head, and each division has a division officer. The size of the squadron will determine if you have a branch officer. The line chief petty officer (CPO) is the division CPO. Normally, you will work directly for the line petty officer or a shift supervisor. There are three branches (two afloat) within the line division. The following paragraphs discuss these branches. TROUBLESHOOTER BRANCH The troubleshooter branch provides a rapid means of troubleshooting and repairing discrepancies discovered on the flight line. Also, troubleshooters are technical advisors to the plane captains. Troubleshooters may be permanently assigned to the line division or they may be temporarily assigned from other work centers on a daily or hourly basis. They must be knowledgeable in line operations, flight line safety, and aircraft systems. SUPPORT EQUIPMENT BRANCH Only shore-based squadrons have support equipment (SE) branches. Lack of space aboard ship makes it impossible to store SE; therefore, an SE branch is not possible. Normally, your squadron will check out SE needed on the line. When SE is no longer needed, it is returned to the aircraft intermediate maintenance department (AIMD). The SE branch is responsible for the SE used by the squadron. This responsibility includes the daily/operational inspections performed on the equipment, and in some cases, minor maintenance. Refer to local procedures when you work with SE. PLANE CAPTAIN BRANCH The plane captain branch of the line division is made up of qualified plane captains and trainees (persons in training to become qualified plane captains). This branch normally has between 75 and 95 percent of the total personnel assigned to the line division. The branch does routine maintenance (daily/turnaround inspections and cleaning) and other organizational maintenance assigned by maintenance control. You cannot become a qualified plane captain automatically. You must work long hours and demonstrate that you know the aircraft and its operation (orally and in writing). After demonstrating your ability. you will be designated, in writing, as a plane captain by the commanding officer. The following paragraphs discuss the duties and qualifications of a plane captain. Plane Captain Duties Because naval aircraft are very complex, the plane captain does not have in-depth knowledge of all the systems contained in the aircraft. Therefore, technicians other than the plane captain must perform those portions of the daily and turnaround/preflight inspections that are beyond the technical qualifications of the plane captain. This assistance does not relieve the plane captain of their overall responsibility for the aircraft. The following is a list of the minimum duties of a plane captain: Perform daily, preflight, postflight, and turnaround inspections with assisting personnel, and assist others in performing O-level maintenance. Assists the pilot in flight preparation and advises the pilot of the material condition of the aircraft. Responsible for the cleanliness and prevention of corrosion on the aircraft by pursuing an effective and continual preventive maintenance program. Perform the work required and assist on phase, special, and conditional inspections within the rating specialty as required by maintenance requirements cards (MRCs). Plane Captain Qualifications Assignment as a plane captain carries a high degree of responsibility. The selection of the right person to be a plane captain is important. Regardless of rating, this person must possess the mechanical aptitude, personal integrity, and motivation necessary for the job. These qualities help to ensure that the aircraft is properly inspected and serviced before each flight. A broad screening of available personnel in the aviation ratings and comprehensive formal and on-the-job (OJT) training programs ensure that only the most qualified individuals are designated as plane captains. The following is a list of qualifications for plane captains. Possess the qualities of personal integrity, maturity, judgement, and aptitude. Demonstrate knowledge of the particular type of aircraft and its systems, including its cockpit, ejection seats, and controls. Demonstrate knowledge of the ordnance or armament equipment installed in or on the aircraft, and ensure that the armament, ejection seat, and other cartridge-activated devices are in a safe and ready condition during daily, preflight, postflight, and turnaround inspections. 5-2