DAY 24: The Maintainers

Mon, 19 September 2005

One of the key elements in making our mission successful is the aircraft maintenance required to keep the helicopters in tip-top shape. While the pilots and aircrew get all the glory for the combat rescue missions, it is the maintainers behind the scenes that ensure the aircraft are always ready to fly at a moment’s notice.

One of the birds reached its 250 flying hour mark today – in car terms, that’s similar to the 100,000 mileage mark – and thus it required an extensive maintenance check of lubrication and parts to ensure things were running smoothly. This includes an evaluation of the sophisticated electronics that distinguishes our helicopters from regular civilian helicopters (i.e. traffic helicopters). Compound this with the ever-prevalent dust that permeates EVERYTHING – and it’s a tough challenge that drives our maintainers to go the extra mile in ensuring that the aircraft is in a safe and flyable condition. I’m truly amazed at their professionalism and dedication to the job. A very cool bunch of guys.

P.S. – I got my first piece of mail today – thank you Sheila P!