Ice repairs test Air Force personnel

Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) technicians are working in extreme temperatures from -38degC to -55degC to repair a mechanical fault that has delayed the departure of a C-130 Hercules from Antarctica.

The aircraft was operating as part of the Antarctica New Zealand summer programme and was taxiing for departure from McMurdo on Wednesday 10 October when a warning light activated. Evaluation by the crew showed that a propeller change was required.

RNZAF technicians and replacement parts departed for the ice on a US-operated C-17 Globemaster last Friday to conduct the repairs.

Air Component Commander Air Commodore Peter Stockwell says that the efforts of the technicians in the very challenging Antarctic climate show true fortitude.

“I’m very proud of the team who are working to get this aircraft serviceable in such challenging conditions. They’ve seen the job through and it’s a testament to their focus, skill level and dedication.

“They’re rotating through a ‘ten minutes on, twenty minutes off’ schedule, sheltering in a hut in the off period. It’s difficult for anyone to imagine what it would be like to effect repairs in these conditions, and the team are true professionals. The team has received very good support from both the United States Air Force and Antarctic Programme in carrying out the repairs.”

With repairs now complete, tests will be carried out over the next two days and it is anticipated that the C-130 will leave the ice later this week.

The RNZAF’s support to Antarctica New Zealand will continue with the full number of scheduled flights.

ENDS