Teamwork keeps 910th birds in flight Published Nov. 14, 2012 By 910th Airlift Wing Public Affairs 910th Airlift Wing Public Affairs YOUNGSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio -- Youngstown Air Reserve Station Airmen work together to perform isochronal inspections (ISO), assessments, of each aircraft that help keep the 910th Airlift Wing mission-ready. During an ISO, aircraft receive an oil change, engine check, run through the wash rack removing any debris from gear wells as well as a long list of maintenance checks. Airmen from different flights of the 910th Maintenance Group, including Avionics, Fabrication and Propulsion are all part of the inspection process. "This is a good example of a team effort," said Master Sgt. John Schmolly, heavy maintenance flight chief with the 910th Maintenance Flight (MOF). "Everyone has a certain responsibility. Everybody is an integral part of the puzzle. When the puzzle is complete, then we're done with the ISO." Puzzles are comprised of many pieces. If a piece is missing, the puzzle isn't as effective and these Airmen have approximately 26 days to complete the ISO and get the aircraft back up to flying status. "We are really depending on traditional reservists to get the job done," said Schmolly. "They really pitch in and help out. Without them, we can't do the things we do." Those "things" they do are what helps prevent a small issue from becoming a larger problem. Master Sgt. Nathan Anderson, assistant heavy maintenance flight chief assigned to the 910th MOF, said if Maintenance only did pre-flight inspections, it could be risky. "It would be reactive, not preventative," said Anderson. "What could originally be a little leak could result in us losing a mission because of serious problems." Keeping problems at bay is just one small part of working on the aircraft. Anderson said there is much more to it. "There is a structural integrity with this program," Anderson said. "This is especially true for crew chiefs to refurbish the aircraft. They can really take pride in what they do and make their aircraft shine." (Part of this story was re-published from a news feature by Tech. Sgt. Valerie Smock.)