master mechanic Bill Bridges

Bill Bridges, founder of The Flight Shop in Brigham City, is still turning wrenches and working on airplanes at 82 years old. In fact, in September 2025, he was given the Charles Taylor Mechanic Award from the Federal Aviation Administration for 50 years of servicing and repairing airplanes.

The FFA said The Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award was named in honor of Mr. Charles Taylor, the first aviation mechanic who built the motor for the Wright brothers’ first powered flight.

“I was surprised they kept the award a secret until they gave it to me,” Bridges said. “I told them I was getting ready to leave and they told me to stick around. They started setting up tables and invited some of my friends. Then they gave me the plaque.”

The award is prominently displayed in the office.

“People think you have to work for the airlines to make a living as an airplane mechanic,” he said. “We’ve made a pretty good living working on airplanes right here.”

They had the first license he received in 1968 up until his last one.

“They had all my licenses compiled,” Bridges said. “I am one of 3,500 other aviation mechanics across the country to have this award.”

The Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award recognizes the lifetime accomplishments of senior mechanics.

“It’s a huge deal,” said his daughter Liz Hansen, who works at The Flight Shop, her father’s airplane maintenance and repair business. “In 1968 he got his first license for airframe, and powerplant repair for airplanes and he has received one every year since then.”

“Craig Hulse started working with Bill out of high school and became a successful mechanic,” Liz said. “He is now taking most of the mechanical duties.”

As a family-built and privately owned business that prioritize large-scale capabilities with small-shop attention, their technicians are IA and A&P certified and are experienced enough to handle most critical service needs and still care about every detail.

Read the full article here.

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