AFSO21 improves F-16 landing gear maintenance Published Aug. 12, 2010 By Master Sgt. Nicholas Iorga AFSO21 SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Recently, the 20th Maintenance Group conducted a rapid improvement event for the F-16 landing gear inspection process to identify the inefficiencies of removing the old landing gear and installing a new gear. The team of subject matter experts was comprised of Master Sgt. Nicolas Iorga and Tech. Sgt. Warren Gable, Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century facilitators; Tech. Sgt. John Stinnett, team leader; Staff Sgt. Roger Tilmon, Staff Sgt. Andrew Hamilton, Staff Sgt. Roy Watson, Staff Sgt. Joseph Jackson, and Airman 1st Class Eric Rigsby, team members. The main goal of the team was to eliminate the inefficiencies identified and reduce the time it takes to complete the process from four days to two. The event began with the team analyzing how the inspection was performed by breaking down every step of the process. As a result, the team was able to identify the value added and non-value added steps within the current process. Next, the team, guided by facilitators, brainstormed ideas to uncover possible constraints and waste in the current process, such as wait time and excess movement. Once the team discovered several possible areas of improvement, the next step involved voting on the most significant problem areas. Finally, the team produced a fish-bone diagram for the three most significant causes of the excess waste. The diagram involved breaking a problem down by constantly asking "why" until the root cause was finally discovered. In the end, it was determined that the biggest factors effecting the current process were poor preparation, lack of experienced individuals and accountability of hardware. "By establishing standardized training for newer team members, we will be one step closer to maximum efficiency," said Sergeant Tilmon. The next phase of the RIE was to put together an action plan to implement improvements to the process. First, participants developed an in-house aircraft forms documentation class. Second, they designated a specified parking space on the hangar floor was designated specifically for the landing gear jet. Next, the team reconstructed of the landing gear tool box. This ensured all tools necessary for the job would be located next to the jet for ease of maintenance. Computer workstations are also being constructed in between the aircraft parking spots for expedient electronic documentation allowing the team to have access to all needed tools and equipment within an arm's reach of the aircraft. This RIE provided the ability to cut waste from a process while enabling it to achieve peak performance capabilities, participants agreed.