|
Summer 2001
And one more makes four . . .
Return of veteran mechanic prepares Air Life’s crucial crew for double fixed-wing coverage
|
|
(Clockwise from top left): Mechanics Don Harder, William Wilkinson, Scott Garrett and Dale Neubauer adjust the rotor on Air Life’s Bell 222-UT helicopter
|
He couldn’t stay away, but it’s just as well. With the return of mechanic Dale Neubauer, Air Life’s technical maintenance team is gearing up for next year when both Pilatus PC-12 fixed-wings will be in service full time.
The addition of a fourth mechanic allows the team to split up and work on several aircraft at a time. Now, for instance, Neubauer and lead mechanic Don Harder can do maintenance on the helicopter while mechanics Scott Garrett and William Wilkinson repair one of the two fixed-wings.
“We can split it up as needed,” Harder explained. “I try to see to it that everyone spends at least some time at each base.”
Unbeknownst to most people, the Air Life maintenance crew makes up the crucial core of the Air Life team. The four men spend their days — and often nights — maintaining, repairing and inspecting the three aircraft that provide emergency air transport to patients throughout Oregon. All four are certified Airframe & Powerplant mechanics with 96 years of combined experience under their belts.
“On any given flight, the medical crew is responsible for the patient,” explained Neubauer, a 16-year veteran of the industry who began working with Air Life in 1989. “The pilot is responsible for the patient and the medical crew, and the maintenance technician is responsible for everyone on board.”
Not satisfied making their work week a simple 9-to-5 proposition, Wilkinson admits the crew devotes
many weekend and evening hours to checking in on the aircraft just to make sure things are running smoothly.
“Safety is a big issue for us,” he said. “When we find something questionable, the first thing I always ask is, ‘would I put my wife and children on this aircraft?’”
All four mechanics are employed by Air Methods, a Denver-based company that provides Air Life with its pilots and mechanics. Living in the Central Oregon community, all four said they feel a certain level of pride in their association with a program that has Air Life’s reputation for quality and safety.
“When I’m in uniform, people have stopped me in the auto-parts store to tell me how much they admire Air Life,” Garrett said.
Return to Summer 2001 Air Currents Directory
|
