The FAA And American Airlines Honor Tulsa Mechanics For 50 Years Of Service

August 10, 2010 - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and American Airlines has honored two mechanics into an elite group of FAA "Master Mechanics" for their five decades of service in the airline industry. The special awards ceremony took place at American's Maintenance and Engineering base in Tulsa.

On Friday the FAA present retired Quality Assurance Supervisor C. W. "Bill" Denton and Leonard Hoosier, retired Outside Services Tech Representative, with the prestigious Charles E. Taylor Award.

The Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award is an honor presented by the United States Federal Aviation Administration in honor of Charles Taylor, the first aviation mechanic in powered flight. The award recognizes the lifetime accomplishments of senior aviation mechanics. Taylor served as the Wright brothers' mechanic and is credited with designing and building the engine for their first successful aircraft.

To be eligible for the award, a recipient must have served 50 years as an accredited aviation mechanic and have been an FAA-certified mechanic for a minimum of 30 years.

"To receive this award, it not only tells the world that its recipient is dedicated to the craft of aviation mechanics, but it also demonstrates that the ever-evolving aviation industry requires this type of commitment to continue its success," said Mark Easton, American's Managing Director ? Aircraft Overhaul Maintenance.

"Bill Denton's and Leonard Hoosier's service over the past 50 years serve as wonderful examples of Charles Taylor's enthusiasm for aviation. We are grateful for their service to the industry and hope others will follow in their footsteps."

A distinctive certificate and lapel pin is issued after application review and eligibility requirements have been met. The certificate is signed by the FAA Administrator. 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.

Denton's aviation career began in 1956 upon entering the U.S. Air Force, and has since included positions at American Airmotive, The Boeing Company, the U.S government and World Airways. He joined American Airlines in 1972 and held many production management positions before retiring. He currently owns and operates Denton Aviation Consulting, Inc., an FAA certified repair station at Richard Lloyd Jones Airport in Tulsa.