Epic COO Josh Rawlins Receives NBAA Award in Maintenance

Josh Rawlins 147 Grads — Josh Rawlins (second from left) with Epic’s first graduating class of aircraft mechanics

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OCTOBER 17, 2022

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New Smyrna Beach, FL – The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has recognized Epic COO and Director of the Aircraft Mechanic Program Josh Rawlins as the 2022 Business Aviation Top 40 Under 40 Award Recipient in the Maintenance Category.

Rawlins began his career in aviation at the age of 19 at Epic Flight Academy. He started by sweeping hangars and soon began an apprenticeship as an aircraft mechanic. He became an A&P mechanic and earned his inspection authorization. Rawlins soon became lead mechanic before being promoted to Director of Maintenance. He ultimately became a VP at the company and in 2015 was promoted to Chief Operating Officer.

For the next several years, he worked to establish an FAA Part 147 school at Epic, which launched just as the pandemic was disrupting the world. Nevertheless, Rawlins, persevered, and the aircraft mechanic program he directs is now thriving.

“We have graduated 12 students from our 19-month program so far,” Rawlins said. “There are currently 59 students enrolled. We start new classes three times per year, offering General Aviation, Airframe, and Powerplant.”

Epic founder and CEO Danny Perna said, “We are truly grateful to the NBAA for recognizing Josh’s efforts in the field of aviation maintenance. He is the kind of person that gives 100% in all endeavors. We are all incredibly proud of him. He is generous with his time and knowledge, and our students benefit from his expertise every day here at Epic. This award is well deserved.”

Epic Flight Academy was established in 1999 with locations in New Smyrna Beach and Ocala, Florida. The NBAA was founded in 1947 and is based in Washington D.C.