Senate Engrossed

State of Arizona Senate Forty-seventh Legislature Second Regular Session 2006

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 1028

 

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

 

Recognizing May 24, 2006 as Arizona aviation maintenance technician day.

 

 

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

 

Whereas, every day aviation maintenance technicians throughout Arizona use their skills and knowledge to personally guarantee the safe mechanical reliability of general aviation and commercial aviation aircraft alike; and

Whereas, the responsibility and integrity of these men and women are paramount in ensuring the safety of millions of passengers and crews each year; and

Whereas, these unsung heroes do not receive recognition for the role they play in one of the most important aspects of our economy; and

Whereas, the professional aviation maintenance technician is the last line of defense in America's aviation Homeland Security infrastructure; and

Whereas, certificated aviation maintenance technicians in Arizona personally affirm the airworthiness of the aircraft on which they are working by affixing their legal signature in the permanent aircraft maintenance records; and

Whereas, Charles Edward Taylor was born on May 24, 1868; and

Whereas, in 1902, Charles Edward Taylor began working as a machinist for Orville and Wilber Wright at the Wright Cycle Company in Dayton, Ohio.  His efforts enabled the Wright brothers to travel to Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina to perform tests in preparation for the first powered flight; and

Whereas, in order for the first powered flight to take place, Charles Edward Taylor fabricated the first aircraft engine of his own design in only six weeks, using only hand tools, a lathe, a drill press and his skills and ingenuity; and

Whereas, Charles Edward Taylor's skills and ingenuity earned him a place in aviation history as the first aviation maintenance technician when the Wright brothers successfully flew their airplane on December 17, 1903, and he continued to design and build engines for the Wright brothers; and

Whereas, Charles Edward Taylor served as lead mechanic for Calbraith (Cal) Rodgers, who made the first transcontinental flight in 1911; and

Whereas, Charles Edward Taylor had a successful career in aviation maintenance for more than 60 years and was honored by the Federal Aviation Administration with the establishment of the Charles Edward Taylor "Master Mechanic" Award, which recognizes persons with 50 years or more as an aviation maintenance technician.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the Senate of the State of Arizona, the House of Representatives concurring;

1.  That May 24, 2006 be recognized as Arizona Aviation Maintenance Technician Day to honor the professional women and men who ensure the safety and security of our airborne aviation infrastructure.

2.  That the members of the Arizona Legislature honor the life and memory of Charles Edward Taylor, the aviation maintenance technician who built and maintained the engine that was used to power the Wright brothers' first flying machine on December 17, 1903.

3.  The Secretary of State of the State of Arizona transmit copies of this Resolution to the Aviation Safety Advisory Group of Arizona.