OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- The 731st Air Mobility Squadron and 51st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron worked together to prepare the Patriot Express passenger and a government chartered aircraft for transport Jan. 14 here.
Due to snow the night prior, the aircraft had large amounts of snow on it that can cause problems with aircraft while in flight.
“The weight this snow adds to aircraft could present an inherent danger for the pilots and passengers,” said Senior Airman Dylan Bruning, 731st AMS air transportation journeyman. “Imbalances from each of the wings and rotors not working due to frozen temperatures is a concern.”
In order to prepare the aircraft, the 51st AMS transient alert team utilizes an aircraft de-icer, which sprays out a de-icing fluid at high pressure to break down accumulated snow and ice.
“These aircraft weren’t designed to compensate for this added weight, so it’s imperative we remove of the potential risk,” he added.
Service members, their families and retirees rely on the Patriot Express program to transport them and their cargo internationally.
“The aircraft needs perfect balance in the air to ensure the safe flight of the service members and their families,” said Airman Dylan Rymer, 731st AMS air transportation apprentice.
Through the coordination and teamwork between the two squadrons, both aircraft took flight the same day with minimal delay.