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Video: Making Metal

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Every part of an aircraft must be in perfect working order before it flies. Sometimes that even entails creating a part from scratch.

Responsible for repairing and creating essential aircraft parts, aircraft metals technology specialists act as the Air Force's machinists and welders. From troubleshooting to final fitting, these skilled professionals weld, fabricate and custom-make the metal components critical to the functioning of an aircraft. Air Force Staff Sgt. Matthew Windmann explains how being an aircraft metals technician is a rewarding profession.

An airman sitting down working on a computer
Staff Sgt. Windmann
Air Force Staff Sgt. Matthew Windmann works on a computer in the 397th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron's metals fabrication shop at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar.
Credit: DOD video still
VIRIN: 190228-D-XT155-001
Carving tool
Milling Machine
A milling machine cuts into an aluminum aircraft part under construction in the 397th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron's metals fabrication shop at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar.
Credit: DOD video still
VIRIN: 190226-D-PZ834-002C
An airman operates a milling machine
Windmann Work
Air Force Staff Sgt. Matthew Windmann operates a milling machine that creates aircraft parts from raw metal in the 397th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron's metals fabrication shop at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar.
Credit: DOD video still
VIRIN: 190226-D-PZ834-001C

Video by Air Force Staff Sgt. Nicholas Alder

 

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