Charles E. Taylor: Unlikely Hero Of Mechanics Everywhere

From the middle of Illinois “Charlie” was born in a small town between Springfield and Decatur, IL on May 24, 1868. From the middle of Illinois Do you have any idea where Cerro Gordo, IL is? We don’t either.

Actual travel time: 9-10 hours…if your horses are healthy. He met his wife Henrietta in 1892, and they moved to Dayton, OH – where she was from. Job prospects were better in Dayton than central Illinois. It was there that he met two ambitious brothers, and worked on bicycles in the shop they owned. Actual travel time: 9-10 hours…if your horses are healthy.

The brothers Wright Wilbur Orville

Seems like Wilbur was ahead of his time, too.

“Next on today’s episode of Charles in Charge…” In 1901, the Wrights decided they’d need someone they could trust to run their shop as they went off on crazy adventures in North Carolina, so they left Mr Taylor to run the place. “Next on today’s episode of Charles in Charge…”

By 1903 the brothers had involved Taylor in their experimental flying machine, which was constructed of wood and fabric, and had a 40-foot wingspan. They now required an engine with enough power to get the machine off the ground. Off-the-shelf options were far underpowered, so another option was needed.

In only six weeks, using the bicycle shop’s lathe, drill press and grinder, Charles made an aluminum block engine that only weighed 180 pounds and produced 12 horsepower.

Who’s awesome?

The Wrights flew in 1903, and eventually technology went to this: …and then to this…

And finally, to this.

The same trip today takes around two hours by aircraft. Google Maps says the trip from Taylor’s hometown to the place where aviation history was made would take nearly 15 hours to drive by today’s speeds, but back then, there weren’t even cars yet. This trip, with an average speed of 30 mph by horse, would take over 32 hours – and that doesn’t account for stopping to find lodging and food. In reality, the trip would’ve likely taken 3 days. The same trip today takes around two hours by aircraft.

Charles Taylor’s birthday, May 24, is now recognized as Congressional National Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Day.