MAINTENANCE MINUTE By Mark Tyler
“JUST THINK OF ALL THE SACRIFICES THAT ARE MADE IN A LIFELONG CAREER OF TURNING WRENCHES.”
It would be interesting to know how many of you have heard of, or know someone who has been awarded, the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award...or maybe have earned one yourself. The Federal Aviation Administration presents this award to honor an elite group of aviation mechanics. To qualify for consideration requires: (1) at least 50 years of documented aviation maintenance work; (2) possession of an Airframe and Powerplant Certificate or Repairman Certificate in good standing; and (3) demonstration of professionalism and dedication to aviation safety. The award is named for Charles Taylor, who was the first aviation mechanic. He collaborated with the Wright brothers and played a pivotal role in developing the engine for their first powered flight.
It was my great pleasure recently to attend a ceremony for a friend and co-worker who was receiving the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award. It was quite a spectacle, with guests from the FAA and corporate worlds alongside co-workers, former co- workers, friends and family.
The FAA presenter that day spoke extensively about my friend’s long and successful career and how he must have hundreds, or even thousands, of logbook sign-offs and return-to-service entries. It made me realize just how profound an impact my friend had on aviation. He played a critical role in so many completed missions during his long career, and he was at least partially responsible for the safety of everyone involved in those missions.
Just think of all the sacrifices that are made in a lifelong career of turning wrenches. There are the physical demands of long hours, nights, weekends, and holidays. Over my career, I can remember many sunrises and sunsets and sometimes another sunrise spent in a field with my aircraft — some days it was in freezing winds, and some days it was in scorching sun. I’ve got stories of swarms
22 Jan/Feb 2025
of mosquitos, and one of a raging bull who wanted me out of his pasture. Then there are the physical demands of heavy lifting and working in confined spaces, accompanied by operational awareness and regulatory compliance, with training and recurrent training always stressing the importance of never making a mistake. Last but not least, there is environmental exposure or possible hearing loss. Such is the life of an aviation maintenance professional.
For a man or woman to complete 50 years of exemplary service in this industry is no small accomplishment. As I was considering the motivation for the person who dedicates themself to a long and successful career in the aviation industry, this quote came to mind: “The mission drives the effort.” That attitude is at the heart of most every helicopter and airplane mechanic. If I could add anything to this belief, I would add the word “safe” in front of the word “mission:” “The safe mission drives the effort.” The mission may be surveillance, transport, rescue, medevac, firefighting, agriculture, mapping, law enforcement or training, etc., but in all missions maintaining safety is Goal One.
For those who are considering aircraft maintenance as a career, know that this is not a job. It is highly regulated, incredibly stressful, and can come with limited recognition. The satisfaction sometimes just stems from never quitting when hours of installing components or smoothing a rotor system run long. Sometimes, it comes from troubleshooting a problem that no one can resolve — but through perseverance, you cracked the code. And sometimes it comes with returning an aircraft to service knowing that you followed the regulations, followed the maintenance manual, and protected your business all while delivering excellent service. When you see the aircraft break ground and fly over the tree line, you hear and feel in your soul, “Well done, let’s go home.”
The Wright Brothers were truly fortunate to have Charles Taylor join them in accomplishing their dream of flight. Together they paved the way for so many of us who found a rewarding career in aviation.
Today, I’d like to acknowledge how fortunate we were to have Rick Minton in our industry for over a half century. Well done, Rick!
What would you like to accomplish in the aviation industry? What will your company say about you at the end of your career?
About the author: Mark Tyler dedicated the majority of his career to serving the helicopter EMS community, from base mechanic to director of maintenance. As vice president and general manager of Precision Aircraft Services, Tyler now serves helicopter operators from many sectors, including air ambulance, law enforcement, private owners, etc. When not at work, he can be found spending time with his family or sitting in a tree stand.
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