Maintainer In The Cockpit

Posted 10 September 2012

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Photo by SSgt. Bruce Ferris

US Air Force TSgt. Jeremy Pressley, a maintainer with the 58th Aircraft Maintenance Unit at Eglin AFB, Florida, became the first enlisted Airman to conduct a ground engine run of an operational F-35 on 10 September 2012. Pressley is one of two Air Force crew chiefs and two civilians from Air Force Engineering Technical Services civilians who were recently certified on procedures for F-35A ground runs. Once an experienced maintainer completes two days of classroom training, the trainee must pass tests on general and emergency procedures before moving on to a simulator. The training in the simulator allows maintainers to get comfortable with practicing for emergencies. Previously, the 58th AMU could only use trained pilots to conduct engine runs.

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