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    Crew chiefs prepare for take off

    Crew chiefs prepare for take off

    Photo By Tech. Sgt. Sara Kolinski | Staff Sgt. Jason Edinger, 104th Maintenance Group flight line crew chief, does a...... read more read more

    WESTFIELD, MA, UNITED STATES

    05.01.2019

    Story by Airman Sara Kolinski 

    104th Fighter Wing/Public Affairs

    Air National Guard flight line crew chiefs are responsible for knowing how to perform a variety maintenance tasks to ensure the F-15 Eagles here are ready to fly and the 104th Fighter Wing can accomplish its mission.

    “We know a little bit about a lot when it comes to the jet,” said Staff Sgt. Jason Edinger, 104th Maintenance Group flight line crew chief. “We’re responsible for doing scheduled inspections, basic post-flight inspections, launch inspections, recovery inspections, your routine flying, and when the jet brakes, if we are available, we are responsible to do assistance maintenance, help schedule maintenance, and routine maintenance.”

    Rain or shine the crew chiefs have to be out on the flight line to make sure that the planes are ready for pilots to fly and train.

    “There are some times when you’re lying face down in the rain on the tar and you’re thinking, ‘man, why did I sign up for this,’” said Edinger. “Then the jet takes off and you’re like, ‘oh yeah, that’s why.’”

    After seven years as a crew chief and five years doing the job full time, the job is still challenging and exciting, said Edinger.

    “My favorite part of the job is definitely the pressure,” said Edinger. “The pressure when you’re trying to fix the jet to get it ready to fly and it all comes together and then you see that jet take off. It’s instant gratification.”

    Edinger said that becoming a crew chief was like a calling. When he toured the base with his recruiter, crew chief appeared to be the coolest job here, he said.

    “If you’re thinking of doing something maintenance related and you want to know at least a little bit about a lot of different components when it comes to the aircraft, then I would say crew chief is definitely something you should consider,” said Edinger.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 05.01.2019
    Date Posted: 05.01.2019 13:34
    Story ID: 320290
    Location: WESTFIELD, MA, US

    Web Views: 254
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN