There’s a reason we’re the Air Capital.
Check out this aeronautical innovation from Wichita Airman Master Sgt. Bartek Bachleda of McConnell AFB.
As a Refueling Boom Operator turned Instructor, Sgt. Bachleda has spent many hours, laying face-down in the current configuration. He has found that discomfort from the body position commonly turns into chronic neck and back injuries for his colleagues.
He desires to reduce injuries and long-term implications for Boom Operators while saving the Air Force and US Taxpayers a lot of money.
According to Sgt. Bachleda’s research, the injuries cost the Military $132-Million during Fiscal Year 2014. This annual cost may be dramatically reduced or eliminated using the Sargent’s new panel.
If the new panel is effective, less service members are expected to leave the military voluntarily and with forced medical retirement. It will reduce opportunity cost in lost training time, and it will reduce insurance costs and legal settlements.
Wichita’s deep roots in aircraft manufacturing and has equipped our residents with unique knowledge and resources. It is exciting to see our city’s resident win the Air Force’s inaugural “Spark Tank” competition, where Air Force personnel submit inventions that will save the military time and money.
The Air Force will spend $1.5-million in research and development for Sgt. Bachleda’s innovation.
The end result will be a panel that is shipped via fedex, then popped into the airplane. Its expected to be a simple process.
Wichita is a wonderful place to start a career in the aircraft field, whether it be for the military or the private sector.
Check out this scholarship to Wichita Area Technical College that is sponsored by Spirit Aerosystems.
This is just one of many examples of Wichita area aircraft manufacturers supporting our community’s growth.
Check out these Wichita Aircraft Companies for more information about why Wichita is called the Air Capital.
Aeronautical Innovation From Wichita Airman
Blog Post by Mike Gamache, Blogger, CML
Original source, The Wichita Eagle