Association joins effort to recognize Taylor upon Udvar-Hazy Center’s “Wall of Honor”

ARSA is teaming up with the Aircraft Maintenance Technicians Association (AMTA) to help honor one of the aviation’s great heroes, Charles E. “Charlie” Taylor. ARSA is supporting efforts to recognize Charlie, the first aviation technician, with an inscription on the “Wall of Honor” at the Smithsonian’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.

Nearly forgotten by history, Charlie designed and built the first aircraft engine, and served as the Wright brothers’ mechanic. Charlie worked with the Wright Brothers from 1901 – 1911, providing important guidance and skilled service in ushering humanity into the era of flight.

ARSA is partnering with AMTA to ensure that Charlie is listed among other aviation legends like the Wright brothers, Jimmy Doolittle, and Amelia Earhart.

ARSA and the AMTA are asking for your help to raise $10,000 by July 31, 2012 to include Charlie among the wall’s patrons, the highest honor.

AMTA will purchase the largest size letter that the raised funds will provide. The Smithsonian has established the following donation rates:

• $1,000 Air & Space Leader (5/8″ letters)

• $5,000 Air & Space Benefactor (3/4″ letters)

• $10,000 Air & Space Patron (1″ letters)

Currently, the AMTA has raised $1995. This guarantees that Charlie’s name will be inscribed in 5/8 inch letters.

ARSA is asking for your help to ensure that Charlie is given the highest possible honor. As our industry’s original unsung hero, let’s put Charlie in his proper place among aviation’s more recognized names, for without Charlie’s ingenuity in building the first engine, that famous December flight at Kittyhawk would have never happened.

AMTA is collecting the donations for this important effort. No donation is too small (or large), so please make your donation today.

For more information, please visit AMTA on Facebook.

To demonstrate your support for Charlie, click here to go to the AMTA website. On the AMTA site click “craft and profession C.E.T. bust donation” and scroll down to the PayPal link. On the PayPal donation page, note “Wall of Honor” in the box marked “purpose.”

ARSA donated $500 to this endeavor, and the Association hopes you too will help honor Charlie. With your support, Charles E. Taylor will no longer be remembered as aviation’s original unsung hero, but rather as one of its greatest icons.

~~~ posted 6/18/12 ~~~

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