[Pilots] AMO Monthly Report

[Jerry Rosendahl]

*MN Wing Aircraft Maintenance Officer Report:*

*1. "18 GREEN":*
As of this writing, the MN Wing fleet of 17 CAP airplanes and 1 glider are
all "UP"! As you know though, that can change quickly. We have several
airplanes coming up on their 100 hour/annual inspections and a couple with
IFR certifications due. There are also several relatively minor
discrepancies as listed in the attached AMO Open Discrepancies List.

*2. Fiscal Year 2024 Flying Hours:*
Our flying hours target every year as assigned by CAP-USAF is 200 hours per
airplane. In 2024 we exceeded that amount! MN Wing finished in 17th place
among all Wings and Regions with 205.3 average hours per airplane. This
number leads all other North Central Region Wings - Missouri was 2nd in the
Region with 155.99 average hours per airplane.

Eight MN Wing Squadrons met and exceeded the 200 flying hours target. #1 -
Mankato, 470.0 hours; #2 - 130th, 461.0 hours; #3 - Viking, 435.6 hours; #4
- St. Croix, 376.4 hours; #5 - North Hennepin, 303.4 hours; #6 - Stanton,
289.0 hours; #7 - Anoka, 221.6 hours; and #8 - Pipestone, 216.0 hours.
Kudos to all flying squadrons and pilots for making MN Wing shine.

*3. Notice anything wrong with this picture?*
No, it isn't an optical illusion, the tow bar is that bent! And no, nobody
reported this until it was moved to a new squadron and they reported it.
Obviously someone knows how/when this happened and didn't report it. It's
not like we're going to dock your paycheck for bending a tow bar. My only
idea on how it was bent that bad was trying to turn the airplane beyond its
limit. Now we have to look at the nose gear assembly to make sure no other
damage was done. DO Bestul will likely be following up on this.
[image: 0E3335C7-337B-454A-945D-2696F211CCCA.jpeg]

*4. Tie-downs and cowl plugs:*
North Central Region has recently reminded Wings about the requirements for
tie-downs and cowl plugs in every CAP airplane. These requirements are
contained in CAPR 130-2. We are in the process of buying the necessary
items and they will be placed in the airplanes as they come through
maintenance.

5.6. Aircraft Environmental Protection. When available, aircraft windshield
covers shall be installed any time an aircraft is outside and not in use to
protect aircraft avionics and interiors. Pitot tube covers *and engine
plugs shall also be installed when aircraft is not in use to preclude bird
and insect infestation and damage. *
5.7. Aircraft Security. Corporate aircraft shall be locked, *securely tied
down (when not hangered)*, and wheels chocked when not in use. When
available, aircraft avionics locks shall be installed any time aircraft are
not in locked or guarded areas. Control locks shall be used on aircraft not
equipped with avionics locks.

*5. What our Maintenance Contractor DOES and DOES NOT do:*
By contract, obviously, John and Toby perform all the necessary maintenance
that requires either an Airframe & Powerplant mechanic (A & P) or an A & P
with inspection authority (IA). What the contract doesn't cover is wash the
airplane, vacuum the airplane, clean the windows, remove garbage and any
personal items left in the plane (trust me, this happens), update the nav
database, perform the Form 71 inspections, verify that the AIF book has the
correct forms and is updated, or verify that all the loose equipment items
are in place. I am frequently at both Stanton and Fleming when airplanes
are in maintenance, and I try to check on these things as my time allows,
but I'm not always there when airplanes are worked on and sent back out to
the next squadron. We all need to work together to maintain our fleet in
ready condition at all times.

*6. Plane washing and nav database updates:*
Per DO Bestul's directions, it's time for the semi-annual plane washing.
Please let him and me know when you've done this and I'll get it entered
into AMRAD. Also, let us know when you've updated the nav database in your
assigned airplane so I can make the update in AMRAD. Greg is monitoring
these updates closely and wants to know why you haven't updated it if it's
out of date. If you don't have anyone trained to do that, let him know so
he can get you some help. Both of these items go toward our goal of taking
appropriate care of these assets that are given to us by the USAF.

*7. New fuel cards:*
We have new fuel cards for 11 of our airplanes. The current ones in these
airplanes are due to expire at the end of November. As these come into
maintenance I'll be replacing the cards and coordinating with NHQ to have
them activated. Hopefully there won't be any glitches in the changeover.

*8. Requests for certain airplanes for your squadron:*
DO Bestul has developed a plan (that is a living/changing document) of
locating airplanes around the state so everyone can maintain currency on
any specialized equipment. Route all special requests to him. He and John
and I are communicating very frequently so we can meld his desires with our
maintenance needs.

*9. Contact me:*
As always, if you have any comments or questions about maintenance items,
please contact me. I prefer text messages.

Jerry Rosendahl, Lt Col, CAP
MN Wing Aircraft Maintenance Officer
651.785.8911
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