Wireless books help Moody maintainers stay 'on the go'

  • Published
  • By Kara Ramos
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, GA. (ACCNS) --  In sticking with Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century, the 723rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron is now ordering parts on the flight line via a wireless computer system, allowing Airmen to be more productive.

A wireless laptop system, called a GoBook, has cut approximately eight steps from the ordering process, by eliminating paperwork, research and multiple trips to and from the flightline, said Airman John Howe, 723rd AMXS technical administrator.

"GoBooks allow for a more efficient work environment," said Airman Howe. "Instead of having to walk all over to order needed parts, technicians can now stay on the flightline and continue working."

At a cost of $5,000 each, the GoBook is a personal computer notebook that can work in temperatures ranging from -10 F to 140 F and has the ability to withstand sandstorms and up to four inches of rain per hour. With a touch screen display, glow in the dark and backlit keyboard options, deployed members can work easily both during the day and night. The computer also features a "Bat Hook Handle" which provides an adjustable grip, allowing users to travel more easily by hanging the system on steering wheels or doors.

The system is simple to use, said Airman Howe. First-time users log on by connecting to a server and loading their personal profile. They will then be able to log on wirelessly.

The system has the benefit of reducing man-hours, allowing the Air Force to save money. While it used to take up to one and one half hours to order replacement parts, it now takes only about 30 minutes, said Airman Howe.

"GoBooks are very beneficial to the Air Force because they allow Airmen to be just as productive in half the amount of time," he said. "The maintainers once had to lock up their tool box and leave the job site to 'cut a job' for work to be accomplished on the aircraft, but now GoBooks allow you to do everything right there on the site."

Tech. Sgt. Janell McGivern, 723rd AMXS HH-60G support section assistant NCO in-charge, thinks GoBooks can benefit the Air Force.

"There is an old saying, 'The job ain't finished until the paperwork is done,' and in the Air Force a lot of paperwork is stored in an automated format," she said. "The maintainer can do a job from start to finish out on the flight line, without having to come to a work stoppage. That is definitely beneficial."