Aviation Maintenance Technician Day

The world of aviation is an exciting aspect of man’s history towards the skies. So, Aviation Maintenance Technician Day exists to give recognition for their efforts in keeping flight a possibility.
This holiday was created to thank the men and women who create safer skies for passengers. To honor the professional men and women who ensure the safety and security of our airborne aviation infrastructure; and recognizes the life and memory of Charles Edward Taylor as they travel internationally. This holiday also encourages aviation professionals to share their knowledge and show appreciation for the success they have done in their lives.

History of Aviation Maintenance Technician Day

Charles Edward Taylor, the machinist who built the engine used to power the airplane of the Wright Brothers, and father of aviation maintenance day. The date May 24 was selected to honor the birth date of Taylor. In 2001, the Federal Aviation Administration officially declared the holiday to honor the effort and innovation of Charles Edward Taylor. Who is considered one of the world’s first successful aviation maintenance technicians that helped innovate the use of flight into our everyday world. Even though the Wright Brothers take the upfront credit for building the world’s first successful airplane. Taylor’s 12-horsepower engine propelled the Wright’s airplane 20 feet above the wind-swept North Carolina beach. Allowing the aircraft to last 59 seconds for a distance of 852 feet.

Through the efforts of Richard Dilbeck, in 2001, the FAA created the prestigious Charles E. Taylor Master Mechanic Award to honor AMTs, who had served at least 50 years in aircraft maintenance. The following year, California Senator Knight introduced a resolution honoring Aviation Maintenance Technicians annually in honor of Charles Taylor’s birthday.

According to the FAA, there are over 250,000 men and women working as maintenance technicians at major international airports across the United States.

In 2008, a congressional resolution dedicated the date in honor of Taylor, establishing National Aviation Maintenance Technician Day. While the “holiday” doesn’t get anyone out of work (there are no days off from aviation safety). It’s important to celebrate the commitment, integrity and skill of every aircraft mechanic and all those who support them. This is Taylor’s legacy and our shared responsibility.

Resources:

https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/aviation-maintenance-technician-day/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aviation_Maintenance_Technician_Day