Airfield changes to take effect first of March

Published Feb. 21, 2008
By Danielle Gregory
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- Airfield Management personnel conducted several briefings last week concerning the new forthcoming changes to the current "flightline driving program". Mr. Don Lott, Airfield Manager, announced that the effective date for implementation will be March 1. Until then he stressed to everyone that the current flightline driving procedures remain in place.
   The following is a recap of the new program changes printed in last week's issue of Tinker Take Off. The current name, "Flightline Driving Program", will be changed to "Airfield Driving Program". A new Tinker Instruction, TAFBI 13-202, Airfield Driving Program, has been published that encompasses the entire airfield driving environment for Tinker Air Force Base. The size of the controlled movement area which requires prior approval from the control tower to access has been reduced in size. Vehicles operating in the CMA must maintain constant radio communications with the control tower. A mandatory radio monitor has been established replacing a large portion of the current CMA. Vehicles operating in the MRMA do not need approval from the control tower to access, but must be radio equipped and monitor the control tower radio frequency 100 percent of the time while in the MRMA. As a reminder, the MRMA is an area inside the airfield perimeter fence excluding ramp parking areas and controlled movement areas, but includes taxiways.
   All drivers on the airfield must be airfield driving certified for the particular area needing access. For example, drivers accessing the CMA/MRMA must be fully qualified for airfield driving; drivers accessing ramps may be purely ramp only qualified. Drivers need to always carry their Air Force Form 483, Certificate of Competency, and the controlled area badge for area 18 while operating vehicles on the airfield. Additionally, drivers should keep in mind that they must have a proper working radio with channel guard capability and that the only vehicles authorized on the airfield are government, approved contractors, and vehicles with an airfield pass.
   "If you're not sure of the 200 ft boundary go ahead and call the tower," stated Don Lott.
Master Sgt. Lonnie Everhart, Control Tower Assistant Chief Controller, told the group, "When you call and it's something you don't need to call for and don't have too we will tell you know, hopefully that only lasts about a week. We handle approximately 400 radio calls a day now, so the new CMA restriction of the area will cut down on the calls and definitely make it easier for both parties. The key is to work together through this transition."
   Senior Master Sgt. David Bush, control tower chief, said, "It should be a relatively easy transition since these new procedures are similar to most other bases across the air force but we will need to remain vigilant to ensure safety remains our top priority."
   Further information on airfield driving procedures can be obtained from 72nd OSS, Airfield Management at 734-5328 or 734-2250.