Wing receives certification for first-ever repair station for a DOD facility

Published Jan. 24, 2008
By Brandice J. Armstrong
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- It's one step for the Federal Aviation Administration and one giant leap for the Air Force.
   The 76th Maintenance Wing received the first-ever FAA repair station certificate for a Department of Defense facility Jan. 16 at the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center.
   The 76th MXW obtained the certification for the KC-10 paint workload.
   "We brought this workload here because my number one strategic objective is we secure the right workload," said Maj. Gen. Loren Reno, OC-ALC commander. "Bringing this workload in is something we are capable of doing. We have people trained to do it, we have the ability to do it, we have the facilities to do it, we have the know-how to do it and, as of today, thanks to the FAA, we have the certification to do it."
   The KC-10 Extender is an air refueling aircraft developed from the commercial McDonnell Douglas DC-10 airliner. The KC-10 made its Air Force debut in 1981. Because the KC-10 has civilian origins, any and all repair work has to be certified by the FAA. Prior to the FAA certification, work on the KC-10 had been contracted to a non-military entity.
   "We have identified the need for this cooperative and collaborative relationship with the military," said John Allen, deputy director for the FAA's Flight Standards Service. "It's important for two government agencies to work together and not at odds so we can facilitate efficiencies."
   At Tinker, the workload will consist of stripping exterior paint, checking for corrosion and repainting the aircraft. The first KC-10 arrived at Tinker Jan. 3.
   In the future, Brig. Gen. Judith Fedder, 76th MXW commander, said Tinker will pursue other engine and aircraft work.
   "The certification is specifically for us to be able to provide maintenance and overhaul on Air Force aircraft that are FAA certified and help support the warfighter in a cost-effective way," General Fedder said.
   Between seven and nine KC-10s will be added to the 566th Aircraft Maintenance Group's workload each year. Each aircraft is expected to take 25 days from start to finish, said James "Joe" Scott, 566th AMXG aircraft production supervisor.
   "An increase in workload means an increase in jobs, job security and makes us competitive," said Shelvie Tabb, 566th AMXG Disassembly and Cleaning Unit section chief. "With (Base Closure and Realignments) we have to stay on our toes."
   There are nearly 5,000 domestic and foreign FAA-certified repair stations, according to an FAA fact sheet.