Simply the largest airship on the field during this year’s Vectren Dayton Air Show, the massive C-5A is the pride of the men and women of the 89th Airlift Squadron.
Air Show Visitors
This Air Show weekend, tens of thousands of visitors entered the gaping forward and aft openings of the C-5A Galaxy cargo aircraft to explore its air-conditioned cargo area. Wright Patterson medical teams were setup inside the C-5A Galaxy to demonstrate critical trauma care for visitors.
Tech Sergeant TSGT Justin Brothers provided this reporter with the unique opportunity to climb into the birds-eye seat of the cockpit of the C-5A as well as shared some fascinating information about the heavy mover.
Cockpit Visit
After climbing the 20 rungs of the aluminum ladder that led to the cockpit, I was amazed to see the thousands of switches, buttons and dials that comprised the control panels in this nearly 40 year old bird. The Pilot and Co-Pilot seats were wrapped with controls and indicators as well as two massive throttles. I was surprised by the wear and tear to the controls and TSGT Brothers explained that this C-5 has seen regular supply missions to Ramstein Air Base in Germany as well as TOD’s in Kuwait with only small breaks for maintenance.
Flight Engineers Station
The starboard side of the cockpit features the complex systems managed by the two flight engineers. Air-conditioning and flight systems management including the “kneeling” of the airship. Flight engineers control the hydraulic lifts that tilt the forward, aft or alternately lower both ends of the airship for cargo loading or sweaty and hot visitors to the Dayton Air Show.
The Navigator (or not…)
The 40 year old aircraft was outfitted to support a navigator in the cockpit but now with the support of modern avionics, this seat now stands unoccupied. Both the Pilot and Co-Pilot have all they need in front of them to navigate the 380,000 lb vessel.
Bunks
Moving aft on the C-5A, there are two spartan cells containing three bunks where crewmen and military passengers are able to rest during trips to their far flung destinations.
Loadmasters
Beyond the bunks there was seating for 8, including a desk area where the C-5A Loadmasters maintain detailed logs and information of all cargo entering or exiting the C-5A. These loadmasters ensure that proper care is taken for every helicopter, tank, or skid of food. It was here where TSGT Brothers explained that there are actually 44 more passenger seats located in the aft portion of the aircraft. I asked if there were any VIP quarters on the C-5A and Brothers stated that most VIP’s choose to travel on the newer and more agile C-17.
The Money Shot
TSGT Brothers provided me the great opportunity to shoot from the two best and highest vantage points in the Dayton Air Show. One spot was from an exit door just forward of the wing and then the BEST spot which was found after a short climb up to an open hatch on the top of the C-5A where I was able to (nearly) sit on top and shoot the photos of the raised nose as well as the tail aft sections.
The Future of TSGT Brothers
TSGT Brothers who has served the 89th Airlift Squadron for the past 8 years looks forward to the exciting adventures ahead with the US Air Force.
After nearly reaching full-flight engineer status on the C-5, he believes that he will soon be entering the training program for the C-17, the Air Force’s newest and more lithe cargo carrier. Today there are very few bases that are suited to accommodate the girth, weight and maintenance requirements of the C-5A.
TSGT Brothers looks forward to the C-17 assignment because it will allow him the opportunity to travel to many more Air Force bases.
The Future of the C-5
The Air Force has experienced rapidly increasing costs for modernizing its fleet of 100 C-5 planes, including replacing or overhauling their engines and navigation systems. While the massive airships retain much of their useful life, the costs to maintain them has hastened their departure and delivery to the Air Force bone yards. While the 89th Airlift Squadron may soon be known for their expertise in only the C-17, their dedication and duty to our Country remains unquestioned.
Vectren Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger
The Dayton Air Show provides “civvies” with the opportunity to bump elbows and speak casually with the members of our Armed Forces. This opportunity allows our team of fighting men and women to dispel myths about the US military as well as demonstrate their skills and abilities to pilot, maintain and support the new (and old) technologies involved in flight. Find out more about the Vectren Dayton Air Show by visiting their website.
