May 16, 2008
To: All M&E Employees
Ref: May 24, 2008: Aviation Maintenance Technician Day
May 24 is a special day in the aviation maintenance community. On this day, we celebrate the
contributions of aviation maintenance technicians and the profession of aircraft maintenance. This year’s
celebration has added significance. Just last month, on April 30, the United States House of
Representatives passed House Resolution 444. This resolution supports the goals and ideals of National
Aviation Maintenance Technician Day. Though most states officially recognize May 24 as AMT Day,
AMTs now have special recognition from Congress as well. As stated in the resolution, National AMT
Day honors “…the professional men and women who ensure the safety and security of our airborne
aviation infrastructure, and recognizes the life and memory of Charles Edward Taylor, the aviation
maintenance technician who built and maintained the engine that was used to power the Wright brothers'
first controlled flying machine on December 17, 1903.”
Last AMT Day, M&E announced that the Golden Wrench Award program is coming back. We are happy
to tell you that beginning the fourth quarter of this year, you will be able to go online and nominate
someone for the award. The TWU and management worked together to bring back this highly regarded
program. More program details will be provided in subsequent communications.
In addition to the Golden Wrench Award, the FAA has identified 6,327 individual American Airlines
Aviation Maintenance Technicians who have earned the bronze, silver, gold, ruby, or diamond training
awards. The Aviation Maintenance Technician Awards program encourages AMTs to take advantage of
initial and recurrent training by issuing awards based on training received during a calendar year.
Across our system, stations and bases are commemorating and celebrating AMT Day. AFW, DFW, JFK,
LAX, MCIE, MIA, ORD, SFO, TULE, and other locations are marking this day as a time to remember who
we are and how your role as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician plays a critical part in aviation and
aviation safety. Enjoy the food and camaraderie. May 24 is your day.
We look forward to May 24 each year because it gives us another opportunity to recognize your
contributions to the success of Maintenance & Engineering and the success of American Airlines. We
thank you for your professionalism and the essential role you perform in ensuring the safety of our crews
and customers.
Don Videtich, International Representative Fred Cleveland, VP Base Maintenance
TWU International – Airline Transport Division American Airlines – Maintenance and Engineering
Danny Martinez, VP Line Maintenance Oliver Martins, VP Engineering, Planning, and QA
American Airlines – Maintenance and Engineering American Airlines – Maintenance and Engineering
cc: Carmine Romano, Senior VP Maintenance and Engineering
American Airlines