scope:

Scope and Purpose.

This AFI provides guidance for developing an Airfield Driving Program (ADP) to provide safe ground vehicle operations and pedestrian control on USAF owned and/or operated airfields. It outlines training requirements for all personnel (e.g. military, DoD Civilians, Contractors, etc.) who, as a part of their job, are required to drive unescorted on an airfield.

Personnel required to drive on the airfield must be knowledgeable of and comply with the procedures outlined in this AFI and locally developed Airfield Driving Instruction (ADI). For the purpose of this AFI, the ADI is a wing or base level instruction. (T-1)

In today's complex airfield environment, there are incidents involving aircraft, pedestrians, and ground vehicles at USAF airfields that lead to property damage and personnel injury. One of the most hazardous incidents for an airfield driver to be involved with is a runway incursion. A runway incursion occurs when an aircraft, vehicle or person enters the protected area of a surface designated for the landing and take-off of aircraft without approval from Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT). Runway incursions have the potential to result in aircraft endangerment and loss of life. While there are several factors involved in a runway incursion, the leading causes of these incidents result from a failure to follow procedures, inadequate vehicle operator training, and loss of situational awareness. Therefore, strict adherence to the procedures in this AFI is essential to preventing aircraftvehicle mishaps and personnel injury on the airfield.

Shared-Use Airfields. Airfield Management (AM) personnel at shared-use airfields (e.g. Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve units) must work with the civil airport manager to develop and implement local airfield driving procedures where applicable. (T-1)

Contingency Locations. At contingency locations, the Senior Airfield Authority (SAA) or equivalent may authorize deviations to airfield driving procedures outlined in this AFI to support tactical or combat operations/situations. Authority must not be delegated. (T-1)

In the interest of safety to airfield and flight operations, deviations to this AFI should be by exception only and include a Risk Management assessment. Factors to consider for deviations include but are not limited to the length of time the operation has been in place and available resources.

If time permits, or at the discretion of the SAA or equivalent, forward proposed deviations to the MAJCOM OPR for AO, or equivalent, for an operational review.

Provide the MAJCOM OPR for AO, or equivalent, an informational copy of approved deviations to assist with establishing compliance priorities, providing oversight, and developing area of responsibility execution activities.