Long awaited B-52H arrival creates major upgrade for aircrew training classes Published Oct. 28, 2008 By Staff Sgt. Vernon Cunningham 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Sheppard's aircraft maintenance courses were greatly enhanced after a B-52H was converted into a training aid Oct 16. The B-52H replaced the B-52G as the model for training Airmen on aircrew maintenance functions. The B-52G is no longer actively flying in the Air Force. Darrell Cason, aerospace vehicle distribution officer, said Sheppard Airmen have been training on outdated aircraft for years. Airmen were going to their first duty stations, looking at the engines and noticing that it was not like the ones they trained on. As a result, a B-52H was ordered in 1994 and, over the next 14 years, the request progressed through the approval process and the plane was disarmed. Then it was flown from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., and landed at Sheppard May 9. The vertical stabilizer was removed Oct. 16, converting the B-52H into a Ground Instructional Trainer Aircraft, Mr. Cason said. "The B-52H is taking our engine maintenance from classroom academics to hands-on training on the actual engine," said Mr. Richard Lukowsky, aircraft maintenance instructor of 23 years. Click here to hear Staff Sgt. Christian Davis, aircraft maintenance instructor - crew chief course, talk about the impact of the B-52H at Sheppard. Sergeant Davis said the B-52H will soon be moved to the training ramp where it will be made available for training. Click here to hear Sergeant Davis speak on the possibility of getting the H-model in time for his current graduating class. The B-52H is expected to start its training for future classes as soon as Oct. 31.