Avionics shop impacts mission Published June 2, 2007 By Master Sgt. Angelita Colon-Francia 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga., -- More than 1,800 Airmen working in a headquarters element, three groups, and a medical element containing 11 squadrons and four flights make up the 94th Airlift Wing. While every one has his or her individual duties and responsibilities, together the personnel here work towards a unified mission - to provide airlift support. In an occasional series, the Minuteman will highlight individuals and elements of the wing detailing the various ways Airmen here impact the global war on terrorism today. Airmen and aircraft from the 94th AW are actively engaged in various contingencies around the world. Whether training C-130H aircrews for the United States Air Force (active duty, guard and reserve components); maintaining combat ready units to deploy on short notice; or assisting other agencies and tenants, the personnel at Dobbins Air Reserve Base are actively involved in the fight. Our personnel have a rich history of involvement serving and protecting the nation's interests including Operations Noble Eagle, Shining Hope (Kosovo Airlift), Desert Shield/Storm, and Provide Promise (Bosnia Airlift). They have also participated in recovery operations for Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Hugo and Mitch. This has been largely done with volunteers, who take time from their civilian jobs and families to support national and global needs. As the Air Force continues to play a major role in winning the global war on terrorism while preparing for possible future conflicts, so will the men and women of the 94th AW. Many 94th AW personnel have already deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq and other countries around the globe through Air Expeditionary Force and short-notice deployments. Many are away from home, family and friends right now. The wing accomplishes its mission with a very diverse mix of people. The Minuteman series on "Who are we and what do we do?" begins. 94th Mission Support Squadron, Instrument & Flight Controls Shop At a time when increased flying hours are stressing airframes; the cost of aircraft spare parts are increasing (6 percent this year according to Gen. John D.W. Corley, Air Force vice chief of staff); and the price for a barrel of fuel is rising (costing the Air Force another $600 million annually), the instrument and flight control systems craftsmen, apprentices and journeymen of the 94th Maintenance Squadron work hard to provide safe, reliable aircraft and delivering uncompromising combat capability to the war fighter. Working in the Instrument & Flight Controls Shop are Master Sgt. Adam Duckworth, Master Sgt. Dwaine A. Haskett, Master Sgt. James R. McMichen, Staff Sgt. Shandrick Seagroves, Tech Sgt. Jack W. Hein, Tech Sgt. Charles A. Kelly, Tech Sgt. John A. Raymond, IV, and Senior Airman Samuel Murphay. Each has been deployed in support of Operation Enduring or Iraqi Freedom. Sergeant Raymond, an instrument and flight control systems craftsman, answered a few questions about what he and the Airmen in his section do and their role in keeping the wing's air assets ready for any mission. Minuteman: What are some of the specific duties of you and Airmen in the shop perform? Sergeant Raymond: We perform and supervise intermediate and organizational maintenance activities; troubleshoot, repair, install, align, modify and conduct operational checkouts of instrument and flight control systems; diagnose malfunctions using and interpreting logic circuits, signal flow, component schematics, technical orders, diagrams, test equipment, mock-ups and other publications; test repaired equipment using test benches; identify maintenance problem areas and recommends corrective actions. We also develop methods to improve maintenance efficiency; align and calibrate aircraft equipment and systems for operation. Finally, we work to ensure that safety, quality and performance standards are followed and updated. Minuteman: What is avionics? Sergeant Raymond: Avionics literally means aviation electronics and systems that relate to aviation principles. It is the instrumentation necessary for the aircrews to control and navigate aircraft. Minuteman: What is avionics important to the operation of the aircrafts flown here, the C-130? Sergeant Raymond: The avionics systems and components we maintain allow aircrews to operate aircrafts safely and to the up most efficiency allowed within its parameters. Minuteman: Are the fundamentals of avionics the same for all aircraft? If not, how do they differ? Sergeant Raymond: They are different because all aircraft have different systems but troubleshooting principles remain generally the same. Minuteman: What abilities does an Airman need to possess in order to be successful in avionics? Sergeant Raymond: The ability to read and interpret technical data. It is also very important to be able to solve complex problems. The ability to think outside the box is also a good skill to possess. A skilled technician must maintain a constant attention to detail. Minuteman: What training is required for your job? Sergeant Raymond: The first course is called the Common Electronic Training Program and it is held at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi. The course is a little more than three months long. The second phase is called Instrument and Flight Control Systems and it is held at Sheppard AFB in Texas. It also takes about three months to complete. There are also numerous field training detachment courses that you can take to help you learn aircraft specific systems and components. Minuteman: How much of your training is on the job training? Sergeant Raymond: A lot! When we go to tech school we learn the basics. When you get to your base you learn about your aircraft specific systems. Minuteman: What do you enjoy about your job? Sergeant Raymond: Identifying a problem and fixing it to allow aircrews to accomplish the mission. Our motto is fly, fight and win! Minuteman: What do you find challenging about your job? Sergeant Raymond: Every day is different. We never have the same problem two days in a row. So, we are always on our toes trying to find solutions to the problems. Minuteman: How long does it take for an Airman in maintenance to learn his/her job? Sergeant Raymond: A highly motivated airman could become fully qualified in two to three years but, as in any technical field, you never stop learning. Minuteman: What challenges have you faced while performing your job on a deployment? Sergeant Raymond: It's a faster tempo. Different climates induce different equipment and instrument malfunctions. It's important to have the ability to perform under stressful conditions. Help the Minuteman detail all of the various contributions Airmen here make and how they impact today's global war on terrorism. If you would like to recommend an individual or element of the wing for a spotlight in an upcoming edition of the newspaper, contact Sergeant Colón-Francia at 655-5055 or Angelita.Colon-Francia@dobbins.af.mil.
