do. Why would I leave?”
Quote:
“I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside Doug Roth for the past 37 years. What a man! Doug is a great guy, in all facets of life. His knowledge, experience, and dedication to his clients is second to none. He’s well-versed in all aspects of aviation transactional matters—operational, technical, and legal—and so very well-rounded. He can look at a transaction from all points of view. As a person, he’s ethical, has a great heart, and deeply cares for his clients.”
- Aircraft Sales & Acquisitions, Rene Cardona