Industry Standby Recognized for a Half Century of Advocacy & Scholarship

The 66th annual Aircraft Electronics Association International Convention & Trade Show saw the presentation of the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award to Ric Peri, AEA vice president of government and industry affairs.

The FAA granted the award in honor of Charles Taylor, the first aviation mechanic in powered flight, as a way of recognizing those senior mechanics who have contributed a lifetime of work to the grand tradition of flight. Taylor was pivotal in the creation and design of the Wright's Flyer.

On day 1 of the AEA Convention, Peri was presented with the award by Robert Jex, FAASTeam program manager at the FAA's Flight Standards District Office in Orlando, Florida. Peri has been involved in the industry for more than 50 years, working his way through a series of roles as a mechanic, instructor, writer, consultant, and auditor. Peri served a stint with both the US Air Force and Coast Guard, working on UH-1N Hueys, HH-52s, and C-130s before heading into the civilian world to attain his A&P. In the years following, Peri worked in a series of aviation businesses, turning wrenches and contributing to the scholarship and advocacy of the industry. His emphasis, working in AEA association management, has generally taken aim at global maintenance, manufacturing, and certification regulations. As an author, Peri has been writing on issues in the aviation world since the mid-80’s, publishing his work in a range of aviation and engineering publications.

"I am humbled and honored to receive this recognition," Peri said. "Charles Taylor, the namesake of this award, saw powered flight from its birth to the introduction of the jet age. My career has taken me from round motors, tube radios, and sextants to electric propulsion, autonomous flight, and artificial intelligence. I am truly blessed to have been a part of this journey for the past 50 years. I wonder what the next 50 years will bring."

FMI: www.aea.net