Flight safety reduces mid-air collisions Published June 1, 2010 By Robin DeMark 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Fighter jocks, private flight instructors, student and recreational pilots all share the most advanced cockpit system in aviation: the human eye. Failure to "see-and-avoid" is the number one cause of mid-air collisions according to the Federal Aviation Administration Special Use Airspace information service. Seymour Johnson's flight safety office hosted members from the North Carolina Department of Transportation Aviation Division to see base aircraft and receive a Mid-Air-Collision Avoidance brief May 21. "Exchanging information and educating our peers is the best defense against potential mid-air-collisions and understanding the different worlds we operate in," said Maj. John Basel, 4th Fighter Wing Flight Safety officer. Military aircraft fly FAA-approved military training routes to conduct various types of high-speed tactical training. Seymour's jets and tankers are arriving, departing or flying practice approaches within airspace that extends 30 nautical miles around the base. Transient military and civilian aircraft from the Goldsboro-Wayne, Mount Olive and Kinston municipal airports also populate this same airspace. "The need for vigilance while operating near military operating Areas is critical to our flying mission," Major Basel said. "Military pilots training in these dense areas do all they can to detect and avoid civilian aircraft to avoid mishaps." The MTRs allow military aviators to conduct low-altitude, high-speed training. The routes developed 1,500 feet above ground level fly primarily under instrument flight rules and the routes below 1,500 feet fly according to visual flight rules. "Seymour flies our low-level training routes along the coast or through the mountains," said Lt. Col. Christopher Didier, 4th FW chief of safety. "Most of our low-level flying is conducted below 3,500 feet throughout North Carolina and the Virginias." Wing Safety recommendations for all civilian aircraft include: - Call general and military traffic to report flying near a MTR - Use a transponder equipped with mode C and squawk 1200 so military aircraft can find your altitude, position and flight route - Plan to cross active routes above 3,000 AGL - Remember that "see-and-avoid" is everyone's responsibility "The MACA program reinforces the need to reduce aviation risks by helping civilian pilots to recognize and avoid potential mid-air collision hazards," said Tom Freeman, NC DOT aviation safety specialist. "It's important we integrate this training with our safety programs to establish a mutual understanding and respect to support military flying operations throughout our state." For more information about Seymour Johnson's MACA program, visit www.seeandavoid.org or call the 4th FW Flight Safety Office at (919) 722-4227.