All Aircraft: Spot Paint Stripping Aluminum Surfaces
By | Feb. 28, 2024
This article initially appeared in PS 763 (Jun 15), pgs. 25-26. To protect the environment from hazardous pollutants when stripping paint from aluminum surfaces, there are several options you can use. The best choice is to...
All Aircraft: Where and When to Use Aircraft Solvents
By | Feb. 26, 2024
This article initially appeared in PS 776 (Jul 17), p. 52-53. There are different types of aircraft solvents for use, including alternative solutions to protect the environment. Know when to use which when cleaning aircraft...
General Aircraft TMs Have Information Not Covered Elsewhere
By | Feb. 13, 2024
This article initially appeared in PS 750 (May 15), pp. 22-23. When looking for certain parts, components or other items and guidance to complete maintenance tasks, be sure to check out the general aircraft manuals, as well...
Publications: Update Pubs Account Address
By | July 6, 2023
Several Army bases have had name changes. But units are failing to update their pubs accounts to reflect their new installation name, which results in mail being undeliverable. Read on to find out more...
Air Warrior: Two Types of Snaps for Your PSGC
By | June 6, 2023
There are two types of snaps for your primary survival gear carrier (PGSC), each comprised of four components. Each component can be ordered by NSN. Read on to find out more...
All Aircraft: Repair Acrylic Windows
By | May 17, 2023
This article initially appeared in PS 753 (Aug 15), p. 23. Instead of tossing out acrylic windows with scratches, blemishes or minor damage follow the good words in TM 1-1500-204-23-10 to repair them. Read on to find out...
I Own This Campaign: Nominate a Deserving Warfighter
By | May 5, 2023
Taking ownership and pride in assigned vehicles and equipment is vital to ensuring personal, unit and fleet readiness. Without this personal investment and active involvement, Warfighters fail to ensure preventive and...
All Aircraft: Be Safe With Electrical Systems!
By | April 28, 2023
During ground operations, make sure circuit breakers are locked and deactivated to protect aircraft electrical systems. It may be necessary to positively lock out circuit breakers using special equipment. Read on to find out...
Aircraft General: Birds—Small Creatures, Big Impact
By | Feb. 24, 2023
Birds can do a lot of damage to aircraft, both in the air and on the ground. A new Flightfax article discusses the impact of bird strikes. Previous PS articles discuss the impact of birds’ nests. Read on to find out more...
PS Magazine Year-In-Review: Top 10 Website Downloads
By | Jan. 13, 2023
The PS Magazine website features helpful documents, posters and charts that were downloaded over 80,000 times. You might be interested to learn what the most downloaded items were. Read on to find out...
PMCS: Good PM Takes More Than Just the TM
By | Nov. 22, 2022
This article initially appeared in PS 774 (May 17), p. 1. Use your eyes, ears, nose and hands to help you uncover problems that could deadline your vehicle. Read on for more info…...
All Aircraft: Eyeball Bench Stock for Bad Hardware!
By | Sept. 29, 2022
Use of common hardware is standard practice in aviation maintenance, but make sure all the hardware in your bench stock is in good condition and and has no damage. Read on to find out more...
All Aircraft: Don’t Play the Odds with Winter Weather
By | Sept. 23, 2022
PS Magazine and the Army Combat Readiness Center websites are great resources to get the information you need to protect yourself and your aircraft during harsh winter conditions. Keep reading to learn more...
General Aviation: Update on Routine Oil Sampling
By | Sept. 1, 2022
Routine oil sampling for aircraft and non-hydraulic AGSE components is no longer required per Aviation Maintenance Action Message (AMAM), GEN-22-AMAM-06. Keeping reading to learn more...
All Aircraft: Preventive Maintenance, the Key to Success
By | June 24, 2022
Black Hawks, Apaches, Chinooks, UASs and Lakotas cost millions of dollars. Helicopter near misses, mishaps and accidents—most of which can be avoided—come down to attention to detail. Keep reading to learn more about near...
AMCOM Has New Podcast
By | May 4, 2022
What can the US Army Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM) do for you? That's the question central to their new podcast. Read on to find out more...
Utility Helicopters: JTDI VS UHPO
By | May 4, 2022
Mechanics, if you’ve accessed the JTDI Technical Publications and the Utility Helicopter Project Office (UHPO) websites and thought they appeared identical, you’re right; they are. Read on to find out more...
All Aircraft: Where to Get Help
By | April 13, 2022
Getting in contact with aviation subject-matter experts (SMEs) and other organizations about your equipment can sometimes be a maze. Here's some info to help make it less difficult to reach the experts you need...
IADS: Export and Import Function Enables Sharing of Notes
By | March 29, 2022
For Soldiers using IADS to view IETMS—which is primarily limited to aviation and missile units at present—there’s a relatively new feature to be aware of: the ability to export and import notes, particularly those relating to...
All Aircraft: Turn in ARC-231 Radios and Mounts
By | March 23, 2022
The CECOM Integrated Logistics Support Center (ILSC) Enterprise Soldier Aviation (ESA) Directorate needs units to turn in unserviceable and unused serviceable ARC-231 receiver transmitters, NSN 5821-01-500-4770, and KAB...
General Aviation: Get the Right Footwear
By | March 11, 2022
If you ever have a question about which combat boots are or are not approved for aviation use, visit the United States Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory (USAARL) web page...
AOAP: Temporary Gap in Service and Workarounds
By | March 1, 2022
Starting on Feb 20, 2022, the contract that supports the Army Oil Analysis Program (AOAP) will experience a gap in service. Read on to learn more about its impact...
Corrosion: New Documents Published
By | Feb. 25, 2022
Corrosion is an ongoing battle. To ensure this menace never wins the day, two new corrosion policy and procedures publications are available...
All Aircraft: Update on Proper Shipping
By | Feb. 3, 2022
Back in Jan 2020, in “Aircraft: Proper Shipping Fights Corrosion and Saves Money,” we encouraged units returning items for depot level repair (DLR) to follow proper packing guidelines in order to protect the equipment, save...
All Aircraft: Pick the Right Type and Number of Jacks
By | Jan. 28, 2022
Mechanics, aircraft jacks are vital for maintenance on your helicopter. They’ve been around for years and gone through a lot of changes. Some have been put out to pasture while others have been neglected. This article offers...
Aviation: 2021 Year-in-Review
By | Jan. 18, 2022
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...
All Aircraft: How to Get Shatterproof Sample Bottles
By | Dec. 29, 2021
When I was in Germany back in 2009-2012, we had fuel sample bottles that were shatterproof. They were glass, but had a clear, soft coating of rubber or vinyl around them. If you dropped them, the glass would not break. I’ve...
All Aircraft: Tool Warranty Program Update
By | Dec. 17, 2021
The aviation foot locker (AFL) and the new aviation tool system (NATS) are both covered under a lifelong warranty program. This program enables units to get replacements for worn or damaged tools. There’s a challenge at the...
All Aircraft: Cold Weather Prep, Icing and Winter Hazards
By | Dec. 6, 2021
Wintery weather brings many maintenance challenges, so make sure you’re on top of cold weather operations by thinking about environmental factors, operational procedures, training and hazards. Two Flightfax articles will help...
All Aircraft: Be Prepared for Cold Weather
By | Oct. 25, 2021
When winter weather extremes hit you and your aircraft with frigid temps, snow, ice and wind, even preventive maintenance (PM) defensive measures may be too little, too late...
All Aircraft: Aircraft Ground Mishaps
By | Oct. 20, 2021
When working on your aircraft while on the flight line, it’s important to avoid any type of aircraft ground mishaps. An aircraft ground mishap is where there’s no intent for flight, but an incident or accident results in...
Aviation: Help PM the TM
By | Oct. 14, 2021
The Army provides maintainers and mechanics with a lot of equipment —systems, subsystems and components—that requires a lot of preventive maintenance (PM). That equipment comes with TMs or IETMs that tell you how to use and...
Get Aviation-Related Safety Information from USACRC
By | Sept. 9, 2021
There are plenty of resources that help aviators stay on top of maintenance and safety. One of the best safety resources is the US Army Combat Readiness Center (USACRC) website. Read on to discover what this site can offer...
Apache: Use DA Form 2028 for IETM Improvements
By | Aug. 2, 2021
Soldiers, the Apache IETM group appreciates the contributions you’ve made to improve the Apache TMs. So if you have a suggestion or recommendation for a problem you see with an IETM, the pubs group wants to hear from you...
Aviation: Use the Proper Tools for the Job
By | July 30, 2021
One of the handiest tools Soldiers often grab when they don’t have the right tool is the multi-tool. Even though it’s been around for ages, it should never be used on an aircraft. Instead, use the right tools for the job...
PS Magazine: A Trusted Source for Readiness Information
By | July 20, 2021
For 70 years, Soldiers—as well as other service personnel—have relied on PS Magazine to get the late-breaking, correct information they need to keep their fleets combat ready. Still, a question continues to pop up in motor...
Aviation: Replace Rather than Repair CSEL Radios
By | July 8, 2021
Would you like to get your unit’s CSEL radios repaired? Here’s the scoop on that. The Army CSEL program doesn’t have a radio repair contract or program anymore. Instead, units must now turn in and exchange their CSEL...
All Aircraft: Preparing for Summer Weather
By | June 23, 2021
When spring and summer arrive, most people think of getting outdoors for barbeques, pools or the beach and other activities. But there’s something else spring and summer bring: stormy weather, which affects all Soldiers but...
H-60: Keep in Touch with Safety Office
By | June 21, 2021
The Utility Helicopter Safety Office has a direct email for units to submit inquiries or any other issues affecting safety. Click MORE to discover that email...
Yellow Safety Paint
By | June 15, 2021
This article initially appeared in PS 766 (Sep 16), p. 61. Get a 5-gal container of yellow safety paint with NSN 8010-01-019-1776. This water-based latex is used to paint guide marks and warning lines inside your motor pool...
Corrosion: AMCOM Has New Corrosion Website
By | May 27, 2021
The new AMCOM corrosion website has a lot of great information to offer. Aviation and missile units can use the website to request assistance. You can find help from departments for corrosion, nondestructive testing (NDT) and...
Aviation: Helicopters No Match for Wires and Towers
By | May 21, 2021
This article has information that will save lives! An aircraft is a powerful machine that shoots, maneuvers and travels at high velocity. But it’s no match for wires and towers. Attention to detail is a must for pilots,...
All Aircraft: Operating in Hot Weather
By | May 20, 2021
Summertime is upon us and you know that taking precautions when working in hot weather is a must. Check out the attached March 2021 Flightfax 5 article for the latest hot weather operating facts...
All Aircraft: Too Hot to Handle
By | March 30, 2021
This article initially appeared in PS 628 (Mar 05), p. 39. Mechanics, a day in the desert (or any heat-extreme environment) can get really hot, sometimes limiting maintenance that can be done. Aircraft parts, tools and the...
All Aircraft: Crash Kit Modernized
By | March 3, 2021
Aviators, make a note that the aviation crash kit, NSN 5180-00-903-1049, LIN W31565, has been modernized with a new NSN. The original kit is a terminal item and can no longer be ordered. The new kit replaces old analog...
Aircraft: Cold Weather Care
By | March 3, 2021
Taking care of your aircraft and yourselves is important in winter weather. Maintenance on aircraft continues even in cold weather because aircraft operations and maintaining equipment gets more intense. The Nov 2020 issue of...
Aircraft: Get Latest Issue of Aviation Digest
By | Feb. 26, 2021
Want to keep up with the latest information on Army aviation and the aviation profession? Then get the most recent quarterly issue of Aviation Digest, the professional bulletin of the Army Aviation Branch at the link in this...
Don’t Spin Our Wheels!
By | Feb. 23, 2021
This article initially appeared in PS 759 (May 16), p. 1. PS Magazine gets lots of maintenance and supply questions each month. Sometimes we can send out an immediate answer. Other times, those answers take a couple days to a...
Aircraft: Proper Shipping Fights Corrosion and Saves Money
By | Jan. 20, 2021
Corrosion is an enemy that relentlessly attacks Army materials and components, negatively affecting cost, readiness and safety. The fight against corrosion can’t stop, especially when turning aviation parts and components in...
ACPRS: Users Must Maintain and Manage
By | Jan. 15, 2021
The Advanced Cargo Parachute Release System (ACPRS), NSN 1670-01-608-4698, will replace the M1, NSN 1670-01-095-8816, and M2, NSN 1670-01-097-8817, Cargo Parachute Release Systems, over a time-phased transition...
PS Magazine: Help Us Help You
By | Dec. 23, 2020
Each day, emails from Soldiers and DoD civilians all over the world come into PS Magazine seeking answers to challenges they're facing while maintaining their vehicles and equipment. And each day, Half-Mast or a member of his...
Aviation: Aircraft Notebook URL Change
By | Dec. 4, 2020
Trying to find the aircraft notebook (ACN) website? As of 13 Nov 20, the ACN Help Desk customer service portal URL has changed. This article provides the new URL/web address...
All Aircraft: USACRC Has New Mishap Reporting Tool
By | Nov. 23, 2020
Reporting aircraft mishaps and near misses is a requirement. The US Army Combat Readiness Center has created a new tool for a more effective and streamlined process for reporting mishaps and near-misses...
UTAP: You’re Just a Click Away!
By | Nov. 17, 2020
This article initially appeared in PS 798 (May 19), p. 20-21. TACOM’s Unit Training Assistance Program, UTAP, provides approved training materials for a variety of TACOM-managed equipment...
All Aircraft: Avoid Rolling Catastrophes!
By | Nov. 9, 2020
A chunk of wood is all that’s between you and potential disaster. All aircraft should be chocked whenever they’re parked, whether they’re in the hangar or on the flight line...
All Aircraft: The Importance of DA Form 2410
By | Nov. 4, 2020
Whenever you remove components, sub-components or higher assembly components from an aircraft, it’s always in your best interest to complete a DA Form 2410 and distribute it like it says in DA PAM 738-751 (Feb 14)...
Aviation: SAFT Battery Not Responding?
By | Aug. 25, 2020
This article initially appeared in PS 787 (Jun 18) page 24-25. Operators, if your aircraft has the AN/APX-123/123A receiver-transmitter, NSNs 5895-01-539-9151 or 5895-01-628-5190, and the newly replaced SAFT* battery, NSN...
Aviation: FARP Helmet Parts Update
By | Aug. 5, 2020
This article initially appeared in PS 784 (Mar '18), p26. Did you know you have a choice of the microphone headset to employ on your FARP helmet, especially those flying Apache E-model aircraft?...
Aviation: Safety of Flight Messages Save Lives
By | July 27, 2020
Sometimes there are problems with equipment that are serious enough to warrant an immediate, force-protection alert to the field to avert expensive repairs, ensure safety and save lives. In the aviation community, these...
Aircraft: Flying Helicopters in Thunderstorms
By | July 17, 2020
Pilots, if you’ve ever been in a thunderstorm while flying your helicopter, you know it can be treacherous for the aircraft, your crew and equipment. Before you even encounter a thunderstorm, check out Army Regulation (AR)...
Aircraft: FOD Control is a Must
By | July 8, 2020
Foreign object debris (FOD) is the culprit behind foreign object damage (FOD) to aircraft. FOD can come from the most unsuspecting places, like a pebble stuck in the sole of your boots, hardware that’s been left behind after...
Aviation: Take Control of CORROSION
By | July 7, 2020
This article initially appeared in PS 800 (Jul 19), p. 25. Mechanics, aircraft multipin electrical connectors are the electrical interface between the aircraft and avionics systems. The failure of just one electrical...
New Zeta III Helmet Liners Available
By | June 24, 2020
This article initially appeared in PS 800 (Jun 19), pp. 20-21. Helmets are important when flying aircraft. Just as important are the helmet liners. They need to fit your noggin well to ensure both safety and comfort. The...
Aircraft: COVID-19 Disinfectant Recommendations
By | June 11, 2020
Protecting yourself, your aircraft and everyone around you in a COVID-19 environment is important. In this new normal dealing with COVID-19, it’s important to remind you of the approved cleaning solution for all aircraft to...
Aircraft General: Tie Down and Moor Aircraft per TMs
By | June 5, 2020
When high winds kick up on the flight line, make sure you tie down and moor your aircraft like the -10 TM and TM 1-1500-250-23 (Aug 90) say. Your first step is to carefully read the aircraft’s -10 TM for typical blade...
Aircraft: Win the Battle of the Birds
By | May 19, 2020
The old saying, “Birds of a feather flock together,” is not just a saying, but it’s happening inside aircraft hangars. Birds love to set up shop inside hangars to nest and breed. They leave droppings, which is always a...
Aircraft: Maintenance Situational Unawareness
By | May 11, 2020
Aircraft maintenance is very important for mission success and so is maintenance situational awareness. The two go hand-in hand. The US Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker published an article about maintenance...
All Aircraft: Emergency Response Methodology
By | May 11, 2020
A recent US Army Aviation Center of Excellence (USAACE) analysis of mishaps showed a need for training in crew reactions to aircraft emergencies, especially when it comes to large-scale combat operations (LSCO) flight...
Aviation: 2410 Hotline Team
By | April 9, 2020
I run the DA Form 2410 hotline that assists aviation Soldiers with data issues concerning components that are tracked and have life limits...
Aviation: Radar Receiver Gets New Processor
By | April 8, 2020
This article initially appeared in PS 801, page 26. the AN/APR-39A(v)4 radar warning system uses the CP-1597B processor, NSN 5985-01-445-6940, as its primary component...
Need Aircraft Crash Kit NSN?
By | April 8, 2020
This article initially appeared in PS 798, pages 38-39. Dear Sergeant Blade, I’m looking for a new aviation crash kit NSN. Can you help me out? Keep reading to get Blade's reply...
Aviation: Turning in Serviceable Parts Costs Money
By | Feb. 26, 2020
Mechanics, the repair facility that services the ARC-231 receiver-transmitter (RT-1808A), NSN 5821-01-500-4770 (PN 902219-804), needs your help because one (1) out of two (2) receiver-transmitters turned in is reported as no...
Aviation: Don’t Freelance; Follow the TM
By | Feb. 11, 2020
The right tools, time, place and approach to preventive maintenance services (PMS) for your aircraft and preventive maintenance checks and services (PMCS) for your aviation ground support equipment (AGSE) begins and ends with...
Aircraft: It’s Simple—Don’t Stockpile Parts and Components
By | Feb. 11, 2020
Soldiers/Maintainers: You can have a powerful impact on the supply system by turning in unserviceable equipment. Turning in broken or busted equipment helps prevent low stock availability. A big part of ensuring that...
All Aircraft: Easier Corrosion Treatment
By | Jan. 23, 2020
This article initially appeared in Issue PS 797, pages 24-25. Mechanics, data collected from DA Form 2410, Component Removal/Repair/Install/Gain/Loss Record, indicates that various magnesium housings on aircraft suffer from...
Aviation: Replace Broken Tools Quick and Easy
By | Jan. 21, 2020
This article initially appeared in Issue PS 780, page 22. Mechanics, did you know the aviation foot locker (AFL) and the new aviation tool system (NATS) are covered under a Rock Island Arsenal (RIA) warranty program? So if...
Aviation: What’s Needed in a 72-Hour Survival Kit
By | Jan. 6, 2020
In an emergency aircraft situation, the first 72 hours are crucial to survival. You must have the right equipment. Always keep the following items on-hand before venturing out on a mission...
New T700 Engine IETM Now on Army Enterprise Portal
By | Dec. 19, 2019
Mechanics, the wait is over. The T700-GE-700/-701C/-701D engine's newest IETM, TM 1-2840-248-23&P (EM 0271, Oct 19), is now published. You can find it on the Army Enterprise Portal...
Aviation: Need Condition Code Tags?
By | Nov. 26, 2019
I’m the production control person in my FMS shop, and I need an NSN for the yellow DD Form 1574, Serviceable Tag-Materiel. Can you help me out? We sure can...read on!...
Aviation: Corrosion Prevention Never Ends
By | Nov. 26, 2019
Staying on top of corrosion saves money and equipment. To stay in the fight, the AMCOM Corrosion Program Office (CPO) recommends Soldiers use supplemental information in TM 1-1500-344-23-4 to provide ordering information for...
Apache: Helmet Chinstrap Needs Care
By | Nov. 8, 2019
Operator and maintainer PMCS say the HGU-56/P helmet shouldn’t be used if the chinstrap is frayed. And there’s no percentage of fraying allowed either. Any fraying means the helmet is non-mission capable. Read on to learn...
Aviation: UMARK Limitation Criteria Abolished
By | Nov. 6, 2019
With the completion of MWO 1-1670-260-50-3, users are no longer required to perform the five-year sling recertification. In addition, the 20 aerial lifts, 16 cumulative flight hour and 100 crane or hoist lift limitations are...
General : QRET Fielding Update
By | Oct. 28, 2019
Operators, now that PM Air Warrior is almost done training and fielding the quick-release extension tether (QRET), MEDEVAC folks need your help. If there are any MEDEVAC, Black Hawk, and Chinook units out there that haven’t...