Fairchild runway reopened; drivers reminded of procedures Published Nov. 10, 2011 By Master Sgt. Shawn Smith 92nd Operations Support Squadron FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- It has been months in the making, and in a matter of days, aircraft and vehicles will be buzzing around the newly-constructed Fairchild airfield once again, bringing the airfield back to life. This is good news for Fairchild and the mission, however there are several reminders that need to be passed on and reinforced to all vehicle operators on the airfield. Controlled Movement Areas: Fairchild airfield has two controlled movement that are marked with a set of double yellow lines and a set of dashed yellow lines. All operators on the airfield must have two-way radio communication and permission from the Air Traffic Control Tower to enter a controlled movement area. Remember to always read back instructions from the control tower word for word. Vehicles and aircraft which enter a controlled movement area without permission from the tower will result in a controlled movement area violation or runway incursion. The base goal is to have zero CMAVs or runway incursions. This can be accomplished through accurate training, proper documentation and being aware of your location on the airfield at all times. Hot Spots: A "hot spot" is a safety related problem area or intersection on an airfield. At Fairchild, we have two identified hot spots on the airfield due to buildings obstructing the view of both pilots and vehicle operators as they approach these intersections. These blind spots increase the potential for an incident such as a vehicle not yielding the right of way to a taxiing aircraft. Speed Limits: As a reminder, the following speed limits are applicable on the Fairchild airfield: Vehicles within 25 feet of an aircraft - 5 mph., Taxiways (except Taxiway Papa) and Aircraft parking aprons - 15 mph., Taxiway Papa - 30 mph, Special purpose vehicles on all parts of the airfield - 10 mph. During periods of snow, ice or restricted visibility, the maximum speed limit on any part of the airfield is 10 mph. Foreign Object Debris/Damage: FOD can do major damage to aircraft engines and there are historical examples of FOD as the single reason that an aircraft has crashed costing lives and a lot of money to repair and replace aircraft. Everyone out on the airfield has a responsibility to identity and either remove or coordinate for the removal of FOD on the airfield. Remember, when driving a vehicle from a non-aircraft movement area (road, infield, vehicle storage area, etc.) to an aircraft movement area (apron, taxiway, or runway), the vehicle operator must ensure that a complete FOD check is conducted on the tires of the vehicle. There is a white FOD/Stop Bar painted on the pavement where vehicles enter the airfield and aircraft movement areas. In addition, while driving on the airfield, if you see FOD, pick it up. If there is too much debris, call Airfield Management at 247-5439 to coordinate for an airfield sweeper. Airfield Management will be out and about checking 483's (Certificate of Competency) for airfield driving as well as ensuring all vehicles operating on the airfield have the required visual aids displayed inside the vehicle within plain sight of the driver. These required visual aids include a current airfield diagram, air traffic control tower light gun signals (AFVA 13-221), and runway/CMA procedures (AFVA 13-222). If you are missing any of these required items, contact your Unit Airfield Driving Program Manager or Airfield Management.