DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Local, hands-on training just became much easier for students enrolled in the Aviation Mishap Investigation Course at the 436th Training Squadron, Dyess Air Force Base, TX.
The Air Combat Command Crash Lab at Dyess, will be similarly modeled after the Air Force Safety Center Crash Lab, though it will contain different aircraft, such as the U-28A.
The development of a Crash Lab at Dyess, put into use April 2021, has been in the works since 2016, but due to construction and fiscal requirements it was left as an unfunded request.
Prior to the assembly of the lab, the third week of AMIC required utilizing AFSEC’s crash lab at Kirtland AFB.
"The establishments of a dedicated crash lab at Dyess reduces the need to de-conflict the use of the Air Force Safety Center's resources at Kirtland AFB," said Major Derek Raabe, Air Combat Command Flight Safety Instructor and current 436 Training Squadron Assistant Director of Operations. "It increases the flexibility to add more classes based on the needs of the Air Force."
With increased flexibility and the lab being a vital buffer between prior lethal aircraft mishaps and a safe future for aircrew and pilots, it goes without saying that the instructors take their jobs very seriously and continued their push to get it approved.
Maj. Andrew Leader, former 436th Training Squadron DO and ACC Flight Safety Instructor stated, "The sole purpose of conducting mishap investigations is to prevent future mishaps. Due to the importance Air Force aircraft have on national security, it is critical to identify the root causes in a timely manner."
In most cases, investigators only have 30-days after the mishap occurs to finish their report and schedule an out brief with the investigation's Convening Authority.
With such a tight timeline, having proper training in one location allows students to thoroughly and efficiently complete their training.
"The Force's ability to effectively mitigate hazards and risks depends significantly on the Safety Investigation Board's (SIB) ability to conduct the investigation, and accurately convey their findings, causes, and recommendations," Leader says.
Without the ability to investigate with surviving participants, it is imperative for students to have the best training possible at their finger tips.
The curriculum is continuously updated to provide up-to-date training, incorporating the latest technology (5th Generation Fighter, and Remotely Piloted Aircraft discussions at the unclassified level) so that no matter the mishap, hopefully they can prevent it from being replicated in the future.
Raabe finished with a final statement, "The lessons we teach at AMIC will honor the memories of those who lost their lives and better prepare investigators for the challenges that come along with those mishaps."
Date Taken: | 10.21.2021 |
Date Posted: | 10.21.2021 12:16 |
Story ID: | 407699 |
Location: | DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, TEXAS, US |
Web Views: | 510 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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