Combat Edge articles from February 2005

Combat Edge archives from February 2005

How do you view safety?(ACCent on Safety)
February 1, 2005... In honor of Black History Month, this issue highlights the contributions made by The Tuskegee Airmen, and the impact they have made on the Air Force. Under tremendous pressure to succeed, their commanders understood that success lays in the...

Night flying hazards of spatial D.
February 1, 2005... Night flying--or some it's the best time to be airborne (i.e., less air traffic, the concealing cover of darkness, inertial navigation system direct whenever you ask for it, and quiet radios). However, it's also the perfect time to experience...

Fountains of fire.
February 1, 2005... The recent eruption of Mt.St. Helens in Washington State and the prospects of other imminent eruptions focus needed attention on a very serious hazard: airborne volcanic ash. Normally, ash will be localized and can be avoided with careful...

The Tuskegee experience.
February 1, 2005... Our country's heritage includes the contributions of more than 13,000 African-Americans who have come to be known as the Tuskegee Airmen. During World War II, 450 combat single-engine fighter pilots, 223 non-combat single-engine fighter pilots,...

Legacy of excellence.
February 1, 2005... His training as a Black Belt in Martial Arts gave Capt Otis Hooper the discipline and motivation to succeed, but a meeting with members of The Tuskegee Airmen as a US Air Force Academy (USAFA) freshman, provided the inspiration and direction....

Aircrew safety: award of distinction.
February 1, 2005... Capt Smith and Capt Keen were the number two aircraft in an F-15E two-ship TX course Aircraft Handling Characteristics training sortie. After separating from their flight, they completed their area work uneventfully and began a strange field...

Flight line safety: award of distinction.(MONTHLY AWARD WINNERS)
February 1, 2005... On 28 October 2004, Cobra 81, a flight of two F-15s, entered the Langley AFB VFR traffic pattern for full-stop landings. Approaching the perch, Cobra 82 put his gear down and received an unsafe gear indication. Cobra 81, who had rolled off the...

Ground safety: award of distinction.(MONTHLY AWARD WINNERS)
February 1, 2005... On 15 September 04, Boat Masters Anderson and Wilson distinguished themselves by captaining two of only three 120-foot drone recovery vessels in the Air Force inventory. These unique assets have saved the Air Force $43 million in the past 5...

Pilot safety: award of distinction.(MONTHLY AWARD WINNERS)
February 1, 2005... Capt Gration was number one of a two-ship of F-15C Eagles on a 2V2 night Air Combat Training (ACT) mission. On takeoff for the instrument trail departure, Capt Gration's landing gear failed to retract. Entering the weather at 2,000', Capt...

Unit safety: award of distinction.(MONTHLY AWARD WINNERS)
February 1, 2005... In October 2004 the 33d Maintenance Group Quality Assurance Office was tasked with the inspection of a "Utility A hydraulic return line" on an F-15 aircraft which was identified as chafing against the panel 51 stiffener. The team assessed the...

Weapons safety: award of distinction.(MONTHLY AWARD WINNERS)
February 1, 2005... On 18 October 2004, SSgt Davis was performing a Returned Munitions Inspection (RMI) on 6 sticks of 40 percent Ammonium Nitrate Dynamite being turned in from the Security Forces K-9 kit. During this inspection, he opened the container to verify...

ACC safety salutes Superior performance.(Air Combat Command)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Capt Michael L. Clavenna TU-2S Instructor Pilot 1st Reconnaissance Squadron 9th Reconnaissance Wing Beale AFB, Calif. Capt William J. Shnowske Flight Lead/Squadron Scheduler 421st Fighter Squadron 388th...

ACC FY 04 annual awards.(Air Combat Command, Fiscal Year)
February 1, 2005... NAF/DRU SAFETY PROGRAM OF THE YEAR 12th Air Force Davis-Monthan AFB, S.C. WING SAFETY PROGRAM OF THE YEAR 366th Fighter Wing Mt. Home AFB, Idaho WING CHIEF OF SAFETY OF THE YEAR Lt Col Craig K. King 33rd...

Pineapple juggling.
February 1, 2005... Like most parents, I tend to lecture my two teenage boys. It usually starts out something like, "Remember, the trouble with trouble is that it always starts out as fun." But like most people--young people in particular--they need a "For...

Leave it to beavers: A.K.A.--"the professionals".
February 1, 2005... I had just returned from 2 years at an assignment away from home. The backyard had gotten a little overgrown while I was away, so I decided it was time to purchase some tree cutting tools and take care of the problem. After completing an...

Safe pruning tips: if you don't hire a professional, keep in mind that safety--for you personally--should be top priority as you prune.
February 1, 2005... * Be sure you are in good physical and mental health in order to operate the equipment safely. * Do not use equipment when under the influence of alcohol, medication, or substances that can affect your vision, dexterity, and judgment. ...

Mishap statistics scoreboard.
February 1, 2005... Aircraft Notes ACC had two Class As in December. An F/A-22 crashed on takeoff, but fortunately, aviator ejected successfully. The other was a non-rate producing mishap where a B-1B nose gear collapsed post-flight. Don't become complacent!...