Innovation leads to safe maintenance, increased production

  • Published
  • By Kevin Chandler
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Once again the ingenuity and expertise of the 97th Maintenance Directorate, or A-TEAM, has paid huge dividends. Two jet engine mechanics, with the help of an independent contractor, designed and created engine maintenance stands specifically intended for C-17 aircraft. These stands, after only a year of use, have greatly affected the quality and efficiency of maintenance provided.

According to Mr. Tony Knott, 97th Maintenance Directorate Inspection Branch chief, the stands have "already cut our workload in half. Now five or six mechanics can be working on the engine, while before only one or two people could fit on the stand." While there are many versions of maintenance stands throughout the Air Force, Mr. Knott said the Altus stands are the only ones designed for the C-17.

In December 2006, Mr. Mike Schlup and Mr. Ramon Terrazas, jet engine mechanics with the A-TEAM, designed the maintenance stand with only a pen, measuring tape and sketches on a napkin. Frustrated with their current stands, which were designed in the 1950s, the veteran technicians wanted to create a stand geared to the specific needs of C-17 engine maintainers.

Once their designs were completed, the 97th Contracting Squadron began accepting bids for construction. After several bids were considered, the project was awarded to an independent contractor who completed four stands for just over $250,000. This cost was $3.7 million less than the bid given by the leading commercial vendor.

The first of the four stands built was delivered to Altus Air Force Base in December 2007. Technicians have been impressed by how safe the stands make their job. The design also allows easier access to areas of the aircraft historically difficult to get to. "There is a huge difference," Mr. Terrazas said, "it's like night and day."

Altus maintainers aren't the only ones impressed. Mr. Knott said many other bases are interested in the stands. "We've also sent plans to Australia," Mr. Knott continued, "they're blown away."

While members of the A-TEAM are pleased engine work is easier with the stands, the increased safety is the greatest benefit. As Mr. Knott explained, "these stands will save lives."