Metro Aviation announced Managing Director Milton Geltz has been awarded the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award, one of the highest honors presented by the Federal Aviation Administration to recognize lifetime achievement in aircraft maintenance.

The Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award honors aviation maintenance professionals with 50 or more years of exemplary service. Geltz becomes one of fewer than one-percent of certified mechanics worldwide to receive this distinguished recognition.

A surprise celebration was held last week with Geltz’s family, friends, and colleagues in attendance to commemorate the milestone.

“Milton has forgotten more about aviation than most people will ever know,” said Metro COO Kenny Morrow. “His leadership, integrity, and technical expertise have shaped our culture and our commitment to safety for decades.”

Throughout his career, Geltz has been instrumental in advancing Metro Aviation’s maintenance standards, mentoring generations of technicians, and strengthening the company’s reputation for excellence across the aviation industry. His influence can be seen in every hangar, every aircraft, and every team member who has had the privilege of learning from him.


“This award represents more than longevity; it represents a lifetime dedicated to craftsmanship, safety, and service,” said Morrow. “Milton embodies everything this honor stands for.”

The Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award is named after the first aviation mechanic and recognizes individuals who have demonstrated professionalism, technical expertise, and a sustained commitment to aviation safety over the course of their careers.

Metro Aviation congratulates Geltz on this extraordinary achievement and thanks him for the lasting impact he continues to make on the company and the industry.
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This press release was prepared and distributed by Metro Aviation.

​The Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA) wants to honor the legends of our flight lines and hangars. If you or an aviation mechanic you know has received the prestigious Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award, we want to feature this incredible achievement in the upcoming PAMA national newsletter.

What is the Charles Taylor Award?
Named in honor of Charles Taylor, the Wright brothers' mechanic and the first aviation mechanic in history, this award is the highest honor the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) bestows upon maintenance technicians. It recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the highest level of professionalism, skill, and aviation expertise by maintaining a safe career for 50 years in aviation maintenance.
Fifty years of keeping aircraft safely in the skies is a monumental milestone that deserves industry-wide recognition. PAMA is dedicated to preserving these stories to inspire the next generation of technicians.

How to Submit Your Story
We are putting together dedicated feature profiles for our newsletter, and we need your help to tell these stories right. If you are a recipient, or want to nominate a recipient, please email us at [email protected].

Please include the following information in your email:

• The mechanic's full name and current location.
• A copy or photo of the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award certificate.
• A brief summary of their career (e.g., favorite aircraft worked on, notable employers, or memorable career moments).
• High-resolution photos from their career or the award presentation ceremony.

​Help us celebrate fifty years of maintenance excellence. Send your details to [email protected] today, and look for these inspiring features in our upcoming newsletter editions!