Greetings all!
On July 11th the Aircraft Maintenance Technicians Association donated a bronze bust of Charles E. Taylor educating an international audience about who the first aircraft mechanic was and in turn those who have followed in his footsteps. The AMTA presented this bust, which once again was created by sculptor Virginia Hess, to the Le Mans Sarthe Wright Centennial Committee. The bust was on display at the 13th Century Abbaye de l'Epau which was founded by Queen Berrangaria of Navarre in 1229. This celebration was to commemorate 100 years since Orville Wright visited France. And it was Charles E. Taylor who accompanied Orville to Europe in order to ensure that the Wright Flyer was in working order.
The celebration on July 11th was attended by many people with speeches from dignitaries, both French and American. These dignitaries included the U.S. Ambassador to France Mr. Craig Stappleton and Astronaut Buzz Aldrin. After the reception inside the Abbaye de l'Epau people were directed to an invitation only dinner elsewhere in the Abbaye where people were entertained with fine wine, champaign and dinning as well as a vocalist. Several more speeches were given and the Wright family presented the Centennial Committee's President, Monsieur Marc Denoueix, a plaque with an actual piece of cloth fabric that covered the Wright Flyer.
Photos from this special event can be seen at http://www.amtausa.com/france.html as well as photos from Le Mans Aerodrome. During the reception and dinner held at the Abbaye de l'Apau I was able to speak with many people within France who were interested in supporting a French National AME Day Resolution and with their help such a resolution should be possible.
Traveling to France enabled the AMTA to reach a wider audience in promoting the proud craft of today's skilled AMT/AME. Many people there did not know of or were even aware of Charles E. Taylor but now they are... because of your support! Thank you very much for your support in helping the AMTA achieve our goal of promoting a craft & profession that needs to be recognized for the knowledge, skill & integrity necessary to provide safe, airworthy aircraft... worldwide! Sincerely, Kenneth MacTiernan Director AMTA
On July 11th the Aircraft Maintenance Technicians Association donated a bronze bust of Charles E. Taylor educating an international audience about who the first aircraft mechanic was and in turn those who have followed in his footsteps. The AMTA presented this bust, which once again was created by sculptor Virginia Hess, to the Le Mans Sarthe Wright Centennial Committee. The bust was on display at the 13th Century Abbaye de l'Epau which was founded by Queen Berrangaria of Navarre in 1229. This celebration was to commemorate 100 years since Orville Wright visited France. And it was Charles E. Taylor who accompanied Orville to Europe in order to ensure that the Wright Flyer was in working order.
The celebration on July 11th was attended by many people with speeches from dignitaries, both French and American. These dignitaries included the U.S. Ambassador to France Mr. Craig Stappleton and Astronaut Buzz Aldrin. After the reception inside the Abbaye de l'Epau people were directed to an invitation only dinner elsewhere in the Abbaye where people were entertained with fine wine, champaign and dinning as well as a vocalist. Several more speeches were given and the Wright family presented the Centennial Committee's President, Monsieur Marc Denoueix, a plaque with an actual piece of cloth fabric that covered the Wright Flyer.
Photos from this special event can be seen at http://www.amtausa.com/france.html as well as photos from Le Mans Aerodrome. During the reception and dinner held at the Abbaye de l'Apau I was able to speak with many people within France who were interested in supporting a French National AME Day Resolution and with their help such a resolution should be possible.
Traveling to France enabled the AMTA to reach a wider audience in promoting the proud craft of today's skilled AMT/AME. Many people there did not know of or were even aware of Charles E. Taylor but now they are... because of your support! Thank you very much for your support in helping the AMTA achieve our goal of promoting a craft & profession that needs to be recognized for the knowledge, skill & integrity necessary to provide safe, airworthy aircraft... worldwide! Sincerely, Kenneth MacTiernan Director AMTA
