Master Mechanic Bob Hays

Bob Hays was honored by the Federal Aviation Administration with its most prestigious award: The Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award. The award 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. 
​
Bob Hays launched his aviation career in 1967 when he enrolled in flight training at a small airport in Phillipsburg, KS. After a successful private pilot check ride 12 months later, Bob wasn’t satisfied and continued looking for ways to learn more about aviation and aircraft maintenance. After serving in the Kansas Army National Guard, Bob completed his aircraft maintenance training and received his FAA Mechanic’s Certificate in 1975. In addition to his mechanic expertise, Bob received his commercial flight instructor’s rating (CFI), along with an airline transport rating (ATP), which opened the door for a career that included managing the Phillipsburg Municipal Airport, working for Air Midwest Airlines in Springfield, MO, Cessna Aircraft Company in Wichita, KS, Ameriflight in Omaha, NE, and finally at Yingling Aviation back in Wichita. At Yingling Aviation, Bob received his Inspection Authorization (IA) in 2010 and served as Yingling’s Quality Assurance Manager until his retirement in 2017. Read more here.