OSHKOSH, WIS. – Bruce Botterman, owner of NewView Technologies at Wittman Regional Airport, Oshkosh, Wis., has received the “Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award” for 50 years of continuous aircraft airframe and powerplant (A&P) service. Botterman is a 1966 graduate of Rock County Vocational School, Janesville, Wis., and before he and his wife, Rae, started NewView Technologies, Inc. in 1997, he worked for United Air Lines at O’Hare International Airport; Midwest Aviation in Janesville, Wis.; Basler Flight Service, Oshkosh, Wis.; Maxair, Inc., Appleton, Wis.; and Midwest Realty, Oshkosh, Wis.
NewView Technologies, Inc. is a repair station specializing in aircraft window repair and polishing, pitot static altimeter testing, and piston aircraft maintenance. Botterman has been a member of the Wisconsin Aviation Trades Association since 1982, a board member since 1998, and is past president. He is also a member of the National Business Aviation Association, Experimental Aircraft Association, Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame, and Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce, and is a former member of the Appleton and Green Bay Chambers of Commerce. In addition, Botterman has been an advisory board member at Fox Valley Technical College since 1985.
The Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award is named in honor of Charles Taylor, the first aircraft mechanic of powered flight, and the Wright brothers’ mechanic. Taylor is credited with designing and building the engine for the Wright brothers’ first successful powered aircraft. The award recognizes the lifetime accomplishments of senior mechanics.