Avionics News June 2023 - 11

AEA
NOW
FAA presents Charles
Taylor Master Mechanic
Award to AEA's Ric Peri
During the opening session of the AEA International
Convention & Trade Show, April 24, the Federal Aviation
Administration presented the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic
Award to Ric Peri, AEA vice president of government and industry
affairs. The award is named in honor of Charles Taylor, the
first aviation mechanic in powered flight, and recognizes the
lifetime accomplishments of senior mechanics. Taylor served as
the Wright brothers' mechanic and is credited with designing and
building the engine for their first successful aircraft.
Robert Jex, FAASTeam program manager at the FAA's
Flight Standards District Office in Orlando, presented Peri the
award. Peri has more than 50 years in aviation maintenance as a
mechanic, instructor, writer, consultant and auditor.
Following graduation from Sheppard Air Force Base in
Wichita Falls, Texas, Peri began turning wrenches in April 1972
at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, Washington, as a helicopter
mechanic, where he worked on UH-1N Hueys. In 1975, Peri
transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard working on the HH-52 helicopter.
In 1978, Peri transitioned to C-130 maintenance.
In 1986, Peri earned his mechanic certificate with A&P
ratings and began working as an aircraft mechanic at airports
in California, followed by central Florida, and later Maryland.
He earned his private pilot certificate in March 1987 and later
earned inspection authorization with what is now the Tampa
FSDO in 1990.
Upon his retirement from the Coast Guard in 1998, Peri
was appointed director of maintenance for the National Air
Transportation Association. He has been involved with the FAA
Safety Team and has assisted several FSDOs with IA and repair
station training programs. Peri also owns a Cessna 172 and has
restored and currently maintains the aircraft.
In his current role with the AEA, Peri advocates for the avionics
and maintenance industries before the aviation authorities
worldwide with a primary focus on the Americas, Europe and
the South Pacific regions. Peri also has more than 25 years in
association management and supports the membership through
consultation and advocacy of aviation issues, with an emphasis
Ric Peri, AEA vice president of government and industry affairs, offers a
thankful response after accepting the FAA's prestigious Charles Taylor
Master Mechanic Award. Peri was accompanied by his wife, Liz, and
daughter, Stephanie Peri-Provine.
on global maintenance, manufacturing and certification regulations.
As an award-winning journalist, Peri has been communicating
issues pertinent to the aviation industry since the mid1980s
in a wide range of aviation and engineering publications.
As an instructor, Peri has supported the aviation industry as
adjunct professor at two universities and conducted organized
training and education for the association's membership. He also
has been a guest speaker at several industry events worldwide.
" 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. "
To see the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award Roll of
Honor, visit https://bit.ly/3nUP9wm. q
avionics news * june 2023 11
https://bit.ly/3nUP9wm
Avionics News June 2023

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