Master Mechanic William Birch

William (Bill) Birch of Traverse City, MI received the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award, the highest honor that a civilian can earn from the FAA. Birch has been a mechanic since 1973. He is now officially retired and had some parting words of wisdom for those in his field. “Pay attention to what you do. Always have integrity and, you know, enjoy what you do. Make sure you enjoy what you do above all. And it doesn’t seem like work. I’ve enjoyed this thoroughly. Worked on small airplanes, large jets. It’s been a ride, been fun,” Birch said. Birch plans to do more traveling in his retirement and spend more time with family. Read more here. 

​Recipients have 50 or more years of civil and military maintenance experience and hold a U.S. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) or Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mechanic or repairman certificate. The Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award is named in honor of Mr. Charles Taylor, the first aviation mechanic in powered flight. Mr. Taylor served as the Wright brothers' mechanic and is credited with designing and building the engine for their first successful aircraft.