HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Safety is always a top priority for pilots when operating aircraft with maximum speeds of 1,500 miles per hour. Along with the pilots, another group of specialists have safety on the forefront of their minds. Not only do they think about it, but it is their job to ensure each pilot has the equipment they would need in every possible scenario.
Airmen of Aircrew Flight Equipment are the hard-working technicians charged with this critical task.
Senior Airman Matthew, a 49th Operations Support Squadron Aircrew Flight Equipment technician, is one of four personnel who work with members of the 314th Fighter Squadron to support flight equipment needs for approximately 55 instructor pilots and students.
“Our hours vary from week-to week because we work around the flying schedule of the pilots,” said Matthew. “They fly around the clock and we have to be here to provide them with what they need.”
Some AFE personnel, like Matthew are attached to a squadron as a convenience to the pilots they support. Others, like Airman 1st Class Dondrel, a 49th Operations Support Squadron Aircrew Flight Equipment technician, work in separate facilities where they can support members from several different squadrons.
“As Aircrew Flight Equipment, we help enable the mission by taking care of the pilots’ gear and keeping it up to date,” Said Dondrel. “We have accountability for their lives, and that’s why we take so much pride in our work.”
Each pilot requires more than $100,000 in aircrew flight equipment during each flight. From parachutes and survival kits to helmets and oxygen masks, the proper care, maintenance and repair to these items is crucial.
These professionals have knowledge in many different areas in order to accomplish their tasks each day. AFE specialists often use a method that many may never imagine-- needle and thread.
“For our job, obtaining sewing skills is very important,” said Dondrel. “If a pilot’s [parachute] canopy happens to get a tear in it, we can fix it on the spot rather than having to wait to order a new one and putting the damaged one out of service-- thus, enabling him to fly another mission.”
AFE technicians not only learn how to sew, but they also receive specialty training on the maintenance of their sewing equipment.
“The length of training for sewing during tech school lasted about two weeks,” said Dondrel. “During that time, we learned how to operate and disassemble the machines, proper care for the machines and preventative maintenance.”
The technical aspects of their job are not the only things they rely on to be effective. Another vital component that enables these professionals to be successful is the relationships they build with pilots that they support.
“A common misconception about our career field is that we simply tie knots and pack parachutes, and don’t have much engagement with the pilots,” said Dondrel.
“We have daily interaction with the pilots. We try to keep bonds as close as possible because they trust us to keep their equipment alive.”
Establishing rapport through genuine conversation is a common practice that Dondrel uses to help strengthen the relationships he has with pilots.
“Sometimes we hear about their families and how their day-to-day lives are going,” said Dondrel. “Right before they step, we always say, ‘Have a nice flight’ and when they come back we ask how their flight was. We try to keep the banter going so we can remain close.”
Although there is no one way to be a proficient AFE specialist, Dondrel discovered his own way, combined with his technical knowledge, to help him get the job done.
“To be successful in this career field, you have to have the ability to make and strengthen bonds with the pilots-- not back down out of fear or let the possibility of something happening interfere with your work and a love of your job and everything that you do because that’s the biggest part,” said Dondrel. “I’m very proud doing the job that I do especially since it means that, if the possibility should arise, I can help someone come home safely.”