Maintainers at Ogden Air Logistics Center in Utah decided they needed a better way to work on C-130 airlifters, rather than suspending themselves from the ceiling via a harness and cable. Some guys still have to strap up, but most get to move around the aircraft with much more freedom on the specially built C-130 maintenance stands that snug the cargo hauler around its wings and down the fuselage. Besides offering a solid work area, officials say, it enables different skill groups to work together, thus speeding up overall maintenance.
Air Force depots are not typically meant for quick repair jobs, but during Operation Epic Fury, the service moved some of its stateside heavy maintenance capability forward to fix battle-damaged aircraft closer to the fight.
