TULSA, Okla.: American Airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are recognizing two mechanics who will be welcomed into an elite group of FAA "Master Mechanics" for their five decades of service in the airline industry.

On Friday, Aug. 6, the FAA will present retired Quality Assurance Supervisor C. W. "Bill" Denton and Leonard Hoosier, retired Outside Services Tech Representative, with the prestigious Charles E. Taylor Award. This award recognizes the lifetime accomplishments of senior mechanics and honors Charles Taylor, who not only worked for the Wright Brothers, but also was the first aviation mechanic in powered flight.

To be eligible for the award, a recipient must have served 50 years as an accredited aviation mechanic and have been an FAA-certified mechanic for a minimum of 30 years.

"To receive this award, it not only tells the world that its recipient is dedicated to the craft of aviation mechanics, but it also demonstrates that the ever-evolving aviation industry requires this type of commitment to continue its success," said Mark Easton, American's Managing Director – Aircraft Overhaul Maintenance. "Bill Denton's and Leonard Hoosier's service over the past 50 years serve as wonderful examples of Charles Taylor's enthusiasm for aviation. We are grateful for their service to the industry and hope others will follow in their footsteps."

Denton's aviation career began in 1956 upon entering the U.S. Air Force, and has since included positions at American Airmotive, The Boeing Company, the U.S government and World Airways. He joined American Airlines in 1972 and held many production management positions before retiring. He currently owns and operates Denton Aviation Consulting, Inc., an FAA certified repair station at Richard Lloyd Jones Airport in Tulsa.

Hoosier, whose 53-and-a-half-year aviation career began in the U.S. Air Force in 1957, spent 21 years with American Airlines in positions including mechanic, Production Control, Fleet Operations and Outside Services Tech representative. Prior to his time with American Airlines, he worked for Lockheed Air Service, American Automotive, Braniff Air Lines and Pacific Air Motive.

A special awards ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6, at American's Maintenance & Engineering base in Tulsa.

About American Airlines

American Airlines, American Eagle and AmericanConnection® serve 250 cities in 40 countries with, on average, more than 3,400 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American's award-winning website, AA.com®, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld® Alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve nearly 700 destinations in more than 130 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com, We know why you fly and AAdvantage are registered trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: AMR)

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SOURCE American Airlines