A C-17 airlifting patients from Iraq to Germany on Christmas Day faced poor visibility as it approached Ramstein AB, Germany, but the air traffic controllers at Ramstein had, just three days previously, activated a new Category II instrument landing system. The C-17 aeromedevac flight became the first aircraft to use the new ILS capability, successfully landing within the CAT II minimum of a 100-foot ceiling and 370 meters visibility. Since taking over primary airlift hub duties from the former Rhein-Main Air Base, Ramstein also has added DOD’s first CAT III ILS approach system, making it possible for aircraft with CAT III technology, like the C-17, to land when the ceiling is down to ground level and 200 meters visibility.
Members of the Air Force Reserve’s 920th Rescue Wing helped save 11 airplane crash survivors off the coast of Florida on May 12. The Reserve Airmen were flying an HC-130J Combat King II and an HH-60W Jolly Green II on a routine training flight when a Coast Guard call diverted…