Training for split-second precision

  • Published
  • By Dan Hawkins
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  When instant action is needed by a pilot in flight to avert disaster or when an aircraft drops its landing gear after another successful sortie, it's the hydraulics components that make it happen. Instructors at Sheppard's 364th Training Squadron Aircraft Hydraulics Systems course are responsible for training the Airmen who maintain those systems.

The course starts with safety before moving on to hydraulics principles and reading technical orders. During the basic back shop maintenance block, Airmen learn how to overhaul and conduct repairs, in addition to skills such as wire mechanics.

The final phase of the course is flight line maintenance, in which details of components like brakes, weapons and cargo doors, and flight controls are taught in real world scenarios.

With 49 academic days for each class and as many as 10 classes running concurrently, the course is scheduled to graduate approximately 420 students in fiscal year 2012. Upon completion of the course, Airmen earn 16 college credit hours towards their Community College of the Air Force degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology.

Airman Steven Hand, 364th TRS student, enjoys the first-class training while getting prepared for life on the flight line.

"I'm starting to feel really prepared because I'm starting to get into more hands-on (training)," he said. "The more hands-on I get, the better prepared I am for the flight line. I'm getting pretty excited."

Tech Sgt. Greg Sprencel, 364th TRS instructor, knows mentorship is the one of the biggest aspects of his role as a teacher.

"I enjoy the instructing....being with the students and trying to influence them in positive ways."

For Airman Derrick Gentner, who after training will head to Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., being in the military is a family tradition.

"I wanted to serve my country, so I decided I would join," he said. "My dad was in Vietnam, my grandpop was in World War II. I figured it was my time."

The 364th TRS is one of the most diverse training squadrons in the Air Force. It develops and conducts operational training for over 3,700 students annually in electrical and environmental aircraft systems, fuels, hydraulics and telecommunications career fields.

Sheppard trains over 87,000 personnel annually in over 1,100 courses world-wide.