In the United States Air Force (USAF), Flight Safety is paramount in the realm of flight operations, and a critical component of achieving this is the utilization of advanced Aircrew Flight Equipment (AFE). AFE encompasses a diverse range of equipment specifically designed to safeguard the well-being of pilots and aircrew members during all phases of flight. Its significance in maintaining flight safety cannot be overstated.
AFE is categorized into two distinct groups: man-side equipment and aircraft-installed equipment. Man-side equipment refers to items worn or utilized by pilots and aircrew members during flight operations. This category encompasses gear such as flight suits, helmets, oxygen masks, torso harnesses, survival vests, anti-exposure suits and life preservers. On the other hand, aircraft-installed equipment pertains to life-saving devices integrated within the aircraft itself. These include items like panel-mounted oxygen masks, parachutes, survival kits, life rafts, and emergency escape slides, all contribute to the safety and survival of individuals on board the aircraft.
This equipment encompasses a comprehensive array of procedures, protocols, and technologies designed to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of pilots, aircrew members, and the aircraft throughout all stages of flight operations. Given the dynamic and high-performance characteristics of USAF aircraft, the significance of flight safety cannot be overstated, as it upholds operational efficiency and safeguards human lives. However, the effectiveness of this equipment doesn’t rely solely on its existence. Instead, it requires a dedicated team of professionals who are trained to meticulously inspect, repair, and maintain these life-saving components.
The individuals responsible for these tasks are recognized as Aircrew Flight Equipment Technicians, identified by a USAF Specialty code of 1P0X1. These skilled technicians are adept at a range of critical duties, encompassing the maintenance, repair, and meticulous inspection of aircrew flight equipment. These technicians play a pivotal role in guaranteeing that all equipment functions optimally, adhering to the highest standards of quality and safety. Through their expertise and dedication, AFE Technicians contribute directly to the overall success of unit missions, while prioritizing the safety and well-being of pilots and aircrew members.
I take immense pride in my journey through the USAF AFE career field, spanning over 30 years. Throughout this remarkable time, I’ve not only thrived professionally but also experienced profound personal growth. These years have been a treasure trove of life lessons, gained through moments of peace and amidst the rigors of war, each leaving an indelible mark on my life. Being a part of the team responsible for providing life-saving equipment to aircrew members, whether for ejection, non-ejection scenarios, or those flying in rotary-wing aircraft, has been an incredibly humbling experience. The gravity of our work truly hits home when you see that equipment put to use, knowing that it plays a vital role in preserving lives in the most critical of situations.
During the early days of my career, I found myself intimately involved in a pivotal moment – an FB-111 mishap in upstate New York. The FB-111, with its unique swept wing capability, was an extraordinary fighter-bomber aircraft. However, on that particular flight, a critical issue arose: the outboard fuel tank refused to rotate when the wings were swept, ultimately leading to the crew’s decision to eject over Vermont.
I distinctly remember my role as an Airman First Class during those critical moments. It was a phone call from the Maintenance Operations Center (MOC) that delivered the news, and I can still recall the goosebumps that raced down my spine upon hearing it. Just before they embarked on that fateful flight, I had the opportunity to speak with those crew members at the shop. Knowing that they were safe and sound after the ejection was a tremendous relief.
This incident etched in my mind the profound significance of our work within the USAF mission. It served as a poignant reminder of why we do what we do – to ensure the safety and well-being of our fellow airmen in the most challenging and critical situations.
The significance of AFE in safeguarding pilots and aircrew members throughout various flight phases lies in its comprehensive and specialized design, aimed at mitigating risks and ensuring their safety. From the meticulous pre-flight preparations to the stages of takeoff, cruising, and landing, AFE provides vital protective gear that collectively shields pilots and aircrew members from potential hazards. Be it the safeguarding against impact during takeoff and landing, countering hypoxia at elevated altitudes, or facilitating efficient communication and emergency egress, AFE consistently assures ongoing protection and amplifies the capacity of pilots and aircrew members to effectively navigate and respond to the diverse challenges that arise during the course of the flight journey.
During my assignment in Korea, I had a deeply personal encounter with the realities of aircraft mishaps. This time, it was a single-seat F-16 that became the center of an unfortunate incident. As the aircraft initiated its takeoff, fate intervened in the form of a bird strike that caused an immediate engine failure. The pilot had no choice but to eject, mere hundreds of feet above the unforgiving runway.
The pilot, suspended beneath his parachute, had just a single swing before impact. It was a terrifying and unforgettable night. Miraculously, he survived, though not without some bruising from the emergency parachute opening shock and the impact with the unyielding concrete runway.
It was in the aftermath of this incident that the true significance of our work hit home. The meticulous attention to detail and dedication of our technicians during the inspection of the life-saving equipment emerged as the unsung heroes in the pilot’s survival story. This experience drove home the deeply personal nature of our mission – our commitment to ensuring that every airman returns home safely, no matter the circumstances.
In the absence of AFE within the USAF, the fabric of flight safety would be significantly compromised. AFE’s absence would expose pilots and aircrew members to an array of life-threatening risks during flight operations. The absence of crucial protective gear would leave them vulnerable to the effects of a hazardous environment. Without AFE, the intricate layers of safety and preparedness that currently envelop USAF operations would be stripped away, endangering the lives of those who dedicate themselves to the skies and the protection of our nation.
AFE stands as an indispensable pillar in fortifying our nation’s defense capabilities. Within the complex tapestry of national security, the role of AFE becomes evident in its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives of pilots and aircrew members who operate at the forefront of our defense systems. As these dedicated individuals navigate the skies in the pursuit of safeguarding our nation’s interests, AFE ensures their preparedness to face the diverse challenges inherent to aviation. The comprehensive design and meticulous maintenance of AFE’s protective gear and life-saving equipment not only protect the personnel operating our advanced aircraft but also amplify their effectiveness in critical missions. By equipping our pilots and aircrew members with the tools they need to navigate hazardous situations, counter threats, and respond with precision, AFE plays a pivotal role in enhancing the resilience of our nation’s defense endeavors. In this symbiotic relationship between technology, expertise, and dedication, AFE emerges as a cornerstone in flight safety and reinforcing our nation’s commitment to security and sovereignty.
Christopher Moore
TEDGAR Project Director
United States Air Force, CMSgt (Retired)