A good idea netted TSgt. James Mazurek at Minot AFB, N.D., $10,000 for suggesting the Air Force insert a warning paragraph into the technical orders describing how to hook up a tow bar to main landing gear on B-52H bombers. According to Mazurek the TO did not explain that letting the two components touch can cause extensive damage to the bomber’s brake assembly. He tried to come up with a way to prevent it such untoward contact, but, in the end, decided that a simple written warning would suffice. According to the Air Force, the airman’s suggestion—leading to elimination of landing gear damage—could save Minot alone $95,740 in just the first year.
The Air Force has embraced new technical approaches like open mission systems and rapid software updates for cutting-edge aircraft like the B-21 and Collaborative Combat Aircraft. Increasingly, though, the service is also working to apply these to its older, “legacy” aircraft, officials said this week.