Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award

The Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award is the highest honor the FAA bestows upon senior aviation technicians, named after the man who built the engine for the Wright brothers’ first flight. This prestigious award recognizes a lifetime of professional excellence and an unwavering commitment to aviation safety. Beyond the personal pride of receiving a certificate and lapel pin, recipients are officially inducted into the FAA's Roll of Honor, a public registry that immortalizes their 50-year legacy in the industry. You can explore the full history of those who have reached this milestone by visiting the official Recipient List.

To qualify for this elite recognition, a nominee must be a U.S. citizen with 50 years of aviation maintenance experience, at least 30 of which must have been served as an FAA-certificated mechanic or repairman with no history of certificate revocation. If you or someone you know meets these criteria, you must submit a formal nomination package to your local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). To ensure a smooth application process, your submission should include the following checklist of required items:

• A completed FAA Form 8700-3 (the official nomination form).
• A detailed resume or chronological history of the nominee’s 50-year maintenance career.
• Three letters of recommendation from other FAA-certificated mechanics or repairmen.
• Documentation of certification, such as copies of the nominee’s mechanic or repairman certificates.
• Proof of citizenship, which can include a birth certificate or passport.