Photo By Sgt. Rebecca Eller | Cpl. Joshua McAnally, an aviation electrician with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. - Avionics is the technology of the development and use of electrical equipment and electronic devices in aviation. For Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 121, avionics means something more; without it, the F/A 18D wouldn’t operate.
“Avionics is the shop that will take care of all the electronic systems for the F/A-18. We have a lot of different systems,” said Gunnery Sgt. Aaron Zappardino, the communication-navigation staff noncommissioned officer in charge with VMFA(AW)-121, and a San Diego, native. “The computers control everything from radar to navigation to communication systems.”
Avionics for VMFA(AW)-121 is divided into two separate shops: the electronics shop and the communication-navigation shop. Avionics isn’t necessarily always separated, but for VMFA(AW)-121 it makes avionics run smoother, said Zappardino.
While each section aids its counterpart, the separation of sections allows the unit to control individual components, explained Zappardino.
Based on the status of the aircraft, the Marines’ main purpose in the unit is to flexibly support the flight schedule.
Although the work schedule moves at a fast pace, the Marines agree that it’s worth a sense of accomplishment.
“The pilots are up there, and they are doing something fairly complicated – something that will help with an operation’s success,” said Lance Cpl. Douglas Lipka, an avionics technician for VMFA(AW)-121 and a Carson City, Nev., native.
Maintenance technicians are the key to operational success. Technicians ensure every component is working properly and all safety measures are met, explained Lipka.
Avionics requires in-depth training and has several challenges, but there is pride in avionics for VMFA(AW)-121.
For Zappardino, the challenge is the best part of avionics.
“Sometimes you have [problems] that last for days and days,” said Zappardino. “You might go home and turn the TV on, but in the back of your mind you’ll still be thinking ‘Why is this computer doing this? Why can't I over come it?’ You’re always troubleshooting.”
One highlight of the Marines’ day is fixing problems no one else can fix. Just for a moment they are superman, added Zappardino.
| Date Taken: | 12.02.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 12.02.2011 20:12 |
| Story ID: | 80860 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 153 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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