HAVE YOU READ YOUR KA TODAY?
February 3, 2017
Volume 41, number 5
Walk a mile in maintainer’s boots Story and photos by Senior Airman Tryphena Mayhugh 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
needs to be replaced, but any given day can show the 721 AMXS Airmen repairing electrical work, hydraulics, fuel cells, changing tires and more for both C-5 and C-17 aircraft. “It takes a lot of personal integrity to make sure you’re doing everything the way you’re supposed to,” Varden said. “When there’s so much work the temptation is there to cut corners so you can be done in a timely manner. Everybody stresses more than anything to take the time to do what you need to do. If the plane goes late, the plane goes late. It’s difficult sometimes to balance an effective work rate to get all the work done and be safe.” Rodewig moves on to another C-17 to help those Airmen inspect
Tip of the Week According to German road traffic rules, idling is an unauthorized method to warm up engines. Idling causes noise and toxic matters in the environment. Disobeying this rule can result in high fines.
Family Advocacy steers families to success, Page 2
it. He checks that all the lights work and the expiration dates for equipment, makes sure there isn’t anything hanging or broken inside and picks up trash. With so much to inspect and possibly repair for each aircraft, the mobility maintainers try to help one another clear aircraft for a faster departure. “We try to group up like a mass of white blood cells and attack the first plane that comes down so we can get the inspections, maintenance and servicing all done effectively,” Varden said. “If time allows, when the next plane comes down, the group moves on to the next one and then the next See MAINTAINERS, Page 3
LIFESTYLES
the day. Rodewig’s first scheduled aircraft isn’t until later in the morning, so he comes along to lend a hand. The aircraft is a C-17 that needs a panel under one of the wings to be replaced. Despite a few challenges, such as damaged equipment and the awkward shape of the panel, they are able to bring it up to its spot and set it in place. Light snow flurries fall around them as they toil away. “It doesn’t matter if it’s raining or snowing, someone has to be out there,” Rodewig said. “Even if it’s not a hard task to do, it’s a thousand times more difficult and a strain on your body when you’re in the rain or it’s below freezing.” This morning it is a panel that
FEATURES
Staff Sgt. Zachary Rodewig, 721st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron C-5 Galaxy crew chief, explains the different aspects of maintenance for a C-5 aircraft to Senior Airman Earl Shelton, 721 AMXS aerospace maintenance technician, Jan. 24 on Ramstein. All Airmen within the 721 AMXS must be qualified on C-17 Globemaster III and C-5 aircraft. On average, the 721 AMXS inspects, services and repairs 30 aircraft in a single day as part of the 521st Air Mobility Operations Wing at Ramstein.
NEWS
A bitter wind chases flurries of frost across the flightline, weaving around aircraft and stinging the faces of those who stand in its way. While many Airmen are still asleep in their beds, the Airmen of the 721st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron are already awake and reporting for duty. The first stop for Staff Sgt. Zachary Rodewig, 721 AMXS C-5 Galaxy crew chief, is to check the schedule to see how many aircraft are arriving and departing throughout the day and which ones he is assigned to inspect or repair. “Other people can fly the planes, but it has to be able to fly before it’s going anywhere,” Rodewig said. “It has to have gas, tires, and it has to function properly. It’s a very important task we handle on a day-to-day basis.” On average, the 521st Air Mobility Wing’s 721 AMXS on Ramstein inspects, services and repairs 30 aircraft in a single day. In one weekend, they are typically responsible for more missions than all the other squadrons in the European and Pacific commands handle in a month combined. This makes them an integral part of the 521 AMOW’s mission. “I’ve been to a lot of different bases, and it’s very difficult as far as what is expected of you at Ramstein,” said Staff Sgt. Keith Varden, 721 AMXS C-17 Globemaster III crew chief. “You have to work two airframes, and we have an incredible amount of air traffic coming through. You’re not going to see more work as a maintainer than you will see here.” With the sun barely peaking over the horizon, 721 AMXS Airmen step into subfreezing temperatures with their gear to begin their first job of
Day to day with aircrew flight equipment, Page 6
Voelklinger Huette offers exciting day trip, Page 15