Communication revolution, maintainers connect using video chat

Published May 31, 2016
By Staff Sgt. Kat Justen
459th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- Maintainers at the 459th Air Refueling Wing are members of the first Air Force Reserve unit to participate in the successful test-launch of a new capability to enhance worksite efficiency by utilizing tablets with data connectivity at aircraft repair sites.

"Air Force Reserve Command has given us the ability to use cellular data on our tablets to talk back and forth," said Master Sgt. Kevin Cecil, 459th Maintenance Group integrated avionics systems quality assurance inspector.

The data connection, which started last week, gives maintainers access to communication applications such as instant messenger and video chat to communicate with supervisors and the shop.

Until now, if a maintainer had an issue while working on one of the 459th's KC-135R Stratotankers, such as missing a tool or needing a part, he or she would have to track down one of the few land mobile radios to request for help or pack up, walk back to the shop, retrieve the item then return to the aircraft.

"It's a time saver for the folks who are out on the flight line who usually don't have a radio with them. If we are on the line and need someone from the shop to evaluate an issue, we can take a picture or video chat so they can have an idea of what they need when they go out there."

So what's wrong with using radios for two-way communication? The major difference in the use of LMRs versus tablets comes down to cost and availability.

"Not everyone has a radio because we have a limited number," said Cecil. "The radios cost about $5,000 apiece, and these [tablets] cost about $700 apiece."

Eventually, AFRC may do away with the LMR system completely in favor of connected tablets.

"What we like to do is replace the LMR system," said Corey Runge, Headquarters AFRC eTools program manager. "Part of this test is a survey. Anything they can think of to make this process better we'll get that feedback and go from there."

Although tablets are not new to the Air Force Reserve, use of a data connection in conjunction with the handheld devices is only now beginning to be utilized.

"In the past, we basically had a PDF reader," said Runge. "There was no connection. Now we have more capability. We want to have more collaboration and basically give them the ability to chat and have more efficiency on the job."

Even though it has only been a week since the launch of the program, Runge and his AFRC team feel confident maintainers across the Reserve will start to see more tablet connectivity in the near future.

"We foresee it being very successful, and command is already looking at funding it across the board," said Runge.

The improvements do not stop at connectivity, however, as AFRC continues to reach for further advancements to help streamline flight line repair and maintenance operations.

"What we will do in the future is add more capability: card readers, access to their maintenance data systems and basically give them more efficiency at the point of maintenance," said Runge

Communications Revolution