[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 444 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                        April 30, 2008.
Whereas the safety of the flying public is ensured and the integrity of the 
        aircraft airworthiness is personally guaranteed by individuals who 
        comprise the professional aviation maintenance technician workforce;
Whereas the professional aviation maintenance technician is a key member of the 
        United States military in protecting America through a strong armed 
        forces aviation infrastructure;
Whereas the duties of aviation maintenance technicians are critical to United 
        States homeland security and an integral component of the Nation's 
        aerospace industry;
Whereas the professional aviation maintenance technician provides the strong 
        infrastructure on which public confidence in our airborne transportation 
        safety and military aviation strength is ensured;
Whereas the professional philosophy of the certificated aviation maintenance 
        technician is embodied in the Aviation Mechanic's Creed:

    UPON MY HONOR I swear that I shall hold in sacred trust the rights and 
privileges conferred upon me as a certified mechanic. Knowing full well 
that the safety and lives of others are dependent upon my skill and 
judgment, I shall never knowingly subject others to risks which I would not 
be willing to assume for myself, or for those dear to me.

    IN DISCHARGING this trust, I pledge myself never to undertake work or 
approve work which I feel to be beyond the limits of my knowledge nor shall 
I allow any non-certified superior to persuade me to approve aircraft or 
equipment as airworthy against my better judgment, nor shall I permit my 
judgment to be influenced by money or other personal gain, nor shall I pass 
as airworthy aircraft or equipment about which I am in doubt either as a 
result of direct inspection or uncertainty regarding the ability of others 
who have worked on it to accomplish their work satisfactorily.

    I REALIZE the grave responsibility which is mine as a certified airman, 
to exercise my judgment on the airworthiness of aircraft or equipment. I, 
therefore, pledge my unyielding adherence to these precepts for the 
advancement of aviation and for the dignity of my vocation.

Whereas in 1902 Charles Edward Taylor began working as a machinist for Orville 
        and Wilbur Wright at the Wright Cycle Company in Dayton, Ohio;
Whereas using only a metal lathe, drill press, and hand tools, Charles Edward 
        Taylor built, in 6 weeks, the 12-horsepower engine that was used to 
        power the Wright brothers' first flying machine;
Whereas Charles Edward Taylor's ingenuity earned him a place in aviation history 
        when the Wright brothers successfully flew their airplane in controlled 
        flight on December 17, 1903;
Whereas Charles Edward Taylor had a successful career in aviation maintenance 
        for more than 60 years;
Whereas Charles Edward Taylor was honored by the Federal Aviation Administration 
        with the establishment of the Charles Edward Taylor Master Mechanic 
        Award, which recognizes individuals with 50 years or more of aviation 
        maintenance experience;
Whereas Charles Edward Taylor has become a hero to aircraft maintenance 
        technicians worldwide; and
Whereas 45 of the States together with the Commonwealths, Territories, 
        Republics, and Federations of the United States have already declared 
        May 24 to be Aviation Maintenance Technician Day within their 
        jurisdictions: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports National Aviation Maintenance Technician Day to honor 
        the professional men and women who ensure the safety and security of our 
        airborne aviation infrastructure; and
            (2) 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.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.