Crew chiefs keep jets fit to fight

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Torri Ingalsbe
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  The 48th Fighter Wing F-15s fly over 15,000 sorties and 24,000 flying hours a year, helping to maintain the Air Force's reputation for being the world's most respected air force. 

However, none of these jets would even be able to leave the chalks without crew chiefs. 

The crew chiefs are responsible for the jet before and after a flight, performing three hours of inspections and various functional checks. They maintain and repair all parts of the jet, performing general mechanical work as opposed to working on a particular system or subsystem. 

"We don't troubleshoot or replace engines, but we're expected to know about everything concerning the jets," said Staff Sgt. Andrew Hecox, 48th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, dedicated crew chief. 

He said knowledge of the jets is only one part of a crew chief's job. They also have to decide the operational ability of the jet. 

"When your name's on the side of a jet, it's a big responsibility," said Sergeant Hecox. "We're the final line when it comes to deciding whether or not a jet is good to fly." 

If there is a small problem, the crew chief fixes it and launches the jet without a hinge. If the problem is too big for a quick-fix, the jet gets "red-x'd" and is unable to fly until the proper maintenance is performed. This "last call" for the operational readiness of the jet places a huge amount of accountability on the crew chief. 

"If something goes wrong, the crew chiefs are looked at first," said Senior Airman Kyle Beck, 48th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, assistant dedicated crew chief. 

He said teamwork and communication are essential in maintaining the safety of the aircrew and the integrity of the jet. 

"It's really hard work. If your hands aren't dirty at the end of the day, you didn't do anything," Airman Beck said. 

With people working shifts 24 hours a day, the crew chief's job is never done. 

"During regular operations, we have three shifts; days, swings and mids. During the overlap time, we have more people to get the work done but we always have the next shift finishing up things the previous shift couldn't," Sergeant Hecox said. 

With responsibility for the lives of fellow Airmen and a multi-million dollar aircraft, coupled with long hours and hard work, why would anyone want to be a crew chief? 

"It's the best job in the Air Force," Airman Beck said. "I get to work on the best fighters in the world, and I feel proud when I see one of those jets in the air and I know it's there because of me."