Four officers of the Burundian air force studied US Air Force flight and ground safety methods on a five-day visit to Ramstein AB, Germany. Sponsored by US Africa Command and the State Department, “the visit was focused around the ways we stay safe at the wing and Air Force-wide,” said Capt. Dennis Napier, head of flight safety for Ramstein’s 86th Airlift Wing. Among their takeaways, the African officers learned about the Air Force’s standards for driving on the flight line and for preventing foreign object damage to aircraft during their March 5-9 visit . “We just want them to go back home with some ideas,” explained Lt. Col. Thomas Ulmer, 86th AW safety boss. “Prevention of an accident is a powerful tool that can save both lives and money,” he added. Exchanges like this one “get the ball rolling and allow for improved flight safety for everyone,” said Ulmer. (Ramstein report by SSgt. Travis Edwards)
Lawmakers are growing impatient for an overdue fighter recapitalization study from the Air Force, and members say they'll demand more detailed justifications for future aircraft retirements.