How Did - Winter 2020 - AF.mil
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Winter 2020
How Did
We Do? PAGE 4
The Air Combat Command Safety
Gen. James M. Holmes
Commander
Col. Steven G. Owen
Director of Safety
Amy Robinson
Editor
ACCent
Directorate would like to recognize Kurt Reilly Looking Forward
and congratulate the command’s Art Director
Welcome to the Winter 2020 edition of The Combat
2019 Air Force Chief of Safety Edge! In the last issue, we provided a quick overview of
annual award winners: Volume 28 Issue 1, ACC SP 91-1 fiscal year 2019’s overall mishap numbers. In this issue,
we’ll dig a little bit deeper into these numbers and provide
some thoughts on where we can continue to improve.
THE COMBAT EDGE
Over the last five years, ACC mishap numbers have
Air Force Chief of Safety Special Achievement Award: (ISSN 1063-8970) IS PUBLISHED QUARTERLY, BY AIR
COMBAT COMMAND, HQ ACC/SEM, 220 SWEENEY steadily decreased despite a continuous demand for combat
Tyndall Air Force Base Support Agency Team, BLVD (BLDG 669, RM 203), JOINT BASE LANGLEY- air power in the Middle East and around the globe. A majority
Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida EUSTIS, VA 23665-2714. PERIODICAL POSTAGE PAID of the heavy lifting for this accomplishment occurred Col. Steven G. Owen
AT HAMPTON, VA 23670 AND ADDITIONAL MAILING
OFFICES. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES
at the squadron level with superb squadron leadership, Director of Safety
Safety Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year Award: TO HQ ACC/SEM, 220 SWEENEY BLVD, BLDG 669, RM outstanding daily risk management by frontline supervisors
203, JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, VA 23665-2714. and sound safety culture throughout the command.
Senior Master Sgt. Jacob Q. Kurtz,
Here at ACC Safety, our occupational professionals have partnered with the Occupational
480th ISR Wing, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia DISTRIBUTION: F. OPR: HQ ACC/SEM.
Safety and Health Administration’s Safe and Sound campaign, producing multiple videos
DISTRIBUTION IS BASED ON A RATIO OF ONE COPY
PER 10 PERSONS ASSIGNED. AIR FORCE UNITS and safety grams for nationwide use. We have also been working with Headquarters Air
SHOULD CONTACT THE COMBAT EDGE STAFF TO Force to continue funding for motorcycle safety training and execute our Fall Restraint
ESTABLISH OR CHANGE REQUIREMENTS.
campaign. For weapons, we have developed and implemented a new Explosives Siting
Combat Edge
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS: AVAILABLE TO NON- System curriculum within our Weapons Safety Manager course to bring all of our weapons
DOD READERS FOR $51.00 ($71.40 OUTSIDE THE safety managers up to speed and increase explosives siting proficiency in support of
U.S.) FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT OF DOCUMENTS, deployed operations. In aviation safety, we have expanded our Military Flight Operations
PO BOX 371954, PITTSBURGH PA 15250-7954.
ALL SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE CORRESPONDENCE Quality Assurance, or MFOQA programs to multiple weapons systems such as the MQ-9,
SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE SUPERINTENDENT, F-16, HC-130, HH-60 and RC-135s. We have also completed the first two Line Operations
NOT HQ ACC/SEM. Safety Audits, or LOSAs, in the history of ACC. These audits not only helped us identify
CONTRIBUTIONS:
potential hazards within the MQ-9 and command, control, intelligence, surveillance and
PLEASE SEND ARTICLES WITH NAME, RANK, DSN reconnaissance communities, but also helped us develop recommendations to prevent
PHONE NUMBER, E-MAIL, COMPLETE MAILING future mishaps before they even occur.
4 How Did We Do? ACC Safety 14 The ASAP Report That Wasn’t ...
ADDRESS AND COMMENTS TO ACC/SEM COMBAT So how did we do in FY19, and what should we focus on for FY20 and beyond? Starting
EDGE MAGAZINE:
on page 4, you’ll see a series of articles by ACC’s flight, occupational and weapons safety
by Col. Steven G. Owen by David R. MacKenzie
THECOMBATEDGE@US.AF.MIL divisions that provide some detailed statistics on where we’re at right now. In flight
ACC/SE, JB Langley-Eustis, VA ACC/SEF, JB Langley-Eustis, VA TELEPHONE: 757-764-8846 safety, our overall numbers for FY19 went up slightly after an incredible year in FY18. In
DSN: 574-8846
occupational safety, we experienced a slight increase in on-duty mishaps and began to see
6 How Did We Do? Flight Safety 20 3rd Quarter Awards FAX: 757-764-8975
an increasing trend in off-duty mishaps. For weapons safety, we saw another decrease in
by ACC Flight Safety Division THE EDITOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO EDIT ALL overall numbers from the previous year. In other words, our Airmen across the command
MANUSCRIPTS FOR READABILITY AND GOOD
ACC/SEF, JB Langley-Eustis, VA
21 4th Quarter Awards TASTE.
are exercising sound daily risk management and our numbers are low. However, we can
always improve. For FY20 and beyond, ACC Safety will continue to advocate for expanding
proactive safety initiatives such as MFOQA and LOSA. We’ll also continue to work with
10 How Did We Do? Occupational Safety 22 Annual Awards
DISCLAIMER: THIS MAGAZINE IS AN AUTHORIZED
PUBLICATION FOR MEMBERS OF THE DOD. our partners at the Air Force Safety Center to provide more automated solutions for data
by ACC Occupational Safety Division CONTENTS OF THE COMBAT EDGE ARE NOT
gathering and analysis, enabling focused trend analysis for commanders and better training
ACC/SEG, JB Langley-Eustis, VA NECESSARILY THE OFFICIAL VIEWS OF, OR
23 Stats ENDORSED BY, THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT,
THE DOD, OR THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE.
for safety personnel across the command.
As you take a look at the numbers in the following articles, take a moment to reflect
12 How Did We Do? Weapons Safety INFORMATION CONTAINED IN ANY ARTICLE MAY NOT
BE CONSTRUED AS INCRIMINATING UNDER ARTICLE
and ask yourself how you as an individual and how your squadron have contributed to
by ACC Weapons Safety Division 31, UCMJ.
maintaining a proactive safety culture that minimizes unnecessary risks while mitigating the
ACC/SEW, JB Langley-Eustis, VA risks that we actually DO have to take.
COVER PHOTO BY Fly Safe! – Grit
MASTER SGT. RUSS SCALF
2 www.acc.af.mil/home/acc-safety THE COMBAT EDGE | WINTER 2020 3
How Did
We Do?
The chart below depicts a snapshot of the total
number of Class A and B mishaps throughout Air
Combat Command from fiscal year 2015 to 2019.
Although there have been increases and decreases
in totals, mishaps in each category have trended
downward from 2015 to 2019.
ACC Mishaps
60
50
Photos by Tech. Sgt. Matthew Plew
40
BY COL. STEVEN G. OWEN a different major. What was question: How does statistical It also provides our Airmen with
Total Mishaps
fascinating, however, was how analysis and reflection help ACC to valuable feedback on how their
W
30 hen I was student in math could be used to develop meet our readiness goals? safety initiatives are making a
college, I majored in creative solutions to a multitude of The short answer to that difference.
engineering. As you complex engineering problems. question is pretty simple. Taking As you browse through the
might imagine, there In the next few pages, you’re the time to periodically review following pages, take a minute
20
was a lot of math that went into going to see a lot of raw data and safety performance numbers to ask yourself what this data
that degree. For me, the math numbers; not exactly riveting or provides leadership at every level means to you. Where do you fit
itself wasn’t all that interesting. entertaining stuff. However, before with valuable insights on current in the bigger picture? How does
10 In fact, if you were to look at my you deposit this copy of The safety trends, the risks associated your daily risk management and
grades for the last two Calculus Combat Edge back onto the coffee with those trends, and how they decision-making contribute to
courses I took, you probably table, I would ask you to stop for might shape policy or allocate maintaining ACC’s readiness?
0 would have advised me to pursue a moment and ask yourself one resources to mitigate those risks. – Grit
FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19
Total Class A and B Mishaps
4 www.acc.af.mil/home/acc-safety THE COMBAT EDGE | WINTER 2020 5
How Did
We Do?
I
BY ACC FLIGHT SAFETY DIVISION
n fiscal year 2019, Air Combat Command Flight Safety, or SEF,
managed an extensive portfolio of aviation mishap prevention
programs in support of four Numbered Air Forces, 35 wings,
21 weapons systems and over 200 locations across the
command. The command’s flight safety division also provided
direct support to 10 Class A safety investigation boards, or SIBs,
while maintaining major command oversight for 11 Class B SIBs.
Additional SEF duties included direct support to three ACC Inspector
General inspections, tracking an array of Air Force Materiel Command
system safety groups, oversight of 26 safety-related Air and Space
Expeditionary Force deployments for ACC personnel, command-level
management of ACC personnel attending 43 classes across nine
safety courses and four roadshow training events, coordinating for
allocations of Military Personnel Appropriation man-days to ensure
total force support of Safety Investigation Boards, management of
Class A Flight Mishaps
Photo by R. Nial Bradshaw
18
16
approximately 700 open SIB compared to the eight Class ACC aviation mishaps across four communities experienced zero
14
recommendations, development of A mishaps reported for FY18 primary categories: fighter aircraft, Class A aviation mishaps. Our F-16
12 ACC’s semiannual Hazard Review (which was a new record low for other manned ACC aircraft, and F-22 aircraft experienced two
Board, and providing command ACC Class A aviation mishaps). unmanned aircraft and air-ground Class A mishaps each. One F-16
10 oversight of ACC’s proactive safety Aviation mishaps involve an operations, or AGO. aircraft departed the prepared
Total Mishaps
programs. aircraft or remotely piloted aircraft/ surface on landing, resulting in
8
unmanned aerial system, while Class A significant damage to the aircraft;
6 Class A flight mishaps specifically include Fighter Flight Mishaps the other F-16 was destroyed in a
Flight Mishaps any mishap where there is intent ACC’s fighter enterprise crash after the pilot ejected during
4 ACC experienced 10 Class A for flight and reportable damage experienced four Class A mishaps a significant emergency while
aviation mishaps in FY19. This to a Department of Defense in FY19, a decrease from six Class on final approach to the runway.
2
represented a 41% reduction from aircraft while being operated on A mishaps in FY16, but one more Both F-22 mishaps resulted from
0 FY16 to FY19, and an increase Air Force missions. The following than last year’s three mishaps. In foreign object damage to internal
FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 of two Class A mishaps when charts will compare and contrast FY19, the A-10, F-15 and F-35 engine components.
Fighter Manned Unmanned AGO
6 www.acc.af.mil/home/acc-safety THE COMBAT EDGE | WINTER 2020 7
Class A Class A Class B Class B Flight Mishaps In FY19, SEF led two HRBs: one
Manned, Non-Fighter Air-Ground Operations Aviation Mishaps in October 2018 and one in April
Flight Mishaps This category includes all Class For FY19, ACC reversed our 18 2019. These HRBs provided the
For ACC, 2014 was a benchmark A mishaps that involved ACC previous downward trend in the 16
commander of ACC with a total
year with zero Class A mishaps. fighter, manned or unmanned overall number of Class B mishaps of 138 recommendations for
FY15 and FY16 each experienced aircraft but did not occur during with a total of eleven Class B’s, 14 either closure or risk acceptance.
two Class A’s in this category flight operations. Following two compared to a low of five in FY18. Across the two HRBs, all but
before returning again to zero in spectacular years in FY15 and This represents a 120% increase 12 five of the 138 recommendations
FY17. For FY18, ACC experienced FY16 without a single Class A air- from those five mishaps in FY18 10
were closed with either ACC
a single, but tragic, HH-60 mishap ground operations mishap, ACC and to the eleven reported Class B commander risk acceptance or
Total Mishaps
that claimed the lives of seven experienced a spike in Class A mishaps in FY19. For comparison, 8 acceptance of an alternate risk
Airmen. In FY19, ACC again had AGOs with four reported mishaps FY17 saw ten Class B mishaps, mitigation solution. The remaining
zero manned, non-fighter Class A in FY17. In FY18, ACC reduced FY16 saw eighteen, and FY15 saw 6 five were kept open, pending
mishaps. mishaps in this category to two fourteen. 4
additional guidance or requests for
Class A AGOs; one was the result additional information.
of a weather event where multiple 2
Class A sunshades collapsed, damaging Class B
0
Manned Aviation Fatalities several deployed F-16s; the Fighter Flight Mishaps FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19
Proactive Safety
After a stellar FY17 with zero other AGO occurred during E-8C For FY19, ACC experienced three In FY19, SEF managed the
aviation fatalities, ACC experienced aircraft maintenance operations fighter Class B mishaps; a 50% Fighter Manned Unmanned AGO Military Flight Operations Quality
two FY18 mishaps that resulted as the result of a catastrophic increase from two mishaps in Assurance, or MFOQA, program
in one or more fatalities. In FY18, failure during an engine run. In FY18; however, the three mishaps for five mission design systems:
we lost one Airman, Thunderbird FY19, the ACC trend line leveled, in FY19 is lower than the four the RC-135, F-16C, MQ-9, HC-
4, following a G-force-induced with another two Class A AGO Class B mishaps reported in FY17, 130J and HH-60G. The HH-60G
loss of consciousness during mishaps. Both of the FY19 and significantly lower than the Class B Class B was added to the ACC repertoire
training; we also lost seven highly mishaps occurred on the F-35, seven and nine mishaps reported Manned, Non-Fighter Air-Ground Operations of MFOQA products during FY19.
capable and highly trained combat and both are attributed to internal in FY15 and FY16, respectively. Flight Mishaps In FY19, ACC experienced three
Airmen when their HH-60, flying engine damage from foreign object The F-15 and F-16 communities For non-fighter manned aircraft, Class B air-ground operation For the Airman Safety Action
in support of Operation Inherent debris. both experienced zero Class B ACC experienced four Class B mishaps; a level trend from Program, SEF tracked 149
Resolve, contacted power lines mishaps. The A-10 community aviation mishaps in FY19, a five- FY18, but 50% less than the submissions; this represents an
and subsequently crashed. In experienced two Class B aviation year high when compared to three five-year high of six mishaps in approximate 50% increase from
FY19, ACC returned to another Class A mishaps: one as a result of an in FYs 15 and 17, two in FY16, FY16. An RQ-4 sustained landing FY18’s numbers of just over one
benchmark year with zero aviation Destroyed Aircraft engine seizure, and the other as and zero in FY18. Two of the gear damage when the aircraft hundred submissions. Of the 149
fatalities. ACC saw a reduction in destroyed a result of an engine fire inflight*. Class B manned aviation (non- departed the prepared surface submissions, 38 were duplicate
aircraft from FY18 (four aircraft) The F-22 community experienced fighter) mishaps are attributable during a taxi operation. An F-15 submissions, and 104 were
to FY19 (three aircraft). One an inflight lightning strike that to the E-3 (one with an engine aircraft aborted a taxi operation transferred into investigation status
Class A F-16 and two MQ-9 aircraft were resulted in Class B damages. It is compressor stall on takeoff, the due to high engine temperatures. for further action.
Unmanned Flight Mishaps destroyed in FY19: the F-16 was worth mentioning that the F-35 other with an engine fire during Additionally, an F-22 sustained
For our unmanned community, the previously mentioned aircraft does not have any recorded Class a touch-and-go*), one to the damage during a gun system Lastly, SEF completed a
ACC experienced four Class A that was destroyed in a post- B mishaps in ACC over the past T-38 when the landing gear download operation. simultaneous multi-aircraft
mishaps in FY19; a two-fold total ejection crash, and the two MQ-9 five fiscal years, and is therefore collapsed on landing, and one to Line Operations Safety Audit,
increase from the two mishaps aircraft destroyed were due to omitted from further Class B a parachuting mishap where the or LOSA. This was the second
reported in FY18. This total, loss of thrust for one aircraft, and discussions here. jumper was injured. Flight Mishap LOSA ever accomplished in
although higher than last year, still a lost link with the pilot’s control *Of note, the referenced *Of note, the referenced Recommendation Management ACC and studied the E-3, E-8
represents a significant reduction station for the other aircraft. engine fire in flight mishap was engine fire in flight mishap was ACC’s Hazard Review Board, and RC-135 aircraft for insights
when compared to FY15, FY16, subsequently downgraded to a subsequently downgraded to a or HRB, addressed the status into operations and threat and
and FY17 statistics (ten, nine and Class C incident after the end of Class C incident after the end of of open recommendations and error management by aircrews.
seven Class A’s, respectively). the fiscal year. the fiscal year. RACS from all disciplines and It is noteworthy to mention
Although the sunset of the MQ-1 all mishap classes. Aviation SIB that the flight observations,
in FY17 contributed significantly recommendations are addressed data analysis and generation of
to the overall reduction in total Class B here in more detail. recommendations for the ACC
mishaps over the past two years, Unmanned Flight Mishaps commander’s consideration
the RQ-4 community continued a For FY19, ACC experienced one happened simultaneously for all
positive downward trend with zero unmanned Class B mishap, up three aircraft, and these efforts are
Class A mishaps in FY19. from a banner year with zero a testament to the capabilities and
mishaps in FY18. An MQ-9 unwavering dedication to service
aborted a takeoff, and the landing of all involved in the audit across
gear subsequently collapsed. the command.
8 www.acc.af.mil/home/acc-safety THE COMBAT EDGE | WINTER 2020 9
How Did
We Do? BY ACC OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY DIVISION
O
verall, the 2019 ACC Occupational Safety Mishap
Prevention Program conformance and performance
under the systemic processes of the Air Force Safety
Management System was “Met and Effective.”
Our safety programs continue to be strong across the
board. Air Combat Command conducted safety program evaluations
in accordance with Air Force Instruction 90-201, The Air Force
Inspection System and AFI 91-202, The US Air Force Mishap
Prevention Program. ACC Safety recorded 52 deficiencies during the
19 Inspector General Capstone and Safety Program Evaluations.
Although we continued to make great strides in our mishap
prevention efforts, the command did experience one on-duty fatality
in each of the last three years; lack of compliance with training and
established procedures were cited as significant contributing factors.
Complacency and the absence of situational awareness were also
trends.
Workers must step back and look at the processes; if they do not
look right, report them to leadership. Although fatal on-duty mishaps Photo by Samuel King Jr.
are infrequent, commanders and supervisors must encourage
Class A Off-Duty Occupational Mishaps
Class A On-Duty Occupational Mishaps a proactive safety culture. activities, commanders and
14
Individuals must use sound risk supervisors should emphasis real-
2 management, adhere to and time risk management techniques 12
enforce established guidance such and the Check 3 – Gear,
while encouraging Airmen to take Plan, Skills process. Additionally, 10
Total Mishaps
care of one another in an effort to leaders and supervisors should
Total Mishaps
8
maximize mishap reduction. stress the importance of following
1 In the area of off-duty fatal technical order guidance, paying 6
mishaps, we saw a rise by one attention to detail and performing
each of the past four years. As a a job safety analysis. Another 4
team, it is imperative to stress the effective mishap prevention
2
importance of practicing sound technique is to involve both
0 risk management in the off-duty supervisors and employees in 0
FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 arena. To better target off-duty workplace inspections. FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19
Civilian Military Property damage PMV 2 PMV 4 S&R Misc.
10 www.acc.af.mil/home/acc-safety THE COMBAT EDGE | WINTER 2020 11
How Did
We Do? BY ACC WEAPONS SAFETY DIVISION
T
he majority of ACC weapons mishaps and incidents
continue to result from dropped or damaged
missiles, to include Small Diameter Bombs. They
result from factors such as failure to correct unsafe
situations, not following technical data, and
complacency. In FY19, the ACC weapons safety community
experienced its lowest number of total mishaps and Class E
events over the last five years. Furthermore, the total number of
mishaps in the Class A through D range total just six; that’s the
lowest number since FY12. The 2W community of loaders and
munitions technicians handle munitions on a daily basis and
account for the majority of weapons mishaps in ACC. Incidents
involving small arms accidental discharges were the leading
category of incidents outside of the 2W community.
Weapons Mishaps
Photo by Airman 1st Class Sean Sweeney
18
16 ACC weapons mishaps have
Top Five Weapons Human Factor Causes
remained relatively flat over
14
the last five years. Class C and Failed to identify/ Human factors
12 D mishaps average 3.5 and 6 correct risky or contribute to many
Total Mishaps
incidents per year respectively. In unsafe practices weapons mishaps and
10 FY17, there was a spike in Class Failed to enforce incidents. As stated
D mishaps resulting from dropped existing rules earlier, the majority of
8 (supervisory act of
and damaged munitions. Increased omission) weapons mishaps in ACC
6 emphasis of negative trends has Inappropriate team
are caused by failure to
fostered a downward trend of Class composition follow procedures and
4 D mishaps over the past two years. Selected individual complacency. Those
The one Class B weapons mishap with lack of current factors are further
2
in FY17 was the result of injury or limited experience analyzed in this chart
0 from active shooter training and Performed from the Air Force Safety
FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 the first Class B since FY09. inadequate risk Automated System.
assessment - formal
Class B Class C Class D
12 www.acc.af.mil/home/acc-safety THE COMBAT EDGE | WINTER 2020 13
but should have been
BY DAVID R. MACKENZIE
D
id you hear the one about the two skydivers in freefall
that were nearly hit by U.S. Air Force fighter jets?
You probably didn’t, since neither the pilots nor
parachutists submitted an Airman Safety Action Program
report. And unless you regularly read reports from the UK Airprox
Board, the United Kingdom’s safety investigative body, you
probably didn’t hear about the details of the parachutists in the
skies over England and their close call with U.S. Air Force fighter
jets that roared under them during a jump in April 2019.
Photo by Mauricio Graiki/Shutterstock.com
14 www.acc.af.mil/home/acc-safety THE COMBAT EDGE | WINTER 2020 15
The skydivers were in freefall, The F-15 pilots never saw the
traveling at about 120 mph jumpers — but even if they did,
vertically, when a pair of F-15s, there would have been no time to
flying under Instrument Flight avoid a catastrophe.
Rules in Visual Meteorological “As they overflew the drop site,
Conditions in receipt of air traffic it was unlikely that the pilots
service from Lakenheath Air would have been able to see the
Base, passed directly under them parachutists and take avoiding
at about 345 mph. The U.K. action, and in this case they were
government report shows that unaware that they had flown
the jumpers were carrying out beneath them,” according to the
the jump over Chatteris Airfield, report.
about 90 miles north of London. The board did not specifically
“Once the parachutists had determine how close this near
seen the F-15s, there was very miss was, but their report
little they could do to avoid the indicated there was “Go-Pro
situation, having no control over footage filmed from the helmet
their speed or direction whilst in of one of the parachutists” that
free-fall,” the UK Airprox Board showed the “F-15s were clearly
report found. distinguishable in some detail.”
The pilots were not warned The report further revealed that
about skydivers in the area, the proactive measures have been
report concluded. The F-15s had taken “to remind all the crews
been passed off from Royal Air of the need to avoid Chatteris
Force Coningsby to Lakenheath parachuting site.”
air traffic control and during the So all is good since the F-15
handover, a turn and climb from crews at Lakenheath were
FL100 to FL110 was given to reminded to avoid the area
the F-15s to keep them clear of during parachuting operations,
a KC-135 that was on a collision right?
course with the formation. Wrong!
“Completion of the handover” As soon as it became apparent
came “at a busy time,” leading to the F-15 crews that a safety
to the miscommunication, risk had been identified, they
according to the report. The should have filed an Airman
F-15 lead was not aware that Safety Action, or ASAP* report
Chatteris Airfield had skydiver so there would not be a repeat
activity, and this information situation with potentially tragic
was not mentioned by either air consequences.
traffic control agency. However, briefing routine and “should
the Lakenheath controller was either have questioned ATC on
aware of the position of Chatteris whether it was active before
Airfield, and the board was told overflying it, or avoided it anyway
that each morning, Chatteris until they could determine its
Airfield called air traffic control status.”
to advise when there would be The UK AIP Enroute paras
active parachute operations. Still, 1.1, 5.5.4.1 and 5.5.4.3 states:
the pilots should have known Drop Zone activity information
skydiving is a regular activity in may be available from certain
that area, and “they should have Air Traffic Service Units (ATSUs)
questioned” air traffic control but pilots are advised to assume
or just avoided that air space, a Drop Zone is active if no
the UKAB found. The board information can be obtained.
members also thought that the Pilots are strongly advised to
F-15 crews should have known give a wide berth to all such
about their position and nearby Drop Zones where parachuting
activities as part of their normal may be taking place.
16 www.acc.af.mil/home/acc-safety Photos by Airman 1st Class Madeline Herzog THE COMBAT EDGE | WINTER 2020 17
As one of the Air Force flight bags when loaded with the areas, or fuels pits – and get the
Safety Center’s proactive safety mobile app. The ASAP app can word out when things don’t look ASAP allows decision makers A “Scoreboard” is hosted on
programs, ASAP is intended to be used without a live network right. to address MDS issues and a secure website for Airmen
prevent mishaps from occurring connection, and individuals By leveraging the technology understand system-wide to check any remedial actions
by enhancing and supplementing can submit the reports once of ASAP, we can keep safety
problems across the Air Force taken on identified hazards
safety programs and hazard connectivity is available. For information flowing throughout
reporting through an identity- more information, visit https:// our respective communities and
protected, voluntary self-reporting www.safety.af.mil/News/Article- identify hazards before they
system designed to encourage Display/Article/1691626/af- develop into mishaps.
voluntary reporting of issues that safety-goes-mobile/. The ASAP program can also
increase risk to flight operations. From a tactical aviator’s provide fellow crews with real-
To supplement the Safety perspective, think of ASAP as life examples of mistakes and
Center’s efforts, Air Mobility a “virtual bar napkin” – minus the events that led to the errors,
Command is not only pushing the spilled beverage – that arming them with knowledge and
ASAP reporting at all their allows Airmen to capture lessons tools to help them avoid similar
flight training units, but in learned across multiple mission errors of omission or commission
collaboration with AMC, the design systems and major like those faced by the F-15 crews
safety center is also addressing commands. As the Director of at Lakenheath in April 2019.
proactive safety with every pilot ACC Safety Col. Steven Owen The potential power of ASAP
that attends the Global Reach shared, “There is an old adage is incredible, and the Air Force is
Aircraft Commander’s Course, all that many of the best lessons just now scratching the surface.
instructors that attend the Trend learned in the Air Force were A recent enhancement is the
Review and Action Committee discussed during a social incorporation of ASAP into the Air
Orientation course, and all wing gathering and scribbled down on Force Safety Automated System,
and group commanders going a bar napkin. The only problem allowing individuals to search both
through command orientation. Air with the old bar napkin is that it the mishap and ASAP databases to
Education and Training Command usually rips when you write on it, accomplish a more comprehensive
has been asked to promote it’s tough to share with the entire trend analysis.
ASAP use at initial pilot training. community – especially if you The future of ASAP within the
Air Force Special Operations spill your beverage on it, and it Combat Air Forces is getting
Command, Air Force Global Strike usually gets thrown away at the stronger every day, and the CAF
Command, Pacific Air Forces and end of the evening.” relies on not just crews and
U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air A common denominator for maintainers to highlight safety
Forces Africa have all benefitted many of these “undocumented” issues and errors, but every Airman
from proactive safety ASAP lessons learned is that they rarely to identify hazards whenever and
reports. Air Combat Command, as reach outside of the squadron wherever they are discovered.
the lead command for Combat Air heritage room or the local The benefits mentioned in this
Forces, has been pushing ASAP squadron picnic. What if you had article are just a small sample of
reporting as a tool Airmen need to the capability to actually share why Airmen should ensure that
use to improve safety. Air Combat those stories with your entire the ASAP report that wasn’t ...
Command’s Flight Safety division MDS community and the rest actually was submitted. The safety Document hazards and share
will continue to hammer home of the U.S. Air Force aviation of today’s and tomorrow’s force
the point that pilots and crews, community at large? What if depends on you. lessons learned – give an
maintainers, and all other Airmen your entire MDS community had Airman’s perspective
need to report safety issues so a means to share their lessons
others can all learn from their learned with you? Well you do, to formal safety
*ASAP is not a substitute for appropriate
experiences. and so do they! File an ASAP leadership involvement, but instead reporting
The skydiving incident is exactly report today about a lesson augments existing safety reporting
what ASAP was designed for. learned – either through the programs by capturing issues and events
To make it even easier for ASAP app or online at https:// not normally disclosed by traditional
Airmen to report safety issues, asap.safety.af.mil/my.policy. hazard reporting and mishap prevention
the Safety Center released the For our maintenance programs. This program involves leaders
and Airmen in the aviation mishap
mobile version of ASAP reporting, professionals, keep in mind
reduction process by capturing self-
the Airman Safety App. The app that ASAP doesn’t just apply reported issues and events, analyzing
enables Airmen at installations to aviators. There are plenty of resulting information for trends,
Air Force-wide to voluntarily opportunities to identify threats educating personnel, and developing
report safety issues using their on the flight line – or in the and implementing risk reduction or
mobile devices – or electronic backshop, weapons storage mitigation strategies.
https://asap.safety.af.mil
18 www.acc.af.mil/home/acc-safety THE COMBAT EDGE | WINTER 2020 193rd Quarter FY19 Awards 4th Quarter FY19 Awards
Crew Chief Safety
Tech. Sgt. Spencer R. Presnell
380th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron Flight Line Safety Flight Safety Crew Chief Safety Flight Safety
Al Dhafra AB, United Arab Emirates Tech. Sgt. Cassandra D. Nagy Maj. Chad B. Vanderhorst Tech. Sgt. Jason Haight Master Sgt. Justin D. Parsons
93d Air Ground Operations Wing 95th Reconnaissance Squadron Staff Sgt. Charles Lewis 53d Wing Flight Safety Division
Moody AFB, Georgia Offutt AFB, Nebraska Staff Sgt. Gabriel Lucero Eglin AFB, Florida
Airman 1st Class Preston Lovely
23d Maintenance Squadron Flight Line Safety
Moody AFB, Georgia Tech. Sgt. Michael Paul
Senior Airman Maxwell Lange
Senior Airman Luke Erickson
Senior Airman Trent Kershey
552d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
Tinker AFB, Oklahoma
Explosives Safety
Tech. Sgt. Jacob Maldonado
4th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina
Unit Safety Representative
Safety Career Professional Unit Safety Representative Aircrew Safety Staff Sgt. Brittany M. Boehme
Aircrew Safety Staff Sgt. Donecio O. Burnell-Chester Tech. Sgt. Adam J. Filer Maj. Alexander A. Sira 4th Equipment Maintenance Squadron
Capt. Eric Schreck 355th Wing Occupational Safety 552d Maintenance Group Lt. Col. Nathan T. Dennen Senior Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina
Capt. Bradly Schneider Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona Tinker AFB, Oklahoma Airman Alec R. Wilkes
Capt. Joel Paul 66th Rescue Squadron
1st Lt. Nicole Gardner Nellis AFB, Nevada Safety Career Professional
Capt. Jonathan Jordan Master Sgt. Jason R. Bowers
Staff Sgt. John Aliberti 4th Fighter Wing Occupational Safety
960th Airborne Air Control Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina
Squadron, Tinker AFB, Oklahoma
Pilot Safety
Maj. Eric F. Prechtl
Weapons Safety Pilot Safety Explosives Safety 99th Reconnaissance Squadron
Master Sgt. Philip G. Gebler Maj. Cody M. Brown Staff Sgt. Matthew Shoup Beale AFB, California
Unit Safety 20th Fighter Wing Safety Office 5th Reconnaissance Squadron Senior Airman Derrick Schindler Weapons Safety
Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight Shaw AFB, South Carolina Osan AB, South Korea Capt. Thomas Vogel Tech. Sgt. Tremayne A. Huddleston
55th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Master Sgt. Tobin Bryant 355th Wing Occupational Safety
Offutt AFB, Nebraska 355th Civil Engineer Squadron Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona
Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona
20 www.acc.af.mil/home/acc-safety THE COMBAT EDGE | WINTER 2020 21As of 31 Dec 2019
Flight Notes
During the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, ACC
2019 ACC annual award winners experienced zero Class A flight mishaps. When was the last
time the command went without a single Class A mishap
ACC Outstanding Airmanship Award* ACC Outstanding Aircrew Award* ACC Flight Safety NCO of the Year Award for the first quarter of the fiscal year? Was it A. FY97, B.
Maj. Eric F. Prechtl Royal 34, 34th Weapons Squadron Master Sgt. Douglas P. Johnson FY07 or C. FY17? Send us an email at thecombatedge@
99th Reconnaissance Squadron Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada 461st Air Control Wing Safety Office
us.af.mil, and the first three readers to answer correctly will
Beale Air Force Base, California Robins Air Force Base, Georgia
ACC Aviation Maintenance Safety Award* receive a token of appreciation from The Combat Edge and
ACC Safety Special Achievement Award** 334th Aircraft Maintenance Unit ACC Flight Line Safety ACC Safety!
Tyndall Air Force Base Support Agency Team Tactical Aircraft Maintenance Section Outstanding Achievement Award
325th Safety Office Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina Tech. Sgt. Cassandra D. Nagy
Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida 93d Air Ground Operations Wing
ACC Commander’s Award for Safety Moody Air Force Base, Georgia Occupational Notes
ACC Safety NCO of the Year Award* 16th Air Force
Staff Sgt. Rachel A. Graf Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas ACC Occupational Safety The opening quarter of FY20 yielded one fatal mishap
55th Wing Safety Office Special Achievement Award involving an Airman who lost control of his motorcycle in
Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska ACC Wing Safety Program of the Year Staff Sgt. Justin A. Lawson
455th Air Expeditionary Wing Safety Office a parking lot and hit a fixed object. The mishap is currently
9th Reconnaissance Wing Safety Office
ACC Safety SNCO of the Year Award** Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan under investigation; however, we can’t stress enough the
Beale Air Force Base, California
Senior Master Sgt. Jakob Q. Kurtz importance of proper licensing, motorcycle safety training
ACC Wing Chief of Safety of the Year Award
480th ISR Wing Safety Office ACC Occupational Unit Safety and wearing the proper personal protective equipment.
Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia Lt. Col. Patrick B. Lysaght Representative of the Year Award
325th Fighter Wing Safety Office As of 31 Dec 2019
Why training? Motorcycle training assists in making riders
Tech. Sgt. Jacqueline R. Molyneaux
ACC Outstanding Achievement Award Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida vigilant and develops presence of mind during operation.
855th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
for Weapons Safety* Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada Additionally, it promotes proactivity, visual alertness, safe
ACC Crew Chief Safety
Master Sgt. Joshua M. Gurchiek rider behavior and defensive driving techniques. Additionally,
388th Fighter Wing Safety Office Outstanding Achievement Award ACC Cyber Safety Award
Staff Sgt. Shane M. Ginther commanders and supervisors must ensure riders receive
Hill Air Force Base, Utah 27th Intelligence Squadron
334th Aircraft Maintenance Unit initial and annual motorcycle safety briefings that outline
Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia
ACC Outstanding Achievement Award Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina rider responsibilities and requirements. Finally, all the training
for Occupational Safety, Category II* in the world means nothing if it’s not implemented and
633d Air Base Wing Safety Office ACC Flight Safety Officer of the Year Award
Capt. Ryan P Schleiden riders never leave the threat zone. Good judgement and risk
Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia * These winners also represented ACC at the
461st Air Control Wing Safety Office Air Force-level safety awards competition. management is imperative in all traffic environments.
Robins Air Force Base, Georgia
** These nomineess also won at the
Air Force-level competition. Weapons Notes
Congratulations on an outstanding beginning to FY20. Our
mishap rates have decreased since the last quarter of FY19,
and we are heading in the right direction. As we continue
to support our individual missions – whether storing
explosives, loading explosives or maintaining our systems,
As of 31 Dec 2019 safety is still paramount. Complacency and improper
handling procedures are the repeating factors we see in
mishap reports. We continue to look for and identify ways
we can help you mitigate and reduce mishaps, and we want
to thank you for your support. As the new year begins, let’s
strive to minimize negative factors and instill our explosive
safety professional mindsets.
22 www.acc.af.mil/home/acc-safety THE COMBAT EDGE | WINTER 2020 23Third Time’s the Charm
PAGE 8Would You Save A Life?
Here
Our mission at The Combat Edge is to preserve Have a “safety lesson” that goes along with
combat power. We do this by preventing mishaps your story. What did you do that made the
through education and insight rather than from situation better/worse? What could you have done
painful personal experience or the pages of a differently? How did you feel about it? What did
mishap report, but we can’t do it without your you learn? How could this help others?
Is Your
help. We want to make sure a variety of audiences
can understand and learn from your story, so we
Share your experiences recommend keeping the ABC’s of writing in mind:
In order to provide you with the best magazine accuracy, brevity and clarity.
possible, we need your input. We need you Accuracy – Are you using the right words? Do you
to share your stories and feedback on safety- have sources or subject matter experts to back up
Chance!
related issues. Your contributions are what make your factual statements?
the magazine insightful, educational and even Brevity – Are you drawing it out or getting right
entertaining at times. Without you, there is no to the point? You don’t have to write just to fill a
magazine. page; write to tell your story and make your point.
Below, you’ll find some tips to make the writing Clarity – Are you making sense? This includes
and submission process go as smoothly as spelling out acronyms and explaining unfamiliar
possible. And don’t worry – we’re here to help! terms on first reference.
Please don’t hesitate to call or email using the
There I was ... information at the end of the article. Writing your
Finally finished!
Not so fast. Take a break, and then read your
Inverted ... 12 Here, hold
story should be an enjoyable experience that not
only leads to you being a published author, but
story again. Have someone else read your story too
– does it make sense to them?
inches from ... my beer ...
also helps us keep the force safe.
Ah, the details … Extra credit, anyone?
Additional information is always welcome, but not
Provide a rank, name, unit, base, phone
required. For example, if you’re writing a story about
number and email address so we can contact
a distracted driving incident, you could provide
YOUR story
you if we have any questions. Without this
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
information, we won’t be able to consider the
statistics or tips on avoiding distractions.
article for publication.
Tell us a story –
Photos are also encouraged; however, we
Although fonts or point sizes aren’t critical, you
can’t guarantee their use. Feel free to send high-
can stick with 12-point font, Times New Roman,
resolution .jpg files as separate attachments
double-spaced if that helps.
from the article; please don’t embed the photos.
There also isn’t a required length, but you want
Additionally, we can’t use copyrighted photos
to make sure you get to tell your story, without
without written permission. Please include the
losing your audience. A good target is about 500
photographer’s name so we can give proper credit.
words, which is about 2-2.5 pages at 12-point
font, Times New Roman, double-spaced. One The final product
double-spaced page is probably the minimum; Once the magazine is published, we will send you
8 Third Time’s The Charm however, as far as a maximum length – write until
you’re finished. Don’t drag it out, but do tell your
an author’s certificate, letter of appreciation from
our director and two copies of the magazine. We
by Master Sgt. John F. Gilliam
497 ISR GP/XP, JB Langley-Eustis, VA story. truly appreciate your help in keeping the command
– and the Air Force – safe. By sharing your
Where do I start?
experiences, you can prevent others from making
Take a shot at writing a headline – have fun
12 Not Cool, Calm or Collected with it, but be appropriate. If you’re drawing
the same mistakes and prevent future mishaps.
by Master Sgt. Adam McGhee a blank – no worries – just move on to writing Still have questions?
355 AMXS/354 AMU, Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ your story. If you don’t know where to start, try If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate
thinking of it as if you’re telling a family member to call the editor at 757-764-8846 (DSN 574) or
4 The Hookup or friend – face to face – and go from there. email thecombatedge@us.af.mil.
by Rodney Robinson 16 Protect Yourself Against Coronavirus Writing in first person is okay in the magazine. Best of luck, and we look forward to hearing
ACC/SEG, JB Langley-Eustis, VA by the Military Health System Communications Office
And if you absolutely cannot seem to get it down
on paper, just give us a call! YOUR story!
2 www.acc.af.mil/home/acc-safety Cover photo by BoJack/Shutterstock.com OVER THE EDGE | WINTER 2020 3BY RODNEY ROBINSON
I
t seems like each year I have one or two lessons
learned to share with The Combat Edge. Not sure if
that’s a good thing or not, but here I go.
My wife and I were helping with my oldest son’s
wedding. My wife was taking care of the rehearsal
dinner plans, and my role was to get all those items
from our house to the wedding/rehearsal location.
Now that doesn’t seem like a big deal –
or so I thought!
4 www.acc.af.mil/home/acc-safety Photo by Sista Vongjintanaruks/Shutterstock.com OVER THE EDGE | WINTER 2020 5For starters, I don’t own a truck, However, at the exit just past Luckily, a Virginia Department
so I routinely borrow a friend’s Busch Gardens – Route 199 – of Transportation truck pulled
truck. I use it about once a month there’s heavy construction where up behind me and put on his
and tow with it on a routine basis. they’re expanding lanes. This flashers. I got out of the truck and
Item number two, I do not have a means lots of debris, potholes, was able to assess the situation
trailer and for this event, I would concrete barriers and those quickly – no damage to the truck
need a trailer to get all the items orange construction cones. and minor damage to the trailer.
– mainly liquor, beer, soda, water I was able to lift the trailer up
IT IS FAIRLY
and tables – out to the venue. Well just as I passed and reseat it on the truck hitch.
Not to worry as my neighbor
has a trailer that I also borrow
the Route 199 exit, Although I couldn’t find the cotter
pin that keeps the hitch on the
on a routine basis. I know – I I hit rough road and ball, the lock on the hitch still
should buy a truck and a trailer, worked properly. After looking
off came the trailer
IMPORTANT THAT A
but I subscribe to the adage that at both the truck and trailer, I
the next best thing to owning
something is knowing someone
from the hitch on determined that I’d be able to
drive the truck and trailer to the
who owns it. the truck. From my next exit and take a better
Anyway, the day of the
rearview mirror, I look, which I did with no
TRAILER STAY SECURELY
rehearsal, I had the truck in issues. To my surprise
my driveway and I rolled my could see the trailer all was good, but I
neighbor’s trailer over and still didn’t have
attached it to the hitch on the was now down in a cotter pin
truck, or so I thought. I put in the
cotter pin in to secure the hitch
the front and under to ensure the
hitch stayed
CONNECTED TO A TOW
to the ball, connected the tow the truck a bit. I on ball. Since
chains – but didn’t cross them, – I was now off
and connected the wiring harness could also see the the main road,
for the lights on the trailer. I then
loaded the items in the trailer and
trailer moving from I decided to drive
to the nearest store,
right to left behind
VEHICLE WHILE BEING
truck bed. After a short break, I about 3 miles away,
called my soon to be daughter-in-
law and headed to her house so
the truck. Now keep and get a pin. Lucky for
me, they had a locking pin
I could follow her to the wedding in mind all this for the hitch and I was able
venue. As I pulled out of our to put it on. This time, I actually
subdivision and came up to the happened at about pulled on the trailer hitch to make
70 mph in heavy
PULLED DOWN A
stop sign, I heard a thump. I sure the hitch was seated properly
didn’t think much about it with on the ball … and it was! The rest
the exception of, I had never traffic. Fortunately, vehicles of the day was uneventful and the
heard that sound before when I around me saw what happened wedding went on with without a
towed something. That should and were able to slow down. hitch (no pun intended.)
HIGHWAY
have been a clue for me get out Another good thing was that I did I learned a valuable lesson that
and check the tow connection, not drive over a pothole while the day. I’ve always heard the saying,
but I didn’t. As I drove to my trailer was off the hitch. If so, the “measure twice and cut once.” I
daughter-in-law’s place, every tongue of the trailer could have think that applies to this story
time I came to a stop, I heard the went into the pothole, causing the too. I should have pulled on the
same noise. After meeting up, trailer to flip up toward the truck. hitch the first time, making sure
we hit the road heading up I-64 Thankfully, I was able to get the the hitch was firmly positioned on
toward Richmond. truck and trailer under control the ball. I know I got lucky here in
For those who are familiar and finally stopped. Keep in mind many ways – especially since the
with the Hampton Roads area, that I was in a construction zone truck and trailer weren’t mine …
P
you know this can be a very with concrete barriers to my far You can bet next time I’ll “check TI
congested road – especially in the left and cones blocking me from it twice.”
TY
summertime, and today’s traffic pulling on the shoulder to my
Stay safe, my friends! FE
was bumper-to-bumper. I was in right, so I ended up stopping in
SA
heavy traffic just minding my own the right hand lane of I-64 … not
business, but traffic was flowing a good thing on a Friday around
nicely and the road was smooth. 1 p.m.
6 www.acc.af.mil/home/acc-safety OVER THE EDGE | WINTER 2020 7Third Time’s the Charm BY MASTER SGT. JOHN F. GILLIAM
T
here’s nothing like than 5 miles on the odometer. have all the fun, so two months duty assignment at Lackland Air Within the first month of living the dreaded court day came. I
that new car smell That was the case for me in the later, I got an even better Camaro Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. in the great state of Texas, I was sat impatiently, practicing my
and pulling off the summer of 2010. My wife had – in “Victory Red” with black Until this point, I had not gotten pulled over and clocked at 88 lines in my head. After an hour
lot in a brand new just purchased an orange 2010 racing stripes! With our new cars a traffic ticket in 12 consecutive mph in a 65 mph zone. Not only had passed, my name was finally
sports car with less Camaro, and I couldn’t let her in tow, we headed to my next years … a proud feat for any did I get a violation for speeding, called. I stood, prepared to plead
American, I’d say. Well, with that but a second bonus violation for my case with hopes the judge
new car came the need for speed reckless driving. That citation was would have mercy on me. Before
and looking cool, right? a whopping $450. Ouch. I could utter a word, the judge
Wrong. You would think I had learned
my lesson, but no, I had not. A
week later, I was pulled over on
asked, “How does defensive
driving class sound?”
Visibly surprised, I replied,
the same highway for exceeding “Sounds good, Your Honor.”
the speed limit by 15 mph. I was extremely fortunate to
This was now an even bigger be offered the opportunity to
problem. Since my driver’s keep my driving privileges. Those
license was issued in situations could have ended
Illinois, that state has badly – in a number of ways:
the authority to causing an accident, injuring
suspend driving myself or others, having to rely
privileges on co-workers for transportation,
for one year or possibly even death. I must
if you have say that I’m grateful that those
three or more officers pulled me over. Ever
violations in since then, I look at driving in a
a 12-month different light. I no longer speed
period. The excessively, and I think about the
third time potential consequences and how
was not the my actions could affect myself
charm for and those around me. This has
me, and I undoubtedly helped keep me
was in panic grounded and safe.
mode. I I no longer have the Camaro
spent a solid … I have a 2017 Mustang! But
hour drafting for those who may be wondering,
what I was my record has been clean. So
going to say the next time you think about
to the judge in speeding, whether it’s in a
an attempt to Camaro or a minivan, think
sway pity on me of my story. It could save you
for being foolish. some money, stress and most
A few weeks later, importantly, your life.
8 www.acc.af.mil/home/acc-safety Photo by Offscreen/Shutterstock.com THE COMBAT EDGE | WINTER 2020 31 OVER THE EDGE | WINTER 2020 9Graphic by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Not Cool,
Calm or
Collected
BY MASTER SGT. ADAM MCGHEE
A
s a unit motorcycle safety representative and motorcycle
rider, I like to share my experiences with other riders
– both new and experienced. I share my close calls,
lessons learned, areas in town that are the most
dangerous, and so on.
One example is warning newer riders not to go hauling tail up and
down a nearby two-lane mountain road on the outskirts of Tucson,
Arizona. The posted speed limit is 35 mph all the way up the
roughly 21-mile trip to the top. Law enforcement typically catches
motorcyclists and even the occasional sports car enthusiast who
digs into the turns at high speed. It’s also not unusual, sadly, to
hear of reports of vehicle or motorcycle accidents on the mountain
road where excessive speed was a factor.
12 www.acc.af.mil/home/acc-safety Photo provided by Master Sgt. Adam Mcghee OVER THE EDGE | WINTER 2020 13On a Saturday morning in May, right before After a bit of hesitation on my part in deciding on as planned and fairly uneventful – except for a attempt to do the right thing and be safe, it can
Mother’s Day and prior to my departure for whether to stop or slow down, I applied the brakes similar incident of a car pulling out in front of us only take a second of bad judgment or losing
the weeklong Occupational Safety Program and came to an almost complete stop and hit the about a block away from our house. That was a control of your emotions – over something relatively
Management course at Dyess Air Force Base, horn. At that same moment, the driver of the SUV sign for me to park it for the day. petty in comparison to other outcomes – to change
Texas, my wife was eager to go for a short bike ride behind us was blowing the horn, and as I looked Moral of the story: While yes, there are some the outcome of everything. I share this story
up the mountain. After all, who was I to argue? in the right mirror, I saw the SUV’s driver-side riders on both sides of the base fence who to remind riders and drivers to try to
Six months prior, my 2009 SV-650 had a small headlight just to the right of us. This could have take unnecessary risks when it comes to riding stay cool, calm and collected – it
air leak in the rear tire, so I had parked it until I ended badly right then and there, but luckily it motorcycles, there are also those who follow the could save your life.
was able to get around to changing the tire out, didn’t. The sedan that pulled out in front of us sped rules by applying sound risk management and
mainly out of caution. Just a week before that, off, and for some reason this really annoyed me. I wearing the required gear. However, even the safest
I finally got around to changing both tires and downshifted and applied the throttle to catch up to of riders – and drivers – can have a temporary
replacing the rear brake pads, and I was looking the sedan. After about a mile or so, I noticed I was moment of frustration that impairs good judgment,
forward to riding regularly again. I conducted a moving at a pretty good speed and the sedan was which could lead to poor decision-making.
quick inspection on the bike, looking for any safety gaining distance. I looked at my speedometer, and This is not an example of “do as I
defects; nothing unusual or unsafe. My wife and I I was well over the speed limit. At that moment, say not as I do,” but rather an
donned our riding jackets, helmets, gloves and all I took a quick mental time out, calmed down and example of how even on
the required gear and started our trip toward the focused on my responsibilities as a rider, choosing our best days –
mountain. not to let emotion dictate my riding. when we
After a quick stop for gas, we made it to the As a motorcycle safety representative, I realized
bottom of the mountain highway and started our that I spent time focusing on the required training
leisurely ride up the mountain. Nothing crazy, and the physical elements that can impact safe
just a little cruise if you will. Traffic was fairly motorcycle riding, yet, I never reminded riders to
light at the time, but then again it was barely 10 remain cool, calm and collected. A sudden spike
a.m. on a Saturday morning. We continued on for of aggravation could easily cloud judgment
about 9 miles with no issues before pulling off to with even the safest of motorists or
an observation area for a quick break and walk motorcycle riders. We see it on
around. After about 30 minutes, we decided to the news – stressful driving
head down and choose where to eat lunch. We situations turned to
waited for traffic to pass and merged back onto the road rage that
highway behind two motorcyclists. end badly.
As we entered the first couple of turns, a sedan While this
in front of the two riders started slowing down wasn’t road
to about 25 mph. No hazards or indication of an rage, rather a
issue, just driving 10 miles under the speed limit minor irritation,
for what seemed to be no apparent reason. Even as the outcome of
we passed multiple turn outs, the sedan remained a few seconds of
5 to 10 miles an hour under the speed limit. anger could have
Frustrated, the motorcyclists in front of us passed resulted in heavy
the sedan at high speed over a double yellow consequences. I could
line heading into a turn and darted out of sight. I have been ticketed for
remember shaking my head and thinking, “Idiots.” speeding, or I could have
About another mile or two of following the sedan, misjudged a turn and lost
I started to get a little frustrated as well. I checked the bike, severely injuring
my mirrors and saw three or four vehicles following myself of my wife, who was
closely behind us, and I can only assume they riding on the back. At the
shared the frustration. Finally, the sedan signaled end of the day, the individual
that it was going to turn onto a parking turn out, who nearly caused an accident
and as it did, I started to get on the throttle to get by not taking an extra second to
back up to speed. Just then, another sedan was check for traffic prior to merging
pulling on to the highway in front of us. Did they onto the highway continued on – as Mcg
hee
am
see us? Were they going to stop? The answer was did we, and the rest of the day went Sgt
. Ad
ster
“No!” by M
a
ded
rovi
to p
Pho
14 www.acc.af.mil/home/acc-safety OVER THE EDGE | WINTER 2020 15You can also read
