Wing holds Safety Day for aircrew, maintainers, flight support

  • Published
  • By Joe B. Wiles
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Flyers and maintainers gathered Monday morning in Hangar 170 to hear briefings and presentations geared toward starting the new year with a refreshed safety mindset. 

Safety officers, medical professionals and the director of aircraft maintenance spent an hour reviewing safety issues, previous year's mishaps and how to prevent future mishaps with an audience ranging from new student pilots to seasoned aircraft mechanics. 

"The event was directed by 19th Air Force to set the tone for the new year," said Capt. Carl Pitts, chief of Flight Safety with the 71st Flying Training Wing Safety Office. "We recognize the flyers have been out of the seat for quite a while over the Christmas break."
While the morning briefings were directed toward everyone directly in support of flying operations, the afternoon was geared toward getting instructor pilots back into the aircraft. "For the rest of the day IPs focused on regaining flying proficiency," said Captain Pitts. 

During the morning briefing, last year's aircraft mishaps in AETC were reviewed. "We personalized the information by pointing out that no one is immune to having a mishap -- prevention efforts are key," he said. 

Dave Davis, director of Aircraft Maintenance with CSC, briefed on safety procedures when working about the aircraft, in the hangars and during inclement weather. 

"Maintenance folks were there because they support the safe operations of the aircraft we fly," said Captain Pitts. "Their professional attitude on the ground directly enhances our safety in the air." 

Situational awareness, both on the ground and in the air, was briefed by 2nd Lt. Ashley Avants with the 71st Medical Operations Squadron. "She discussed how to recognize when you were losing your situational awareness and how to regain it," Captain Pitts said. 

Capt. (Dr.) Stephen Kujansuu, a flight surgeon with the 71st Medical Group, discussed decompression sickness with the audience. 

"The final event was Capt. Brandon Williams' presentation on AETC and Vance mishap trends and statistics for Class A and Class B mishaps," said Captain Pitts. The T-38 Flight Safety officer, Captain Williams reviewed every Class A and B mishap that occurred last year in AETC. 

"Col. Richard Murphy, the vice wing commander, wrapped up the briefing," said Captain Pitts. He stressed the importance of safety, both in the air and on the ground.