L3 Communications employees repair General's bird

Photo By Spc. Leigh Campbell | Helicopter Repair Mechanics from L3 Communications, fix the daily problems that occur to helicopters that get maximum flight time. Helicopter mechanics make sure that the bird is ready to fly at a moments notice.  

MOSUL, IRAQ

05.25.2006

Courtesy Story

345th Public Affairs Detachment

MOSUL, Iraq (May 12, 2006) -- On Forward Operating Base Courage, Mosul, Iraq, helicopter repair mechanics work daily to ensure two helicopters are operational to fly Brig. Gen. Ricky Rife, deputy commander, 101st Airborne Division and his guests to locations in Iraq.

Helicopter mechanics from L3 Communications inspect every inch and every moving part on the birds to make sure everything is working correctly, so they are ready at a moments notice to be ready to fly.

"Our main job here is to take care of the general's aircraft," said Christopher Thomas, helicopter repair mechanic, L3 Communications. "Our day consists of doing the dailies on the aircraft. Dailies are the general everyday maintenance of the aircraft, for example checking the fluids to makes sure they are topped off."

According to Thomas, he is enjoying his stay here in Iraq. Thomas has been here in Iraq for 18 months, and has been on FOB Courage working on the Very Important Person helicopter repair team.

"Problems with each aircraft vary, the aircraft here now are newer, so there are less repeat problems," said Scott Mothershed, helicopter repair mechanic, L3 Communications. "Everyday is different and unpredictable, we come in and find something that is going bad and fix it while the aircraft is on the ground waiting for the next trip out."

According to Mothershed, The VIP pilots fly a lot more often then the normal flight routine of other pilots in theater. The birds get a lot more flight time which causes parts to wear out quicker then normal.

"There is a lot of hurry up and wait to working on the VIP team, but you have to get on it and fix it right away," said Mothershed. "When the general needs his aircraft, it needs to be ready to fly at that moment's notice."

• Date Taken: 05.25.2006
• Date Posted: 05.25.2006 13:13
• Story ID: 6521
• Location: MOSUL, IQ