"If you work with your hands, you are a laborer; if you work with your
hands and your mind, you are a craftsman; but if you work with your
hands, your mind and your heart, then you are a professional"

Our owner and president, Howard Siedlecki, has been maintaining aircraft for over 35 years. During this time he has worked on a large variety of aircraft, from the newest Cessnas, Pipers, and Beechcraft, to such vintage aircraft as the Waco, Cub, Stearman, and Champ. He has also worked on a variety of war birds, not the least of which was the Corsair featured as "Pappy" Boyington's plane in the hit TV show "Baa Baa Black Sheep."

Howard got his start in 1965 as a Marine Corps aviation mechanic, with 2 tours of duty in Vietnam. His experiences there taught him how to handle a large variety of aircraft maintenance problems, and the best and safest way to resolve them. As a young Quality Control Inspector, he was given the opportunity to use his inspection talents and develop the high standards that he has instilled in his company and employees. Upon returning to the U.S., Howard attended Blackhawk Tech in Janesville, WI, where he received his FAA Airframe and Powerplant Certificate. In 1976, he tested and was issued his Inspection Authorization (IA) Certificate, which he has successfully renewed each year since. During the next two decades, he held positions ranging from mechanic to Chief Inspector to FBO Manager, at Trans-Air Corp., a Cessna dealership at the Waukegan Regional Airport.

After a long and successful career at Trans-Air Corp., Howard left in 1991 to form his own company, SUNSHINE AIRCRAFT REPAIR, Inc., which is dedicated to his specialty ... quality aircraft maintenance and repair. He opened this business at the Kenosha Regional Airport and brought along most of his long time friends and customers.

Howard is the proud recipient of numerous FAA awards including:

• National Award Winner - FAA Mechanic of the Year 1986
• Great Lakes Regional FAA Mechanic of the Year 1980, 1986, 2000
• West Chicago Regional FAA Mechanic of the Year 1980, 1986
• Milwaukee FSDO FAA Mechanic of the Year 2000
• FAA Maintenance Technicians Awards Program Silver Award 1999
• FAA Maintenance Technicians Awards Program Bronze Award 1998

In addition, Howard is associated with the following organizations: PAMA, EAA, CPA, POS, KPA, and PAPA.