Photo By Master Sgt. Jeff Walston | U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Benjamin McElwain, a loadmaster assigned to the 714th...... read more read more
With the repositioning of aircraft belonging to the 913th Airlift Group at Little Rock Air Force Base almost finished, the 913 AG is focusing on completing the transition training from the C-130H Hercules to the newer C-130J Super Hercules model.
The transition has not been quick or easy. Becoming certified on the “J” model requires maintainers, pilots, and loadmasters to complete some level of conversion training. Most of the courses are at least six months long. Fortunately, the training takes place at the 314th Airlift Wing, Little Rock AFB, which is the nation's tactical airlift "Center of Excellence" and trains C-130 aircrew members from the Department of Defense, Coast Guard, and 47 allied nations. Annually, the wing trains more than 1,300 students, including more than 200 international students, making it DoD's largest international flight training program.
“The 913th Maintenance Squadron has approximately 230 members that will require some type of J model formal conversion training followed by several months of Air Force Specialty Code specific task qualification (aircraft hands on) training,” said Chief Master Sgt. Ralph E. Babcock II, superintendent, 913th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.
Pilots choosing to stay at Little Rock with the J model will also have to undergo training and certification.
“There’s a big difference between the “H” and the “J” models,” said Master Sgt. Josh Burton, Standardization/Evaluation loadmaster, 327th Airlift Squadron. “The “J” is mostly computers, and almost all automated, where the legacy, or “H,” is all hands-on.”
According to Burton, all 913 AG loadmasters will be retrained on the J model, not counting those that will be hired in the near future.
The training process for the 913 AG is projected to be completed around September 2016, but aircrews will continue to gain experience and proficiency for an additional 18 months.
With the transition to the C-130J, the working relationship between the 913 AG and the 19th Airlift Wing will change. Details of the future working relationship are being worked out between the different units, but when it is complete, the 913 AG will be designated a “classic association,” where Reserve Airmen will work side by side with active duty Airmen on their aircraft.
| Date Taken: | 02.21.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 06.12.2017 14:13 |
| Story ID: | 237528 |
| Location: | LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, ARKANSAS, US |
| Web Views: | 204 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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