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***image3***During their yearly flight physicals, Air Force pilots are checked over from head to toe to ensure they meet specific medical standards for taking to the skies.
Much like those pilots who control their throttles and flaps, each of Ramstein’s C-130 airlifters also goes through a thorough checkup from the 86th Maintenance Squadron.
Specialized maintenance crews conduct these yearly isochronal “ISO” inspections on the Air Force’s airlift workhorse, poring over more than 5,000 cataloged parts during the 10 to 12-day process.
It’s an impressive number to be sure, but even more amazing is the estimated 900 repairs made to a typical C-130 while it’s in the ISO shop.
At any given time during the inspection, there are about 50 technicians from 11 different specialties clambering over the aircraft. They look for any damaged equipment, dangerous cracks, leaks, corrosion or missing and broken hardware – even checking all of the rivets on the entire plane.
With so many people working in the same space, it’s easy to imagine the amount of cooperation it takes for these crews to get the job done on time.
“This is the biggest display of teamwork in maintenance that we have, right here in this hangar,” said Master Sgt. Robert Shelley of the 86th MXS. That teamwork is evident as ISO workers first put the C-130 up on jacks and then assemble huge platforms to provide easy access to all areas of the aircraft.
During the next six days dedicated teams conduct the detailed inspection and make all the necessary repairs – without ever moving the plane. After the work is completed, the crew chiefs take the C-130 outside for engine performance runs and systems operational checks before giving it their final stamp of approval.
The work of the ISO shop at Ramstein plays a crucial role in protecting Air Force flight crews and their passengers. If not for these detailed inspections a C-130 pilot might never know, for example, whether a hidden crack had compromised the aircraft’s structural integrity.
The burden falls on crew chiefs with the 86th MXS to detect these things before they become hazardous.
“86th Maintenance Flight crew chiefs are the cream of the crop,” said Senior Master Sgt. Daniel Frey, 86th Maintenance Flight Chief. “They all know that giving less than 100 percent every day jeopardizes equipment and lives. We place an enormous amount of responsibility on their shoulders and they never fail to deliver the goods.”
ISO crew chiefs carry out their vital mission with the utmost care whether replacing damaged engine mounts, repairing electrical wiring or patching up the smallest of cracks. Their vigilance and hard work ensure Ramstein’s
C-130s are ready whenever and wherever they’re needed.
