We’re quickly approaching yet another May 24 AMT Day. To bring you up to date, all but 10 states have now made May 24 Aircraft Maintenance Technician Day! Just to remind you, May 24 is the birthday of the first aircraft mechanic, Charles Taylor, mechanic to the Wright Brothers. There is still an effort underway to create a National AMT Day as well — but progress is slow at this time.
So which 10 states are holding out? In no particular order: Alabama, Delaware, Idaho, Louisiana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, South Carolina, Vermont, West Virginia, and Ohio (yes Ohio). It’s interesting to note that Ohio considers itself to be the “Birthplace of Aviation!” and disputes North Carolina being “First in Flight.” Hmmmm! I guess North Carolina wins again in being the first to honor the aircraft mechanic!
But all kidding aside, if you are an AMT in any of these 10 states, consider getting involved. Write to your congressman and ask them to make May 24 AMT Day in honor of Charles Taylor and all of the mechanics that keep the flying public safe.
It’s interesting to note that four Commonwealths and Territories have also passed a resolution for AMT Day; these include Puerto Rico, Guam, Virgin Islands, and Federated States of Micronesia. American Samoa and Northern Marianas are in the process of passing the resolution.
AMT is proud to continue its tradition of covering significant AMT Day events around the country. This year, we will be in attendance as American Airlines dedicates a Charles Taylor bronze bust at its overhaul facility in Kansas City (MCI) on May 24, 2007. This donation, according to Ken MacTiernan at AMTA, was spearheaded by AA AMT, and Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award recipient, Dick Hankins. A generous donation of $1,000 made by TWU Local 530 also helped to make the dedication possible. Additionally, the Kansas City’s FAA FSDO will be presenting six more Charles E. Taylor Master Mechanic Awards to American Airlines AMTs working at the MCI facility. There are currently 14 C.E.T. Master Mechanic Award recipients from the AA MCI area.
Other events include a May 24 celebration at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where AMT will be in attendance, a May 24 celebration at Frontier Airlines in Denver, (which we have covered in the past), as well as several other celebrations at maintenance facilities around the country.
AMT magazine will also continue its tradition of providing you with an opportunity to join AMTSociety on May 24 for only $24! This annual occurrence is only available if you sign up online on May 24 (for 24 hours only) or if you use the form on the back of this issue and have it postmarked by May 24. AMTSociety’s list of member benefits is growing quickly and this once-a-year opportunity makes the value unbeatable!
We invite you to send us photos, write-ups of how you celebrated, and/or program information for any celebrations.
Whether it is the entire day, or 60 seconds, we hope you take some time to celebrate the contributions you make to aviation and honor the mechanics who came before you.
Greg Napert
Proud to be an A&P
