Celebrate AMT Day

On May 24, the birthday of Charles E. Taylor, the Wright Brothers first mechanic who is sometimes referred to as the “Father of Aircraft Maintenance,†we will once again celebrate Aircraft Maintenance Technician or AMT Day. Do you remember why you decided to become an aircraft mechanic and obtain your A&P Mechanic Certificate? For me I had always been interested in airplanes and my father was an automobile mechanic in a small one-stall garage. Given my early interest in all things mechanical and in aviation, it seemed only natural I would go to school, obtain my A&P, and work in aviation. Even though I had an early interest in learning to fly and I did, I never lost my desire to become an A&P. Granted I am not a full-time aircraft mechanic today, but becoming an aircraft mechanic is really how my aviation career began some 35 years ago. Yes, there are many people who will very directly say there is nothing to celebrate, and point out that the challenges facing the aircraft mechanic today are too great. Yet despite these challenges there are people still drawn to aviation and we need to encourage that interest. Is your maintenance organization planning to celebrate AMT Day? Invite your children or a local high school, scouting, or youth group to your facility. Introduce someone new to aircraft maintenance and tout our chosen career. Let the staff of AMT magazine know and send us a photo of your celebration. A recent email from Ken MacTiernan, a director with AMTSociety contained the following: “Ever the silent Sentinel, today's AMT/AME remains as the "Face Behind Safety." The public does not see or think of the men and women who maintain the world's fleet of aircraft. Out of sight ... out of mind ... but ALWAYS vigilant in our duties and constantly raising the standards by which we measure ourselves. Worldwide, 7/24, 365, no matter what the weather, an AMT/AME is on duty.†Thank you Ken and Happy AMT Day, Ron