Story ID: 4052913mx
Banyan Hosts AMT Day Luncheon
By: David A. Lombardo
Caption: 
Word Count: 181
Banyan Air Service held its eighth annual AMT Day on May 24. The annual event pays tribute to Charles E. Taylor, the first aircraft maintenance technician (AMT), who built Orville and Wilbur Wright’s engine. At a time when new student starts in aviation technical schools are down and industry technician retention is low, Banyan uses the event to honor its aircraft maintenance technicians, avionics team and parts team.

Dave Valenta, director of maintenance, told AIN, “Around eight years ago, we read an article about the AMT Society promoting busts of Charles E. Taylor and May 24 being a day to recognize his achievements. We thought this was a perfect day to recognize the accomplishments of our own maintenance and avionics teams. We do this annually because it is a nice way to honor them and they appreciate the recognition and, of course, the great lunch.”

Banyan keeps the event geared to its avionics, maintenance and parts teams because “it’s a special day for them.” This year’s event drew more than 80 Banyan employees.