The fascinating world of aviation is a part of mankind’s past towards the skies. Without our mechanics, flight would not have been as popular as it is today. While the Wright Brothers may be the most famous, it’s really the people working behind the scenes that make it possible. Aviation Maintenance Technician Day was created to recognize their efforts in making flight possible. Let’s show our appreciation for our technicians and share this amazing day with them!

The Federal Aviation Administration declared the holiday in 2001 to recognize the efforts and innovation of Charles Edward Taylor (machinist who developed the engine that powered the Wright Brothers’ airplane). Taylor is considered to be one of the first successful aviation maintenance technicians. He helped bring flight into everyday life, even though the Wright Brothers are the ones who built the first successful airplane. The Wright’s plane was powered by Taylor’s 12-horsepower engine, which lifted it 20 feet above the North Carolina beaches. This allowed the aircraft to fly for 59 seconds and cover an 852-foot distance.

Taylor worked in aviation maintenance for more than 60 years. However, he mostly hid in the background to be a silent technician in order to keep innovation moving. The FAA reports that there are more than 250,000 maintenance technicians working at major international airports in the United States. According to the Aviation Safety Network, fatalities have fallen by 85 percent in 2013 compared with its average of 10 years ago. This holiday is to express gratitude for the people who make international travel safer. Aviation professionals are encouraged to share their knowledge and express appreciation for their achievements.

Thank someone you know who works in Aviation. You might find aviation’s history fascinating. To learn more, you can read books about aviation. You can also use the hashtag #AviationMaintenanceTechnicianDay and share photos of your mechanic friends and tell other friends about their life and how much you appreciate them. If this inspires you, you might consider a career as an aviation pilot and see where your life takes you.