FAA/FS-I-8700-3 (Rev. 4)
CHARLES TAYLOR MASTER MECHANIC AWARD
Information Guide
July 1, 2019
U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration
Flight Standards Service – General Aviation and Commercial Division
1. PURPOSE
The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award Program (MMA) recognizes mechanics who have conducted 50 or more years of safe maintenance operations. This information guide:
• Describes the award,
• Describes the eligibility requirements,
• Explains how to submit a nomination, and
• Explains the selection process of candidates for the award.
2. CANCELLATION
FAA/FS-I-8700-3 (Rev. 3), The Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award Information Guide dated January 6, 2017 is cancelled.
3. BACKGROUND
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.
4. DESCRIPTION
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 is named after Charles Taylor, the first aircraft mechanic, to recognize individuals who have exhibited professionalism, skill, and aviation expertise for at least 50 years in the aircraft maintenance profession as “master mechanics.” A distinctive certificate and lapel pin is issued after application review and eligibility requirements have been met. Upon request, a stickpin similar in design to the lapel pin is also provided to the award recipient’s spouse in recognition of his or her support to the recipient’s aviation maintenance career. 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.
5. ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible for the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award, nominees must meet the following criteria:
• Hold a U.S. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) or Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mechanic or repairman certificate.
• Have 50 or more years of civil and military maintenance experience.
• Up to 20 years of the required 50 years may be U.S. military experience; or worked as an uncertificated person in a U.S. aviation maintenance facility that maintained U.S. registered aircraft, either domestic or overseas; or worked as an uncertificated person in the aircraft manufacturing industry in the United States, producing U.S. type-certificated or U.S. military aircraft.
• The 50 years may be computed consecutively or non-consecutively.
• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Have NOT had any airman certificate revoked. Revocation of any airman certificate will disqualify a nominee for this award.
6. NOMINATION SUBMISSION
Any person who meets the eligibility requirements, or a sponsor on behalf of the eligible person, may apply for the award by submitting a nomination package to the FAASTeam Program Manager (FPM) at the nearest Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). The nomination package must consist of the following documents:
• A completed Charles Taylor MMA Nomination Form
o The Charles Taylor MMA Nomination Form is attached to this document and can be found in electronic form at https://www.faasafety.gov/content/MasterMechanic/Default.aspx.
• Nominee’s maintenance history
o Can be a detailed description, resume, or company records.
• Three (3) letters of recommendation
o Must be from holders of FAA mechanics or repairman who can attest to the nominee’s 50 years or more of mechanic or repairman experience. See sample letter attached to this document.
7. NOMINATION ACCEPTANCE
A FAASTeam Program Manager (FPM) will verify the nomination is complete and that the applicant meets the eligibility requirements listed within this document. Verification of eligibility is performed by obtaining initial certification information through the FAA Airman Certification Branch (AFS-760), in the form of a Blue Ribbon package, and reviewing the enforcement investigation database. Additional information or an interview by the FPM may be necessary to verify a nominee’s qualifications. If there is any question as to whether the nominee qualifies for the award, the FAASTeam National Manager shall be the final authority.
Additional notes on nomination acceptance:
• Prior enforcement actions (excluding revocation) are not necessarily disqualifying but, will be disqualifying if they show that the nominee lacks a dedication to safe maintenance procedures or professionalism.
• The award may be presented to a nominee up to 3 years posthumously if the nominee has acquired 50 years of U.S. maintenance experience prior to passing away.
• There is no limit on the number of awards that can be presented each year.
• Nominations will take a minimum of 60 days to be accepted.
8. ISSUANCE OF THE AWARD
Presentation – The FPM will contact the applicant or sponsor to schedule the award presentation. The FPM will try to arrange a public presentation at a suitable FAA or industry function. An appropriate FAA representative shall present the award to the nominee at the event.
Roll of Honor – The nominee’s name, city and state of residence plus the month and year of the Master Mechanic Award presentation will be posted to the electronic Roll of Honor after the award has been presented. The Roll of Honor can be found at https://www.faasafety.gov/content/MasterMechanic/RecipientList.aspx
Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award
Sample Letter of Recommendation
(Date)
(Nearest FAA FSDO or FAASTeam Program Manager Address)
Attn: (FSDO Manager or FAASTeam Program Manager)
I have known (Nominee’s name) for (number of years known) years and highly recommend
him/her for the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award. I have known him/her to always maintain aircraft in a safe and professional manner, be of good moral character and an outstanding individual who is respected in the aviation community.
My knowledge and association with the nominee consists of (state your affiliation with the nominee, i.e., Work associate, personal business, friendship, etc.)
I hold a mechanic/repairman certificate number (certificate number)
Respectfully submitted,
(Signed)
(Printed name)
(Address)
(E-mail address)
(Best contact Phone number)
CHARLES TAYLOR MASTER MECHANIC AWARD NOMINATION FORM
Nominee’s Full Name (as it should appear on award certificate)
Contact Information
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Nominee’s Airman Information
Mechanic certificate number
Certificate Ratings (check one) ☐ Airframe ☐ Powerplant ☐ Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic or military school information:
Date began training
Name of School
City/State
Training organization (if applicable)
50-year aviation maintenance experience period to be considered for this award
Beginning Date Ending Date
Is a spouse pin requested? Yes No
If yes, spouse’s full name
Nomination Package Check List
☐ Completed Charles Taylor CTA Nomination Form (this form)
☐ Nominee’s maintenance history (Resume or Biography)
☐ Three letters of recommendation
Please forward this nomination package to your nearest FAASTeam Program Manager for processing: Your Area FAASTeam Program Manager’s name and contact information can be located at FAASafety.gov
or
Submit the nomination package to your local FAA Flight Standards District Office.