ESCC employee receives FFA award

The director of the Alabama Aviation Center’s Mobile campus director, Larrie Zimmer, was the recent recipient of the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award.

Zimmer was presented the award July 18 at the AAC campus in Mobile.

ACC Dean of Instruction Matthew Hughes said called the award “the highest honor for those working in aircraft maintenance.”

“Larrie Zimmer is well deserving of this award,” Hughes said. “He has always gone above and beyond the call of duty for our college and our students. I am very pleased that his profession has seen fit to honor him in this way.”

The Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award is given by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and recognizes the lifetime accomplishments of senior mechanics that have worked in aviation maintenance for 50 years.

Zimmer began his career in the Air force working as an aviation mechanic in several facets. Zimmer also worked for the Baldwin County Public School system and worked in multiple positions at the AAC at Mobile including instructor, Department Chair, and eventually serving as Director of the campus. 

The award is named in honor of Charles Taylor, the first aviation mechanic in powered flight. Mr. Taylor served as the Wright brothers’ mechanic and is credited with designing and building the engine for their first successful aircraft.

"Mr. Zimmer is well deserving of this prestigious award," said Dr. Nancy W. Chandler, ESCC President. "This demonstrates that Alabama has an aviation college that has high quality instruction and personnel according to the FAA. Something that is critical for the development of the ever-growing aviation industry in our state."