Today, May 24, 2019, is Aviation Maintenance Technician Day. According to National Day Calendar, “[t]hrough the efforts of Richard Dilbeck, in 2001, the FAA created the prestigious Charles E. Taylor Master Mechanic Award to honor AMTs, who had served at least 50 years in aircraft maintenance. The following year, California Senator Knight introduced a resolution honoring Aviation Maintenance Technicians annually in honor of Charles Taylor’s birthday.”
Then, on May 24, 2007, “a United States House of Representatives resolution supporting the goals and ideals of a National Aviation Maintenance Technician Day was introduced. Congressman Bob Filner of California was the sponsor of the resolution” states a wikipedia post.
As a retired US Air Force aircraft maintenance officer, I’ve had the honor to witness the incredible effort and results of aviation maintainers. In fact, while serving as the Ogden Air Logistics Complex Commander in Utah a few years ago, I spoke at an Air Force Maintenance Professional of the Year banquet. During my speech, I stated “aviation maintenance has been a cornerstone of military aviation since powered flight was first achieved. In 1907, the US Government put out its first bid for a ‘heavier than air flying machine’ … and with that, the need for aviation maintenance began. With this first air flying machine, the formal maintenance career was formed when the first non-flying mechanic, Mr Charley Taylor, arrived. Charley then accompanied the Wright Flyer to Fort Meyer and became the first aviation maintainer.”
“Like Taylor, aviation maintenance technicians around the world work in the background, keeping civilian and military aircraft safe. On May 24th, we recognize their achievements and humble history” states National Day Calendar.
The author, US Air Force Brigadier General (retired) Carl Buhler, is the CEO of Buhler Consulting, LLC which specializes in providing consulting services for aircraft maintenance, munitions, technology, SBIR, production, logistics, and supply. Carl served on active-duty for almost three decades as a career aircraft maintenance, munitions, and logistics officer. Carl is a member of the Air Force Association and the Logistics Officer Association.
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