Aviation Maintenance Technician Day on May 24 we take the time to honor all of our Aviation Maintenance techs because without them we’d never make it where we wanted to go. We often thank pilots and flight attendants while we make our way to and from far distances, but we never get to thank the important people on the ground who ensure our safety. Every time you step on a plane, every time you buy a ticket, every time you arrive safely, you have an aviation technician to thank. They are the unsung heroes of travelers and some of the hardest workers in the travel industry. While we have high respect for anybody who makes an honest living, Aviation Maintenance Techs are not your average maintenance person, they are mechanical experts dedicated to your safety. So today we offer a special thank you for continuing to break the barriers of human limitations and set course to the skies!
The world of aircraft is an exciting aspect of man’s history towards the skies. If we didn’t have our mechanics working behind the scenes, then flight wouldn’t have become as popular as it has in the past century. The Wright Brother may take all the fame, but it’s the people in the background that truly make it all possible. So, Aviation Maintenance Technician Day exists to give recognition for their efforts in keeping flight a possibility. Let’s appreciate our technicians and learn about this awesome day!
History of Aviation Maintenance Technician Day
In 2001, the Federal Aviation Administration officially declared the holiday to honor the effort and innovation of Charles Edward Taylor, the machinist who invented the engine that helped power the airplane of the Wright Brothers. Taylor is considered one of the world’s first successful aviation maintenance technicians that helped innovate the use of flight into our everyday world, even though the Wright Brothers take the upfront credit for building the world’s first successful airplane. Taylor’s 12-horsepower engine propelled the Wright’s airplane 20 feet above the wind-swept North Carolina beach, allowing the aircraft to last 59 seconds for a distance of 852 feet.
Taylor continued to work in aviation maintenance for over 60 years, but mostly hide in the background as a silent technician to keep the innovation moving. According to the FAA, there are over 250,000 men and women working as maintenance technicians at major international airports across the United States. The Aviation Safety Network also reports that the number of fatalities falls by 85 percent over its 10-year average in 2013. Hence, this holiday was created to thank the men and women who create safer skies for passengers as they travel internationally. This holiday also encourages aviation professionals to share their knowledge and show appreciation for the success they have done in their lives.
How to celebrate Aviation Maintenance Technician Day
If you know someone who works in Aviation, thank them for their services. If you find the history of aviation interesting, then research it and buy books on aviation to learn more about it. You can also use the hashtag #AviationMaintenanceTechnicianDay and share photos of your mechanic friends and tell other friends about their life and how much you appreciate them. Maybe if this really inspires you, find a career in aviation and see where life takes you.
History of Aviation Maintenance Technician Day
As many know, the story of humankind’s first experience taking a flight can be attributed to two brothers, Orville and Wilbur Wright, who’s unhindered dedication to achieve beyond what was thought possible led them to greatness. But it wasn’t entirely on their own. The year was 1899 when they began their experiments. The Wright brothers made their way to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina for its consistent breeze that would assist in their efforts. They based their research largely on the design of the Chanute-Herring biplane hang glider, or the “double decker” as the Wright brothers referred to it. They used Aeronautical data published by Otto Lolenthl, another aviation pioneer who flew his experiments near Chicago. The Wright brothers carefully studied Lilenthal’s work, modified and perfected it, developing distinct ways to avoid nose dives and catastrophic failures.
In 1902 a mechanic by the name of Charles Edward Taylor joined in their journey and built a 12-horsepower engine light enough for flight. It is Charles Taylor who we specifically honor on this day because, without him, none of the success of the Wright brothers would have occurred. Through their experiments, they catapulted aviation technology into the working principles for modern aircraft.
Finally, on December 14, 1903, the 121st anniversary of the first hot air balloon test flight completed by the Montgolfier brothers, Wilbur Wright made the first-ever three-second flight attempt. Unfortunately only partially successful, Wilbur wrote to his family about his confidence in its potential for full flight. Just a few days later, on December 17, 1903, both brothers became the first human beings to experience motorized flight, and the moment was captured forever by John T. Daniels, of the U.S. government coastal lifesaving crew.
Aviation Maintenance Technician Day timeline
- 1782
First Balloon Flight
Paper manufacturers Joseph-Michael and Jacques-Ètienne Montgolfier demonstrate the flight of their hot-air balloon.
- 1903
The Wright to Flight
The Wright Brothers take the Flyer to skies for the first time.
- 1914
First Commercial Flight
The world's first scheduled passenger airline service takes off, operating between St. Petersburg and Tampa, Florida.
- 1927
Beyond the Sea
American Aviator Charles A. Lindbergh completes the first solo, nonstop transatlantic flight in history.
- 1932
History in the Sky
Cornelius Coffey becomes the first African American to hold a pilot’s license and a mechanics license in the United States.
Aviation Maintenance Technician Day FAQs
Is an aviation mechanic a good career?
Aviation careers in general, including the airplane mechanic role, are increasing in both prospects and pay. In fact, the BLS reports that mechanics earning their certification as Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanics have the best job prospects.
Can an aircraft mechanic become a pilot?
It is not required for an aircraft mechanic to become a pilot however any mechanic to obtain their pilot’s license through standard means.
How much schooling is needed for aircraft maintenance?
To become an aircraft mechanic, the typical requirements are 18 months of practical experience with either power plants or airframes or 30 months of practical experience working on both at the same time. Or you can graduate
5 FUN FACTS
Coin Flip
The Wright Brothers flipped a coin to decide who should take the world’s first motorized flight.
The First Flyer
After the Wright’s Flyer was hauled back from its fourth flight, a powerful gust of wind flipped it over several times, despite the crew's attempt to hold it down. Severely damaged, the Wright Flyer never flew again.
The Sum of its Parts
A Boeing 747 is made up of six million parts.
Acrophobia
An average of 30% of the population has a fear of flying.
Infrequent Flyers
Though it’s been changing dramatically, only 20% of the world’s population has ever been on an airplane
Aviation Maintenance Technician Day Activities
Learn about aviation history
There are a great deal of articles, books, documentaries, and podcasts that discuss the evolution of aviation history. They’re super fascinating and well worth looking into!
Say thanks!
If you know anyone who works in aviation make sure you thank them for all their hard work in keeping our airways safe!
Spread the word!
Make a statement on social media and post a photo of your favorite aviator in history with the hashtag #AviationMaintenanceTechnicianDay to show your appreciation for their contribution to the modern world.
Why We Love Aviation Maintenance Technician Day
It contributes to the global economy
Aviation provides the only rapid worldwide transportation network, which makes it essential for global business.
It led to space travel
Without mechanics dedicated to the development of flight, the human race would have never made it to the moon.
It brings people together
Families from across the globe can travel and visit loved ones regularly because of the impact of modern aviation, without this people would not be as connected as they are today.
Also on Fri May 24, 2024...
