Happy AMT Day!

Another AMT Day has come and gone. On May 24th of last week (AMT Day), we shared the following note from Ken MacTiernan, chairman of AMTA:

Greetings everyone,

I would like to wish everyone a Happy AMT Day! It has been 20 years since Richard Dilbeck, aka Dilly, the FAA Inspector (Retired) who created the idea for AMT Day asked then Senator Knight of California to introduce and pass the first State AMT Day Resolution. Recognizing Charles E. Taylor for his contributions to aviation and thus creating the skilled and proud craft & profession of today's Aviation Maintenance Technicians. This day does not elevate AMTs above other work groups in the aerospace industry. This day is simply a day that AMTs have earned to reflect on our responsibilities and take stock in our profession. Thank you Dilly! 

Thanks also go out to Bill O'Brien, the FAA Inspector who created the FAA's Charles E. Taylor Master Mechanic Award. It is unfortunate that Bill passed away — he was one of the biggest supporters for our craft. Due to funding shortages Bill's proposal for this prestigious award was denied but Bill didn't give up. He eventually found funding within the FAA's budget and his goal of recognizing Charles E. Taylor became a reality. The reason Bill has 50 years of being an AMT as part of the criteria for receiving this award is because he did not want this award to be a participation trophy. Bill recognized that a lot of AMTs had come from the military and that being a certificated A & P was not required while they served. He recognized these years of service maintaining aircraft as part of these 50 years, This is a milestone not many have reached, thus making this award even more special. Thank you Bill!

The AMTA (www.amtausa.com) continues to promote our craft & profession because we need to remember our past in order to look forward. As AMTs we are all stewards for our craft & profession. As AMTs we are always raising the bar by which we measure ourselves. By networking we shrink our community and by helping each other we make our community stronger. With each bronze bust the AMTA donates we inform the public about the knowledge, skill & integrity our profession is founded upon. By each donation we make towards the many different scholarship and grant organizations out there we are helping those entering this exciting field. 

 As always, thank you for your support in the AMTA and I wish you all a very Happy AMT Day!

Sincerely,

Ken MacTiernan

Chairman, AMTA   

Did your company celebrate AMT Day? Did you do something special to celebrate the day? If so, let us know. We'd like to hear your story.

Thanks for reading!

Joe Escobar