American Airlines lauds NY worker's 70-year career - New York News | NYC Breaking News

American Airlines lauds NY worker's 70-year career

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NEW YORK -

American Airlines is celebrating the 70-year service of a New York City mechanic who says he has no plans to retire.

Azriel "Al" Blackman was 16 years old when he started as an apprentice mechanic in July of 1942.

He still reports to work every day at American's aircraft maintenance hangar at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

He turns 87 in August.

On Wednesday, the Fort Worth, Texas-based airline invited Blackman to ride on a vintage DC-3 to mark the anniversary.

The 1937 aircraft took a spin up the Hudson River to the George Washington Bridge and back.

Blackman says modern engines are much more reliable than their predecessors.

He says he loves his job.

 

 

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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