YOUNGSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio -- The 910th Maintenance Squadron is the first Air Force Reserve Command installation to field the new Isochronal inspection docking system.
The $1.5 million dock stand system is a complex array of mobile maintenance stands, designed to fit around a C-130 aircraft specifically for performing isochronal inspections. The stands allow maintainers to keep tool storage containers near their work sites, offers convenient electrical connections and most importantly safeguards workers by offering safety rails near any elevated work areas.
Senior Master Sgt. John Schmolly, and aerospace maintenance superintendent, runs the heavy maintenance section for the 910th Maintenance Squadron.
"The benefit of these stands is that we can safely perform the maintenance," said Schmolly. "It covers a lot more of the fall protection which is an OSHA-driven requirement."
Once every 540 days, each of Youngstown Air Reserve Station's nine C-130H Hercules aircraft undergoes the detailed inspection. Members of the 910th MX strip down the aircraft following detailed procedural checklists. The purpose of the inspection is to ensure the aircraft are safe to fly, and now, maintainers at Youngstown have a safer system for conducting the inspections.
Col. David Post commands the 910th Maintenance Group and sees the stands as a valuable asset for his personnel.
"The most important thing is that it's safer for our workers," said Post. "The stands put the tools, power, air and adequate lighting right where they are needed within easy access. This makes it easier for our Airmen to produce safe, reliable and mission ready aircraft."
USAF. (U.S. Air Force Graphic by Rosario "Charo" Gutierrez)