302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
2/22/2013 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- A designation that rarely happens during the lifetime of an airframe is occurring regularly at the Air Force Reserve Command's 302nd Airlift Wing. As of February 2013 there have been 15 instances of a black-letter designation since June 2011 for nine different aircraft. A black-letter on the inspection form means the aircraft has zero discrepancies.
"It's exciting," said Master Sgt. Vic Cowan, dedicated crew chief for aircraft 323. "Kudos to the team, because it is a total team effort. If you get one [black-letter] in a lifetime you are doing something."
Along with "323", "322" and "324" were also designated black-letter aircraft Feb. 5.
"It's easy to take this kind of an achievement for granted here within the 302 Airlift Wing, as it has become almost common place," said Col. James Van Housen, 302nd Maintenance Group commander. "But in reality, a perfect, discrepancy-free aircraft is an extreme rarity in the Air Force. It's a major accomplishment and something to celebrate. Before coming here, I'd never heard of a black-letter aircraft. I'm amazed at what we've been able to achieve."
According to Van Housen, before June 2011, it had been 30 years since the 302nd AW had seen a black letter aircraft. And the recent success is even more impressive because many of the airframes are nearly 20 years old.
"There's no one secret to generating aircraft with no discrepancies. It's all attitude and desire. Every maintainer, and every aircrew member, both Reserve and Active Duty, all take pride in our fleet of outstanding aircraft. We want everyone around the world to know that the "CR" on our tails is short for InCRedible," said Van Housen.
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