STOP, LISTEN, LOOK! Don't Let it Happen to YOU!

  • Published
  • By Cherie Head
  • 412th Operations Support Squadron
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Hazardous Air Traffic Reports (HATR) and Controlled Movement Area (CMA) violations are a growing problem on the Edwards AFB flightline.
 
So far in 2014, Edwards AFB has recorded 4 CMA Violations and 3 HATRs all caused by vehicle movement on the flightline.

A CMA Violation or Runway Incursion occurs anytime an aircraft, vehicle, or pedestrian enters the CMA without specific approval from Air Traffic Control.

A HATR is a ground event defined as: any occurrence caused by an aircraft, vehicle, or pedestrian in the movement area (e.g. taxiway/ramp/parking area) that endangers an airborne aircraft or an aircraft operation on the ground.

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 and Rogers and Rosamond Lakebeds.

The 'hotspots', or places CMAVs and HATRs are most likely to occur are the ramp and pad entrances onto Taxiway Echo and the intersection of Runway 22R and Taxiway Charlie.

The best way to prevent this from happening to you is to pay attention.

Drivers will almost always hear aircraft before they see them so a good rule of thumb is to:

STOP- Anytime you see aircraft movement it is best to stop your vehicle and wait for the aircraft to pass even if you think you are not in its path. The reason behind this is the pilot has limited visibility to vehicles on the ground. The last thing they need to be worried about or trying to figure out is what that vehicle is going to do. So just STOP, and wait for the aircraft to pass. Aircraft always have the right-of-way.

LISTEN- Vehicle drivers will more than likely hear the aircraft before they see it, so make sure the window of your vehicle is slightly open so you can hear the aircraft. If you hear something, STOP and try to get a visual on the aircraft.
 
LOOK- Keep your head on a swivel. Vehicle drivers need to stay alert at all times while driving on the flightline. Take the time to look for the aircraft prior to crossing the taxiways. Aircraft taxiing are not always easy to see, so slow down and take the time to look for them.

Remember always...Safety First!!

INFORMATION BOX

Things to remember when operating on the airfield and specifically in the Controlled Movement Area:

1. Always have a current Airfield diagram in your vehicle
2. Be Alert - Aircraft have the right of way over all but responding emergency vehicles.
3. Always yield to moving aircraft - look and listen for aircraft; when you hear them, start looking.
4. It can be difficult for pilots to see vehicles from aircraft. Don't assume they see you.
5. All vehicles, if not a GOV, MUST have a vehicle pass issued by Airfield Management PRIOR to entering the flightline.
6. All drivers on the airfield must be current on their airfield driving training and have their 483 on them while operating on the airfield. If access to the CMA is required, drivers must be current on CMA training and have it annotated on their current 483.
7. Last but not least, drivers MUST have ATC approval PRIOR to crossing a runway or entering a CMA. Pay attention to signs and pavement markings, and know where you are on the airfield!