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The House of Representatives voted April 30, 2008, in support of the goals and ideals of National Aviation Maintenance Technician Day, which we celebrate each May 24 on the anniversary of Charles Edward Taylor's birth in 1868. The resolution was introduced in the House by Representive Bob Filner (D-CA) and it was Mr. Filner that rose in the chamber to ask for approval by the full House. Mr. Filner's remarks were thoughtful and supportive and in genuine praise of the contributions Charles E. Taylor made to enable the Wright brothers' first powered controlled flight on December 17, 1903.
Also rising in support of HR 444 was Representative Sam Graves (R-MO). Mr. Graves was very passionate about his support for recognizing Charles Taylor and the work of all aviation maintenance professionals. At one point he waxed nostalgic about having seen and heard a replica of Charlie Taylor's third engine run at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wis. He seemed carried away by the connection to our proud past.
After both men spoke for several minutes there were no speeches in opposition. Then a voice vote of those in attendance was conducted. Only "yea's" were heard in support. There were no "No's."
Many members of the aviation maintenance community, including many PAMA memebrs, participated to ensure passage of this resolution. Many called their representatives in Congress and it is because of their efforts that we have gotten this resolution through the House.
Now, we will take this resolution to the Senate for their support and then to the President for his signature. We have already begun to have this resolution introduced in the U.S. Senate and we now want to encourage each of you to nenew your support for this continuing effort by contacting your Senators and urging their support. To find your Senator, visit the Senate website and please email and call them both. Urge them to support the Goals and Ideals of National Aviation Maintenance Technician Day.
Watch this space for more info on our progress.
This is a great mile stone for all aviation maintenance professionals. It is an honor to know our Congressional House of Representatives recognizes our professionalism, hard work, unique skills, and dedication to continued education so others can rest assured they fly in safety with the best maintained aircraft in the world.
The passage of H.RES 444 is not enough, it is incumbent on all of us to continue supporting this endeavor and see its passage in the Senate. Take a moment to write your Senator and explain why this is important to you. http://www.senate.gov/
PAMA will continue to lead the charge with the support of other organizations to lobby for the recognition of AMT Day nationwide with the passage of this bill in the Senate.
Posted by: Clark Gordon | May 13, 2008 at 08:45 AM