THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, November 15, 1995 TAG: 9511140140
SECTION: MILITARY NEWS PAGE: A6 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: DUTY CALLS
SOURCE: BY CHARLENE CASON, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 46 lines
One of the best things about Dan Smidt's job in the Navy is that he ``can get dirty,'' which, to him, is a plus.
``I like mechanical work, getting dirty, working on the components,'' said Smidt, one of about 20 structural mechanics who work on 16 to 18 radar (E-2) and cargo (C-2) aircraft assigned to the training squadron.
His job is ``to do whatever is necessary to ensure the aircraft is safe for flight.'' He primarily works on the plane's hydraulic systems. Hydraulic fluid aids in steering the plane and operating the radar rotodome.
But Smidt ``climbs all over inside and outside the plane, making sure bolts are secure, and things like the wings and doors stay on in flight.'' His day begins at 6:30 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m., ``unless the aircraft is not fixed - then we stay later,'' he said.
Aviation structural mechanics work on aircraft both on the ground and on aircraft flight decks. Smidt said his job is ``exciting, messy and demands a lot of attention to detail.'' For example, the pressure of hydraulic fluid from a pinhole leak in a line can sever a mechanic's fingers, and ``work on the flight deck is always dangerous.''
Smidt said he likes his job, and he feels that he has the technical knowledge he needs to get a civilian job if he chooses to leave the Navy. What's not good about being an aviation structural mechanic is ``long hours, being overworked and being constantly filthy.''
Smidt, who is from South Dakota, is married and has ason. MEMO: Duty calls, which runs every other week, features people and jobs that
make up our military.
ILLUSTRATION: ON THE JOB
Petty Officer 2nd Class Daniel Smidt, 27
Job: Aviation structural mechanic
Duty station: VAW-120 ``Greyhawks,'' Norfolk Naval Air Station
Years in military: 8
by CNB