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Aviation Maintenance Technician Day recognizes those who keep the dream of flying alive

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Gary McGraw
  • 920th Maintenance Squadron
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  As Memorial Day approaches May 27, I am reminded of the sacrifices of those that came before us, but May 24 holds special for a group of unsung heroes charged with keeping the public flying.

Aviation Maintenance Technician Day is a day that recognizes the efforts of aviation maintenance professionals, as well as the father of aircraft maintenance, Charles Taylor.

People fly for many reasons, to see loved ones, to see the world, etc., but whatever the reason; it has become so commonplace that one hardly thinks about the long work hours that ensure airworthiness is adhered to.

As a member of the world's greatest air and space force, the U.S. Air Force, I am reminded of Orville and Wilbur Wright who made this all possible. But if you were asked, who turned the wrench for the brothers to help launch man's first flight December 17, 1903, would you know if I didn't already mention his name?

Charles Taylor--bicycle mechanic turned flight mechanic, was charged with fabricating, repairing and designing the first aircraft engine, as well as repairing the aeroplane alongside the Wrights numerous times. Charles was the perfect, and stereotypical, example of the aircraft mechanic. A person interested in making a machine fly--safely and efficiently. No glory or recognition needed. Just stayed in the shadow of the hangar, coming out occasionally to look up and hear the roar of the machine going by.

My own story started somewhat like Mr. Taylor's. I was an aviation buff from day one. I loved airplanes--got it from my father who worked on P-3 Orion's in the Navy. Then, when I graduated high school, I followed my father's footsteps and joined the Navy as a jet engine mechanic. I served for 5 yrs before getting out and moving on with my civilian career.

I crossed into the blue and joined the Air Force Reserve as a part-time Air Force maintenance Citizen-Airman, and continued to work around airplanes in my civilian career, whether it was commercial or government contract work. In 2002 I decided to get my Airframe and Power plant License to be an official licensed mechanic. I was extremely happy for accomplishing this feat, and was working at a small fixed base in Greenville, S.C.

In August 2002, we did a small air show with the Commemorative Air Force. They brought in "FIFE" the B-29 and "diamond Lil" a B-24G aircraft. We also hosted aircraft from World War II, a P-47 and P-51, that were flown to recognize the many Airmen that lost their lives in that war. When the show was over and the aircraft were leaving, the "FIFE" had an engine problem. We all pitched in to get her fixed, me-the new-guy, a retired airline mechanic, and the flight engineer, all worked to get this great piece of history back in the air. That day many people stopped by to see her, including a few WWII veterans who stopped by to remember their glory days. They were appreciative that the younger generation, us mechanics, were getting involved in the history of keeping their generation flying. That day I knew I chose the right career.

As mechanics, we're not in it for the glory, but the desire to launch those aircraft and see them take flight, gets in us.

Many people can name pilot's who've made famous firsts throughout history: Charles Lindbergh, John Glenn, Chuck Yeager, just to name a few. But, how many people can name the mechanic or crew chief that took care of their aircraft with great pride, putting in long hours necessary to ensure these historical feats could be accomplished.

On May 24, let's take time to remember the unsung heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice to the flying public and the military.

My fellow mechanics and I support our rescue mission here at the 920th RQW with our motto....These thing we do, that other may live. These words can be carried over into maintenance to ensure that our pilots and Guardian Angel Airmen have working aircraft to transport them to complete the mission, and save a life. With honor, we maintain the 920th's fleet of combat search and rescue aircraft, nine HH-G Pave Hawk helicopters, and six HC-130P/N King tanker aircraft.

Charles Taylor started this over 110 years ago in a small bicycle shop with two brothers who dared to dream, let's keep the dream alive.

(Information for this article contributed by Mr. Ken MacTiernan, former U.S. Air Force Airman and current director of Aviation Maintenance Technician Association)