Master Mechanic Terry M. Kennedy

Local aviation figure Terry Kennedy was recently honored with both the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award and the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award at a gathering in the Pioneer Igloo. Nominated by fellow pilot Mark Frohnapfel, Kennedy received these prestigious FAA honors in recognition of nearly 60 years of continuous involvement in aviation maintenance and over half a century as an FAA-certified mechanic and pilot. The awards highlight Kennedy's significant contributions to aviation reliability and safety in demanding environments, as well as his role in mentoring future generations of pilots and mechanics.

The Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award is named in honor of Mr. Charles Taylor, the first aviation mechanic in powered flight. The Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award recognizes the lifetime accomplishments of senior mechanics. Mr. Taylor served as the Wright brothers’ mechanic and is credited with designing and building the engine for their first successful aircraft.  

The Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award is the most prestigious award the FAA issues to persons certificated under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 65. This award, named after Charles Taylor, is to recognize individuals who have exhibited exemplary aviation expertise, distinguished professionalism, and steadfast commitment for at least 50 years or more of aviation maintenance experience. A distinctive certificate, and the airman’s Blue-Ribbon package is issued after application review and eligibility requirements have been met. Once the award has been issued, the recipient’s name, city and state will be added to a published “Roll of Honor,” located at https://www.faasafety.gov/content/MasterMechanic/RecipientList.aspx.  

Read the heartwarming article here.