Flight records Airmen keep score

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Janine Thibault
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Aircrews take to the skies on a daily basis at Eielson. It is important that pilots remain skilled at their craft and stay up-to-date on current training and flying proficiency to complete their missions safely.

The 354th Aviation Resource Management office, or Flight Records shop, is responsible for maintaining required training documents and tracks the flight records for Eielson aviators.

"We are here to monitor flight record folders and make sure policies are followed," said Tech. Sgt. Aaron Schroeder, 354th Operations Support Squadron flight records NCO in-charge.

One of the ways that this is done is through the Aviation Resource Management System.
ARMS is the electronic filing system that includes aircrew members' physical and physiological status as well as their aeronautical order, military pay order and aviation history - which includes the individual flight history of the pilot.

"Military flights often require many more currencies and qualifications than civilian pilots, so the task of tracking and logging them is time consuming," said Maj. Eugene Cassingham, 354th Operations Support Squadron flight commander.

Flight records are maintained throughout a pilot's career. Information regarding a pilot's personal status is tracked, and based on their individual operations, the information on the planes are also recorded. The information collected is sustained on a base data system and later channeled out to the major command.

"Flight records provides the necessary data to commanders so training decisions, emphasis items, and overall squadron mission areas can be tailored to ensure the highest level of training is accomplished," said Major Cassingham.

Figures are recorded after each flight, allowing the pilots to quickly begin debriefing the mission for learning objectives rather than concentrating on data entry at a computer. This is a critical aspect of flight records.

Another responsibility of flight records is to assist new aircrews with in-processing. While crews are located on Eielson Air Force Base, it is the task of the shop to maintain their flight files. Keeping accurate records is important to ensure pilots stay current on their training.

The policies and directives are interpreted to guarantee Air Force Instructions are followed. The 354th Flight Records flight is the focal point for other squadron aviation resource management offices. They work closely with other squadrons to ensure full coverage of all the pilots and the information gathered.

"There are a lot of AFI's and procedures to follow. You really have to get into the books to double check all of that. The more you are in them, the more you learn them," said Sergeant Schroeder.

The detailed organization and record keeping done by the Airmen of flight records ensures pilots are within regulations to fly and complete the mission safely.