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On Oct. 7, Airman 1st Class Christopher Torres, 86th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron dedicated crew chief, released a C-130J under black letter conditions, which indicates that the specific aircraft is operating without any discrepancies, due inspections or maintenance problems.
For the first time since rolling off the delivery line, Torres’ C-130J took flight with a black letter designation.
“Today we had the opportunity to launch an aircraft on a black letter initial, which is unique and exciting,” said Chief Master Sgt. Robert Spychalski, 86th AMXS superintendent. “In my career dating all the way back to 1983, I have never experienced this.”
Spychalski said the reason this achievement was accomplished was due to Torres’ pride in his aircraft, work and active attitude to aggressively trim the fat and work the issues ahead of him.
“I made sure I always stayed on top of the forms, the aircraft itself when it went in for maintenance, coming in on my spare time to accomplish tasks that couldn’t be done otherwise and staying with the aircraft as much as possible,” Torres said. “It’s your plane, your responsibility. It’s me and an assistant dedicated crew chief. Work becomes personal, the plane becomes personal, you even get to the point where many will name their aircraft.”
The launching of the C-130 wasn’t the only item being celebrated on the day’s agenda. Torres was coined by the 86th AMXS commander and 86th Maintenance Group superintendent and awarded two patches from the 37th Airlift Squadron commander.
“He’s really put his nose to the grindstone to not only accomplish this black letter but to also ensure this aircraft is the most fit in the fleet,” said Capt. Tyler Gross, 86th Aircraft Maintenance Unit OIC. “He’s the pinnacle of dedication and perseverance as a crew chief.”
Whether it’s Airmen or aircraft, the Air Force continues to look toward working in
black letter designation conditions.
