Ramstein Herks restricted

Six 86th Airlift Wing C-130 Hercules are currently on restricted status after Air Mobility Command at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., grounded 30 E-model C-130s Feb. 10.

Gen. John W. Handy, commander of Air Mobility Command, directed the grounding and restricted the flight status of 60 other models, including Ramstein’s aircraft, to minimize wing stress and increase the safety margin.

The aircraft were grounded after a recommendation by C-130 System Program Office officials at Robins Air Force Base, Ga. Since 2001, a series of inspections of the center wing box structure revealed that cracks were greater in number and severity than was originally expected, they said.

“We’re assessing these aircraft to determine where we are,” said Col. Rob Kane, 86th AW commander, “but the restrictions have not prevented us from meeting all mission requirements.”

Most of the aircraft affected are in AMC’s inventory, but affected aircraft are also assigned to Air Education and Training Command, Pacific Air Forces, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command.

“Working together with the Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Command and our active-duty units, we are committed to meeting our requirements to warfighters around the world,” General Handy said.
(Courtesy of Air Force Print News)