LifeFlight Helicopter Mechanic Wendell Stadig
Named Transport Mechanic of the Year

Since LifeFlight of Maine began operations nearly 10 years ago, helicopter mechanic Wendell Stadig has maintained a level of quality and safety that is the foundation of the organization’s spotless reputation. So it came as no surprise to his friends and colleagues when the national Association of Air Medical Services awarded Wendell Transport Mechanic of the Year. This award of excellence recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to the safe operation or improvement of safe maintenance procedures of medical transport vehicles.

Wendell is originally from Soldier Pond in northern Aroostook County, and after serving in the Marines, he returned to Maine to work in the field of aviation mechanics. Starting as the second mechanic in the operation, Wendell soon found himself in a leadership role, managing maintenance for both of LifeFlight’s aircraft at bases more than 100 miles apart.

Referred to as "one of the best field mechanics ever" by the maintenance leadership at two of the country’s leading helicopter services, no job is too big or small for Wendell. His careful attention to detail, uncompromising work ethic and dedication have helped to establish the safest helicopter program possible, which has gained national recognition in the air medical sector.

In addition to his maintenance role at LifeFlight, Wendell developed and leads an annual, statewide safety conference jointly sponsored with the FAA for all helicopter operations in Maine. He also stepped forward to become a volunteer technician to maintain and certify newly installed weather reporting systems in some of the state’s most rural areas. The systems are part of an effort to create a comprehensive weather reporting grid which will assist not only LifeFlight’s helicopters, but every other aviation operation in Maine.

His colleague, pilot Dave Burr, sums it up best, "Always available, always ready to help, always ready to go the extra mile and a half, whether it is 2:00 in the afternoon or 3:00 in the morning. His tireless efforts, dedication to duty and attention to detail mean the helicopters are ready when they are needed most."