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Cooperative effort nets C-130 wing for hands-on training

  • Published
  • By Amanda Creel
  • 78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The Field Training Detachment here has been trying to obtain a C-130 wing on which instructors could demonstrate fuel systems repairs and allow the trainees to attempt repair procedures.

In the past, the detachment, which is a tenant unit here attached to the 373rd Training Squadron at Sheppard AFB, Texas, used theory of operation training rather than hands-on training. With the theory of operations training, civilian maintainers would be guided through how the fuel system works and how to repair or modify it, but would not be given an opportunity to put the theory to the test.

"We wanted to be able to train people on what they actually work on," said Doug Wall, an FTD instructor. "The training program is going to improve the quality of the maintenance, reduce customer defaults and reduce reworks."

Their idea began shaping into a reality after realizing that a condemned wing of a C-130 Hercules could be converted into the perfect training tool.

Enter Air Force Materiel Command's 653rd Combat Logistics Support Squadron, along with the Aging Aircraft Consulting Incorporated, both located at Robins AFB.

The AACI was the program manager for the project, so the team helped locate the condemned wing at Warrior Air Base - Robins AFB's mock version of a deployed environment -- and brought members of the 653rd CLSS in to help complete the necessary modifications, so that it could be used by the training program.

"FTD needed the asset and we secured it for them," said Steve Haynam, engineering specialist with the AACI. "If we hadn't been able to find one here, we would have had to procure one and the cost of that would have been astronomical."

It took the group of workers from the 653rd CLSS five business days to complete the modifications and turn the trainer over to the training program, which allowed the trainer to begin benefiting the depot immediately.

Capt. Chad Gross, acting commander of the 653rd CLSS, said he is just glad his Airmen had the opportunity to help ensure C-130s will be returned to the warfighter ready for the fight because of the enhanced training.

Now that FTD has access to the C-130 wing, instructors can critique students as students attempt repairs.

Scott Ary, a C-130 maintainer presently enrolled in the course, said another advantage to the hands-on training is that each maintainer who completes the training will be on the same page using the same techniques for repairs.

Michael Gayon, a C-130 maintainer presently taking the course, added "Instead of just getting the information, we are going through the step-by-step process."

Mr. Gayon said by having the hands-on training available for maintainers, they will be able to give the warfighter the assets they need to complete their mission.