 Six local pilots and aviation mechanics on Friday received the Federal Aviation Administration's highest award in recognition of their lengthy, successful careers.
The Little Rock FAA Safety Team presented the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award to three pilots, the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award to one mechanic, and both to two awardees. The ceremony took place in the hangar at Texarkana Regional Airport that is home to TC's Department of Aviation. "The favorite part of my job is recognizing people who've been doing this for 50 years," said Jamie Black, FAASTeam's Little Rock program director. "This is the most prestigious award that the FAA gives out, and it's well deserved." Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award recipients were Jim Collom, Randy Williams, Tevis Pappas, Gary Walker and Jerry Browning. Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award Recipients were Jim Collom, Randy Williams and Perry Hodgson. Recipients reminisced about their longtime relationships with one another, close calls they survived, and early experiences at Texarkana Regional Airport in the 1970s and 1980s. More than 30 students from TC's newly launched Airframe and Powerplant Program represented the airport. Awardee Jim Collom offered them advice. "This is the time we pass the torch to you young fellows. You stay honest to your work, remember your responsibility, and not only to you, but the people that trust in you. Just remember that that's very important what you're doing in this profession, and that's it's not it's your life. It's really their life," Collom said. Article written by Arts and Entertainment Editor Karl Richter of the Texarckana Gazette.
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 The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) announced that its volunteer aircraft mechanic Ron Corley has been awarded the FAA’s Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award. The award honors the commitment and achievements of senior mechanics with more than 50 years of aviation maintenance.
The award is named after aviation pioneer Charles Taylor, who served as the Wright brothers’ mechanic and designed the engine for their groundbreaking aircraft. To be eligible, recipients must hold a U.S. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) or FAA mechanic or repairman certificate with at least 50 years of dedicated service in aviation maintenance. Such experience can include civil and/or military work, as well as maintenance work overseas or in the U.S. Ron’s Award serves as a testament to his lifetime of contributions and adherence to the highest standards in aviation safety and maintenance. As an active member of Airbase Georgia he has made numerous invaluable impacts on the CAF and inspired others with his commitment and skill. All maintenance mechanics and pilots, as well as others who assist in keeping the aircraft flying and presenting them to the public are volunteers who donate their time and resources because of their passion for flying and love of the aircraft. Ron’s dedication and receiving this award is a distinction for the CAF that helps reinforce its mission to “Keep ‘Em Flying” and preserve aviation history and its legacy for future generations.  The Little Rock FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam), in partnership with Texarkana College’s Aviation Technology program, is proud to announce a special ceremony to present the esteemed Wright Brothers Master Pilot and Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Awards.
The event will take place on June 20, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Texarkana College Department of Aviation Hangar at 60 Globe Ave, Texarkana, AR 71854, honoring distinguished pilots and mechanics for their remarkable contributions to aviation. The Little Rock FAASTeam and Texarkana College invite the aviation community and media to join in recognizing these remarkable professionals. Texarkana Regional Airport, recognized as the premier maintenance relief airport in the region, will be represented by 34 students from Texarkana College’s newly launched Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) program, who will attend to draw inspiration from these exemplary airmen, continuing the airport’s storied legacy of high-achieving aviation mechanics. The ceremony, led by Jamie Black, FAASTeam Program Manager at the Little Rock Flight Standards District Office, will recognize the following recipients for their exceptional dedication and service: Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award Recipients:
Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award Recipients:
The Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award recognizes senior mechanics with 50 or more years of civil and military maintenance experience. Named after Charles Taylor, the Wright brothers’ mechanic who designed and built the engine for their first successful aircraft, this award acknowledges a lifetime of excellence in aviation maintenance, a tradition proudly upheld by Texarkana Regional Airport, the premier maintenance relief airport.  The Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award is named in honor of Mr. Charles Taylor, the first aviation mechanic in powered flight who served as the Wright brothers’ mechanic and is credited with designing and building the engine for their first successful aircraft. Representatives from the Washington D.C. Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) joined us to present the award to Bill at our monthly employee luncheon in the hangar at 2W6 (St. Mary’s County Airport).
Bill grew up near Curtiss-Wright Airfield in Fairfield, NJ and was inspired to pursue a career in aviation by watching the airshows there. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a helicopter mechanic and Aircrew Chief and has worked on almost every type of civil and military aircraft over the years. Among the many highlights of his career, one of the most notable was flying as part of President Ford’s press transport during a visit to Spain. He has been a certified FAA A&P Mechanic since 1983 and has continued to earn numerous other certifications to remain a highly trained professional which is critical to safety in aviation. He has undoubtedly seen a thing or two over the years but landing in a CH-46 as a Crew Chief when the tail fell off was one he will never forget! Bill has worked with AIRTEC since 1992. When asked what he has enjoyed the most and what has been the most challenging, he had the same answer, “working with every known personality to man”. We are privileged to have such a distinguished, experienced, master-class aircraft professional as part of the AIRTEC team. His knowledge and steadfast commitment to aviation safety contributes to the superior safety standards that are paramount for each mission flown and is reflected in his advice for future generations, “the little stuff counts”. Congratulations Bill! Reaching such a milestone is truly remarkable, your half century of dedication is an inspiration to us all and may your legacy continue to inspire future generations of aviation professionals! |
The Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award is named in honor of Mr. Charles Taylor, the first aviation mechanic in powered flight. The Charles Taylor "Master Mechanic" Award recognizes the lifetime accomplishments of senior mechanics. Mr. Taylor served as the Wright brothers' mechanic and is credited with designing and building the engine for their first successful aircraft.
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