ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- -- During their career many Airmen will travel on an Air Force aircraft and not give a second thought to how that plane flies them safely to their destination.
The 566th Electronic Maintenance Squadron Avionics and Instruments Flight with the Warner Robins Air Logistics complex located at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, maintain vital pieces of equipment for the Air Force mission. “The flight performs depot level overhaul and repair of a multitude of Air Force, Army, Navy, and foreign military gyros,” said Chris Welchel, 566th EXMS Avionics and Instruments Flight chief.
Gyros are used in aircraft to maintain flight awareness.
“My job is crucial to the safe operation of C-130 aircraft in flight,” said Darwin Brigman, 566th EXMS Avionics and Instruments electronics technician. “The gyros we repair and overhaul enable an aircraft to maintain flight awareness, and in turn, keep pilots, aircrew, cargo and passengers safe during missions around the world.”
In addition to gyros, the flight is partnered with Northrop Grumman to test and repair the Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures system.
“The LAIRCM system is used to protect large aircraft and helicopters from missile threats,” said Travis Ross, 566th EXMS Avionics and Instruments electronics technician. “I set the parameters and perform the test to ensure the LAIRCM is fully operational before the maintainers place them on the aircraft.” The flight performs depot level repair on a multitude of aircraft components.
“We perform depot level repair on the AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) missile launcher power supplies, A-10 aircraft heads up displays, B-52 aircraft chaff ejector system, a multitude of aircraft indicators, and other miscellaneous avionics equipment,” said Welchel.
When high risk employees went home because of the COVID-19 virus, the Avionics and Instruments Flight pulled together to complete the mission.
“We were able to keep MICAPs (mission impaired capability awaiting parts), to a minimum, zero, while producing units,” said Welchel. “The team worked diligently to ensure the mission continued to keep the country safe.”
The Art of the Possible has increased the flight’s efficiency. AoP is a constraints based management system designed to create an environment for success by creating a culture of problem-solvers.
“The Avionics and Instrument Flight uses AoP to achieve high levels of production and ensures mission success with our dedicated technicians and support staff to make this the best place to work on Robins Air Force Base,” said Welchel.