Inspectors keep mission moving

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Patrick Harrower
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Oftentimes, as people board Travis aircraft, they see a broad spectrum of maintainers on the flightline. Crew chiefs marshal planes and review aircraft forms while avionics and engine specialists make necessary repairs. However, the Airmen rarely seen are the quality assurance inspectors keeping careful checks and balances on the entire maintenance process.

The mission of QA is to perform as the primary technical advisory agency for maintenance and assist work center supervisors in managing the maintenance effort. Its members report directly to the 60th Maintenance Group commander.

"It is every quality assurance inspector's job to provide the best support possible and assist personnel at all levels to provide the wing with quality aircraft and equipment," said Staff Sgt. Adam Eastlund, 60th Maintenance Operations Squadron quality assurance inspector. "The most challenging part of the job is the amount of knowledge you must have in aircraft specific technical data, (Air Force Occupational Safety and Health) standards and Air Force Instructions."

Some of the things about which QA must be knowledgeable to evaluate are aircraft and equipment condition, training and proficiency of maintenance technicians and quality verification and special inspections.

The duties of a QA inspector are not just limited to inspections. However, they also must verify the weight and balance of aircraft. After a part is changed on a plane, it is up to QA to perform the weight and balance of the plane before it can takeoff, Eastlund said.

Another responsibility QA handles is to act as the exercise evaluation team for the entire maintenance group, which can be very stressful, Eastlund said.

"Ensuring the safe and reliable maintenance of all assigned aircraft and equipment can be dangerous at times," Eastlund said. "However, educating and training personnel on the flightline is very rewarding."