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Volume 61, Number 33
March 8, 2013
Airfield Management emphasizes runway safety by Cherie Head 412th Operations Support Squadron
Hazardous Air Traffic Report and Controlled Movement Area violations are a growing problem for both the Air Force and the Federal Aviation Administration. “Edwards has been fortunate that no one has been injured or killed and we have not had any aircraft damaged over the years, but being lucky isn’t good enough, because at some point, luck will run out. It’s not a matter of if, but when something more serious may happen” said Master Sgt. William DeAngel, 412th Operations Support Squadron deputy airfield manager. The controlled movement area is defined as any portion of the airfield requiring aircraft, vehicles and pedestrians to obtain specific Air Traffic Control approval for access. At Edwards, the CMA includes all Runways, Helipads and Rogers and Rosamond Lakebeds. “A CMA or runway incursion occurs anytime an aircraft, vehicle, or pedestrian enters the CMA without specific approval from Air Traffic Control. The Air Force directs additional communications training for
anyone working in the CMA to ensure proper phraseology is used when talking to the tower,” added DeAngel. “If CMA access is a mission requirement, and proper training is completed, the individual’s Air Force Form 483 Competency Card will be stamped.” As for the penalties, DeAngel said airfield violations will immediately result in the individual losing their airfield driving privileges. “The 412th OSS commander is responsible for vehicle operations on the airfield and each unit commander, director, division chief and contract manager is responsible for ensuring that the absolute minimum number of drivers are authorized to drive on the airfield to accomplish their mission,” DeAngel said. “Penalties depend on the number of offenses the individual has had at Edwards.” The Edwards airfield driving program instruction currently lists the following penalties: First offense – 30 days suspension and re-training; Second offense – 60 days suspension and re-training; and Third offense – permanent revocation of airfield driving privileges on Edwards. “Assumptions have no place within the See FLIGHTLINE, Page 3
Air Force photograph by Jet Fabara
Master Sgt. William DeAngel, 412th Operations Support Squadron deputy airfield manager, demonstrates the proper way of contacting the air traffic control tower for clearance to drive on the airfield runway while waiting on the runway hold line March 5 at Edwards Air Force Base.
Test Pilot School modernizes Systems curriculum by Laura Mowry Staff writer Training the next generation of flight test professionals is not a responsibility the United States Air Force Test Pilot School takes lightly; and as weapon systems become increasingly complex, the school is modernizing the curriculum to more accurately represent future technological trends of the Air Force. Throughout the remaining calendar year, the school is updating its curriculum to keep the students and the Air Force on the leading edge of technology, which means integrating cyber and space components into an already intensive year-long master’s program. “Cyber and space has been institutionalized
at the Air Force level and it is also part of the Air Force Test Center mission statement. As an Air Force-level school and a member of the AFTC, the school ought to be tracking with those mission statements. Our mission statement is growing to incorporate this and our curriculum also needs to,” said Col. Lawrence M. Hoffman, USAF TPS commandant. While the curriculum is divided up into four phases of academics (Performance, Flying Qualities, Systems and Test Management), the school is focusing on modernizing the Systems phase; which includes human factors, remotelypiloted aircraft, electro-optics, electronic warfare, avionics systems integration and data link systems See TPS, Page 5 Air Force photograph by Laura Mowry
Randy Kelly, United States Air Force Test Pilot School Systems master instructor, demonstrates a lesson to members of the school’s 12B class. Throughout the remaining calendar year, the school will modernize its curriculum to keep the students and the Air Force on the leading edge of technology. For TPS, that means integrating cyber and space into an already intensive year-long master’s program.
NASA testing
Reserve visit
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NASA using DC-8 to study effects of alternate biofuel on engine performance, emmissions.
FLTG commander visits Edwards.
I need a home .... Page 15
Pets looking for new homes.