Recognizing Excellence in Aircraft Maintenance and Support

The Westchester Aircraft Maintenance Association (WAMA), the oldest aviation maintenance association in the nation, is proud to introduce a renewed focus on honoring the contributions of our members and colleagues. Going forward, WAMA will annually recognize individuals who have demonstrated exceptional professionalism and dedication to the fields of aircraft maintenance and support.

Over the years, WAMA has hosted numerous Charles Taylor Award ceremonies, celebrating those who meet the FAA’s 50-year threshold of service. However, we recognize that many distinguished professionals—due to early retirement, career changes, or untimely passing—may not reach this milestone despite their lasting impact on our industry.

One such individual is longtime member William “Bill” Zinc, a respected figure at HPN and a dedicated mentor to many. Bill served on the WAMA Board, supported countless industry events, trained generations of mechanics, and earned the admiration of the entire tri-state aviation community. Sadly, Bill passed away before reaching the 50-year mark required for the Charles Taylor Award.

His legacy reminds us that outstanding service should be acknowledged in real time—not solely at the end of a long career. Through this new initiative, WAMA aims to celebrate the achievements of our community as they happen, ensuring that contributions like Bill’s are honored and remembered.

Qualifications:

• Must be a WAMA member in good standing for a minimum of 1 year.
• Proof of activity in the industry. Resume with full history.
• Two letters of recommendation from aviation professionals, one of whom must also be a WAMA member.
• Submit completed application with application fee paid.  The application fee is used for the administrative process and towards the purchase of the award.

40-Year Recognition Award. This award is issued to those who were active in aviation as a mechanic or aviation support professional.  The 40-year recognition will be an engraved plaque with the WAMA Logo and presented at an awards dinner.  

30 Year Recognition Award. This award is issued to those who were active in aviation as a mechanic or aviation support professional.  The 30-year recognition will be a framed, embossed award with the WAMA Logo and presented at an awards dinner.

William Zinc Award

 This award requires a nomination by peers for an individual who has mentored or professionally contributed time to benefit mechanics or aviation safety through volunteer or work duties. To include, but not limited to: safety, training, and/or mentoring.  

The Willian Zinc Award will be a framed certificate with the WAMA Logo and will be presented at an awards dinner.

Awards can be issued directly to the recipient without attending the dinner meeting and will be announced at the dinner meeting.

INSTRUCTIONS

Download Award Application.  Complete the application and attach all documents to wamascolarship@gmail.com.

Pay Application Fee. Select the fee appropriate to the award application you are submitting.