Fixin' to fix something

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Samuel Taylor
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  When it breaks, they fix it; that's what maintainers are all about. While most people have difficulty resetting an internet router or finding the speaker button on their phone, maintainers can solve some of the most complex technical problems Air Force planes have. How do they get so good?

The answer is the Maintenance Qualification Training Program, Dover Air Force Base, Del.,'s rigorous course that trains C-5 and C-17 maintainers.

"We serve as a follow-on from [the Airmen's] tech schools," said Master Sgt. Phillip Green, 436th Maintenance Operations Squadron development and instruction section chief at MQTP. "The Airmen come here with basic knowledge and skills, and walk out the door ready to go to work."

The course, which lasts approximately four months, trains maintainers in six core areas of knowledge: hydraulics, crew-chief duty, instrument flight control systems, communication navigation, electronic environmental systems and jet engine mechanics.

All Airmen undergo classroom instruction and real-world training on the core tasks under instructor supervision. The 20 instructors on staff were chosen from their career field and underwent an instructor evaluation program and training course to make sure they were up to standards.

"Our instructors are the best of the best," said Sergeant Green. "The students really develop a bond with them throughout the course of the training."

The students are taught step-by-step procedures in the classroom and tested on their knowledge by block tests. The curriculum is continually being updated to stay current with the needs of the mission. Students struggling with the material are given one-on-one instruction. MQTP is able to process approximately 300 students annually.

"There are some pretty smart people who undergo this course," said Sergeant Green. "We see very few problems with students understanding the material."

With their instructor's assistance, students are able to hone their skills working on planes and on a realistic training simulator. The hands-on lessons consist in part of students performing specific functions as directed by the instructor, such as operating ramps.

"The training simulator is valuable when real planes are unavailable due to mission requirements," said Sergeant Green. "The students really benefit from having hands-on experience."

Airman 1st Class Chris Reding, 436 MXS aerospace maintenance apprentice and a current MQTP student, said the hands-on training was most beneficial because it was the most realistic training. "I feel like I am prepared for the long-run."