Phase inspection keeps jets in air
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Senior Airman Brian Baker, 52nd Equipment Maintenance Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II phase technician, left, and Staff Sgt. Francisco Guerrero-Vasquez, 52nd EMS crash recovery team supervisor, work together to remove an aileron bracket on the wing of an A-10 during a phase inspection in Hangar 2 here May 4. The phase inspections are separated into two categories. During a phase 1 inspection, the 52nd EMS Maintenance Flight members examine each A-10 after every 500 flying hours, and phase 2 inspections are performed every 1,000 flying hours. These inspections allow the Airmen to check for deficiencies and perform preventative maintenance to ensure the aircraft is safe and operational for flight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Matthew B. Fredericks/Released)