TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Keeping an aircraft worth hundreds of millions of dollars in tip-top shape is a complex process. Tactical aircraft maintainers are commonly known as "flying crew chiefs" because they're generalists who coordinate the aircraft's readiness and call in specialists like avionics or propulsion technicians when there is a problem.
FCCs are trained in special operation maintenance in addition to the hundreds of hours it takes to become a qualified maintainer.
Tech Sgt. Matthew Smith, 660th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron is one of these flying crew chiefs, maintaining KC-10 Extender aircraft assigned to Travis AFB.
“We accompany any aircraft that flies off station and lands at another location,” Smith said. “We do all the necessary servicing, add oil to engines, fill the jet up with the required fuel load for the next day’s flight and inspect the aircraft for any damage that might have occurred. It’s mostly knowing my job as a crew chief as well as having an understanding of the specialists’ jobs.”
Smith explained they are described as jacks of all trades, but masters of none. “If the aircraft breaks on the road we are the point of contact for diagnosing malfunctions and replacing components,” he said.
FCCs also coordinate with base support, organize with transient alert, arrange crew bus pickups and contact local petroleum, oil and lubricant agencies.
Smith chose to be a crew chief when he decided to enlist in 2006.
“It was a lifelong dream to join the military and I always loved airplanes, so it made sense to me to join the Air Force,” Smith said.
“My father served 20-plus years in the Navy and he always said if he could do it all over again he would go Air Force. My grandfather also served in World War II in the Army Air Corps, transitioning into the Air Force when it became a branch,” he continued.
Aside from basic training and technical school, Smith has spent his entire Air Force career assigned to Travis.
“When I got through training, I saw some crew chiefs in flight suits,” he said. “The section chief told me they were flying crew chiefs and it means they are at the top of their game and the best at their jobs. So right at that moment, I told myself I would become one.”
Chief Master Sgt. Shane Hickman has flown with both the 6th and 9th Air Refueling Squadrons for 15 years as a KC-10 Extender in-flight refueling specialist, more commonly known as a boom operator. He currently holds the position of 60th Operations group superintendent. Aircrew share a close relationship with the FCCs, making the job of flying the airplane much easier.
“With our aging KC-10 fleet, the flying crew chiefs are vital to mission accomplishment,” Hickman said. “When the aircraft are out in the system, there is only so much aircrew can do to troubleshoot and fix maintenance issues as they occur.”
“The flying crew chiefs are the ones who work those issues, many times after a long flight, allowing the aircrew to enter crew rest,” Hickman said. “The partnership between flying crew chiefs and the aircrew is extremely important and is what keeps the mission moving on time.”
The role of an FCC calls to individuals who embrace a problem-solving mindset and commit to the continual work required of them.
“There are so many times I have been on missions and the flying crew chief worked magic to get the aircraft ready for the next day. I have seen these amazing maintainers conduct major maintenance operations while transiting Alaska where the temps continuously fell below freezing to places where the temps continuously stayed above 100°F.
“The expertise they provide and the dedication they display is truly a driving force in keeping the KC-10 fleet in the fight and conducting worldwide operations,” Hickman said.
An FCC must know every inch of the aircraft from nose to tail, conducting day-to-day maintenance, including end-of-runway, post-flight, preflight, thru-flight inspections as well as record keeping and administration.
“Minus the regular crew chief tasks, you need to be familiar with troubleshooting all other systems on the aircraft,” Smith said. “You also need to know how to manage the people you are with and figure out logistical problems as well as getting what we need to get the aircraft off the ground on time.”
“I believe it has enhanced my skills as a leader and helps me think outside of the box. Honestly, at this point in my flying career, there really aren’t any challenges that can’t be overcome with a little knowledge of the technical orders and little tricks I have learned over the years.”
Smith went on to relate a point in his career which particularly stands out in his memory.
“One of the best moments I had was in 2009 while deployed to the Middle East. I just finished launching a jet on a routine mission when I saw a truck fly past me heading to the Horn of Africa alert jet. This is a KC-10 Extender that is on constant preflight by aircrew and remains on alert status. If the need arises, the aircrew can show up to the jet, turn the engines on and go. So after this truck passed me, I headed over to the alert aircraft and asked what was up. The pilot screamed, PIRATES!”
Smith laughed and shrugged it off, got on his headset and prepared to launch. The pilot started all three engines and took off.
“I found out later I launched out the tanker that refueled the aircraft carrying the Navy Seals who rescued ship Capt. Richard Philips when Somali pirates hijacked the Maersk Alabama in the Indian Ocean,” Smith said.
Newly married, Smith hopes to focus more on his family and eventually make the transition to civilian life. But for now, he will continue to fly.
“It still gives me pride to get the mission done,” Smith said.