Crew chiefs are the caretakers of the aircraft
The cool photo in this post shows the human touch needed to keep multi million dollar jets flying.
Taken on Nov. 15, 2016 at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, the picture features Senior Airman Daniel Lasal, 455th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron dedicated crew chief, performing a post-flight inspection on an F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jet.
Noteworthy aircraft maintainers perform six-hours or more of post-flight inspections after each sortie.
Tactical aircraft maintenance technicians otherwise known as crew chiefs are the care takers of the aircraft. They inspect and prepare the aircraft and ensure it is ready to fly at a moment’s notice so pilots can safely and effectively complete their mission.
Dedicated crew chiefs are aircraft maintainers assigned to lead the maintenance of a specific jet. Stateside, dedicated crew chiefs have their name opposite the pilot’s on the aircraft canopy.
Photo by Staff Sgt. Katherine Spessa / U.S. Air Force
