February 23rd, 2026

At the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA), we believe in celebrating the foundational work that keeps our industry soaring. There is no higher tribute to the dedication and expertise of senior mechanics than the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award.

Named in honor of Charles E. Taylor—the Wright brothers' mechanic and the first aviation mechanic in powered flight—this prestigious award recognizes those who have spent half a century ensuring the safety and reliability of aircraft.

Who was Charles Taylor?
Mr. Taylor was a visionary machinist who built the aluminum-copper, four-cylinder engine for the Wright brothers' first successful flight in just six weeks. Today, his legacy lives on not only through this award but also through his image on FAA mechanic certificates and the celebration of Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Day on his birthday, May 24.

Eligibility Requirements
This award is the FAA's most prestigious honor for individuals certificated under Title 14 CFR Part 65. To be considered for the "Roll of Honor," nominees must meet these rigorous criteria:

• Certification: Hold a U.S. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) or FAA mechanic or repairman certificate.
• Experience: Have 50 or more years of civil and military aviation maintenance experience.
  • At least 30 of these years must have been served as an FAA-certificated mechanic or repairman.
  • Up to 20 years may be credited from U.S. military experience or uncertificated work in U.S. aviation maintenance or manufacturing facilities.
  • The 50 years may be computed consecutively or non-consecutively.
• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Integrity: Must NOT have had any airman certificate revoked; revocation at any time disqualifies a nominee.
  

​How to Apply
Recognition of such a milestone is a significant event for both the recipient and the aviation community. If you or someone you know meets these milestones:

1. Review the Guide: Follow the specific application procedures in the current Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award Information Guide.
2. Submit Documentation: Nomination packages typically include a maintenance history (resume or company records) and three letters of recommendation from fellow FAA mechanics attesting to your professionalism and expertise.
3. Contact Your Local Office: Reach out to your local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) or your FAASTeam Program Manager for further assistance.

Celebrate the Masters
Recipients of this award receive a distinctive certificate and are added to the official Roll of Honor on FAASafety.gov. As of early 2026, over 3,500 dedicated professionals have been honored with this distinction.

"The award is very important for the mechanics because it is one of the few forms of recognition that you have for a career—an unblemished career." — John Goglia, PAMA Contributor and Award Recipient