Remembering Bill O’Brien
The aviation maintenance has lost a true champion. Bill O’Brien was one of a kind. I knew Bill only on a casual basis. We never had the opportunity to do business together; however, whenever we were in each other’s company we chatted at length. I was always interested in what Bill had to say about whatever was the prevalent issue at the time. I found him to be always a gentleman, erudite, and a vocal proponent of the hangar-floor technician. I believe his life’s work was dedicated to finding ways to uplift the status of the aviation maintenance professional. He will be missed.
Rather than leave this blog on that note, I thought perhaps this would be a good venue for others to contribute their comments, feelings, and thoughts about Bill. Those of you that worked with him, we would like to hear from you. Those of you that only came in contact with him through his monthly piece in AMT, let us hear from you. I know some of you have comments about what you may have learned, and others what changes you may have made after meeting him or reading his articles.
I believe Bill conferred a unique sense of pride to all aviation maintenance people he touched. Join us in eulogizing him by celebrating the good he did for our profession.
Courtesy of Bill’s son Mike you can enjoy some of the family’s photographs of Bill at rememberingbillobrien.blogspot.com.
Bill was my go-to guy whenever a question about maintenance regulations arose. His knowledge of the regs was encyclopaedic. He was incredibly generous with his time and wisdom. An email to Bill virtually always produced a rich response the same day. His shoes seem unlikely to ever be filled.
Mike Busch A&P/IA, 2008 National AMT of the Year
I had the privilege to talk and email with Bill on many occasions. I always found him to be a tireless advocate for the A&P and certainly hope that a mechanic organization establishes an award in his honor. When Bill found the FAA to be in error on any subject, he brought them to task on it and changed policy wherever he could. He also brought the FAA’s internal workings to the public forum, which is always a good thing. May the road rise up before you, Poteen, and may you be three seconds in Heaven before the Devil knows you’re gone.
Bill O’Brien was a staunch supporter of aviation maintenance technicians, and aviation in general. I never met him, but I greatly enjoyed his articles in AMT. I just finished his article in the October isssue. He was such a huge font of information! He is in a better place, but he is sorely missed!
Being in Aviation Maintenance 55yr. plus I had many occasions to attend various semenars, IA renewal prsentations of our late and beloved Bill O’Brien. The last one was a Detroit IA renewal seminar,on 9/16/06, where as Bill anounced, “I created this Master Mechanic’s program, now I have to put my coat on because I have never had the chance to present it.” Bill Aabeema from Rockwood Mi.then Recieved His Charles Taylor Master Machanic’s Award.It was a great occation. I know because I also was the Proud recipient of a Charles Taylor Master Mechanic’s Award, 7/26/06.
I enjoyed Bill’s input and articals In AMT, throughout the years.
Ervin E. Freimark A&P 1740392 IA.
Bill was our staunch advicate for the mechanic and he will sorely be missed. I have always enjoyed reading his article and how he helped promote our profession. He will be greatly missed.
Mike
I first met Bill in 1986 in DC where he was part of the FAA staff presenting me with the “Aviation Technician of the Year” award. Back in those days it was quite the production with a party at the Air and Space museum to boot. Bill gave me some advice that day, which I didn’t heed, and that was “son, you should come work for the FAA.” We joked about that for many years to come. He was always there to answer the tough questions. I remember calling him at home one day and he was drywalling the basement. I don’t think it was my question that made him drop what he was doing to talk to me. We have truly lost one of the most important and dynamic individuals in our profession. Of all the things that will be said and written about Bill, what will always stick with me is simply that “Bill was an honest man”. We will miss you, Bill.
from the other side of the world,people working on the aviation industry are just one and we are readers of Bill O’ Brien articles,we like them so much but most of all.We will miss you…Bill
A smart, tough guy who CARED about us mechanics. A wonderful asset and a sore loss. On a personal note, he and I were not close friends but he knew that my paternal grandmother’s maiden name was O’Brien and whenever we talked there were always a couple if Irish jokes in the conversation.
He will be missed!
Queridos y respetados compañeros tecnicos de la aviacion, no tuve la fortuna de conocer al señor Bill O´brien, pero tambien lei todos sus articulos y aprendi desde la distancia sentir un gran respeto por su conocimiento pero especialmente por su trabajo en engrandecer nuestra amada profesion de mecanicos, personas como esta no deben ser olvidados nunca, por que nos generaron identidad y orgullo por lo que somos y por lo que hacemos, de manera que me uno a todos ustedes en pensar que ha sido una gran perdida y que no debemos olvidarlo nunca, precisamente, hay que tomar la bandera que el dejo y avanzar aun mas, hay que proponer un premio que lleve su nombre en honor a el y que conseguirlo signifique esfuerzo y dedicacion, asi como fue su vida entera.
Ahora Dios podra estar seguro por que su avion privado esta en buenas manos con el señor Bill O´Brien.
Victor Rodriguez, A&P
As did many others, I read Bill’s column very carefully each month. As a new IA I was always afraid of making a mistake and his writings helped me understand it all a little better. When in DC on other business I called him and asked to meet. He immediatly invited me to his office and even though he had never heard of me, he made me feel welcome. During our conversation I thanked him for sharing his wisdon. Naturally he made light of it. He had had a Cub and I still do and if I remember he grew up on Long Island and I live on Neebish Island so we had a little bond. I stopped a couple years later and the hospitality was just as gracious. We will miss his great wisdom and willingness to stand up for all of us mechanics.
My heart sank when I read of Bill’s passing. Having achieved my IA in 1981, I was ready to give it up 20 years ago due to fire & brimstone from the pulpits of the GADOs and FSDOs…then Bill came along. He brought education, enlightenment, openness and communication - he was able to communicate with A&Ps, and he was able to change the way the FAA worked with us. I hope he’s pulling wrenches with Charles Taylor right now. Fair winds and God Speed Bill, and thanks for ALL you’ve done.
My first meeting with Bill took place in 1990 at a PAMA maintenance symposium in Rhode Island where he introduced the concept of the AMT Awards Program.
As I entered the building, I found him doing push-ups in the hallway, he was “working the butterflies” out prior to his address.
Over the past 44 years of my career in aviation I have met many. I have come to find that managers manage and leaders have followers. I would follow Irish wherever he would lead me.
I looked forward to listening to his presentations, he had a way of getting those federal regulations to a hangar floor level of understanding.
I am grateful to Irish for his tenacious approach to getting my to finish my degree, I attended Embry Riddle in 1969 for my A&P with associate’s degree in maintenance management. I had to drop out for family reasons and never completed the degree portion of my studies, If not for Bill, I never would have.
I will miss him dearly as so many of us will.
Bill, keep your airspeed up and your nose down, thanks for the memories,
Jeffrey Carey, A&P 2014804 IA and thanks to Bill, Eastern New Mexico University graduate.
Will sadly be missed by me and my colleagues who had the wonderful opportunity to read and enjoy your articles.God decides.(Zimbabwe)
I first met Bill at an IA renewal in Fort Worth, Texas. I was so impressed with his presentation that I soon found myself looking for events to travel to just to hear him speak. I was kind of unnerving because, if you ever attended one of his talks, you had the fear that he might call on you to stand and impart your knowlegde (or lack thereof) amongst your peers. He taught us to learn and know our jobs, and know them well. Thanks Bill for that. When talking with him at an event in Austin, I told him a story that happened to me. He asked if I learned anything from this event and replied I had. He said that others should benefit from that lesson and told me to write the story down. That article, with his help, was eventually published. I now write regularly with the goal of encouraging safety, accountability and professionalism in the aviation maintenance arena. Again, Bill was the start to this passion. Once again, Bill, thanks.
Bill introduced himself during my FAA indoctrination classes at Oklahoma City in 2002. It was an honor to see him in person and listen to him speak.I have enjoyed reading his many articles and have learned much from them. I am especially grateful to Bill because he encouraged myself and many others in receiving their Associate Degree from Eastern New Mexico University.Thank you Bill, for all that you have done.
Where does one begin…Over the years I had the honor to meet and speak to Bill at several local IA Seminars.The first time I heard him speak was certainly an eye-opener.Through his seminars and articles Bill caused me to THINK about things rather than just accept what we are told, to be active in promoting a change in how all of we mechanics are viewed.I will miss his banter, his honesty and his audience interaction during his seminars.He will absolutely be missed by those in our profession.Most of us are very familiar with his closing statement at all of the seminars”If you work with your hands and your hands only,you are a laborer!If you work with your hands and your mind,then you are a craftsman!But if you work with your hands,your mind and your heart,then you are a professional!So here`s to you Bill…Thank you for being a PROFESSIONAL.God Speed.
Over the years I have attended many of Bill’s programs. They were always followed by personal meetings and discussions (learning sessions). Bill was always available to help you if you asked. I was one of many that made a decision early on to somday become part of the FAA. When the right circumstances came about Bill was there to help. I came into a job that I like and work with good people like Bill.Bill’s knowledge and friendship will surely be missed, but the memories will always be there. Thank you, Bill!
I only met Bill once at a seminar he presided in and found his so impressive I had all my friends try to attend at lease on of his programs. The family should be real proud! Thank You Bill
I will miss his comments on the aircraft Industry.
My condolence,s to the family.
Here is a man that stands shoulder to shoulder with Charles Taylor. He will go down in the annuals of aviation history as one of the greats for all his contributions he has made to the profession. I know Mr. O’Brien by way of the many IA renewals at the Orlando FSDO. He would instill in us a sense of purpose for having chosen our aviation profession. He taught me that my integrity was the most important aspect of my vocation and to never compromise. May God Bless and Keep you Mr. O’Brien
Bill OBrien was a tresured co-worker and dear friend.
There was no one at FAA/Hq that always had time for others
than my dear friend Mr.B. I am sure he is up there maning a desk always supporting the AMTs and ASIs in the field as he always was being a number gentleman. AFG
Bill was one of those larger than life mentors.
I worked with him at FAA HQ for several years.
I always knew if I was frustrated with “the system”, mad or just down about something, there would be a chair in his office from which I could vent and a listening ear to help me see my way pasted it. After 12 years at HQ Bill was one of the things I knew I truly would miss. His encouragement will always be with me.
Pennie Thompson
Bill was always a pleasure to spend a few moments with in rich conversation. During my time working in FAA HQ along side Bill, I could seek to find Bill at his desk and as often as I found Bill, I could always be assured of becoming part of a rewarding exchange of maintenance ideas. I will miss Bill.
Ben Burton
To know Bill was to love him. Bill was a sounding board for me although I called him ,doom and gloom because the sky was always falling. Bill was a true friend to the aircraft maintence folks. His untiring and unselfish legacy of making sure the maintenance folks were well respected and recognized. One of the many things he was instrumental in persuing was, making a pac with the UNM college for granting credit toward an associate degree to folks with an A&P certificate.
Thanks Bill
Randy
Bill was one of my instructors at the FAA academy in 1983. I considered Bill a good friend. I spoke to him on his last day with the FAA and as always he shared his great windom with me. Bill was a true inspiration to all and will be greaty missed. Tom Martin Manager PHL FSDO
Bill was a true fiend to Aviation. He was always honest, enthuastic, down to earth, and kept it real. I enjoyed the many conversations I had with him about pilots and aviation maintenance technicians (AMT). As the GA Operations Branch Manager there were numerous issues involveing pilot and AMTs that needed some rational input. Bill was my go-to-man for all around input. Many mornings he would come to my office with coffee in hand, sit down and say “Barton, there are only two people in this building useing common sense and you’re in Management, so I’m not sure about you.” Bill was my friend and I will miss him. Bob Barton,AFS-820 Branch
Bill was a speaker at our PAMA chapter many times and I always looked forward to hearing him speak to us about the FAA and FAR’s. He would present in a way that would not put you to sleep and you would actually learn something. He will be missed.
Bill Obrien, will be remembered for his impact upon the pilot community,as well. We had the opportunity to host Bill in several of our pilot seminars throughout the years. I always felt blessed to have his talent shine upon our district pilots- as he helped to change the safety culture. Bill was a pro and shall be missed. Eileen Iandola, FAASTeam Field Program Manager
Bill O’ Brien was my friend, mentor and “Hero”. He was instrumental in convincing me to join him and work for the FAA. As a mechanic in the industry, Mr. Bill was always there for me. I needed Mr. Bill’s seminars to keep me on the straight and narrow path of the FAA rules and regulations. When I would call his office I would always start out with saying “Forgive me Father for I have sinned”, Mr. Bill always knew who was on the other end of the phone. I am sad that he is gone. I will miss him everyday. When I say that Mr. Bill was my “Hero” it is because he was always there for me, no matter the complexity of the problem or the issue. Mr. Bill provided the path for me to follow both as a mechanic and as a FAA Inspector. He walked beside me as a friend and he walked behind me for encouragement.
God bless you my dear friend, you will be sorrily missed.
Larry L. Lagana, Manager, CRW FSDO.
In 1980’s and early 1990’s Bill O’Brien, FAA’s Aviation Safety Ambassador emeritus, worked with Gary Koch, then FAA’s Accident Prevention Program Manager, as they plotted the course for aviation safety seminars at EAA-Oshkosh, Sun ‘N Fun, and numerous other aviation industry events.
Bill packed’em in the “FAA Safety Seminar” tent long before the luxurious, FAA Safety Centers were ever conceived. He and the safety team endured red ant hills - always close to the stage, sagging tent roofs wet with rain, wet chairs and mud everywhere, intermittent audio-visual equipment, and lighting challenges only a dark, hot, yet cold tent provides. Yet Bill never complained.
When Bill walked up to the podium, he “captured” his audiences within minutes by his factual, honest and simple words of wisdom. Everyone came to see Bill O’Brien - even FAA managers were intrigued by his wisdom and they listened to his complete presentation.
Bill’s aviation safety mind was always looking into the future as evidenced by his authoring the coveted Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award program, and countless other aviation publications on shelves in government and industry libraries.
Privately, Bill dearly loved his family. While away from home, he lovingly spoke of his beautiful wife, Marie. AND, oh, how proud he was of their sons Patrick and Mike. Away from home he attended Mass every Sunday morning. He was proud to be a free American. That was the Bill I knew and admired. He was one in a million.
So Bill, my friend, God has blessed us with your presence and Thanks be to God. I’ll see you on the other side, “you ole smilin’ Irishman.” This “Ole German” will miss you, greatly. AL Groft, Harrisburg, PA
My deepest and most sincere sympathies to the family and close friends of Bill O’Brien. I had the pleasure of being in Bill’s company on only a few occasions, but he was a captivating speaker whose affection and dedication to his fellow mechanics was more than obvious.
I sit here with tears on my cheeks knowing for certain that the world is a lesser place without him and the aviation mechanic has lost a true champion.
Rest easy Bill, you’ve taught us all well leasding by example with your head and heart working in unison to make us all your pupils, including those roses among the thorns you made welcome at your seminars.
Bill O’Brien was a true aviation professional. I attended numerous seminars he conducted over the years in Lafayette, LA. He always had something interesting to say. You had to pay attention, he might make you part of his presentation. His column was always what I read first in AMT. Yes he was from the FAA and truly there to help you. Bill you will be missed. My sympathies to your family. Todd A. Boyd Carriere, MS
Bill and I go back a few years and if anyone could get you into trouble it was Bill. I knew Bill while he was in the SW Region before WDC. Our paths crossed even after I retired 112 years ago. A true and faithful servant of the aviation community. He is missed. Our Love to his family.
His web site will alway stay in my mind. Feet on desk asleep with the FAR’s folded across his chest. He never stopped thinking. Dale Horner Albuquerque
Bill did more for the Aircraft Maintenance Profession than anyone I can remember in my career. We worked together on safety seminars which were always well attended. Bill had a special way of getting a point across. His writings made sense of FAA rules and isues that were sometimes hard to digest. He was always there for us maintenance guys. He will be missed and it will be a long time before the industry has an advocae like bill again. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
So long Bill, I’ll see you in the big hangar.
Bob Martin, Airworthiness Inspector, Manager, FAA Albany NY FSDO (retired), Charles Taylor Award recipient, thanks to Bill
I was sad to hear of Bill’s passing and our prayers go out to his family. I first met Bill in 1986 at the EAA flyin. As stated by numerour others Bill packed the house. Bill was, in my opinion, one of the best speakers the FAA has ever had to offer. Not only did he capture the attendees with his presentation he beleived in what he was saying something few speakers accomplish. Bill and I worked on a number of FAA project together and I was always amazed at his grasp of the subject matter. Knowing Bill as a person that wanted to get the word out to as many as possible I can just bet he is working on the old man upstairs right now asking for an geographic expansion so he can travel and present to that other group the merits of a fire proof data plate. We shall miss Bill, his humor and wisdom but I am sure he is now sharing all with his new found friends.
John M. Rice
Thanks for your advice and guidance. I am eternally grateful..God bless you Bill.
David and Sonja Shanahan
I just found out yesterday that Mr. O’Brien passed away.
I met Bill for just one day, almost one year ago today. For my dad’s 90th birthday gift, I took him to the FAA office in DC so he could see his name on the Charles Taylor Award book. At the FAA office we were told that a gentleman would be waiting for us at the Udvar-Hazy center to give us a tour. That gentleman was Mr. O’brien. He selfishly gave up his day to give my dad and myself, two people he had never met, a day we will NEVER forget. That act speaks volumes about what kind of man he was. I am very sad we didn’t get to know him better, as we were hoping to have him visit us in Dallas, but I want to let his family know how lucky I am to have met him if only for just a short time. We will miss him.
I only met Bill once, at a seminar in BHM several years ago; he “corrected” me (politely, of course) on my useage of the term “license” as it applies to the A&P Certificate and explained the difference between the two to me.
He was, as you said the kind of person where, after attending even ONE of his seminars on FAR’s, you actually came away LEARNING something that stuck with you (even after all these years, I remember his explanation of why he used “William Poteet” as his “signoff” in his examples); he instructed with humor, and I think that’s what helpedd many learn what needed to be learned.
I, personally, will miss him as a good instructor (I wish I’d had him in A&P School).
When I first got my IA way back in the day, my first renewal seminar Bill was a speaker. My life changed that day and I understod the inportace of integraty. I had to ask myself many times during my career, what would bill do? I made sure I saw him at least once a year just to clear up any question I had about the regulations, he never dissapointed.
I don’t think he can ever be replaced, but those of us who got to know him will not forget his contribution to our profession and hopefully pass his widom on to the next generation. I will continue to hold my head high and never fear doing the right thing, no matter the pressure, because that that is what Bill taught me and for that I will alwas be grateful
RIP Bill,
I remember a spring day in 1981. There was a fellow walking the field at PG Airpark, where I worked. I hadn’t seen him before so I went out to find out what was up. Turned out it was Bill. We struck up a nice conversation. It was Bill that gave me my faith in the FAA being an ally. He represented the FAA with a fairness which we can all learn from. He knew the world of maintenance, and never lost sight of that. Years later, during an IA presentation in Tulsa, I re-introduced myself to him. He knew who I was. Good ethics. Good memory. Real person. Real loss. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
We where excited to have Bill speak at several of our AMT/IA Renewal events in North Carolina. I never met anybody that could talk about regulations (or CFR’s Bill) for 8 hours and keep the audiences interest! Many years ago a fellow in my department “went to bat” to get Bill booked for an IA Event. His boss at the FAA stated that, “since he had been promoted, his job was to write regulation, not speak.” After several long conversations to Bill’s bosses, bosses, boss they agreed to send him down to our event. Our opinion was that Bill did more to educate AMTs about regulations through his gift of presenting dynamic seminars, forbid that the Feds not allow someone to use their unique “skill set.” He was a great man and I appreciated all the exhaustive extensive traveling he did around the US. We are grateful to his family as well.
Bill O’Brien:
It was always a pleasure reading Bill’s nourishing articles. He’ll be truly missed !
God Bless his soul…………A.J.Butt (A&P)
I had the opportunity to meet Bill twice in my life. I am a better person and professional from these two encounters. A true gauge of a man’s worth is how he enriches others lives, Bill set the standard.
I had the great pleasure of meeting Bill many times over the years, this being my 29th or 30th as an I.A.. I still have his card in my wallet. His insight and the way he would make you think by answering your question with a question, which he knew would ferret out the answer you knew, but hadn’t thought of. He was an asset the FAA and our industry will be hard pressed to ever replace. Thank You Bill, for shaping the world in which we work !
Bill & I worked together for all of my 15 year tenure at FAA HQ. After retirement (Y2K) I attended an Oregon IA seminar and visited with Bill beforehand. He said, “don’t worry Wayne I won’t put you in the hot-seat.” He sure knew that he COULD though. We’ve lost a wonderful aviation asset.
I was first exposed to Bill at an I.A. Seminar like most of you. That day Bill said “if you have a question just give me a call…” In my mind I thought… good luck getting a Government Bureaucrat to answer a question, much less answer the phone.
But I did call with a question and Bill answered. Every time. From that time on (over a decade) I developed a relationship with him just like many of you. In the last few years on several occasions my job would take me to DC and we would visit if only for a few minutes.
Last year, only months before his passing, I was invited to interview for a position with a large aviation lobby group. Well as you could imagine this really got Bills blood pumping. His advice to me was almost prophetic in nature and more valuable than he will ever know. Buy the time my decision was made, Bill was gone.
We will not see or hear the likes of Bill again, but I know he would want someone to carry the torch. I believe that Bill would want us all (aviation professionals) to collectively carry the torch of professionalism into the future. If you were touched by Bill like me its very hard not to go forward without his voice of encouragement echoing in your ears.
Thank you Marie and family, for sharing Bill with us all.
Respectfully,
Eric
Bill O’Brien’s passing marks the end of an era. Bill would always take time to help you, he was never to busy. His advice was always well thought out and easily understood. He has a talent for making the complicated simple.
I first met Bill in the mid 70’s when he joined the Washington FSDO and dropped in to do a routine inspection on our operation. We quickly learned that this was not a man just putting in time. This was no “College Boy” seeking glory. He had worked in General Aviation and knew how it worked. He earned our respect right away. He didn’t spout rules, or threaten us. His friendly manners always came through. Even when we were being corrected it was clear to us that he was on our side. As far as Bill O’Brien was concerned mechanics are the backbone of the industry and he was dedicated to making sure we knew that.
Bill administered my IA exam. That was the hardest test I ever took. When it was over I knew I had earned it. I was proud to have his signature on that card.
The last time I saw Bill was over 15 years ago. We were at a funeral for another Airman. You wouldn’t know that we hadn’t seen each other in several years. He addressed me by my first name and we had a long friendly talk. I think he remembered every mechanic he ever met. I’m sure those mechanics remember him.
Fair winds,
Dave
Bill worked for me in AFS-300 in FAA Headquarters, or should I more correctly say that Bill and I worked together in FAA Headquarters. Bill was my “sounding board” and when I was frustrated or angry with “the system”, Bill and I would sit and talk, whether it was in his office or mine. We didn’t always agree, but when we finished talking, I think that we both felt better.
When Bill retired from the FAA, he gave me a lot of advice because he knew that I was only a year behind him. After Bill retired, he would come visit FAA HQ and we would sit and talk in the cafeteria and during these times, he gave me great advice for retirement. At my retirement party he spoke with my wife and told her what to expect once I retired and they shared those “Irish laughs” that only two Irish descendants can share.
Bill was so much more than a co-worker or colleague; he was a friend. He was as honest and as forthright as one can be. Bill was never the “politically correct person as that simply wasn’t Bill.
I will miss him dearly. The aviation community will miss him dearly. And the aviation technician will especially miss him dearly. Bill was truly a “mechanic’s mechanic”. I’m sure that he is looking down from above and shaking his head about what some of us are still doing. May God bless Bill O’Brien.
With the deepest respect,
Dave
i walked into bills office one day not knowing who he was in the industy. i was questioning my career choice at the time while attending a bad a&p school. bill took the time to tell me about aviation, integerty and perseverence, which are lessons that shaped my life to this day. that day i decided nothing was going to stop me. its funny that a week later that school was closed down after taking advantage of so many students. thanks to bill i went forward in my aviation career and now i am living a life that many only dream of. i have seen the coolest places and done unbelievable things. i never took the time to properly thank bill o’brien for changing my life till now. Thanks Bill!
I heard Bill speak at an IA seminar in Reno. He was on a kick encouraging A&P’s to continue with school and constant self improvement. Thanks in part to Bill’s suggestion I did, and just completed a bachelors degree in Aerospace Engineering from UTA. Thanks for the push Bill.
Bill was always our sounding board when we hit a brick wall in interpreting arcane regulations and how deal with them. He was always a voice of reason, and I valued his council. With deepest respect.
Jimmy
I think I can claim what many have, that Bill was a friend of mine. By sharing his insight into the mechanic’s ways he taught me how to write. He and I came from different worlds; I was from a FAR 121 background and he from a GA/FAA background, but he helped me bridge the gap and (hopefully) write to all technicians with straightforwardness and humor. Even after he retired he would never hesitate to offer advice on style. His modus operandi was to ‘bleed’ red ink all over my copy, grin at my jaw dropping reaction, and say, “You need to do it again because you know you can write better than that.” I don’t think I will ever … ever aspire to his literary professionalism or selfless courtesy, but I know I have someone’s talent as a guide and hopefully I’ll make even 1/1000th of the impact he did. He will be missed.
Stephen Carbone
I met Bill many years ago and will never forget his definition of the FAA. He said, “Imagine a log floating down a river in white water rapids. Thousands of ants are clinging to the log. As it crashes into boulders and rolls around some of the ants are thrown off, others drown. They are all holding on for dear life, the situation is one of complete chaos, and every ant thinks he is in charge”. Bill will be sorely missed.
I met bill several years ago at an IA meeting in Richmond, VA. He impressed me with his down to earth approach with his not so down to earth job. He was, as he would always say, a bureaucrat. Everyone in the room knew that Bill knew his job, and he knew it well. Bill loved what he did, it showed in his smile. He could make a difficult subject understandable. He had a special knack with people that would allow him to read FAR’s if he chose, and not bore anyone. When you listened to Bill you knew you’d learn something worth while. Bill was a sentimental guy. I learned that when he told the story of putting on his coat and seeing his dad’s hand come out the sleeve. The world is a better place because of Bill O’Brien.
A true friend of aviation.
Charlie Linenfelser
Bill was my instructor when I went through Aviation Safety Inspector Indoctrination training in Jan.1985. He was a fine instructor and a good and caring person. Over the years I periodically pick his brain and he always had the answers. After I retired from Flight Standards in 2001 and became a DAR, I still called Bill now and then when I had a stumper. Again, he always had the answers. I was lucky to have known this gentelman. God Bless you Bill.
Joe Jordan, Elbert, Colorado
http://www.sangambayard-c-m.com
Hi webmaster, commenters and everybody else !!! The blog was absolutely fantastic! Lots of great information and inspiration, both of which we all need!b Keep ‘em coming… you all do such a great job at such Concepts… can’t tell you how much I, for one appreciate all you do!