Photo above – Jacob Doster alongside the Skytech team, airport employees, James Stephens and Gary Siegfried, outside the hangar with Tuxedo the dog.
As part of the annual Aviation Week celebration, the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission (SCAC) and the South Carolina Aviation Association (SCAA) has recognized Jacob Doster of Skytech, Inc. as the 2025 South Carolina Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) of the Year. Jacob, based at the Rock Hill–York County Airport in Rock Hill, South Carolina, has dedicated 11 years to the aviation industry and exemplifies technical excellence, leadership, and mentorship. The award was presented on Tuesday, April 29, during a special Aviation Week event held at the Rock Hill–York County Airport, with SCAA President James Stephens and SCAC Executive Director Gary Siegfried offered brief remarks and presented the award.
Doster holds multiple elite certifications including:
- Pilatus PC12/47E Manufacturer Maintenance Certified
- FlightSafety Intl. Pilatus PC24 Maintenance Training Certified
- Williams Intl. FJ44-4A Engine Maintenance Certified
- Garmin G3000/5000 Maintenance Training Certified
- Goodrich Deicer Systems Certified
He is also the recipient of several industry honors:
- FAA Safety Silver Award (2016–2017, 2021–2023)
- FAA Safety Gold Award (2018–2020)
- AMT Magazine “Top 40 Under 40” Award (2024)
Beyond his technical credentials, Doster has become a cornerstone of workforce development at Skytech. To address the shortage of experienced technicians, he helped launch a bridge program with a local A&P school, giving graduates a pathway to start their careers at Skytech. Jacob serves as the new technician trainer, and under his guidance, six technicians have graduated from the program — three of whom have advanced to team lead positions.
His mentorship has inspired individuals outside the program as well. One standout story includes a former pharmacy student who, after being introduced to aviation by Jacob, earned his A&P certification, became a Skytech team lead and now works on the maintenance team at Delta Air Lines. Jacob also frequently mentors young people in his community, encouraging them to explore careers in aviation maintenance.
In his nomination of Jacob, Cole McKibbin, Skytech Regional Sales Manager, wrote:
“I am pleased to recommend Jacob Doster for the South Carolina Aviation Association Aviation Maintenance Technician of the Year Award. Jacob’s skills, professionalism, and dedication make him an exceptional technician and a true asset to our field. I have had the pleasure of working alongside him as both a colleague and a client, and his recent work on my Cessna Silver Eagle demonstrated his high level of technical expertise and attention to detail.
Jacob approaches every maintenance task with thoroughness and care, always ensuring that his work meets the rigorous standards our industry demands. His commitment to safety, reliability, and quality is evident in every project he takes on. In addition to his technical abilities, Jacob is a natural mentor who strengthens the entire team by fostering a positive learning environment.”
