Airman fixes $50K F-22 mechanical issue for $250

[rangerrebew]

Airman fixes $50K F-22 mechanical issue for $250
An airmen stationed at Tyndall AFB was instrumental in solving what could have been a costly issue for the F-22 for a fraction of the price

    November 16, 2016

Airman fixes $50K F-22 mechanical issue for $250

Senior Airman Samuel Privett, a 43rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit weapons load crew member, stands at parade rest in front of an F-22 Raptor at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., Nov. 4, 2016. Privett recently led a team of 43rd AMU Airmen to troubleshoot a re-occurring maintenance issue with an F-22. Privett ensured accurate communication between multiple work shifts to isolate the issue, and played a key role in developing a cost effective solution. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Javier Cruz)

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — (Editor’s note: Due to the sensitivity of the specific maintenance issue affecting the F-22 Raptor, the exact details of the problem and solution could not be released to the public and are described in simplified terms.)

A re-occurring weapon's system issue with an F-22 required a small team of Airmen to collectively work together recently to develop an innovative solution.

The team’s problem solving is a testament to the amount of responsibility and confidence the Air Force puts in its Airmen regardless of age or experience.

https://www.military1.com/military-career/article/1653783014-airman-fixes-50k-f-22-mechanical-issue-for-250/

[geronl]

With the way the government works, this guy could be fired for saving them money.

[EC]

Nicely done.

Got a small story about the skills of American flight techs - Navy rather than AF though.

Few years back I wound up having to land on a US carrier, with my hydraulics shot to hell (literally). They fixed my girl up in 2 hours, from scratch, having to machine most of the fittings from scratch and adapt stuff they had in stores to fit. Did all that on a chopper that most of them had never seen from a distance even, never mind with it's panels off.

Best in the world. Bar none. 

[rangerrebew]

Nicely done.

Got a small story about the skills of American flight techs - Navy rather than AF though.

Few years back I wound up having to land on a US carrier, with my hydraulics shot to hell (literally). They fixed my girl up in 2 hours, from scratch, having to machine most of the fittings from scratch and adapt stuff they had in stores to fit. Did all that on a chopper that most of them had never seen from a distance even, never mind with it's panels off.

Best in the world. Bar none. 

That's my Navy.  I could have given you a weather forecast for the trip home.

[MajorClay]

Awesome, promote that man.

[rangerrebew]

I remember some 25-30 years ago the government paying $600 for a toilet seat on some plane.

[bolobaby]

The problem is, the $250 fix is really just this...



...and should be a $2.50 fix, but the military cost multiplier applies.

(Kidding... kidding...)