Charles E. Taylor 1868 - 1956
The first Aircraft Mechanic was Charles E. Taylor. Mr. Taylor, or "Charlie", was the Wright Brothers mechanic. Sadly, history almost forgot the contributions that Charlie made to aviation. When Orville and Wilbur needed an engine to power their Wright Glider, they were unable to find a manufacturer who could build one to their specifications and satisfaction. This is when they turned to Charlie. Having helped build and assemble a lot of the parts for the Wright Flyer, the Wrights asked Charlie if he could build the engine. The answer was, "Sure."
Starting from a solid block of metal and using basic tools such as a drill, lathe and some simple hand tools, Charlie built the first aircraft engine and all this from a rough drawing made on a napkin! The Wrights determined they needed an engine that could not weigh more than 180 pounds and had to deliver 8-9 horsepower. With the skill, knowledge, and integrity Charlie possessed, he provided the Wrights with a four cylinder engine with four inch stroke and four inch bore weighing 150 pounds and delivering 13 horsepower on the brake. All this was done in only six weeks! This engine was more than capable of carrying the weight of 625 pounds of machine and man.
In December 1903, history was made. But history almost forgot the man who helped turn the Wright Glider into the Wright Flyer. After more than 100 years of aviation, it is long past the time where Charles E. Taylor deserves recognition. Although Orville and Wilbur always gave Charlie the credit for his contributions, history has made him little more than a foot note. Charlie deserves better!
Charles E. Taylor created a profession whereby the very nature of this profession recognition is not noted by the public. Thousands of skilled and professional men and women have followed in Charlie's footsteps. These men and women, like Charles E. Taylor, carry the burden of an incredible weight. That weight is aircraft safety. Today's Aircraft Maintenance Technicians, from manufacturing to overhaul to line maintenance, do not seek the lime light. Just the opposite! Like Charlie did over 100 years ago, today's AMTs take their craft seriously and with pride. Having Charles E. Taylor's name placed on the "Wall of Honor" will help educate visitors to this world class monument and museum as to who Charlie was and what he accomplished.