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MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) - Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base will continue to be home to eight C-130s despite plans in President Barack Obama's 2013 budget request to move the aircraft, citing a need for greater efficiency. U.S. Representative Martha Roby (R-Dist 2) confirmed Monday the planes will be staying in Montgomery after the state's delegation sought to keep in place a temporary 2012 decision not to move forward with the transfer. The planes support more than 550 jobs in Montgomery. The U.S. Air Force suspended the planes' transfer in November 2012 after Alabama's Congressional Delegation began scrutinizing the plan, which the Obama administration said was part of efforts to create greater efficiency. Instead, the Air Force actually assigned an additional plane to the Montgomery fleet bringing the total to eight. Following meetings with the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Air Force by Alabama's U.S. senators and several representatives to address the cost saving benefits of the plan, an insert was added to the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act that makes it a requirement for the Air Force to conduct and publish a cost-benefit analysis before moving forward. “The Air Force's report confirms what we had suspected all along: relocating Maxwell's C-130s didn't meet the Air Force's cost-savings goals,” Rep. Roby said. “By requiring the Air Force to conduct and provide an actual cost-benefit analysis, we were able to stop an arbitrary reshuffling of aircraft that would have disrupted the important mission there at Maxwell." The report's analysis lists Maxwell's C-130s as its "most efficient basing alignment" through 2020. The report does indicate, however, that the national C-130 fleet will be reduced by 20 over the next three years. “Our Alabama delegation has been highly engaged on this issue over the past few years, and it is nice to see our teamwork pay off. I appreciate the diligent work of Senators Shelby and Sessions, as well as my colleague here in the House, Rep. Mike Rogers.” View source article: http://www.wsfa.com/story/28850710/maxwell-afb-to-keep-all-8-of-its-c-130-aircraft View full article

Dear Forum,I have encountered a TD Control problem that bothering me for the past 3 weeks and still not resolved. We have a test cell for testing both -15 Bare and QEC engines couple to a Water Brake for power adsorption. All these while have been working fine until recently. Consecutively 4 QEC engines failed test as a result of the same problems:1. Engine unable to run to take off TIT of 1077°C when Throttle Lever at 90 degrees2. Unable to perform Normal Limiting Check as Relay unable to activate. The strange part is the above checks will fail only when the QEC engines were tested with Raven Solid State TD Amp (P/N: 23052609A). As part of the troubleshooting, we used the oldBendix TD Amp (P/N: 5502636-4) and all were working perfectly. Extensive troubleshooting has been performed for all QEC engines with a quick summary as follows:No. 1 QEC Engine – Unable to achieve take off TIT of 1077°C. TIT starts to trim down at 1060°CComponents changed include Raven TD Amp (replaced twice), QEC Relay box, J3 Lead between TD Amp to TD Valve, TD Valve, Thermocouple Cable, Thermocouple Terminal Block, Coordinator & complete Thermocouple set. Verified QEC wiring and no fault foundNo. 2 QEC Engine – Unable to achieve take off TIT of 1077°C. TIT starts to trim down at 1063°C As FCU outlet pressure was observed to be too high, it was replaced and same problem persisted. This is the only engine passed test after replacing the TD ValveNo. 3 QEC Engine – Unable to achieve take off TIT of 1077°C. Actual TIT observed at 1082°C and unable to trim downComponents changed include Raven TD Amp (3 times), TD Valve, J3 Lead and Thermocouple set. Also carried out Null orifice adjustment on TDV to bring down the scale by 1.5 and onsite verification of the potentiometer for the Coordinator with no fault found. No. 4 QEC Engine – Unable to achieve take off TIT of 1077°C. TIT starts to trim down at 1067°C Components change include Raven TD Amp (changed twice). Also adjusted the Null Orifice on TDV by increasing 2 major scale. Carried out adjustment on BIAS & SLOPE setting on TD Amp by increasing 2 and 8 clicks respectively. TIT is able to achieve but failed Normal Limiting Check as Relay unable to cut in. At this juncture, we decided that it could be problems with the power supplies or grounding as the Solid State Raven TD Amp may be sensitive to power drop or noise interference. 2 dedicated external Power supplies (one for 115 VAC, 400 Hz & the other 28 VDC) were connected direct to the J4 connection to the TD Amp. A dedicated Ground Cable was connected from the TD Amp all the way to the building ground. With all the above efforts, TD Control system still failed to function as desired. I am totally running out of ideal. Can anyone shedding some light what I can do further to get out of this difficult situation?

There would be "More" blade angle change and speed variation with an outboard engine due to the moment of the engine position and the change in airflow caused by the advancing wing and retreating wing. The outboard prop would speed up due to increased air flow or slow down due to reduced airflow both requiring blade angle changes so there may be some credit to this but I never heard that...

As I am sure you have noticed, we have made some changes to the site. These updates will bring increased site functionality, improved social network connections, support for mobile rowswers and host of other enhancements. As we proceed with the migration, we will update this post with additional information; please review it periodically. Feel free to reply to this topic with any feedback and/or questions you may have. Why the change was made About a year and a half ago, a new version of the software suite that the old site used was released and the old version (ours) is no longer supported. Without a supported version, we are no longer able to apply version upgrades/patches and therefore, it has become increasingly difficult to secure the site and to ensure compatibility with new browsers, programing languages, etc. We would have been happy to up grade to the new version but unfortunately, the new version did not have all the features (a gallery and a content management system to name two key elements). Despite promising to release updates and add additional features, they have made little progress in developing a product that meets our needs. After a year and a half of waiting, we had no choice but to move forward with a new software suite. It is what's best for the long term viability of the site. What can I do if I am having trouble loading/browsing the site? Try clearing your browser's cache. http://www.wikihow.com/Clear-Your-Browser's-CacheUpdate your bookmark to http://www.c-130hercules.net ( http://www.C-130hercules.net/content.php ) longer exists.New features Drag and drop image postingMobile browser compatibilityFacebook, LinkedIn and Microsoft loginSocial media share buttons for post, articles and other pagesChat function for real time communicationSupport ticket functionAbility to add a profile page cove photosMore to follow...Lost Features: GroupsA few user avatarsItems that have to be restored/repaired Forums - The biggest portion of the attached images will need to be reattachedGallery - complete reload required, all images, including user images will be restoredC-130 News - Reload of all images will be required (Forum and Articles sectionsC-130 Photos of the weekForums -reload of all images will be requiredArticles - complete reload requiredFile Archive - complete reload requiredC-130 Database - All data intact, site page wrapper integration requiredProbably a few more that I can't think of right now...What you can do to help If there are missing attachments in your posts and if you still have the original attachment, please edit the post and reattach the images. This has the potential to decrease my work load drastically.Most importantly, have faith. This community is extremely important to me and I will always do what's best for it. Just as we did following the upgrade a few years back, we will be glad that we made the change.While we migrate to the new site If there is a specific attachment, image or other item that you need restored and we haven't gotten to it yet, let me know and I will make it a priority. Thank you for your patience and welcome to the new C-130Hercules.net! --Casey

[ATTACH=CONFIG]4824[/ATTACH] BILOXI, MS (WLOX) - The Flying Jennies are staying in Biloxi. The Air Force has officially abandoned plans to deactivate the 815th Tactical Airlift Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base, which would have transferred the squadron's 10 C-130J transport aircraft to another state. The decision was formally submitted to defense committees in Congress on Tuesday. The 815th is best known for air dropping supplies and paratroopers but can also be used to provide airlift, employment operations or aero medical evacuations. The Air Force first proposed relocating the aircraft in February 2012 as a cost cutting measure. The 815th Air Squadron employs 501 employees, and more than 100 employees with the 345th Associate Squadron. "The Air Force proposal to relocate aircraft from South Mississippi never made sense from an operational or taxpayer perspective, two points that we've stressed from the beginning. The reexamination and rejection of that plan is the right decision, and I look forward to additional conversations with the Air Force to ensure the manpower and mission of the 815th Tactical Airlift Squadron are fully restored," said Senator Thad Cochran, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and its Subcommittee on Defense. "I am pleased to have worked with Senator Wicker, Congressman Palazzo and others to show that Keesler Air Force Base is the correct home for the Flying Jennies." "Today's announcement is a major win for the future stability of Keesler Air Force Base, as well as the many communities and businesses that depend on it," said Sen. Roger Wicker, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and its Subcommittee on Airland. "We successfully made the case that the transfer of the planes would not achieve the savings the Air Force seemed to suggest. This was not an easy fight, but it was one that needed to be fought. I am grateful to Secretary James and General Welsh for working with us, and for recognizing the value that Keesler provides to the Air Force and the Gulf Coast." "Today marks a great victory for South Mississippi. For more than three years we have demanded the Air Force provide adequate justification for moving our C-130Js. With today's confirmation that Keesler's planes will stay where they belong, we can finally put this issue to bed," said Congressman Steven Palazzo, who serves on the House Appropriations Committee. "This is outstanding news for Keesler, the Mississippi Gulf Coast and the entire state of Mississippi," Gov. Phil Bryant said. "Mississippi's military facilities are vital to the state's economy, and they are integral to the communities in which they are located. We have been working for several years to prevent the unjustified relocation of these aircraft, and today we see the results of our teamwork. I thank Sen. Cochran, Sen. Wicker and Congressman Palazzo for their efforts." Last July, the Air Force withdrew a provision in its November 2013 deactivation notice that prohibited replacing personnel for the 815th Airlift Squadron. Dropping that provision allowed the unit to maintain its current strength at Keesler while the congressional delegation worked to retain the squadron and the Flying Jennies in South Mississippi. View original article: http://www.myfoxal.com/story/28797858/air-force-drops-plan-to-move-flying-jennies-from-keesler-afb

Sunday in the largest formation flown by the 166th Airlift Wing since its departure for Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.The rare formation flight of six of the massive aircraft to New Jersey – training more than 40 aircrew members, along with uncounted maintenance and support personnel on the ground – was to include low-level flying routes and several actual airdrops.The Wing permanently is assigned eight such aircraft, but due to worldwide commitments and long-term maintenance, rarely flies more than five in a formation.Base Commander Col. Michael J. Feeley had a base-wide commander's call on the flight line before takeoff to recognize the significance of the event that involved everyone in the Wing.Its personnel – including more than 1,150 men and women at the New Castle Air National Guard Base at New Castle Airport – provide tactical airlift and airdrop of troops and cargo, in addition to aeromedical evacuation, civil engineer and network warfare functions. View original article: http://www.delawareonline.com/story/...base/25689487/ View full article

Captain Katie Higgins is a native of Severna Park, Maryland, and graduated from W.T. Woodson High School in 2004. She attended the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science in 2008, and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. Katie then attended Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., and graduated with a Masters of Arts in International Security in 2009.Katie reported to Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida, for aviation indoctrination in November 2009. She completed primary flight training in the T-6B Texan II at NAS Whiting Field, Florida, and completed intermediate and advanced training in the T-44 Pegasus while assigned to Training Squadron 31 (VT-31) at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas. She received her wings of gold in October 2011.Katie then reported to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, North Carolina, for initial training in the KC-130J Hercules. She reported to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR-252), “Otis,” at MCAS Cherry Point, in May 2012, to begin training in the KC-130J Harvest Hercules Armament Weapons Kit. While assigned to VMGR-252, Katie deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and to Africa with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis-Response in support of contingency operations.Katie has flown almost 400 combat hours in support of numerous operations and exercises in Afghanistan, Djibouti, France, Greece, South Sudan, Spain, and Uganda.Katie joined the Blue Angels in September 2014. She has accumulated more than 1,000 flight hours. Her decorations include five Air Medals, and various unit and personal awards. View original article... View full article

[ATTACH=CONFIG]4813[/ATTACH] CHEYENNE, Wyo. – The sweat droplets on the faces of the Modular Airborne FireFighting Systems crew members were in a tight race to hit their jaw line and fall to the floor of the flight deck. The crew had flown this mission hundreds of times, but this flight was different. The flight deck on the C-130H aircraft was overwhelmingly stuffy as Maj. Jack Berquist informed his crew that their landing gear was malfunctioning – something that has never happened on a MAFFS mission or in the unit itself. Moments after dropping slurry on fires in Utah last August, the crew circled the skies, hoping to land at Hill Air Force Base as they troubleshot the nose gear malfunction. As they prepped for an emergency landing, Berquist aimed the aircraft toward the foam that had been sprayed on the runway and landed, skidding hundreds of feet to the resonance of aircraft metal skidding on concrete, where the aircraft finally came to a stop. All six aircrew members walked away without injury and only minor damage was sustained to the $37 million aircraft. Less than a year later, today, the 153rd Airlift Wing, Wyoming Air National Guard, is preparing to fly MAFFS for its 30th year. The wing has flown the MAFFS mission since 1975; last year was the only major mishap the wing had while flying MAFFS. In fact, since the inception of the MAFFS program in 1970, the only significant accident occurred in July 2012, when a C-130 from the 145th Airlift Wing, North Carolina Air National Guard, went down in the Black Hills National Forest near Edgemont, South Dakota, tragically killing four airmen and wounding two others. “Being involved in MAFFS is some of the most challenging, yet rewarding flying our crew members will ever be involved in,†said Chief Master Sgt. Jack Goeken, loadmaster supervisor at the 153rd Airlift Wing who has been flying the MAFFS mission for 23 years. “We are inside the rear of the aircraft and can’t visually see the terrain that we will be flying through while we are running our checklists and arming the system for the drops. “You have to trust everyone on the crew to communicate quickly and effectively to accomplish the mission in a difficult flying environment.†MAFFS units are portable fire retardant delivery systems that can slide into military C-130 aircraft to convert the transports into airtankers. The unit can hold 3,000 gallons of slurry which can be incrementally dropped or totally emptied in less than five seconds to cover an area a quarter of a mile long by 60 feet wide. As one of four MAFFS-equipped military units across the nation, the 153rd is responsible for providing 25 percent of the Department of Defense’s MAFFS capability. MAFFS also highlights the interagency coordination between the U.S. Forest Service and the DOD as the USFS owns the MAFFS equipment and supplies the fire retardant, while the DOD provides the C-130 aircraft, aircrew and aircraft maintainers. “The Department of Defense is an important partner in wildland fire suppression,†said Robin Patterson, MAFFS liaison officer for the U.S. Forest Service. “The military C-130s that convert into airtankers provide the local, state and federal government agencies that suppress wildland fires with a surge capacity. This capacity is very important during the ‘shoulder seasons’ of late fall and early spring as well as during periods of high fire activity in the summer months. Airtankers are especially important in initial attack, or the early stages of responding to a wildfire, because they can help firefighters on the ground suppress fires while they are still small and keep them from growing into large, dangerous and costly fires.†The annually-certified crews who fly the arduous MAFFS mission are highly experienced, averaging more than 3,500 flight hours in each aircrew position while also undergoing additional classroom instruction and flight training. This year the commander for the Air Expeditionary Group, which oversees the MAFFS mission’s operations, is a pilot from the Wyoming Air National Guard. Col. Scott Sanders, who has been flying for 22 years, and has been MAFFS-qualified for six. “The MAFFS mission is, in fact, very safe,†Sanders said. “However, every crew understands they must respect the performance limitations of the aircraft, maintain situational awareness of the fire activity, the terrain and the weather, and strictly adhere to published guidance, to ensure safety and mission success.†In 2012 and 2013, Wyoming’s own MAFFS 1 and 3, flew almost 260 flight hours, on 166 sorties involving 54 incidents in nine states while dropping 732,575 gallons of retardant, providing one-fifth of the total support during these two seasons. “MAFFS is by far the most challenging mission we fly here at the 187th Airlift Squadron,†said Chief Master Sgt. Raymond Arnold, flight engineer supervisor who has flown MAFFS for 27 years. “Flying in mountainous terrain, unstable air and poor visibility added with flying low, slow and heavy requires great skill from the crews. With that said, MAFFS is on every C-130 operator’s wish list of missions to fly,†he said. As the 153rd ramps up for their annual MAFFS training in May, the crews also hope they don’t have to utilize their skills and training this summer because that means that wildfires are actively burning somewhere. However, they take immense pride in doing so as past precedence has proven flying the mission saves those things whose worth cannot be measured: Wildlife, forests and homes. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to actively lead a mission that’s so vital to saving lives and infrastructure,†Sanders said. View original article: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/159637/wyoming-air-guard-prepares-another-maffs-season#.VShTict0yHs

[ATTACH=CONFIG]4811[/ATTACH] A British Royal Air Force C-130 Hercules (ZH867 c/n [cn]5416[/cn])has been assisting UNMISS to transport critical supplies to UN camps. It conducted over 20 flights between Entebbe, Juba and Malakal, Upper Nile State, moving on average 25 tons of cargo per day, over the last two weeks. Flying under challenging terrain conditions, a lack of air traffic radar equipment, and ongoing conflict on the ground, this is the first deployment of a UK C-130 to a UN peacekeeping operation in Africa. It has contributed enormously to the UN Air Transport Fleet by doubling its air-lift capacity. The aircraft, deployed with a support team of 13 staff officers, has moved UN vehicles, building supplies, water, engineering equipment, and other vital materials needed ahead of the rainy season to equip Malakal’s UN base, which is also currently assisting over 26,000 internally displaced persons in the Protection of Civilians site. Photos: UNMISS/JC McIlwaine View original article: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.819114058164267.1073742398.160839527325060&type=1