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Cannon visits neighboring airfields

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Angelica Powell
  • 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
CANNON AFB, N.M. --  Dedicated to ensuring the safest possible air operations for both the military and civilian aviators sharing the sky between eastern New Mexico and western Texas, aircrew members from the 27th Special Operations Wing visited six airfields in support of the Air Force's Mid-Air Collision Avoidance program, May 30.

Under MACA, safety officers routinely engage with airfield authorities who oversee airspace local to Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., and the surrounding areas. The last trip was completed in December 2012 and the next round of visits will soon be underway.

"Our diverse mission set extends our operational airspace substantially further than normal bases," said Capt. Kevin Limberg, 27th Special Operations Wing Flight Safety officer. "Our aircraft routinely share the airspace with local pilots. The 318th Special Operations Squadron graciously offered us an aircraft and crew to be able to reach these airfields and build relations with civilian aviators."

The team was welcomed at airfields in Roswell, N.M., Artesia, N.M., Hereford, Texas, Lubbock, Texas and Levelland, Texas.

"Cannon has been a great partner and is always welcome in Roswell," said Jennifer Brady, Roswell Air Center manager. "They excel in communicating with our people in the air and on the ground. We really appreciate that."

At each location, pamphlets, posters and conversation were welcomed by the airfield staff and local aviators as the safety personnel encouraged wide dissemination of the materials handed out throughout the trip.

"It is important to build these relations because military aircraft operate differently than civilian aircraft, from air refueling to low level flights," said Limberg. "Being able to discuss how and where we operate decreases the potential of inflight conflicts. Basically, it puts all of us on the same page."

The team at the 27 SOW Safety Office also works to keep other military aviators informed about recurring civilian traffic in the Cannon areas of operation. To notify military aviators of areas of routine operation, aside from officially charted operating areas, email the flight safety office.

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