Released: Feb. 5, 2004
86th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
A
lot like your car, these aircraft will last longer and perform better when
they’re cared for properly. Among other things, Combat Flightline encourages
maintainers to improve the appearance and serviceability of the aging aircraft
thereby lengthening their service life.
Several
strategies were implemented to address the appearance of the C-130 aircraft. One
of the newest and most unique is a robotic aircraft washing system tested in
late January at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England. The testing was a success,
and the robotic washer is currently used by the 100th Air Refueling Wing to
maintain appearance of the KC-135s and Air Force Special Operations Command’s
C-130s stationed there.
“The
new robotic washing system works very well and will decrease the time needed for
us to wash an aircraft,” said Master Sgt. Richard Bolyard, 86th Aircraft
Maintenance Squadron production superintendent. “A full wash crew of eight to
10 people could be cut to five, and this washing system could cut three to four
hours off our total washing time, allowing maintainers time to work other
aircraft maintenance and appearance issues.”
Besides
employing robot technology, airmen also maintain aircraft appearance in other
creative ways. Last fall, a Combat Flightline “hit” team composed of airmen
from six specialties used their collective talents to successfully eliminate the
most glaring appearance problems. The team faced a variety of obstacles working
around a busy flying schedule, but in the end improved the appearance of the 12
local C-130s without hindering a single mission.
“The
biggest change I’ve seen after the hit team was the increase of pride by
maintainers,” said Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Russell, a crew chief assigned to the
team from the 86th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. “Other dedicated crew chiefs
on the flightline take more pride in the appearance of their aircraft. Even
specialists who don’t normally get assigned to an aircraft help take care of
the aircraft they work.”
This
dedication is what makes the Combat Crew Challenge, another Combat Flightline
initiative here work. Maintainers from throughout the Aircraft Maintenance
Squadron are assigned to teams responsible for a four-ship of aircraft. These
teams compete monthly based upon aircraft and individual performance.
In
the future, the Combat Flightline Program will continue to improve the
appearance of the aircraft. Overcoming a lack of hangar space at Ramstein, eight
aircraft will be sent from the C-130 fleet through a depot facility in Portugal
to receive an interior refurbishment during the upcoming year.
In
addition, the squadron established an Aircraft Standardization Program to
improve the quality and function of several support items to include composite
chocks, high-quality inlet covers, and new grounding wires.
All
Ramstein C-130 aircraft are now scheduled for two-day washes versus one, which
include paint touch-up on the second day, in conjunction with the 30 percent
increased aircraft wash cycle.
Another
goal would be to shorten the time between full paints from six years to three
years like most fighter aircraft, but there is definitely a cost for improved
appearance.
Besides
the actions taken locally, the squadron is also greatly anticipating their first
aircraft to be painted with the advanced performance coating paint that is not
as susceptible to absorbing oils, dirt, grime, etc.
Innovative robotic washes, Combat Crew Challenge and numerous other initiatives to improve aircraft appearance are only the beginning. The next time a C-130 flies by, remember the dedication of the 770 individuals in the 86th Maintenance Group here, combined with Combat Flightline, made it possible for that aircraft to fly and support democracy in the past, present and for many years to come.
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