Safety Against the Odds

Despite its futuristic arsenal and high-stakes missions, the United States Air Force had a safety record in 2009 that approached perfection. The truth is, zero accidents is precisely the goal.

This HH-1 Huey wreckage is used for training in the U.S. Air Force Aircraft Mishap Investigation Course and International Flight Safety Officer Course. U.S. Air Force

Flying's Robert Goyer (far right) is welcomed at the Safety Center by (l-r) Lt. Col./Dr. Karen Heupel, chief of human factors; Maj. Gen. Frederick F. Roggero, chief of safety; and Col. Sid Mayeux, chief of aviation safety. U.S. Air Force

The BASH programs help reduce bird-strike risk.

This older F-16 canopy remained intact but still bowed inward from abird strike. New F-16 canopies withstand 500-plus-knot impacts with 4-pound birds. U.S. Air Force

International Flight Safety Officer students inspect a T-38 wing for pre-impact damage. U.S. Air Force

International Flight Safety Officer students inspect A-10 wreckage for causal evidence. U.S. Air Force

Capt. Aaron Reid of the 333rd Fighter Squadron (right) explains to Maj. Gen. Frederick F. Roggero what to look for during a preflight inspection. U.S. Air Force

Photos

Flying StaffEditor

Flying Magazine is a one-stop resource for everything aviation, including news, training, aircraft, gear, careers, photos, videos, and more.