Black Knights’ power plants ahead of schedule

The Aviation Machinist’s Mates of VF-154 are ahead of schedule in complying with airframes bulletin 361. This bulletin is a safety inspection on after-outboard -engine-attach lugs. Currently, the AD’s have pulled and inspected 14 engines.

The message, dated back in March, stated that engine mounts in F-14’s could crack and cause catastrophic failure. Each squadron has 112 days or two 56-day cycle inspections to adhere to this airframe bulletin by inspecting each engine.

The TF30-P-414A Turbofan engine takes approximately 20 man-hours to transfer to a stand.

Before this occurs, several shops of VF-154 contribute their efforts toward this inspection by removing electrical and hydraulic lines. The entire inspection takes approximately four hours.

Safety is paramount and attention to detail is of extreme importance.

"I have the highest respect for my men in the AD shop," Lt. Frederick Crecilius, Power Plants division officer and a native from Ewa Beach, Hi. said. "They can have the engine pulled and inspected, put back, low power and high power runs complete, and the aircraft will be ready for tomorrow’s events."

"(The ADs are the) best trained power plant crew in the fleet," AD1(AW) Ferdinand Rubio, a native from San Diego, Calif. said. Commenting on the preparation of the inspection Rubio said, "All shops participate and 110% team effort is used. Everyone does a fantastic job."

"I am extremely proud of the combined efforts of Power Plants, Airframes, and Avionics divisions," Chief Warrant officer Joey Vargas, the squadron’s Maintenance Material Control Officer said. "They have been nothing short of phenomenal."

In less than 50 days from the original release date of the message, the AD’s have accomplished the inspection on seven aircraft and are presently working on the eighth.

Caption: AD2 Reynaldo S. Mateo works on a TF30-P-414A turbofan engine.