Depot damages VC-25

In today's episode of "The Depot Debacle" we find out that not even the aircraft used as Air Force One are immune. While undergoing routine PDM at the Boeing San Antonio facility one of the two VC-25s suffered $4M in damages to the passenger oxygen system. Boeing has reimbursed the costs.

As part of the maintenance, technicians check for any leaks in the oxygen system. The Air Force requires a sterile oxygen system, so there are tools and cleaners used that meet their cleanliness standards. However, inspectors found an unapproved regulator attached to the system while the check was on going. In an attempt to clean the system unapproved cleaner was used.

This resulted in a full system cleaning and inspection, resulting in extra time and cost being required before the aircraft was available again.

www.robins.af.mil...

Line manager right now:

I'd hate to see the person who authorized it when they have to go into the room as basically drop their draws and pop them on the table while someone with a very large mallet gives shall we say a very vigorous testicular work out.....

I would of expected that only approved bits and bobs would be for the presidential plane so even ordering them should of got the lights and sirens going.

a reply to: Maxatoria

Only the oxygen system requires a truly sterile environment. The pressure gauges used were to be used on other systems that require pressure tests.

a reply to: Zaphod58

Seems silly but I'm sure they have their reasons. When you're working on that kind of machine you have to do it right.

a reply to: Caughtlurking

No, they really don't. You have no idea how many aircraft I've seen screwed up by the Depot in big and small ways. I've seen entire aircraft lost because they forgot to put the fasteners that held the damn wings on back correctly.

a reply to: Zaphod58

I've seen entire aircraft lost because they forgot to put the fasteners that held the damn wings on back correctly.

How hard is it to follow a manual when assembling a bolt kit? Clearly beyond some people.

a reply to: thebozeian

Most of which seem to work at the Depot.

Going back a couple decades..
www.independent.co.uk...

a reply to: Blackfinger

I couldn't even begin to describe all the accidents and damage caused by the Depot. We used to get them back from PDM and immediately do a Phase inspection on them to catch the screw ups and fix their mistakes.