INTRODUCTION

This Web Quest is designed for Students attending the Aircraft Maintenance General Course.

For many of you this class is your first of many that teaches you how to maintain USAF Aircraft. Many of you will be assigned to work different Mission Design Series (MDS) aircraft that complete different missions. But why is this important?

I would like you to imagine that you (or someone you care about) is infantry in one of the US military branches and are in a combat situation. Imagine your team is pinned down in rough terrain by heavy enemy fire. Your buddy is hit and bleeding out, your life is now flashing before your eyes and you’re wondering how you will survive. Suddenly, you hear a roar in the distance. It grows louder drowning out the sounds firefight. You then see the mighty B-1 Bomber Empty its payload on the enemy position. In a blaze you and your team are saved by Air Power.

This is a scenario that has played out for many brave men and women of the armed forces. Their lives or the lives of our family or friends was saved by many different aircraft maintained and operated by the USAF. Your understanding of aircraft fundamentals, will save someone’s life in some way.

Take a few minutes to look at this video while you reflect on what we have learned about aircraft structure, landing gear, and engine operation.

CONCLUSION

Congratulations! Your efforts in thoroughly understanding the components and operation of general aircraft maintenance have set the foundation for your future success as an aircraft mechanic. You will undoubtedly be part of an operation or fix an aircraft that is part of a mission that saves lives and protects the home land.