PEACHTREE CITY, Ga., Feb. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Two Technical Operations leaders at World Airways have received the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in recognition of more than 50 years of aviation maintenance experience. The recipients are Constantine "Connie" Klakis, director of Engineering, and Leon Cornelius ,manager of Maintenance Programs.
The award, named in honor of Charles Taylor , the first aviation mechanicin powered flight, recognizes the lifetime accomplishments of senior mechanics. Taylor served as the Wright brothers' mechanic and is credited with designing and building the engine for the first successful aircraft.
"We are honored to have two of our management team members qualify for this prestigious award," said Larry Montford , vice president of Technical Operations. "These Charles Taylor Awards recognize lifetime achievements in the aviation maintenance field, and they highlight the professional depth of our maintenance team at World Airways."
To be eligible for this award, a recipient must have 50 years in aviation maintenance as an accredited mechanic or repairman and must be an FAA-certificated mechanic or repairman for a minimum of 30 years. A selection committee reviews the application letters and determines qualified individuals. Each award recipient receives a lapel pin and a certificate signed by the FAA Administrator. The recipient's spouse also receives a smaller version of the lapel pin. In addition, the recipient's name is added to the "Roll of Honor" book at the FAA offices in Washington, D.C.
Klakis, who resides in McDonough, Ga., began his career as a U.S. AirForce mechanic in 1956 and has an Associate Degree in Specialized Technology from the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics. He retired from Delta Air Lines after 31 years as a line mechanic, avionics instructor and senior instructor. He also worked for Dalfort Aircraft Tech and Northwest Airlines prior to joining World Airways in 2003. He is a licensed airframe and powerplant mechanic, project/systems engineer and aircraft/powerplant and avionics instructor.
Cornelius, who resides in Morrow, Ga., began his career as an aircraft structural repair mechanic at Hayes Aircraft, Birmingham , Ala., in 1952. He retired from Delta Air Lines in 1994 after serving for 34 years in maintenance, quality control, maintenance programs and technical publications positions. He also served as a consultant to ValuJet Airlines, TransMeridian Airlines, AirTran Airways and World Airways prior to joining World Airways in 2005. He is a licensed airframe and powerplant mechanic.
World Airways, a wholly owned subsidiary of World Air Holdings, Inc.(OTC: WLDA.PK), is a U.S.-certificated air carrier providing customized transportation services for major international passenger and cargo carriers,international freight forwarders, the United States military and international leisure tour operators. Founded in 1948, World operates a fleet of 17 wide-body aircraft to meet the specialized needs of its customers. For information,visit www.worldairways.com.
World Air Holdings, Inc., based in Peachtree City, Ga., has three whollyowned subsidiaries: World Airways, Inc., North American Airlines, Inc., andWorld Risk Solutions, Ltd. For information, visit www.worldairholdings.com.
SOURCE World Air Holdings, Inc.
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