Published on: March 10, 2016
The 145th Maintenance Squadron recently received their long awaited C-130 Isochronal Inspection (ISO) Aircraft Maintenance Platforms at the North Carolina Air National Guard Base, Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
The stands started arriving May 23rd and were completed June 3rd, 2015. These stands are part of an Air Force-wide mission to replace aircraft maintenance stands for all C-130 aircraft. Engineered and built by Flexible Lifeline Systems of Houston, TX, at a cost of 1.2 million dollars, these stands will improve overall safety for maintenance personnel and provide better access to all parts of the C-130 aircraft for the maintainers.
These new stands will increase maintainer’s efforts to provide high quality dependable aircraft in support of the Wings dynamic mission requirements,” said Senior Master Sgt. Chris Mueller, 145th MXS Inspection Dock Supervisor.
Built of high strength aluminum and ruggedly constructed using anti-slip and anti-bounce safety tread, aircraft maintainers will have a larger work platform under and around the aircraft for heavy maintenance jobs and ensured firm footing during complex maintenance task. All stands are built to rigorous OSHA Standards and help provide additional fall protection when working at or above aircraft wing heights.
“Our new maintenance stands will help us do our job in a safer manner.” said Lt. Col. Cecil 145th Maintenance Group Deputy Commander, “These stands provide much better lighting for under the wing and wheel well areas. They are big and hard to move but in the end they will make it safer for our Airman to complete the mission!”