FAA Wichita FSDO Aviation Safety Inspector Rick Stevens presented Bob Hays with the Charles Taylor and Wright Brothers awards at the B-29 Doc Hangar, Education and Visitors Center on Nov. 21, 2023

The Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award awarded by the FAA recognizes the lifetime accomplishments of senior aviation mechanics and is given to mechanics who have exhibited exemplary aviation expertise, distinguished professionalism, and steadfast commitment for at least 50 years of aviation maintenance experience.

The Wright Brothers award is to recognize individuals who have exhibited exemplary aviation expertise, distinguished professionalism, and steadfast commitment for at least 50 years of piloting experience or 50 or more years combined experience in both piloting and aircraft operations.

​“When I took that first flight lesson in 1967, I had no idea it would lead to nearly 60 years of being hooked on aviation and flying,” Bob said. “I’ve been blessed to have a career that has allowed me to work with so many people in an ever-changing and evolving industry that has helped to connect people and make air travel safe for so many people. I am humbled to receive these honors and recognition from the FAA, and I look forward to continuing to volunteer and work with my fellow B-29 Doc maintainers to keep Doc flying for generations to come.”

James “Jim” Nunnelee was recently surprised by members of the Experimental Aviation Association at the Carson City Airport when representatives of the Federal Aviation Administration presented him with two significant awards that recognize over 50 years of aviation prowess.

Nunnelee received the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award and the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award on March 20.  Eligibility for both awards are for pilots and senior aviation mechanics who have at least 50 years of experience in being a pilot and operation; and in aviation maintenance industry, for the Master Mechanic Award, 30 of these years must have been served as an FAA-certified mechanic or repairman.

Federal Aviation Administration Safety Team Program Manager Larry Cheek said that in all his years of presenting the awards only a handful have received both. Only 3,470 people have received the Master Mechanic Award and 8,410 Wright Brothers Mater Pilot awards.

Nunnelee, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, began his aviation experience earning his student pilot certificate in April 1958. In November of the same year he earned his A&P Mechanic Certificate. Three years later he received his Private Pilot Certificate and in 1978 enhanced his aviation mechanics resume with his Inspection Authorization Certificate.

He earned his degree in aircraft maintenance technology and also as an instructor in the aviation department for Glendale Community College in Southern California. Throughout his career, he was with Boeing, Western A/L, Lockheed and Aerojet.

Retiring to Carson Valley in the 1980s, Nunnelee immediately turned his passion for aviation into giving back and helping youth to discover the career opportunities available in the aviation field..