ARSIPS: the new kid on the block.
I remember many years ago when I first joined the Navy, walked aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67), and asked, "What have I gotten myself into?" I'm sure most of you can relate. I'm still in naval aviation but behind a desk. I hope, with my 30-plus years of naval aviation maintenance and logistics experience, I can lend a hand in "keeping it safe."[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
As an airman, I didn't know what an FST (fleet support team) was, then known as the CFA (cognizant field activity). We are here to help, just like the many teams in the fleet associated with your wings and type commanders. Inspection teams bring a lessons-learned approach, and they learned through the loss of blood. We old fogies want you to enjoy your naval careers and enjoy life after the Navy, so heed our advice.
Before you play with this "new kid on the block," beware that the new aerial refueling store improved power system (ARSIPS) ram air turbine (RAT), which will be installed on your old aerial refueling buddy store, weighs twice as much as the present one. The old RAT has been through a few changes, but it has been No. 1 degrader for the system. It even has slung a few blades, nearly causing serious mishaps.
The Hornet community has been learning and flying with the ARS for awhile, and other aircraft for many years before. Maybe I'm going back too far for some. You can't be the one-man show and remove and replace the new ARSIPS RAT alone. You need two people to remove and replace it. As you can see in one of the photos, the new ARSIPS RAT requires a handling tool for installation and removal on your buddy store. Follow the pub and listen to the first class and chiefs.
The MIM will have the added paragraphs for handling, as well as removing and replacing the RAT. No, it's not in your interactive electronic technical manuals (IETMS); we still use paper publications.
The pubs are a great source of information, but like any tool you have, it costs money to publish and time to update them. If you find an error, please submit a Technical Publication Deficiency Report (TPDR). I can't count how many times I have heard "the pub is messed up." The FST and NATEC stand ready to fix it, so go to QA and learn more from the best.
The ARSIPS RAT will be around a long time. Treat it with respect, and you will keep your 10 fingers and still have a strong back.
By Darrell Monday Mr. Monday works at FST Jacksonville.
 Printer friendly
 Cite/link
 Email
 Feedback
| |
| Author: | Monday, Darrell |
|---|---|
| Publication: | Mech |
| Date: | Dec 22, 2007 |
| Words: | 441 |
| Previous Article: | Turning a bucket of bolts into beauty. |
| Next Article: | NAVAIR attacks wiring issues from all sides. |