Story ID: 
Banyan celebrates aviation maintenance technician day
By: David A. Lombardo
Caption: Support for officially designating May 24 national AMT Day continues to grow across the U.S.
Word Count: 188
Support for officially designating May 24 national AMT Day continues to grow across the U.S. and is already being celebrated by many in the industry. “AMT day is an important day at Banyan,” Don Campion, the company’s president, said during its second annual AMT Day celebration. The Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport MRO offers comprehensive aircraft maintenance services. “Not only is it the day that Banyan pays tribute to Charles E. Taylor, the mechanic who built Orville and Wilbur Wright’s engine, but it is also the day that Banyan recognizes and honors the contributions and achievements of our own avionics and maintenance technicians,” he said. Dave Valenta, Banyan’s director of maintenance, organized the celebration, which included a catered lunch and speakers. While the technicians enjoyed lunch, Dale Meiler, Banyan’s lead maintenance inspector and recent recipient of the ATP/NATA 2006 General Aviation Service Technician Award, delivered a speech.The event included company recognition of 38 technicians who will receive FAA AMT awards. In addition to individual awards, Banyan will also receive two FAA Diamond Excellence Awards for having 100-percent training participation in the avionics and maintenance departments.