 MASTER CORPORAL JONATHON RUSSELL
Master Corporal Russell is a 12 Air Maintenance Squadron Aviation Systems Technician. On the evening of 04 May 2004, Master Corporal Russell was tasked to carry out an independent check on Sea King CH12438 for a number-5 tail rotor blade replacement. While carrying out the independent check, Master Corporal Russell noticed that the tail rotor hub bolts appeared to be excessively long. After identifying the problem, Master Corporal Russell immediately checked other aircraft in the hangar and obtained a set of serviceable bolts from supply for comparison. As a result, it was determined that the wrong bolts had been used in the installation of the tail rotor head.
Master Corporal Russell immediately informed his supervisor of the discrepancy, and had the aircraft cordoned off and quarantined so proper flight safety procedures could take place. This included a call to the Duty Photo Technician to take appropriate pictures. Master Corporal Russell then supervised the replacement of the tail rotor hub bolts, which resulted in the return of the aircraft to operational status in minimum time.
Had he not corrected the situation, significant damage to, or even loss of, the tail rotor could have occurred. Master Corporal Russell's professionalism and initiative allowed him to identify and rectify a significant flight safety issue.
Master Corporal Russell serves with 12 Air Maintenance Squadron, 12 Wing Shearwater.
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