Aviation: 2021 Year-in-Review

Photo by Sgt. Sarah Sangster
 

Note: text spot-colored in blue is hyperlinked.

In this inaugural year-in-review article, let’s take a look back at some of the topics and themes that stood out in 2021 with an eye towards refreshing your maintenance skills and keeping your aircraft mission-ready.

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the themes that stood out over the past year so you can add them to your maintenance priorities:

In 2021, PS Magazine published several articles about the ongoing need for aviation units to turn in excess or unserviceable parts so they can be repaired or refurbished, if needed, and placed back into the supply system. These articles stressed not stockpiling parts because it leads to shortages in the supply system and may keep aircraft in a non-mission capable (NMC) status because of a lack of parts. The best practice is to always turn in excess or unserviceable parts so they can ultimately be placed back into the supply system. Take a look back at these articles:
 

UH-60: Don’t Stockpile Parts; Turn ‘Em In

Apache: CCAD Needs Unserviceable Carrier Drive Assemblies 

UH-60: Turn in These Unserviceable Parts

UH-60/AH-64/CH-47: Turn in Unserviceable ARC-231 Parts for Repair

Apache: Turn in Unserviceable Parts For Repair

Black Hawk: Turn In Unserviceable Gearbox and Control Indicator
 

Every year during the summer and winter months, maintainers must pay attention to how they protect themselves and their aircraft. Being aware of what extreme cold and heat can do helps you prepare for the mission. Take a look back and refresh yourself on cold and hot weather prevention articles. (The first and second article links are rollups of hot and cold weather stories for all equipment):
 

Be Prepared for Hot Weather: A List of Must-Read PS Articles

Cold Weather: Some Must-Read PS Articles to Prepare, Plan & Train

All Aircraft: Cold Weather Prep, Icing and Winter Hazards

RQ-7B Shadow: Heed These Cold-Weather Precautions

All Aircraft: Preparing for Summer Weather

 

Aircraft are powerful machines, but they’re no match against corrosion. No matter what tasks you have, always be on the lookout for corrosion, especially in places you think don’t matter. Don’t let out of sight, out mind catch you off guard because what you can’t or don’t see can damage your aircraft. Something as simple as using covers can help protect against and prevent unwanted corrosion.

Take a look at these 2021 articles on corrosion:
 

Lakota: Having Flight Control Rod Issues?

CH-47: Need Chinook Covers?