The Best Gear for a Pilot's Worst Day

Photo By Staff Sgt. David Sherman | U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Zachary Spieth, aircrew flight equipment (AFE) superintendent, demonstrates how AFE technicians inspect parachutes on a long table in the AFE shop during a base tour May 17, 2023 at the 122nd Fighter Wing in Fort Wayne, Indiana. AFE technicians conduct regular and intensive inspections on ejection seat parachutes and other pilot’s gear so the pilot can keep their mind on the mission. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. David Sherman)  

FORT WAYNE, IN, UNITED STATES

07.05.2023

Story by Staff Sgt. David Sherman 

122nd Fighter Wing

FORT WAYNE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ind - Pilots have a lot to keep track of when they take to the skies. While flying the aircraft, they are operating the radio, navigating, checking instruments, minding their fuel, watching for enemies, executing the mission, and adapting when things go wrong. Aircrew flight equipment (AFE) technicians make sure the pilot never has to worry about their gear, no matter what.

“We prepare everything that the pilots take with them when they fly,” said Senior Master Sgt. Zachary Spieth, 122nd Fighter Wing AFE superintendent. The 122nd Fighter Wing AFE technicians work closely with all of their pilots to prepare the equipment they need for every mission, from custom-fitted helmets to G-suits that use air pressure to help prevent pilots from losing consciousness when they pull hard banks in their aircraft.

One of the rooms in the AFE shop features wood-paneled cabinets that serve as lockers for each of the pilots assigned to the 163rd Fighter Squadron. The doors are labeled with the pilot’s name, rank, and unique callsign. Inside is specially adjusted gear tailored to that pilot by an AFE technician.

Another room contains a variety of sewing machines, thread, and a 30 foot-long table. “This is where we inspect and pack the parachutes that are attached to the ejection seats,” said Spieth. The AFE team inspects the parachutes at regular intervals to ensure there are no rips or tears, and that none of the components are worn out. Needless to say, it is a thorough and lengthy process. “It takes us about four days to pack a parachute,” said Spieth.

Across a common area is another room where technicians and pilots work together to refresh ejection procedures. “We run the pilots through simulated ejections to help build that muscle memory of what steps they would need to take in the event they would have to ditch the aircraft,” said Spieth. “It’s training we hope they never need.” The room contains a strikingly accurate replica of an A-10 Thunderbolt II cockpit complete with closing canopy, instruments, and simulated ejection handles. Beside the ejection simulator is a metal frame with a parachute harness attached. The apparatus allows a pilot to simulate dealing with tangled parachute lines while safely dangling over a thick layer of foam padding.

The walls of the room are festooned with a wide range of survival gear. For example, there is an inflatable life raft and rescue beacon that automatically activates in the event of a water landing. A separate bag is efficiently stuffed with simple necessities such as a compass, knife, signaling mirror, first-aid supplies, and emergency food and water. In deployed locations, the pilots would be issued weapons and ammunition in case they were forced to land behind enemy lines.

“This is some of the equipment we pack and prepare for the pilots that they take with them every time they fly,” said Spieth.

• Date Taken: 07.05.2023
• Date Posted: 07.07.2023 11:03
• Story ID: 448569
• Location: FORT WAYNE, IN, US
• Hometown: FORT WAYNE, IN, US