1.4. Safety. Safety is a critical component of successful mission accomplishment on every sortie. The safety mindset of each crew member is a key part in the overall safety of any flying operation. Each individual is responsible for minimizing risk to the people and assets under his or her control and identifying potential safety hazards.

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1.4.1. Ground Safety. The flight line is an extremely busy environment. Moving aircraft, support equipment, and emergency vehicles create a hazardous environment. Extra diligence is required to prevent a tragic event.

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1.4.1.1. Stay clear of the aircraft danger areas as depicted in T.O. 1T-6A-1, Section 2 (propeller (prop) areas and/or the jet exhaust of running aircraft).

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1.4.1.2. Secure loose items prior to entering the flight line to prevent foreign object damage (FOD).

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1.4.1.3. Maintain constant watch for moving vehicles.

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1.4.2. Flying Safety. Once airborne, safety assumes a more dynamic character. For example, a converging aircraft may unexpectedly appear, or a malfunction can cause distractions during a critical phase of flight. Safe operation requires an aggressive disposition toward gaining and maintaining situational awareness (SA). According to AFMAN 11-290, Cockpit/Crew Resource Management and Threat & Error Management Program, SA is an “aircrew member’s continuous accurate perception of self and aircraft in relation to the dynamic environment of flight, threats, and mission, and the ability to forecast, then execute, tasks based upon that perception”. Methods to maintain SA include:

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1.4.2.1. Clearing the airspace.

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1.4.2.2. Monitoring aircraft systems.

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1.4.2.3. Establishing and maintaining an emergency recovery plan before an emergency occurs.

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