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Airport.)   Credit: Shutterstock     (https://simpleflying.com/author/victoria-agronsky/)  (4)      By  (https://simpleflying.com/author/victoria-agronsky/) Victoria Agronsky   Published Jul 28, 2026, 2:58 PM EDT   Experienced ICAO English Language Proficiency Instructor for pilots and ATCOs and conference interpreter who is passionate about facilitating effective communication within aviation-related businesses. Possess a deep understanding of the aviation industry, including aviation regulations, terminology, and industry-specific communication protocols. Has been working at numerous airshows across Europe since 2014. Being an ultralight pilot in her free time, she also promotes safety and efficiency in aviation operations.   Based in Italy and Malta    Sign in to your Simple Flying account    (Add Us)  Add Us  Add (Simple Flying logo) (Simple Flying)  on Google  (https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=simpleflying.com)  Preferred Source  (https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqLAgKIiZDQklTRmdnTWFoSUtFSE5wYlhCc1pXWnNlV2x1Wnk1amIyMG9BQVAB?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen)  Google News      (Like) Like   Like   (Follow) follow  Follow   (Unfollow) followed  Followed   (index.html#threads) (Threads)  Thread 12    Log in     Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents:      Try something different:  Show me the facts  Explain it like I’m 5  Give me a lighthearted recap          The aviation industry is mourning the loss of one of its most remarkable figures after (https://simpleflying.com/tag/american-airlines/)  American Airlines  mechanic Azriel "Al" Blackman passed away at the age of 100. His life defined aviation maintenance for the whole airline. According (https://www.linkedin.com/posts/we-remember-a-true-aviation-legend-azriel-ugcPost-7487690425403895808-2soE/) to announcements shared by American Airlines and members of the aircraft maintenance (https://www.linkedin.com/posts/audrey-martin6770_we-are-sad-to-announce-that-the-aviation-activity-7487510294920097793-8Xol/) community on social media  , Blackman died on the evening of Friday, July 24, bringing to a close an extraordinary career that spanned more than 80 years.  Blackman's story was unlike any other in commercial aviation. As the (https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/105781-longest-career-as-an-airline-mechanic) Guinness World Records holder for the longest career as an airline mechanic, he dedicated his entire professional life to a single (https://simpleflying.com/tag/airline/) airline  , witnessing the industry's transformation from flying boats to modern twin-engine widebodies. His career became synonymous with American Airlines itself, inspiring generations of aircraft maintenance technicians.  The Man Behind Aviation's Longest Career     (American Airlines team member Azriel “Al” Blackman, an Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Crew Chief based at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), celebrated 75 years of service with the airline today. At a ceremony at JFK today, the airline surprised him by dedicating a Boeing 777 in his honor.)   Credit: American Airlines    Blackman's aviation journey began during WWII on July 17, 1942, when he joined American Export Airlines, the predecessor of American Airlines, at just 16 years old. Fresh out of Aviation High School in Manhattan, he needed his mother's permission to accept the job and started as an apprentice in the sheet metal shop, earning just 50 cents per hour. His first assignments reflected a very different era of aviation. Working at New York's LaGuardia Marine Air Terminal, Blackman helped maintain (https://simpleflying.com/tag/sikorsky/) Sikorsky  (https://simpleflying.com/flying-boat-operators/) flying boats , even wading into Flushing Bay to secure seaplanes before they were hauled into the hangar for maintenance. Over the following decades, he would work on virtually every aircraft type operated by American Airlines, culminating with the Boeing 777  fleet.   American Airlines paid tribute to Blackman following his passing, describing him as a "true aviation legend" whose commitment, professionalism and mentorship influenced countless colleagues throughout the company. The airline also recognized that his impact extended well beyond maintenance, making him one of the most respected employees in its history. Azriel "Al" Blackman loved his job, (http://%C2%A0https://news.aa.com/news/news-details/2017/American-Airlines-Honors-JFK-Team-Member-Al-Blackman-for-75-Years-of-Service-With-Dedication-of-Boeing-777-200/default.aspx) as he described it on the AA website , alluding to a famous saying about passion that makes labor feel light: "When you like what you do, it's not work."  From Flying Boats To Boeing 777s     (The Sikorsky S-43 and its military cousin, the JRS-1 were designed in the late 1930s as airliners and military personnel transports. Fifty-three were built between 1937 and 1941 for civilian customers and the U.S. Navy. A total of three S-43/JRS-1s survive today. Sometimes called the "Baby Clipper," S-43s served with Pan American Airlines and other airlines on shorter routes for which the larger flying boats were not needed. The Navy purchased seventeen of these aircraft with two of them going t)   Credit: (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sikorsky_S-43_Baby_Clipper_(47347202782).jpg) Wikimedia Commons     Very few people in history experienced aviation's technological evolution as closely as Blackman. He began his career before the jet age, when American still operated flying boats across the Atlantic. Over the next eight decades, he witnessed the arrival of piston-powered airliners, the dawn of jet travel, the introduction of (https://simpleflying.com/tag/widebody-aircraft/) widebody aircraft  , and eventually modern long-haul twinjets.  His longevity was equally remarkable inside the airline. While countless aircraft types entered and left American's fleet, Blackman remained a constant presence, serving as an Aviation Maintenance Technician Crew Chief based at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport  (JFK). His knowledge became invaluable to younger mechanics, many of whom regarded him as both a mentor and a living history book.  Even in his later years, Blackman's routine reflected an unwavering dedication to his work. Although his official shift began at 5:00 a.m., he typically arrived at the hangar before 3:00 a.m. His late wife, Delores, reportedly joked that he should "go to work" and "play with your friends," highlighting how much he genuinely enjoyed spending time alongside fellow mechanics, (https://www.facebook.com/AviationCircle/photos/we-are-sad-to-announce-that-the-aviation-world-has-lost-one-of-its-legends-ameri/997577283275870/) as reported by the Aviation Circle.  (https://simpleflying.com/story-of-worlds-longest-serving-flight-attendant/) (US Airways A320 Custom Thumbnail)   Related  (https://simpleflying.com/story-of-worlds-longest-serving-flight-attendant/) (The Story Of The World's Longest-Serving Flight Attendant) The Story Of The World's Longest-Serving Flight Attendant   A closer look at an astonishing lady who loved to fly. Posts (Total Posts) (https://simpleflying.com/story-of-worlds-longest-serving-flight-attendant/#threads) 1    By  (https://simpleflying.com/author/patricia-green/) (Posts by Patricia Green) Patricia Green         The Boeing 777 That Carries His Legacy     (Incheon, South Korea - Jul 27 2025: A Boeing 777-200ER of American Airlines touches down at Incheon International Airport in South Korea.)   Credit: Shutterstock    American Airlines also honored Blackman's unprecedented career in spectacular fashion during his 75th anniversary with the company in 2017. In what the airline said was a first for one of its mechanics, it dedicated a (https://simpleflying.com/tag/777-200/) Boeing 777-200  to him, registration N751AN, complete with a commemorative plaque recognizing what it described as the longest career in aviation history as an Aviation Maintenance Technician.  The aircraft quickly became one of the airline's most recognizable widebodies among maintenance employees. Mechanics affectionately nicknamed it "7BK" in tribute to Blackman, while Guinness World Records officials attended the dedication ceremony to formally recognize his record-breaking achievement. American also arranged for a US Capitol flag to be flown in his honor, underscoring the national significance of his accomplishment. Blackman's milestones did not stop there. He continued working for another five years, celebrating an astonishing 80 years with the airline in 2022. Few employees in any industry have remained with a single organization for so long, making his achievement virtually unique in commercial aviation history.    (../../static0.simpleflyingimages.com/assets/promotions.6b867a7c.css) (https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=simpleflying.com)  Google is updating how content is shown. Don't miss our industry-leading content, written by humans, by setting (https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=simpleflying.com) Simple Flying as a preferred source .    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Share your perspective in the comments below, and please keep the conversation respectful. ()    Reply / Post  (Bold)  (Italic)  (Underline)  (Strike through)  (Add Emoji)  (Mention User)       Attachment(s) (Expand)  (delete attachment)    (Share your thoughts)  Please respect our (https://www.valnetinc.com/en/terms-of-use#community-guidelines) community guidelines . No links, inappropriate language, or spam.       Your comment has not been saved Send confirmation email     Sort by: (recommended) Popular (oldest) Oldest (newest) Newest     A. (https://simpleflying.com/profile/ML322674/) (User Display Picture) (Premium Member) (Premium Member)    (https://simpleflying.com/profile/ML322674/) (Posted by A.) A. (https://simpleflying.com/profile/ML322674/) (User Display Picture)  (https://simpleflying.com/profile/ML322674/) A. (Premium Member) (Premium Member)     #ML322674    Member since 2023-10-19  0 Threads    Following 1 Topics  0 Users    (Follow)  Follow   (Unfollow)  Followed    0  Followers    (https://simpleflying.com/profile/ML322674/) View        I’m not aware of any airline employee, of any kind, having worked for eighty years; if there’s one, I’d love to know.  R.I.P Mr. Blackman.   2026-07-28 16:53:01   (Upvote) Upvote 6  (Downvote) Downvote   (Reply) Reply    Copy    Linda (https://simpleflying.com/profile/LF451829/) (User Display Picture)  (https://simpleflying.com/profile/LF451829/) (Posted by Linda) Linda (https://simpleflying.com/profile/LF451829/) (User Display Picture)  (https://simpleflying.com/profile/LF451829/) Linda  #LF451829    Member since 2026-05-22  0 Threads    Following 0 Topics  0 Users    (Follow)  Follow   (Unfollow)  Followed    0  Followers    (https://simpleflying.com/profile/LF451829/) View        Inspirational Account of “Work for The Love of A Career.  Additionally the article is an example of how AA values and respects their employees.  Rest In Peace Sir  !  AA Foundation should be named in his honor.   2026-07-28 18:12:24   (Upvote) Upvote 3  (Downvote) Downvote   (Reply) Reply    Copy    Andrew_Jack_Fowler (https://simpleflying.com/profile/OH732932/) (User Display Picture)  (https://simpleflying.com/profile/OH732932/) (Posted by Andrew_Jack_Fowler) Andrew_Jack_Fowler (https://simpleflying.com/profile/OH732932/) (User Display Picture)  (https://simpleflying.com/profile/OH732932/) Andrew_Jack_Fowler  #OH732932    Member since 2025-09-30  0 Threads    Following 0 Topics  14 Users    (Follow)  Follow   (Unfollow)  Followed    3  Followers    (https://simpleflying.com/profile/OH732932/) View        RIP, what an amazing career  2026-07-28 20:41:19   (Upvote) Upvote 2  (Downvote) Downvote   (Reply) Reply    Copy    Donald (https://simpleflying.com/profile/AL883983/) (User Display Picture)  (https://simpleflying.com/profile/AL883983/) (Posted by Donald) Donald (https://simpleflying.com/profile/AL883983/) (User Display Picture)  (https://simpleflying.com/profile/AL883983/) Donald  #AL883983    Member since 2024-07-17  0 Threads    Following 0 Topics  0 Users    (Follow)  Follow   (Unfollow)  Followed    0  Followers    (https://simpleflying.com/profile/AL883983/) View        In what would have been his emeritus years, Al Blackman was likely limited in his physical contributions to the art of aircraft maintenance. But he was likely invaluable to American Airlines by serving as a mentor and a repository of knowledge and information to his much younger colleagues, and his work ethic was admirable and infectious. May he rest in peace.  2026-07-28 17:26:08   (Upvote) Upvote 1  (Downvote) Downvote   (Reply) Reply    Copy    Galen (https://simpleflying.com/profile/BI726049/) (User Display Picture)  (https://simpleflying.com/profile/BI726049/) (Posted by Galen) Galen (https://simpleflying.com/profile/BI726049/) (User Display Picture)  (https://simpleflying.com/profile/BI726049/) Galen  #BI726049    Member since 2023-10-10  0 Threads    Following 0 Topics  0 Users    (Follow)  Follow   (Unfollow)  Followed    0  Followers    (https://simpleflying.com/profile/BI726049/) View        Well done Azriel. God Bless  2026-07-29 06:18:25   (Upvote) Upvote   (Downvote) Downvote   (Reply) Reply    Copy    Dodged (https://simpleflying.com/profile/FM651385/) (User Display Picture)  (https://simpleflying.com/profile/FM651385/) (Posted by Dodged) Dodged (https://simpleflying.com/profile/FM651385/) (User Display Picture)  (https://simpleflying.com/profile/FM651385/) Dodged  #FM651385    Member since 2023-10-04  0 Threads    Following 0 Topics  0 Users    (Follow)  Follow   (Unfollow)  Followed    0  Followers    (https://simpleflying.com/profile/FM651385/) View        Rest in power.   2026-07-29 14:08:54   (Upvote) Upvote   (Downvote) Downvote   (Reply) Reply    Copy    NotEnoughLegRoom (https://simpleflying.com/profile/CS334192/) (User Display Picture)  (https://simpleflying.com/profile/CS334192/) (Posted by NotEnoughLegRoom) NotEnoughLegRoom (https://simpleflying.com/profile/CS334192/) (User Display Picture)  (https://simpleflying.com/profile/CS334192/) NotEnoughLegRoom  #CS334192    Member since 2026-02-10  0 Threads    Following 0 Topics  0 Users    (Follow)  Follow   (Unfollow)  Followed    0  Followers    (https://simpleflying.com/profile/CS334192/) View        The job must not have been too bad then  2026-07-28 23:49:37   (Upvote) Upvote   (Downvote) Downvote   (Reply) Reply    Copy    Brian (https://simpleflying.com/profile/DX965283/) (User Display Picture)  (https://simpleflying.com/profile/DX965283/) (Posted by Brian) Brian (https://simpleflying.com/profile/DX965283/) (User Display Picture)  (https://simpleflying.com/profile/DX965283/) Brian  #DX965283    Member since 2026-06-08  0 Threads    Following 0 Topics  0 Users    (Follow)  Follow   (Unfollow)  Followed    0  Followers    (https://simpleflying.com/profile/DX965283/) View        Kinda sad never got to enjoy his life. They used him to death literally.   2026-07-28 20:05:22   (Upvote) Upvote   (Downvote) Downvote   (Reply) Reply 4    Copy    Warren (https://simpleflying.com/profile/KJ464069/) (User Display Picture)  (https://simpleflying.com/profile/KJ464069/) (Posted by Warren) Warren (https://simpleflying.com/profile/KJ464069/) (User Display Picture)  (https://simpleflying.com/profile/KJ464069/) Warren  #KJ464069    Member since 2023-12-31  0 Threads    Following 0 Topics  0 Users    (Follow)  Follow   (Unfollow)  Followed    0  Followers    (https://simpleflying.com/profile/KJ464069/) View        In some sick way, he enjoyed his life incredibly.  I wish I loved going to work half that much, and I flew the jets.  2026-07-28 20:12:14   (Upvote) Upvote 1  (Downvote) Downvote   (Reply) Reply   Copy    Jim (https://simpleflying.com/profile/XX205194/) (User Display Picture)  (https://simpleflying.com/profile/XX205194/) (Posted by Jim) Jim (https://simpleflying.com/profile/XX205194/) (User Display Picture)  (https://simpleflying.com/profile/XX205194/) Jim  #XX205194    Member since 2026-07-29  0 Threads    Following 0 Topics  0 Users    (Follow)  Follow   (Unfollow)  Followed    0  Followers    (https://simpleflying.com/profile/XX205194/) View        It is a deeply cynical projection to look at a man who found his life’s true calling and call him a victim. If you actually read the story, you'll see a man who was fiercely dedicated to a career he loved. The door to retirement was always wide open, and after 80 years of touching lives and mentoring generations, he certainly had the means to leave whenever he pleased. But why retire when you are already living the dream every single day? He wasn't 'used to death'—he lived exactly how he wanted to. May Al rest in peace.  2026-07-29 03:45:37   (Upvote) Upvote 2  (Downvote) Downvote   (Reply) Reply   Copy    BrianSYYZ (https://simpleflying.com/profile/WG615822/) (User Display Picture)  (https://simpleflying.com/profile/WG615822/) (Posted by BrianSYYZ) BrianSYYZ (https://simpleflying.com/profile/WG615822/) (User Display Picture)  (https://simpleflying.com/profile/WG615822/) BrianSYYZ  #WG615822    Member since 2023-10-16  0 Threads    Following 0 Topics  0 Users    (Follow)  Follow   (Unfollow)  Followed    0  Followers    (https://simpleflying.com/profile/WG615822/) View        <<This is a different Brian from the OP>>   He absolutely enjoyed his life, doing exactly what he wanted and loved to do.  That was such a cynical comment.  2026-07-29 15:54:19   (Upvote) Upvote   (Downvote) Downvote   (Reply) Reply   Copy    BrianSYYZ (https://simpleflying.com/profile/WG615822/) (User Display Picture)  (https://simpleflying.com/profile/WG615822/) (Posted by BrianSYYZ) BrianSYYZ (https://simpleflying.com/profile/WG615822/) (User Display Picture)  (https://simpleflying.com/profile/WG615822/) BrianSYYZ  #WG615822    Member since 2023-10-16  0 Threads    Following 0 Topics  0 Users    (Follow)  Follow   (Unfollow)  Followed    0  Followers    (https://simpleflying.com/profile/WG615822/) View        Jim here here!!!!  2026-07-29 15:55:59   (Upvote) Upvote   (Downvote) Downvote   (Reply) Reply   Copy      (https://www.valnetinc.com/en/terms-of-use) Terms  (https://simpleflying.com/page/our-privacy-policy/) Privacy  (https://simpleflying.com/contact) Feedback        Recommended (https://simpleflying.com/boeing-q2-2026-results-record-backlog/)  (Boeing 777X Landing) (Boeing Backlog Hits Massive $715 Billion Record In Q2 Surge)     (https://simpleflying.com/boeing-q2-2026-results-record-backlog/) (Boeing Backlog Hits Massive $715 Billion Record In Q2 Surge) Boeing Backlog Hits Massive $715 Billion Record In Q2 Surge     (https://simpleflying.com/virgin-atlantic-boeing-787-heathrow-engineer-death/)  (Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787-9 landing at LHR) (Virgin Atlantic Pulls Boeing 787 From Service After Heathrow Engineer's Death)     (https://simpleflying.com/virgin-atlantic-boeing-787-heathrow-engineer-death/) (Virgin Atlantic Pulls Boeing 787 From Service After Heathrow Engineer's Death) Virgin Atlantic Pulls Boeing 787 From Service After Heathrow Engineer's Death     (https://simpleflying.com/rolls-royce-a350-2000-stretch-engine-development-7-years/)  (Close up of Rolls-Royce logo Trent 7000 engine of the first Airbus A330 900 NEO of TAP Air Porugal Airlines) (Rolls-Royce Says A Stretched 'A350-2000' Would Need Up To 7 Years Of Engine Development)     (https://simpleflying.com/rolls-royce-a350-2000-stretch-engine-development-7-years/) (Rolls-Royce Says A Stretched 'A350-2000' Would Need Up To 7 Years Of Engine Development) Rolls-Royce Says A Stretched 'A350-2000' Would Need Up To 7 Years Of Engine Development     (https://simpleflying.com/swiss-a330-diverts-bangor-smoke-engulfs-business-class/)  (SWISS Airbus A330-300 HB-JHK  takeoff Geneva (1)) (New York Bound SWISS A330 Diverts To Bangor After Smoke Engulfs Business Class Cabin)     (https://simpleflying.com/swiss-a330-diverts-bangor-smoke-engulfs-business-class/) (New York Bound SWISS A330 Diverts To Bangor After Smoke Engulfs Business Class Cabin) New York Bound SWISS A330 Diverts To Bangor After Smoke Engulfs Business Class Cabin          (https://simpleflying.com/) (Simple Flying logo) (Simple Flying)   Simple Flying Part of the (https://www.valnetinc.com/en/) Valnet Publishing Group    Subscribe The best of Simple Flying, directly in your inbox. 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