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Making Strides through testing

  • Published
  • By Erica G. Birnbaum, Master Sgt. Jim Maciborski
  • Air Mobility Command Test and Evaluation Squadron
McGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. --  Recently, members from Team McGuire and units throughout Air Mobility Command aided the AMC Test and Evaluation Squadron with the operational testing of a new quick-don mask.

The test evaluated the emergency-style oxygen mask's ability to protect both the eyes and nose, as well as to supply 100 percent oxygen while being donned one-handed in five seconds or less. This standard reflects current Federal Aviation Administration regulations. These prototype masks were designed to provide an advanced protective integration of the eyes and nose.

Two civilian contractors -- B/E Aerospace and the Gentex Corporation -- submitted these prototypes, consisting of state-of-the-art materials and design, to the 648th Aeronautical Equipment Systems Squadron at Brooks City Base, Texas. To put the prototypes to the test in an operational setting, test directors Maj. Kevin Resnick, Senior Master Sgt. Cliff Herndon and Master Sgt. Jim Maciborski developed a realistic scenario on KC-10, C-17, C-5, C-130 and KC-135 simulator and static aircraft. Emergency situations were created that required crew members to execute bold-face checklist procedures, the results of which provided critical test data.

"The success or failure of this test really required the expert opinions and feedback from the aircrews who would be using this in a real-world environment," Sergeant Maciborski said.

Test participants included KC-10 aircrews from both the 2nd Air Refueling Squadron and the 32nd Air Refueling Squadron, and C-17 aircrews from the 732nd Airlift Squadron. They were required to don the new masks in five seconds or less during mock emergency situations, such as fuselage smoke and fume elimination, in both the flight simulator and the static aircraft. The test directors asked participants to wear each mask for a 15-minute period to evaluate comfort and fogging issues, as well as the ability to safely operate the aircraft.

Besides usage, the importance of the new QDM's maintainability was not to be overlooked. The test directors assessed each prototype's breakdown, buildup, inspection time and tool availability for repair and upkeep. Testing involved personnel from aircrew flight equipment at both McGuire and Dover Air Force Bases, who were tasked with the breakdown and buildup of the QDM prototypes.

"It was imperative to assess the amount of labor involved and the ability for a quick turn around from periodic inspections to full blown disassembly of each QDM," said Major Resnick. These test participants were asked to provide feedback as to the required time to inspect each QDM and the ability to use existing tools to perform maintenance and upkeep. More parts could mean more bench stock requirements, more potential for unserviceable failures, more training for personnel, and more money overall.

The test's successful execution relied upon the expertise, involvement and positive attitudes of test directors and test participants alike. Findings were forwarded to Air Mobility Command headquarters, where the final determination will be made. Potentially, a new, more advanced QDM could be fielded fleet-wide, if not DOD-wide, further protecting our most critical asset -- our Airmen.