From: "Flying Activity" <admin@flyingactivity.com>
Subject: Flying Activity Message
Date: October 22nd 2015

To all,

There is currently a NOTAM out stating that there will be no flying unless the tower is open. Please note that this NOTAM should be removed by Friday. There are other NOTAM out stating runway closure so we are not able to fly away over the next couple days because of military operations. So if you are currently scheduled for the weekend or after just leave your name on the schedule and plan on flying because as I said the NOTAM should be removed Friday on Flying only when the tower is open.

Now what caused this and the fix.

Subject: Flying Activity breach of Runway closure NOTAM

Background

On Monday 19 November NOTAM M0568/15 was created notifying Redstone operators and Tenants (That includes the Flying Activity) that the runway would be closed from 2130Z until 1230Z daily from the 20th until 1230Z (0730 CST) on the 24th. The body of the NOTAM reads as follows:

“M0568/15 - RWY 17/35 CLSD RWY 17/35 CLSD EXCEPT FOR BASE OPS APPROVED MILITARY AIRCRAFT. DLY 2130-1230, 20 OCT 21:30 2015 UNTIL 24 OCT 12:30 2015. CREATED: 19 OCT 19:29 2015.

The NOTAM essentially stated the runways would by closed when the tower was closed.

Tuesday afternoon 20 October two flying activity aircraft flown by student pilots conducted flights on the closed runways, a serious operational and safety issue. Both pilots had access to the NOTAM, both on the website and posted in the club briefing area. RAFA CFI’s cleared flights, one by text and one by telecon.

Because of the serious safety and operational control issues raised by this incident, a follow up NOTAM was issued on 21 October by the Chief, Airfield division as follows:

M0576/15 - AERODROME REDSTONE ARMY AIRFIELD FLYING ACTIVITY AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS RESTRICTED TO ONLY THOSE TIMES THAT THE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER IS OPERATIONAL. EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RESTRICTION WILL BE ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS AND MUST BE APPROVED BY THE AIRFIELD MANAGER. 21 OCT 13:50 2015 UNTIL 31 DEC 23:59 2015. CREATED: 21 OCT 13:50 2015

The Flying Activity Manager and the Chief Pilot met with the Chief, Airfield Division on 21 October to identify the safety and operational issues at the Flying activity and develop suitable corrective actions to mitigate this type of problem in the future.

The mitigation plan, which applies immediately, is as follows:

•       Re-brief all pilots scheduled to fly now to understand that NOTAMS are to be checked on DINS and and the following link https://www.notams.jcs.mil before flight flights. This message initiates this process and it will also be covered in the next quartely safety meeting.
•       Ensure all PICs understand that all NOTAMS posted are in UTC (ZULU) and how to convert to local time. Make this a checklist emphasis item.
•       Establish that all clearing authorities are aware of and will check NOTAMS prior to authorizing Clearance for RAFA flights (CFI Meeting)
•       All flight clearances will be conducted by verbal conversation (no text approvals allowed), especially for when Student Pilot SOLO operations are conducted.
•       Monitor the results of this Mitigation Plan and modify them as necessary to ensure compliance with NOTAMS and Safety for HUA Airfield Operations by RAFA Pilots
•       Coordinate with HUA Airfield Manager and Safety Officer to prevent and correct any deficiencies to this plan and procedures
•       RAFA CFIs ensure all PIC are in full compliance with all established procedures.

All members need to recognize the serious nature of this type incident. We operated out of a world class facility here but its mission is military and we must become more aware.

Chief Pilot
Club Manager
Safety Officer

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