Parachute shop delivers lifeline for aircrew

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Mariah Tolbert
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  The 4th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment flight is responsible for the life support and survival instruments that F-15E Strike Eagle aircrew use every sortie.

One of the larger aspects of the AFE flight is the parachute shop. This shop of three Airmen work to ensure the aircrew members of Team Seymour remain safe in case of an ejection by maintaining and ensuring the integrity of a parachute.

"Our missions are to upgrade and sustain the most qualified and mission ready AFE Airmen and provide error-free equipment for combat and flight training," said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Justin Cathey, 4th OSS aircrew flight equipment craftsman.

After 13 weeks of initial training, Airmen are qualified to support the mission of Seymour Johnson, however, every step they take Airmen are required to get an in-process inspection. This IPI occurs throughout the entire parachute inspection process, to ensure proper packing preparation.

"We are vital to the base and flying operations," Cathey said. "Without our flight equipment the aviators would not have the safety net in the event of an emergency. We also provide them with the latest technologies to give aircrew the edge they need in combat operations."

Within the F-15E, there are two sets of parachutes, one for each aircrew member. These sets include an Advanced Concept Ejection System II recovery parachute, ejection seat drogue parachute and a pilot parachute.

Senior Airman Colton Brown, 4th OSS aircrew flight equipment specialist, said the recovery parachute is the main parachute, which allows the aircrew to descend to the ground safely. The ejection seat drogue chute slows down the ejection seat to a safe speed preventing the recovery parachute from being released by the ejection seat. Finally, the pilot parachute pulls the can, or parachute pack, away from the pilot so the pack and aircraft canopy avoid contact with the aircrew member.

The packing and inspection process can take anywhere from two hours to one day. The process involves checking over the parachute and harness for any form of damage. Lines are examined to make sure they can withstand tension and to see if they are connected to the harness and parachute without entanglement.

Each step of the inspection process is reviewed by flight supervisors to ensure nothing is missed.

"To pack a parachute you have to concentrate and have no distractions," Brown said. "If you are careless, not paying attention and mess up, the parachute might not open properly and an aircrew member may get hurt or even die. The rest of our job won't matter if the parachute doesn't work."

The Airmen of this shop realize they do a job that takes a lot of hard work and focus.

"We understand the importance of our job and do not take it lightly," Brown said. "We take great pride in our work and make sure that every piece of gear that leaves our shop is survivable and would work correctly if used."