Precision is everything

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Gino Reyes
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  The 4th Component Maintenance Squadron test measurement and diagnostic equipment flight is responsible for providing calibration services traceable to the National Institued of Standards and Technology. The certified equipment ranges from aircraft maintenance test equipment to the U.S. Air Force Physical Fitness Program scales.

Three sections comprise the TMDE flight: production control, the precision measurement equipment laboratory and the TMDE quality assurance program. Production control coordinates scheduling and maintenance of more than 8,900 pieces of equipment.

PMEL consists of two elements: a physical dimensional and an electronics element. The physical dimensional element calibrates test equipment with physical properties such as length, weight, temperature,humidity and pressure. The electronics element is responsible for equipment based on electronic principles such as voltage, resistance, inductance, capacitance, frequency and time. The Air Force Metrology and Calibration Program evaluation team visits PMEL every two years to conduct a two-week evaluation of the laboratory's ability to calibrate and certify TMDE.

QA inspects the production quality, adherance to technical data and Air Force instructions and evaluates technician proficency. Technician proficency is assesed through a process review inspection. At a minimum, technicians receive two process reviews annually. TMDE Airmen receive six months of technical training along with 12 months of on-the-job training to attain their five-skill level.

The TMDE flight here is one of two bases Air Force wide that mantains a deployable calibration laboratory. The Rapid Assistance Support for Calibration provides the Air Force an additional asset in support of global operations.