AMFA National - Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association

AMFA Asst. National Director Floyd Looney, Director AMTA Ken MacTiernan, AMFA National Director Louie Key

US Air Force Academy Library Director (left) accepts the bust and book of Charles Taylor’s life from Charles Taylor’s Grandson.

AMFA National Director Louie Key and Assistant National Director Floyd Looney attended a ceremony commemorating Charles E. Taylor at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs on March 2, 2010.  Ken MacTiernan, Director of the Aircraft Maintenance Technicians Association (AMTA), sponsored the presentation of a bust of Charles E. Taylor, the Wright Brother’s mechanic, for display in the Academy’s library.  The bust of Mr. Taylor will be on display next to a replica of the Wright Flyer and busts of Orville and Wilbur Wright or “The Boys” as “Charlie” called them.  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 cr edit for his contributions, history has made him little more than a footnote. Charlie deserves better!