Airman solves fuel-flow transmitter problem, saves Air Force thousands

by Staff Sgt. Chad Thompson
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

6/22/2011 - OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- An Airman here was recently awarded a check worth $10,000 through the Innovative Development Employee Awareness, or IDEA, program.

Tech. Sgt. Tremaine Smith, 51st Maintenance Group technical order distribution office manager, was recognized for an idea that fixed a fuel-flow transmitter problem saving the Air Force more than $90,000 in replacement costs over the next year.

Sergeant Smith identified a more efficient way to properly troubleshoot and correct an aircraft wiring problem on the A-10 Thunderbolt II.

He said he initially found the problem during an aircraft malfunction.

After many hours of contemplating the problem Sergeant Smith decided to approach it from a different angle. He said he went outside of his troubleshooting chart and decided to disconnect the cannon plug from the unit in order to see what might be causing the issue.

Taking a closer look, he found there was a wiring problem in the cannon plug and the schematic in the technical order was either mislabeled, or incorrect.

"After almost two years of pushing to get the problem fixed, it was the IDEA program that finally helped," Sergeant Smith said.

"The IDEA Program is designed as an incentive program to reward submitters for approved ideas that benefit the Air Force by enhancing processes or improving productivity and efficiency," said Ed Moreno, base IDEA program manager.

Today, the IDEA Program uses a web-based automated system, IDEA Program Data System (IPDS), from submission to the final evaluation decision.

Submitters must identify the present method, proposed method, and expected benefits.

They will also need to explain why the current method should be changed with a detailed description or solution on how to change the current method or implement the idea. Include anticipated savings, efficiencies, or benefits to the Air Force, not merely thoughts or opinions.

The IDEA program rewards Airmen for ideas that save the Air Force money and resources. Airmen are eligible to receive 15 percent of the estimated first-year savings, which could range from $200 to $10,000.

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