TEMPE, Ariz., June 29, 2006 -- Landmark Aviation announced today that Norman L. Garren, Director of Maintenance for the company's Part 135 certificate, has received the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award.
"Norman Garren is a shining example to people in all fields of aviation," said Carolyn Blum, Regional Administrator of the FAA's Southern Region. "His professionalism and dedication over the past 50 years are a true inspiration to all of us."
The Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award is named in honor of Charles Taylor, who designed and built the engine for the 1903 Wright Flyer, the first aircraft to achieve heavier-than-air flight. He is recognized as the world's first airplane mechanic.
"I'm deeply honored to receive this prestigious award," Garren said. "It means a lot to me to be recognized for a lifetime of work in aviation."
Garren, based at Landmark's Winston-Salem, N.C., operation, began his career in June 1956 at A&H Flying Service in Asheville, N.C. He has been an employee of Landmark Aviation and its predecessor companies since April 1974, starting out as a junior mechanic at the company's Roanoke, Va., facility, at that time Piedmont Aviation.
Garren served in several management positions at Piedmont Aviation and Piedmont Hawthorne, including Manager of Aircraft Maintenance, Director of Aircraft Services and Director of Quality Assurance. As Director of Maintenance for Landmark Aviation's Part 135 charter operation, he has been responsible for placing and maintaining more than 200 aircraft of various makes and models on the Part 135 certificate.
Tom Mekis, Landmark Aviation Vice President, Aircraft Sales, Charter & Management, said, "We are pleased that Norman has been recognized by the FAA for his outstanding career. Norman's accomplishments over the past 50 years set an example for each of us."
To become eligible for the FAA award a maintenance technician has to have 50 documented years of service in the aviation industry working on aircraft registered in the United States. The time may be any combination of civil and military service. The technician has to have been certified as a repairman or technician for at least 30 of the 50 years.
Since its inception in 1990, there have been approximately 455 Charles Taylor awards presented nationwide and only 19 in North Carolina.
Additional information about Landmark Aviation is available at www.LandmarkAviation.com.Landmark Aviation, formerly known as Garrett/Piedmont Hawthorne/Associated, is one of North America's largest providers of comprehensive services for the business aviation industry. Serving 43 locations in North America, the company offers a full range of fixed base operations; maintenance, repair and overhaul; aircraft charter, sales and management; and large aircraft completions. Landmark Aviation is headquartered in Tempe, Ariz. Landmark Aviation is a portfolio company of The Carlyle Group.
