 CORPORAL VALERIE O'KRAFKA
On 16 April 2004, as part of a maintenance periodic survey, Corporal Valerie O'Krafka carried out an inspection of the four life raft doors on aircraft 326. She discovered that all four doors were unserviceable (u/s) for wear and took appropriate maintenance action to correct the deficiency. She then took it upon herself to further investigate the case. Her research revealed that in November 2003, a Special Inspection (SI) of the radio and life raft doors was carried out on aircraft 326. The life raft doors had been removed, repaired and then installed without a rigging check or an independent inspection being carried out. She discovered two important shortcomings with the SI instruction in that it failed to identify the requirement for a rigging check and that the work unit code assigned in the Canadian Forces Technical Order (CTFO) did not name the life raft doors as requiring an independent inspection
Not satisfied, she reviewed the Automated Data for Aerospace Maintenance (ADAM) system history for all CC-130s at 8 Wing and discovered that four other aircraft lacked the required independent check and signature following the SI. Corporal O'Krafka quickly reported her findings to the Unit Flight Safety office and followed up with a well-written Crew Chief's report. Further, she initiated the appropriate paperwork to rectify the publications in order to prevent further re-occurrences. Additionally, she reported her findings to the aircraft maintenance control and repair office so that immediate notification to other units and headquarters could be carried out.
As a result of Corporal O'Krafka's diligent efforts, proper maintenance actions have been carried out across the fleet. Her commitment to this task ensured that critical life support equipment is in place if ever required.
Corporal O'Krafka currently serves with 8 Air Maintenance Squadron, 8 Wing Trenton.
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