Photo By Sgt. Melissa Lee | A Test Cell Marine operates the Jet Engine Test Instrument aboard Marine Corps Air...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. – Working in a dimly lit room, Marines carefully secure an F/A-18 engine to a rack to properly inspect every inch of the engine by eye for leaks and loose wires.
Test cell Marines with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 11 run diagnostic testing on each engine that has been serviced, repaired or rebuilt, to ensure each engine runs without a problem before it is put back into an F/A-18 Hornet. When the Marines at Test Cell receive an engine, they must first determine the problem and then run the proper diagnostic tests.
Test Cell completes diagnostic testing to check the performance abilities of the engine and ensure it is working properly.
Each engine may have a performance test or a full build test. A performance test is meant to ensure a replaced part is working properly. A full build test is to check every component of the engine. However, every time an engine is ready to be tested, the Marines do not start the engine until it has been checked multiple times for discrepancies.
Every engine is tested for quality by the Jet Engine Test Instrument, a computer used to check the engines ‘vitals’. The JETI shows the Marines many readings such as temperatures inside the engine, the amount of vibrations in the engine and oil pressure. If something is not performing up to par, the Marines must manually check the part or change it and continue the test from there.
To test one engine it may take anywhere from 45 minutes to a few days depending on the test performed and if there are any discrepancies.
Safety is important to the Test Cell, both for the Test Cell operators and for the pilots who may be flying an F/A-18 with a newly repaired engine.
“Working with engines in an enclosed area can be very dangerous,” said Staff Sgt. George E. Gallegos, a work center supervisor with MALS-11 Test Cell and a San Antonio, native. “When the engine is running and a Marine must go in to check something, we make sure the Marine at the JETI has eyes on him at all times and that the Marine gets out of the cell quickly.”
If an engine fails inspection, it is sent back to an aviation mechanics shop to be repaired and brought back to be tested again.
Marines can never be too safe or check an engine too many times. The engine needs to pass every test, explained William Swank, a collateral duty inspector with MALS-11.
Without Test Cell, the engine could possibly be left unfixed. Test Cell Marines must be perfectionists and observant to ensure the safety of Marines who work with F/A-18 Hornets.
| Date Taken: | 05.03.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 05.16.2012 16:11 |
| Story ID: | 88525 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Hometown: | LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Hometown: | SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 89 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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