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From the “ARSA Works” section…
Charles Taylor
Charles Taylor, the Wright Brothers’ mechanic and father of aviation maintenance, was born on May 24, 1868. Now – 156 years later – we celebrate him through continued commitment to good work.
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.
ARSA member Fairhope Aerospace in Fairhope, Alabama shared their southern-style celebration of Charlie. The company hosted a crawfish boil on May 24 for all of its staff; the crustacean delicacy was paired with a presentation about Taylor’s legacy and aviation safety. Also, technicians were given tool truck credits and a metallic model of the Wright Flyer (whether they put it together themselves or bring it home to their kids is up to each technician).
Hopefully all ARSA members recognized AMT Day this year. The association is grateful to Fairhope for sharing its activities and wants to hear about your company’s celebration of Taylor’s legacy and the vital importance of your people to the aviation community’s future (Contact ARSA to share your story.)
No matter how you celebrated AMT Day, it’s a small bit of well-deserved recognition. Thank you for your hard work, dedication and support.
The world can’t fly without you.
Click an image below to expand.
 Cameron Cázales tends the boiling crawfish during Fairhope Aerospace’s 2024 AMT Day celebration. |
 Fairhope Aerospace staff gather to enjoy to results of the company’s crawfish boil to commemorate AMT Day 2024. |
 Fairhope Aerospace staff received Wright Flyer models to commemorate AMT Day 2024. |
May 24, 2019
On May 20, ARSA joined 12 other aviation industry organizations in delivering a letter to the White House seeking the president’s recognition of Friday, May 24 as Aircraft Maintenance Technician Day.
UPDATE: On May 24, the president issued a message commemorating AMT Day. Click here to read it.
The day is the birthday of Charles “Charlie” Taylor, who was a partner of Orville and Wilber Wright in the development of the first powered heavier-than-air aircraft and is now considered the father of the aviation maintenance profession. It has been celebrated for years most U.S. states and Congress as “AMT Day.” By observing the day through employee recognition activities and industry celebration events, aviation businesses, trade associations and community organizations have turned it into a platform for celebrating those working in maintenance today and stimulating interest in professionals of tomorrow.
The group’s letter, which was coordinated by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), urges President Trump to recognize the contributions of Taylor and every AMT who has followed him.
“It is the knowledge, skill and integrity of the men and women who are the ‘faces behind safety’ that ensure the United States remains a leader in providing and maintaining safe, airworthy aircraft,” the letter said. “Continuously raising the standards by which they measure themselves ensures the needed technical skills are passed onto each succeeding generation of AMTs.”
While ARSA and its allies seek presidential recognition for May 24, the association encourages all of its members to celebrate the day. Those that have activities of any kind are encouraged to share them with ARSA (contact Brett Levanto at brett.levanto@arsa.org). The association often highlights member celebrations via its various communications and is always looking for great examples.
To read the letter, click here. For information about AMT day and Taylor’s legacy, read the updates below.
In addition to ARSA and AMFA, the following organizations signed the letter:
Aerospace Maintenance Council
Aircraft Electronics Association
Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association
Airlines for America
Aviation Mechanics Coalition
Aviation Technician Education Council
Helicopter Association International
National Air Carrier Association
National Air Transportation Association
Professional Aviation Maintenance Association
Regional Airline Association
May 6, 2019
Some suggestions for engaging with technicians and other maintenance personnel, regardless of the date:
(1) Talk with fellow technicians, colleagues and friends about how they became technicians. Ask what inspires them about the work. If you hear a great answer, send it to ARSA.
(2) Plan a visit to a local school or invite students to tour your facility. Show off for a day, maintenance work is interesting an important. Take some pictures and send them to ARSA.
(3) Hold a screening (or send around) the association’s short documentary “You Can’t Fly Without Us – The World of Aviation Maintenance.”
(4) Support industry events, particularly those that showcase the talent and skill of technicians. The Aerospace Maintenance Competition is a perfect example.
(5) Send the industry-drafted “overview of the aviation maintenance profession” to your local elementary, middle and high schools, then offer to come talk with students about the industry.
