Instructor Anthony Harris Recognized by the FAA for his 50 years of service to Aviation Industry
Beloved Aviation Instructor Mr. Anthony Harris has been awarded the FAA’s prestigious Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award. Given only to Aircraft Technicians who have spent a minimum of 50 years in the field, Mr. Harris has been recognized for his lifetime commitment to maintaining aircraft and preparing his students who will follow in his footsteps.
Charles Taylor worked with the Wright brothers to design the first aircraft engine, assisting them in building and flying the world’s first successful motor-operated airplane in 1903. The FAA founded the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award to honor Charles Taylor’s contribution to the modern aviation industry, awarding modern-day Aircraft Technicians who have spent a lifetime in a career as Aircraft Technicians.
“I first learned about the award when I played a video about Mr. Charles Taylor for one of my classes,” shared Anthony Harris, Instructor for the College of Aeronautics. “I was not sure if I checked all of the boxes, but my wife knew that I had what it takes to earn it.”
Shortly after submitting his nomination for the award, Mr. Harris received a call from the FAA letting him know that he would join the ranks of distinguished individuals who devoted a lifetime to the role of an Aircraft Technician.
“I am proud to be in the same category as Charles Taylor and that my students get to be a part of this. They are learning how important this part of history is to us, and they will be inspired to work hard and get to this point someday.”
Mr. Harris launched his aviation career at the age of 19, joining the United States Air Force to service aircraft such as the F-4 Phantom and the F-111 Aardvark. Retiring from the USAF after 27 years of service, Mr. Harris moved into roles at Lockheed Martin, The Boeing Company, and finally, as an instructor at Hallmark University. 
“I live a blessed life. Out of the last fifty years, I can say only a few of them have been difficult, while the rest I have spent doing what I love with the people I love. I have had a great career, and getting to spend the last ten years teaching students with my friends at Hallmark University is a great way to get the last few years needed to earn the award.”
Mr. Harris is known at Hallmark University for being among the most compassionate and caring individuals. Fully embodying what it takes to be a great teacher, Mr. Harris devotes his time to serving others and ensuring his student’s problems do not stop them from succeeding.
“I would like to thank my family for bearing through with me through all my good points and bad points. And I would like to thank all the people who showed up to be with me again as I reach this point. I could not live without as much love as I get from my friends and family.”
In 2019, Glen Scott, Hallmark Alumni 73’, earned the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award for his 52-year career as an Aircraft Technician. Glen Scott and Mr. Anthony Harris will forever be a part of Hallmark University’s elite legacy in aviation.
On September 22nd, 2021, Hallmark University held a ceremony to commemorate Mr. Harris’s achievements and dedication to the aviation industry and his role in changing the lives of the students he encounters.
Watch the Award Ceremony on Facebook.