WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Some Airmen fix planes, others fly them. On rare occasions, a few even have had the opportunity to do both. Such is the case for Senior Airman Jacob D. Dorsey, a crew chief with the 445th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, who was recently accepted to the prestigious Air Force Academy with the ultimate goal of flying the same aircraft that he currently maintains; the C-17 Globemaster III.
Since joining the Air Force, Dorsey has worked closely with aircraft as a maintainer, but he has had a dream to become a pilot ever since an experience he had while flying with his JROTC group in high school. During a field trip, he was given the opportunity to handle the controls under the supervision of the pilot, and ever since, Dorsey has had a desire to fly.
“As soon as I touched those controls, I fell in love,” said Dorsey. “That’s really where everything started for me. I enlisted shortly thereafter, and I have learned a lot from working on the planes and interacting with the pilots and crews.”
Since enlisting, Dorsey has served as a crew chief with the 445th AMXS. Crew chiefs are responsible for planning and completing maintenance duties off the plane as well as performing functional work on the aircraft. Their job demands that they have intimate knowledge of aircraft systems and flight line procedures; something Dorsey believes gives him knowledge and experience that will translate to his future roles.
“In maintenance, we turn wrenches,” he said. “We are able to handle everything from changing tires and lights to refueling and servicing oxygen systems. Once you get so experienced with this job that you are capable of performing at the highest level, then you get to fly out on missions and perform maintenance on the road as well as at home. That experience is invaluable,” Dorsey said.
Dorsey has worked as a crew chief for four years and has gotten to the point where he knows the aircraft inside and out. He enjoys his job, the people he works with and the opportunity to be up close and personal with the C-17. Initially, however, he planned on pursuing the pathway to becoming a pilot immediately upon joining the 445th Airlift Wing family.
“When I first got here, I applied to the Air Force Academy,” said Dorsey. “I went through the whole congressional process and got accepted, but I turned it down due to some family issues. I decided to continue learning and working here to the best of my ability. In the meantime and when the opportunity to go the Air Force Academy appeared for a second time, I knew I was ready to take that step,” Dorsey said.
That’s exactly what Dorsey did. He is currently awaiting his departure for the Academy. While there, he will continue his education and pursue his dream, all while taking the culture and knowledge he gained from the 445th to new heights. When asked what aircraft in particular he wanted to fly, he stated it would be great to fly the C-17.
“It is such a phenomenal aircraft,” said Dorsey. “I would love to continue working with it and bringing my experience from the enlisted maintenance perspective to the table as well. The culture of the 445th and the people we serve with is something I can bring with me wherever I go from here. At the end of the day, I’m excited to use the knowledge, experience, and focus I can generate to serve the best way I can.”