![](https://www.flyingmag.com/uploads/2023/08/1-What-Does-It-Take-to-Become-an-AP-1-1200x801-1.jpg?auto=webp&auto=webp&optimize=high&quality=70&width=1440)
Aircraft mechanic
Aviation HistoryThe First Aircraft Mechanic
While the Wrights earned a place in the spotlight as daring aviators, one key figure is often overlooked: mechanician Charles Taylor.
Richard Scarbrough![](https://www.flyingmag.com/uploads/2023/11/Charlie-Taylor-1911.jpg?auto=webp&auto=webp&optimize=high&quality=70&width=1440)
![](https://www.flyingmag.com/uploads/2023/08/1-What-Does-It-Take-to-Become-an-AP-1-1200x801-1.jpg?auto=webp&auto=webp&optimize=high&quality=70&width=1440)
![](https://www.flyingmag.com/uploads/2022/09/Pilot-and-copilot_adobe-stock-rs.jpg?auto=webp&auto=webp&optimize=high&quality=70&width=1440)
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Get the latest FLYING stories delivered directly to your inbox