Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. until 0400 est. February 15th

(e.g. yourname@email.com)

Forgot Password?

    Defense Visual Information Distribution Service Logo

    AMS and EMS inspect tail No. 445; Maintenance essential for component

    AMS and EMS inspect tail No. 445; Maintenance essential for component

    Photo By 1st Lt. Richard Longoria | German Staff Sgt. Tristan Nehmer removes a panel from E-3A tail number 445 during a...... read more read more

    GEILENKIRCHEN, NW, GERMANY

    03.14.2013

    Story by Staff Sgt. Richard Longoria 

    NATO E-3A Component

    GEILENKIRCHEN, Germany - The E-3A Component’s Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and Electronic Maintenance Squadron recently began phase maintenance here for tail number 445.

    Phase maintenance is a scheduled inspection that takes place after 270 days or when an aircraft reaches 460 flying hours.

    “With all the missions the Component has been flying lately, the flying hours have been coming first,” said Canadian Master Cpl. Andrew Amos, AMS phase technician. “Phase maintenance is more in-depth than the pre-flight check the aircraft receives on the flight line.”

    The detailed inspections are broken down into six different phases: Phase A Even and Odd, Phase B Even and Odd, and Phase C Even and Odd. This particular aircraft, tail number 445, entered "Phase C Odd” maintenance March 7, 2013.

    Within each phase, the technicians have specific work cards that describe which panels need to be removed and what items need to be checked. Once the aircraft is in the hangar, the technicians put the stands in place and de-panel the jet. Then they inspect the aircraft, lube the necessary parts and fix any issues they may find.

    “We are looking for corrosion, leaking parts and fixing issues we might not normally notice,” said Cpl. Amos. “Phase maintenance is our chance to correct something before it becomes a major problem and leads to a catastrophic failure.”

    In addition to the six phase inspections, each of the 17 aircraft in the component’s fleet must also receive a mid-phase inspection every 90 days.

    “Our aircraft are in really good shape compared to other fleets due to our corrosion prevention program,” added Cpl. Amos.

    A thriving phase program is essential for continued success of the component. To ensure quality maintenance, the component has a “robust” training program and the “luxury” of experienced maintainers.

    “This capability doesn't just happen,” explained U.S. Air Force Maj. William Triche, EMS commander. “Our technicians are a professional team that delivers the highest quality maintenance. This high level of maintenance provides the safest and most reliable E-3A possible.”

    In 2012, the AMS and EMS managed 19 phase inspections, which added 8,740 flying hours to the E-3A fleet. This year two squadrons the have already completed four phase inspections, which translate to an additional 1,840 flying hours.

    “No matter what aircraft a base operates, the unit’s ability to honor its flying hour program is critical to completing its mission,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Julia Palmer, AMS maintenance operations officer. “And phase maintenance is the key to hitting the required number of flying hours.”

    LEAVE A COMMENT

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 03.14.2013
    Date Posted: 03.21.2013 05:02
    Story ID: 103851
    Location: GEILENKIRCHEN, NW, DE
    Hometown: BERWICK, NS, CA

    Web Views: 149
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN