445th AGE Airmen lead the ‘charge’

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Ethan Spickler
  • 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Safety and efficiency play a key role in the Air Force mission, and when aircraft are not actively flying, they are constantly receiving maintenance.

Aerospace ground equipment Airmen support flight operations by supplying and operating equipment that provides electrical power, hydraulic pressure, and air pressure to the wing’s nine C-17 Globemaster III aircraft. These individuals also create maintenance schedules, plan diagnostics, complete equipment repairs, and document maintenance activities.

“Everything we do is to get our airplanes up in the air,” said Tech Sgt. Tyler Taylor, an aerospace ground equipment technician with the 445th Maintenance Squadron. “We are involved in many steps of the process, and our knowledge and experience allows us to minimize down time and keep things running smoothly.”

The job of an aerospace ground equipment specialist involves a multitude of tasks including performing maintenance and repairs on motor and engine driven generator sets, air conditioners, hydraulic test stands, air compressors, bomb-lifts, heaters and other similar support equipment.

AGE Airmen also operate, clean, inspect and service AGE towing vehicles as well as maintain external fuel and grounding systems. The purpose of these duties is to allow the electrical and mechanical systems of the aircraft to function properly before, during, and after flight.

“Each aircraft is different, and we have to know how to provide the best service for each piece of equipment,” said Taylor. “We are required to have a broad base of knowledge to make sure that everything is good to go.”

For every flight hour a C-17 is operational, it takes roughly 20 hours of maintenance to keep the aircraft in peak operational condition. This means that the reliability and safety of the aircraft demands constant attention from maintenance crews and is a priority for AGE Airmen.

“The little victories mean a lot to me,” said Senior Airman Donald Ledman, an aerospace ground equipment specialist with the 445th MXS. “Every time we fix something or troubleshoot an issue, it feels good to look back and say we accomplished our mission. It gives me a sense of personal satisfaction knowing that I did my job well.”

The responsibilities of AGE Airmen are an integral part of the wing mission, and they provide a reliable resource for mission planners. From inspecting and troubleshooting equipment to making hands-on repairs and maintaining proper standards, these professionals make sure our planes are always ready for flight.