Wichita Falls. During World War II, training was conducted there for pilots and mechanics. It is the largest of four technical training wings in Air Education and Training Command with a 5,500-acre technical training base, employing 7,400 military and civilian personnel. It is also the most diversified in the scope of training. Two organizations (82nd Training Wing and 80th Flying Training Wing) conduct resident training that qualifies students in a broad range of career fields—from pilot, aircraft maintenance, civil engineering, communications, comptroller and transportation to a wide scope of medical specialties.
Using state-of-the-art procedures training personnel to maintain, troubleshoot and repair aerospace ground equipment systems in support of aircraft maintenance and operations, the Aerospace Ground Equipment Apprentice crew is a support system the USAF aircraft mechanics have come to depend on in order to perform maintenance and service of the aircraft. In addition to the use of typical ground support equipment, the training teaches the principles of electronics, refrigeration, hydraulics, power generation, reciprocating engines, gas turbine engines, pneumatics and heating. An Aerospace Ground Equipment Apprentice is responsible for servicing, inspecting, troubleshooting, repairing and performing preventive maintenance on motor and engine-driven generator sets, air conditioners, hydraulic test stands, air compressors, bomblifts, heaters and other similar support equipment. Along with maintaining this support equipment, they are expected to tow and position equipment for use on the aircraft parking ramps and hangars and also operate two-way radios. Any AGE Ranger will tell you, “There is no air power without ground power.” Watch for our Fall issue where we will be profiling three individuals who are in various stages of the instructor training course at Sheppard Force Base.
As always, thanks for reading.
