Combat Edge articles from September 2008

Combat Edge archives from September 2008

No time to relax.(ACCent ON SAFETY)
September 1, 2008... We are about to close out FY08 with a pretty good year of taking care of our people and watching out for our Wingman. From October to July Air Force-wide: Overall ground fatalities were down 38% PMV fatalities were down 42% PMV4...

Combating human factors in fighters.(Helmet Fires)
September 1, 2008... Fighter pilots, specifically single-seat pilots, face some of the most challenging flight environments. We have to organize our own resources plus work as a team to accomplish the mission while preparing for such immediate contingencies as...

Safety ... Even when nobody's looking: no goofy $#!t.(Viewpoint essay)
September 1, 2008... What is the meaning of safety? Whether the topic is ground safety, weapons safety, or flight safety, the root word is still safety. Many times in our day-to-day jobs, we become complacent because the job(s) can sometimes become redundant. You...

Trick or treat; Halloween safety.
September 1, 2008... The leaves are beautiful hues of amber and crimson. The nights are chilly and the smell of fall is in the air. Children have been planning for this night since July only to change their costume idea a hundred times. As they run around the house...

Spot inspections.
September 1, 2008... Spot inspections can be a great tool for the overall success of a weapons safety program; they are conducted on some aspect of our program every single day. These spot inspections may include, but are not limited to: a facility fire symbol...

My brother's keeper???(wingman)
September 1, 2008... What does being a good Wingman really mean? As a fighter pilot, the Wingman concept is part of the mission. Here's how I think about it. When out on a training or real world mission, I rely on my Wingman for support and mutual defense. From my...

Within walking distance.
September 1, 2008... When my ordeal started, the pain in my feet was comparable to what anyone might experience with a minor bruise. It was barely an ache. It was more like what happens on Saint Patty's Day when you forget to wear green--a sharp, unexpected pain...

Locked in a car.
September 1, 2008... It's 1300 in the afternoon, and Lieutenant Thomas is leaving the Peterson AFB medical clinic after taking his 3-year-old son to a Pediatrics appointment. It's a beautiful sunny day in Colorado Springs. As he pauses to readjust the ties on his...

Lack of respect.
September 1, 2008... I have been working in the Safety job for a little over 4 months. During my career, I have been a witness to several safety incidents or violations that were attributed to what I believe the largest problem we face in our working environment...

Monthly award winners - June.
September 1, 2008... Flight Line Safety AWARD OF DISTINCTION During an indirect fire attack, MSgt Smith quickly responded to the airfield to conduct Ops enabling post attack reconnaissance sweeps of both runways and supporting taxiways. After determining...

Monthly award winners July.
September 1, 2008... Aircrew Safety AWARD OF DISTINCTION During the cruise portion of a 20 + hour KOA LIGHTNING HHD sortie, HAVOC 08 suddenly experienced severe pitch oscillations with a magnitude that exceeded the load factor limitations of the aircraft....

Mishap statistics scoreboard.
September 1, 2008... Aircraft Notes ACC experienced three Class A flight mishaps in June and July. Two MQ-1s were destroyed in the AOR. Sadly, we lost six of our nation's finest when a B-52 and her crew were lost near Andersen AFB, Guam. This year has seen a...

Fleagle.(Cartoon)
September 1, 2008... Fleagle [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] HE'S COMING. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] HOW DOES HE LOOK? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] CAN'T TELL. YET. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] OFFICE [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION...