AGE uses JP-8 to support Travis aircraft

Published May 14, 2012
By Staff Sgt. Patrick Harrower
60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- For those who have flown on Travis aircraft, it may be a mystery that it takes hundreds of pieces of ground equipment to keep those planes mission ready. It may be an even bigger mystery that the fuel keeping some of those machines ready is the very same fuel that powers aircraft. The fuel is Jet Propellant 8 and the technicians that use it are Aerospace Ground Equipment mechanics.

"Every day we use JP-8 in our equipment on the flightline," said Nathaniel Hyder, 60th Maintenance Squadron AGE mechanic. "It is in direct support of every mission and aircraft at Travis."

Hyder's duties are to maintain, deliver and service AGE. Some of the equipment that uses JP-8 are the portable heaters, air start carts and fuel bowsers, he said.

"JP-8 creates the energy used to power our equipment, which provides support for the aircraft and keeps the base mission ready," Hyder said. "Without that fuel, I would not be able to provide the necessary support to keep our planes in the air."

While the fuel is used in the AGE facility, careful precautions still must be taken to keep the environment clean and make sure that it is handled and disposed of properly.

"My favorite part of the job is keeping the environment clean and safe," said Staff Sgt. Joseph Cipponeri, 60th MXS AGE production control supervisor.

Cipponeri's duties are to properly dispose of the waste fuel and fuel filters in his work center. He works with the base hazardous waste facility to ensure proper disposal and handling of JP-8, he said.

"JP-8 can be hazardous and the job does have its dangers, but we make sure to wear the proper personal protection equipment," Cipponeri said. "We take special care in the handling, using and disposing of any and all hazardous material."

While careful concern must be taken for the environment, AGE mechanics must also adhere to high Air Force safety standards.

"Accidents can happen while pumping fuel into the equipment, as well as, while working on the units," Hyder said. "But following the proper safety steps and using the PPE is always a priority; it can be the difference between life and death."

Even though it can be hazardous if it's not handled properly, Hyder still looks forward to the challenges of working with JP-8, he said.

"My favorite part of the job is to learn new equipment and challenge my mechanical skills," Hyder said.