Underwing platform aids C-17 maintainers Published Sept. 27, 2007 By Amanda Creel 78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFPN) -- A new underwing maintenance platform will help C-17 Globemaster III maintainers continue their mission safer and more effectively, said base officials here. The advent of the platform was made possible by the combined efforts of the Boeing Company and the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center. The cooperative effort of the Boeing and air logistics center teams will translate into better support for the warfighter, said Brig. Gen. Mark A. Atkinson, the commander of the 402nd Maintenance Wing. Delivery of the robust C-17 maintenance platforms represents a solid commitment to the C-17 partnership under the Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership contract, said Billy Mitchell, the deputy director of the C-17 System Sustainment manager. These platforms will enhance efficiency of local C-17 maintenance operations and significantly improve safety for the 402nd Maintenance Wing workforce, he said. "Important C-17 maintenance can now be preformed by aircraft artisans with much easier access to maintenance areas and operating on much safer working surfaces," Mr. Mitchell said. "These platforms permit access to all underwing and flight control areas and safety is enhanced by fall protection for workers." The platform, which is assembled in sections and joined together to form one working unit, will provide access to the under and overwing surfaces, center fuselage panels, winglet and wing flight controls. "Its going to be a big help," said Mitch Faraona, a C-17 aircraft mechanic. "Before, we had to use a man lift and drive it back and forth." The platform eliminates a lot of the safety concerns for the workers and a lot of the risk of damaging the aircraft during maintenance, officials said. "Overall it's going to increase the productivity of all the skills of the workforce," said Doug Smith, a pneudraulic work leader. The platform is equipped with articulating stairways for easy access to its deck and connect to the current infrastructure of the hangar providing additional lighting, electricity and high-pressure air and utility pneumatic power to the mechanic. It is the first of two delivered to the squadron to help the maintainers continue their mission in support of the warfighter. "We are excited about the tremendous enhancement of capabilities and features provided by these platforms that enable (us) to improve service to the warfighter," Mr. Mitchell said. Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) Click here to view the comments/letters page