master mechanic James “Jim” Marvin

In October 2020, James “Jim” Marvin earned the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award.

The Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award is an honor presented by the United States Federal Aviation Administration in honor of Charles Taylor, the first aviation mechanic in powered flight. The award recognizes the lifetime accomplishments of senior aviation mechanics. Taylor served as the Wright brothers’ mechanic and is credited with designing and building the engine for their first successful aircraft.

James “Jim” Marvin served in the United States Air Force for 20 years as an aircraft mechanic and also worked as an aircraft mechanic, supervisor and Chief Inspector with Piedmont Airlines for 30 years. Working 50 years in aviation maintenance and spending a minimum of 30 years as a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-certified mechanic.

During his time in the military, Jim worked on B-52 aircraft in Rome, New York and 135 refueling aircraft in Goose Bay, Labrador, Canada. After re-enlisting, Jim was stationed at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware where he served 16 years working on C-5 cargo planes and obtained his Airframe and Powerplant license. He retired as a Master Sergeant.

Jim later joined Piedmont Airlines on August 15, 1990 as a mechanic in Salisbury, Maryland. He began his career with Piedmont working on the aircraft that remained overnight and was later promoted to several positions of increased responsibility including RON Maintenance Supervisor, Quality Control Supervisor and the position of Chief Inspector which he held for fifteen years.

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