McConnell Airmen perform ‘balancing’ act

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Abigail Klein
  • 931st Air Refueling Group
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  In addition to balancing their civilian careers with the demands of their military careers, Reservists from the 931st Maintenance Squadron balanced a KC-135 Stratotanker here, Dec. 7, 2014.

The "balancing" act occurred during the December Unit Training Assembly and was conducted as part of a required periodic inspection by members of Repair Reclamation.  During periodic inspections, which are routinely conducted every two years, Airmen can learn and review the intricate workings of the KC-135.

Though the aircraft is not always lifted during the inspection a repair was needed for the landing gear actuator made the elevation necessary.  To accomplish the task, 12 Airmen positioned six jacks, including one under the tail and nose, to lift the 98,470-pound frame 4 inches above the ground level of Hangar 10. 

The setup was not unique to most of the Airmen, but the challenge of ensuring the aircraft is level before it is lifted is challenging.  Airmen will often be pulled from other jobs in the shop to ensure the task is performed correctly.  This includes ensuring that the jacks are level.

"The surface of the hangar can make it really difficult to seat the jack," said Senior Airman Julian Smith, 931 MXS crew chief.  "If there's even a slight slope, or a change in the elevation of the floor the aircraft won't be level."

The success and accuracy of the lift also requires effective communication amongst the Airmen.  Tech. Sgt. Ryan Chandler, 931 MXS crew chief, watched the hydraulic jacking manifold used to lift the tanker.

"This is one of the more dangerous things you can do in maintenance in terms of possible damage to the aircraft or possible injury," he said.

The staging process last approximately an hour before the lift.  The Airmen then observed as Senior Master Sgt. Martin Curry, 931 MXS Maintenance Flight Chief, operated a hydraulic test stand to move the aircraft landing gear.

Despite the obvious challenges of the process, the site of the more than 50-year-old aircraft lifted and opened in front of the Airmen was still awe inspiring for those involved.

"There's a lot of moving parts involved, and it puts the plane in a very precarious position," said Master Sgt. Leo McNeill, 931 MXS Section Chief.  "But once it's up, it's really neat to see all the pieces of the aircraft opened up at once."