OREANDA-NEWS. In honor of National Aircraft Maintenance Technician Day United is paying tribute to the contributions and hard work of its most senior mechanics who have earned the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award. Upon completion of 50 years of service in aviation maintenance, with at least 30 years as a certified FAA technician, a mechanic qualifies for this industry honor presented by the FAA. Since the award's inception in 1998, more than 30 of United's technicians have received the award.

To celebrate these master mechanics, United will install a statue of Charles Taylor at the airline's Chicago O'Hare hub and engrave the bust with the names of each award recipient.

"The commitment to safety and reliability of United's Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award honorees is remarkable," said Ken Burtt, United's senior vice president of technical operations. "It takes dedication, passion and supreme technical skills to achieve this aviation milestone. We are grateful to have these technicians as a part of the United family."

The Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award recognizes the lifetime accomplishments of senior aviation mechanics. The award is named for Charles Taylor, the first aviation mechanic in powered flight, who served as the Wright brothers' mechanic and is credited with designing and building the engine for their first successful aircraft.

United's more than 8,800 aviation technicians work in locations around the world to maintain the airline's fleet of nearly 700 aircraft and ensure they operate safely and reliably for its customers and employees.