In recognition for more than 50 years of aviation service, the award honors an individual’s lifetime accomplishments and dedication to the aviation industry.

In recognition for more than 50 years of aviation service, the award honors an individual’s lifetime accomplishments and dedication to the aviation industry.

The Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award is named after the first aviation mechanic in powered flight; Taylor served as the Wright brothers’ mechanic and is credited with designing and building the engine for their first successful aircraft.

On Friday, March 24 at noon at MacArthur Airport, Hangar B, A&P Aircraft Maintenance, located at 2111 Smithtown Avenue, this prestigious award was given to honoree, Shoreham resident, Ed Libassi, 70, presented by Farmingdale FSDO (Flight Standards District Office) and members of the FAA. Refreshments followed to celebrate this achievement.

Libassi started his career as an aircraft mechanic at Eastern Airlines, Kennedy Airport, and worked there for 16 years until Eastern went out of business in 1991. He then opened the doors to A&P Aircraft Maintenance at age 19. Dedicated to Long Island; as the business grew, he moved his general aviation repair shop from Bayport, Brookhaven, to MacArthur Airport. He handled the emergency maintenance for all LI MacArthur airlines from 2003 to 2018.

The aircraft mechanic has recovered airplanes that crashed on beaches, residential properties, and so much more. He opened A&P Aviation Consulting in 2011, to provide investigation services in accidents related to aircraft and engine maintenance. Libassi is a licensed FAA Aircraft and Powerplant mechanic with Inspection Authority (IA); a certified DAR-T; a Director of Maintenance for 135 and 141 operators.

The honoree is also the father of two sons, and grandfather to two granddaughters. His wife Kathy is the executive administrator for A&P Aircraft Maintenance and A&P Aviation Consulting.