Maintenance and Modifications
Tribute to Wright Brothers’ Mechanic Added to Air Force Museum
Charles Taylor honored for development of Wright engine.
Charles Taylor, the man behind Wilbur and Orville Wright’s first aircraft engine, has been honored with a bust on display at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.
Charles Taylor, the man behind Wilbur and Orville Wright’s first aircraft engine, has been honored with a bust on display at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force honored the first aviation mechanic, Charles Taylor, by unveiling a bronze bust of his likeness for permanent display in the museum’s Early Years Gallery. A brilliant, self-taught man, Taylor began working in the Wrights’ bicycle business in 1896 and played an important role in their flying experiments for several years. Unable to find a manufacturer who could build an engine to their specifications–no more than 180 pounds and delivering eight to nine horsepower–the Wright brothers turned to Taylor. In just six weeks, Taylor designed and built the engine that made the Wrights’ pioneering powered flights possible.