Metalbasher

I agree whole heartedly, but the problem is that the Govt never plans for updating prints after they start recieving the aircraft. It's has happened with all the weapon systems now...C-5, C-130 and C-141...I know I have addressed several things that should have been updated on the prints and the answer is always the same...no money to do that. Doesn't help that Mother Lockheed wants and arm and a leg to do the task either.

Phenolic stock is getting harder to come by, given it's composition and being a known carconigen. In the past we've made clamp blocks out of nylon or teflon...local machine shops have ample supplies of this stock on hand.

For what's its worth, I'm not sure if the old fabric patches and contact cement option is even in the TO anymore. I know when we made the changes, we updated the -23 and the IPB...not sure about JGs...

For what's its worth, I'm not sure if the old fabric patches and contact cement option is even in the TO anymore. I know when we made the changes, we updated the -23 and the IPB...not sure about JGs...

You don't use either of these anymore. We changed the TO about 2 years ago to reflect new 3M precut tape patches. They are made from the same material that 3Ms Leading Edge tape is made from, so they are self adhesive and pre cut to allow for the proper overlap. They can be ordered in kits or individually for each location and are NSN listed.

It is still an issue but no where near the extent that it was in the day. Now the depot removes that skin panel FS 737-800 completely, removes all the paint, inspects, and then reassembles everything liberally using sprayable sealant and a gloss topcoat of paint (btoh as additional barriers to mitigate the corrosion). I kno wit doesn't sound like much but I can tell you that the normal corrosion issues I saw in the mid-late 80s are now rare to see as a result of new materials and processes. Given the circumstances surrounding this (directly below the urinal and mis-directed urine etc), I'm not sure that you will ever see an aircraft that has the gravitational drain type urinals without some corrosion...chalk it up as piss-poor design flaw.

Operation Christmas Drop is under way once again by Senior Airman Shane Dunaway 36th Wing Public Affairs 12/18/2009 - ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (AFNS) -- More than 12 months of preparation have gone into ensuring this year's four-day air drop mission, known as Operation Christmas Drop, goes smoothly, with countless fundraisers and many drop-off points made available to those wishing to donate supplies and help support Guam's island neighbors in the Marianas, Carolines, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands and the Federal States of Micronesia. Operation Christmas Drop's mission officially kicked off with a Push Ceremony held Dec. 15. Members of the Andersen family and representatives from the local community were on hand to assist in loading boxes onto a C-130 Hercules, in essence preparing the first sortie's load of donations for delivery. "For most of us, Christmas falls on a specific day on our calendar, but this year, on 51 islands, Christmas will begin as it has for over half a century, when you, the (U.S.) Air Force, show up carrying Santa in the sky," said Bill Hagen, long-time volunteer and supporter of Operation Christmas Drop. This is the 58th consecutive year that Operation Christmas Drop missions will fly, making it the longest-running airdrop mission in the history of the Air Force. The concept of Operation Christmas Drop began in 1952 when locals on the island of Kapingamarangi waved to the crew of a WB-50 flying overhead. In the spirit of the holiday season, the crew gathered what they could, packed it into a canister, attached a parachute and dropped it to the islanders. "Islanders affected by the drops like to say that their holiday season doesn't begin until they receive their visit from the U.S. Air Force," said Capt. George Bell, 734th Air Mobility Squadron. "Each drop is certainly a group effort with volunteers and donations coming from across Guam to be packaged and built by members of Andersen AFB and Navy and then dropped by C-130 crews from Yokota (Air Base, Japan). Even though the number of drops this year will not break last year's record, the amount of donations and volunteer hours grow every year." Throughout the year, volunteers from organizations island-wide step up to the plate and donate, ensuring the people on neighboring islands experience a wonderful holiday. Long before the C-130s soar into the sky to execute Operation Christmas Drop, Airmen and volunteers come together for several packing sessions to prepare each box to be dropped. This year the packs took place on Nov. 21 and Dec. 5 with more than 100 Airmen, civilians, contractors and other volunteers helping out. During the four days of Operation Christmas Drop, C-130s will fly 12 sorties, offloading more than 12 tons of cargo to people on at least 51 islands covering a geographic area more than 1.8 million square miles. "I am proud to be a part of the 58th year of Christmas drops," said Capt. Ryan Finlayson, 36th Airlift Squadron. "Christmas drops have been going on since 1952, which was well before I was born. I hope it continues long after I'm gone. I am honored to carry on such a long-lasting tradition." Operation Christmas Drop is a non-profit operation sponsored by volunteers from Andersen and the local community. To date more than 800,000 pounds of goods have been dropped throughout the islands since Operation Christmas Drop inception. "The greatest thing about Operation Christmas Drop is how easily it affects lives for the better," Captain Bell said. "It's great that we can exercise our global reach and help almost 35,000 people throughout the Pacific every year."

Just remember to check the distribution codes on the cover prior to providiing the info. OPSEC!

My comments echo Dave's. Happy Veteran's Day to all past and present. Have you thanked a Veteran today? Please make it a point to do; it’s the least you can do for them, their families and their sacrifices.

The ABDR manual does provide several alternative fixes for various things, i.e. leaks holes etc. I remember we actually added procedure during Just Cause. Most of our a/c from Pope came back with AK-47 round damage, anyway we had one that wing into the wing and the foam acted as advertised and slowed the velocity down enough to keep it from penatrating the access panel. Rather than go "in tank" to do the permanent repair, we used a 1/2" drywall molly-bolt cover in "O-Tab" Fuel Cell Putty (aka pig putty) to plug the hole and then covered with the fastener head with sealant (layers of the stuff). Held for several missions with no leaks until we had the time to do the permanent repair. Got to admit, didn't sound like it would work but worked like a champ...someone submitted the AFTO 22 for incorporation in to the TO.

Well, I'd say just go with the flow but since Survival Equipment (old parachute shop, raft shop and sewing shop) combined AFSCs with Life Support that organic capability of being able to maintain those type things has all gone to contractors. I think most Survival Shops have turned in the equipment, so they simply don't have the capability anymore. Some may still have the equipment in the AOR...might be more of a HABU (hook a brother up) type quick fix. Scott

Yes they worked pretty good as flashlights...I know there were many nights I went out to an aircraft and needed a light (forgot mine or mine went dead etc) and pulled one of these out to use. I know it aggravated a few crew chiefs because they had to go back and re-secure it in place with the copper wire.

Interesting thought process... Congress set to cut C-130 AMP funds, OSD postpones key decision. August 10, 2009—One of the three C-130 avionics modernization program test aircraft sporting its new digital cockpit dropped by Hickam AFB, Hawaii, last week on a Pacific region tour designed to provide an evaluation of its integrated systems as it flew across international datelines. Testing with the third AMP-Herk began ahead of schedule this spring, and USAF already had given Boeing a low rate initial production contract last fall for the first two LRIP AMP kits. However, there is some question at this point whether Congress will continue to fund the C-130 AMP, in which USAF planned to upgrade about 221 Hercules (the three test aircraft and 218 others currently in H2, H2.5, and H3 configurations). The current LRIP plan called Boeing to provide 26 production kits and install them on 11 aircraft, with the remainder installed by Air Force depot technicians and some by other as-yet-determined companies. However, both defense appropriators and authorizers zeroed the C-130 AMP dollars in the 2010 defense budget request, despite expressing some support for the program. According to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, the Air Force will not be able to execute 2008 and 2009 funding until sometime this summer, obviating the need for any more funding until 2011. Both committees, and the House Appropriations Committee, removed $209.5 million for the C-130 AMP in the 2010 defense budget request. All three committees cite the program's one-year delay in starting production as proof it doesn't need the 2010 funding. However, according to defense analyst Loren Thompson, the lawmakers are making decisions based on outdated information about "problems that don't actually exist." And yet, OSD may be reconsidering its support for the program, having recently delayed the Milestone C decision that would have permitted continued production.

by Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski U.S. Air Forces Central combat camera team 8/10/2009 - BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (AFNS) -- A team of Bagram Airfield Airmen airdropped an M198 artillery piece to an Army unit in a remote Eastern-part of Afghanistan Aug. 8. New York, Ohio and Missouri Air Guard members joined with reservists and active-duty Airmen to form the total-force aircrew that loaded and delivered the 155 mm Howitzer that weighed more than 10 tons onto a C-130 Hercules from the Missouri Air National Guard. "Five good chutes, that's all we could ask for," said Senior Master Sgt. Kevin Gifford, a joint airdrop inspector from the New York ANG. "It means the Army loaders did their job right and we did our job right and everything went according to plan." Sergeant Gifford was onboard the C-130 to ensure the enormous cargo pallet would exit the aircraft properly and safely. He and the loadmasters -- Missouri Air National Guard members Staff Sgt. Ed Huff and Master Sgt. Dennis Mowry -- loaded the Howitzer from one location and airdropped it to the crew waiting below. "Anything the guys on the ground need to do their job we get to them - beans, bullets and sometimes artillery pieces," said Sergeant Mowry, a 34-year Air Force veteran. "This was just our way of helping out in the war. Now that the Soldiers have that Howitzer, they have something bigger to shoot back with." The crew of the 36-foot long cannon will have the ability to send high-explosive shells at insurgents threatening the peace and security of the Paktika Province. Airlift is an essential part of operations in Afghanistan, where the mountainous region can delay or even prevent delivery convoys, said Lt. Col. Dave Koltermann, the 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron commander. "Airlift gives us the ability to get cargo anywhere on the planet," said Colonel Koltermann, a New York Air National Guard member. "It gets troops off the roads and rather than risking a convoy, we can fly cargo anywhere it needs to go. This was a joint effort by the Army and Air Force with total force assets all working seamlessly to help the troops on the ground."

Crew Chief type or what...I was there from 90-94 working Sheet Metal and selling cars at Kelly & Kelly Scott

So all of them (88-1301 thru 88-1308) are going to Whiskeys? Are they then moving to Cannon or what...don't think the DARB has a Whiskey mission. I know they converted from a training mission to an operational.

The phenolic has most likely been replaced with a plastic block. You can always take the blocks you have on the aircraft to the local Metals Tech Shop for a local manufacture job. They have usually have the solid stock plastic on hand and can mill it out as per sample or from scratch if you know the tubing dimensions.

Or these guys...Tepper Aviation located at Crestview in FL. I was down there the other day and saw two white commercial C-130s in a hangar, one tail # was N3867X...didn't get the to the other. I assume covert actions...any ideas?

A C-130 Hercules crew rapidly and correctly analyzed a developing situation, applied emergency procedures and recovered an aircraft, its passengers and crew without incident after encountering unforeseen wind shear May 20 in Southwest Asia. The 737th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron C-130 and its crew, hailing from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, was carrying 45 Soldiers when it was suddenly hit by violent winds while on approach to Al Asad Air Base in Iraq. "We were on our initial approach into Al Asad," said Capt. Andrew Gillis, a 737th EAS C-130 aircraft commander and native of San Jose, Calif. "We were the third aircraft to go in. No one else reported any issues. In the middle of our approach, it started getting real rocky, and our air speed indicator ended up bouncing up and down plus or minus 20 knots." Falling back on countless hours of training and simulations, Captain Gillis advanced the throttles to max power to break off the descent and go around again. There was only one problem. "We had absolutely max power from the airplane," Captain Gillis said. "There's a specific escape maneuver, and we were in the process of doing that maneuver, but the airplane was still sinking." Tech. Sgt. Joe Holloway, the aircraft's flight engineer and a son of Pensacola, Fla., said even the crew on the ground could tell the aircraft was in a difficult situation. "The controller even asked, 'Confirm you're going to climb,'" he said. "So even he knew." Finally, after sinking through the wind shear for almost seven miles, the C-130 began to climb again. "We didn't climb away until we reached the approach end of the runway," Captain Gillis said. "So we had to be in it for seven miles, about two minutes. It started at 1,800 feet above the ground, and we recovered at 1,000 feet." With the winds making a safe landing impossible, the crew headed for home, enduring another 30 minutes of intense turbulence. 1st Lt. Jeff Stanek, the aircraft's navigator, said the wind shear and turbulence were caused by a massive storm front hundreds of miles away. "There was a huge storm front the size of California that moved over Turkey," said the native of Marlboro, Md. "And it moved faster than anticipated. We were clear of the actual storm, but the gust front in front of the storm is what we hit." Lt. Col. Buff Burkel, the 737th EAS commander, said the C-130 crew performed just as they were trained to and by doing so safely recovered their aircraft, their passengers and themselves. "It's definitely what I expect from my Desert Foxes," she said. "Flying is a profession that is inherently dangerous. We spend a lot of training time teaching and practicing emergency procedures that may occur in the flight environment. Training, discipline, professionalism and teamwork are the standards. Captain Gillis and his crew met them that night."

me too please spward@cox.net Scott

From the Robins Museum of Aviation webpage...the last acft modified is still in the modified configuration on display behind the museum. Lockheed YMC-130H In 1981 it was one of three C-130H aircraft that were specially modified for use in a possible rescue attempt of the Americans held hostage in Iran in 1981. Code named "Credible Sport", the stock C-130H aircraft had highly modified flight control, flap system and airframe components allowed the installation of various rocket systems for short take off and landing (STOL) capabilities unique to the rescue operation. Although never actually used, one of the aircraft was destroyed during testing and second was demodified and returned to service and the third, this one on display, was retired to the Museum in 1987.

I don't know anything about 946, but do know that 539 was "Franken-Herk" as they say. Worked it at Pope and Yokota. It was rumored to have had major structural damage and was peice-milled back together with bits and pieces of 3-4 different acft that were donors for one reason or another. Ran across a few things weren't necessarily the way they should have been, especially in comparison to other acft, structurally anyway. Scott

News story said that the SEALS jumped into the ocean in order to meet up w/ the boat so one could assume it was via C-130.

Anyone happen to know where Tony Holmes is now...he was the FE on 945 that crashed at Bragg...one of the two that survived. Last I saw him, he was the club master at arms at Yokota in 94-95

U.S. Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs 3/27/2009 - RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFNS) -- American and Polish airmen delivered the first of five refurbished C-130E Hercules military transport planes and spare parts March 24 to the Polish air force at Powidz Air Base, Poland. "It's a great day for them to celebrate the arrival of the Hercules. It's vital to them being able to -- own their own -- organically pick up and go," said Air Force Maj. Gen. William A. Chambers, the U.S. Air Forces in Europe director of air and space operations. "They're one of our allies who are very willing to go," he said. "Whether it is Afghanistan or Iraq, they've been alongside the Americans in both fights. The 'Herc' is a great symbol of the American-Polish partnership, and we're grateful to be alongside them." It was a sentiment echoed by Polish Brig. Gen. Tadeusz Mikutel, the 33rd Air Base commander. "This is a milestone for our air defense. The plane is able to carry 17 tons of equipment or 90 equipped soldiers. That is why the plane will leave (our) CASA planes behind," General Mikutel said. Also on hand for the celebration were Stanislaw Komorowski, Poland's vice minister of defense; Polish Lt. Gen. Andrzej Blasik, commander of the Polish air force; Pamela Quanrud, the deputy chief of mission for the American Embassy in Warsaw; and several Polish military and local government authorities. The new plane expands the Polish air force's ability to transport troops and equipment, while providing support for evacuation and humanitarian operations. Its presence in the Polish fleet will also increase their interoperability with other air forces because the C-130 is used by several nations around the world, to include NATO allies. The C-130 received an escort to Powidz AB by F-16s from the Polish air force when it neared its final destination, and performed two flyovers of the gathered crowd to showcase the newest addition to the Polish inventory. Upon landing, both the American and Polish crews were recognized for the achievement. "I think we can accomplish a lot of missions to deliver cargo to our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq," said Polish Sgt. Andrzej Kozera, a C-130 flight engineer. The Reserve aircrew from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, and an active-duty loadmaster from Edwards AFB, Calif., picked the plane up in Waco, Texas, with their Polish counterparts after its refurbishment and flew it across the Atlantic, stopping at Ramstein AB. It made its final leg to Powidz AB, where it will become part of the 14th Lift Squadron. The entire project, including total refurbishment of five aircraft, support equipment, supplies, training and contracted logistics support, is valued at $120 million. The donation is a result of an American pledge to provide Poland with such a capability, and is fully funded through bilateral military assistance grant money. The delivery of the five modernized and upgraded aircraft is scheduled to be complete in the summer of 2010.