Performance testing and modeling of a transpired ventilation preheat solar wall : performance evaluation of facilities at Fort Drum, NY, and Kansas Air National Guard, Topeka, KS

This work performed measurement and verification of installed, operational solar wall systems at Fort Drum, NY, and Forbes Field, Air National Guard, Topeka, KS. Actual annual savings were compared estimated savings generated by a solar wall modeling tool (RETScreen). A comparison with the RETScreen modeling tool shows that the measured actively heated air provided by the solar wall provides 57% more heat than the RETScreen tool predicted, after accounting for boiler efficiency. The solar wall at Fort Drum yields a net savings of $851/yr, for a simple payback of 146 years and a SIR of 0.16. RETScreen models indicate that the solar wall system at Forbes Field, Kansas Air National Guard, Topeka, KS saves $9,350/yr, for a simple payback of 58.8 years and a SIR of 0.34. Although results showed that, due to low natural gas prices, the Fort Drum system was not economically viable, it was recommended that the system still be used to meet renewable energy and fossil fuel reduction goals. The current system becomes economical (SIR 1.00) at a natural gas rate of $16.00/MMBTU or $1.60 /therm.

Friendlier Skies: Development of Electronic Checklists for Emergency Procedures for the KC-135 Stratotanker

The KC-135 Stratotanker has been a workhorse aircraft for the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard for over 60 years. The aircraft and its technologies have had many modifications and updates over the decades, but the Emergency Procedures (EPs) section of the KC-135 In-Flight Manual has only been updated based on engineering modifications and incident and accident reports. The goal of this project was to systematically assess, identify, and document issues in the KC-135 EPs using aviation checklist design guidance and a crew-centric human factors approach. Electronic checklists were then created to address the issues in the KC-135 EPs. The number of emergency procedures was reduced by over 50%: 351 KC-135 EPs were streamlined into 154 electronic checklists. The revised electronic checklists for emergency procedures will optimize KC-135 crew responses to non-normal situations and ensure safe and efficient operation of the KC-135 beyond its projected sunset in 2040.

A Preliminary Study of U.S. Air Force Pilot Perceptions of the Pilot–Flight Surgeon Relationship

Introduction Flight surgeons play a vital role in U.S. Air Force aviation operations by ensuring that pilots are medically prepared to meet the demands of military aviation. However, there is natural tension between pilots and flight surgeons. A pilot may be reluctant to share medical information with a flight surgeon who could negatively impact the pilot’s career or flight status. In this preliminary study, we sought to identify pilot-perceived strengths and weaknesses in the relationship between U.S. Air Force aviators and their flight surgeons. Materials and Methods An online survey regarding pilot–flight surgeon confidence and perceived values was distributed electronically to a convenience sample of U.S. Air Force aviators. Participants included U.S. Air Force active duty and Air Reserve Component (Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard) military aviators in addition to U.S. Air Force Academy aviation cadets. Results One hundred and seventy-three aviators participated in the survey. Respondents reported variable comfort in approaching flight surgeons with medical concerns and suggested that they believed other pilots might be withholding medical information from flight surgeons or seeking care from civilian physicians for career protection. Conclusions We sought to examine the pilot–flight surgeon relationship and its impact on daily flying operations. While limited, results suggest that there may be gaps in trust between pilots and their flight surgeons. These findings could present an opportunity to improve the pilot–flight surgeon relationship by identifying factors that contribute to closer pilot–flight surgeon relationships.

An Occupational Paradox: Why Do We Love Really Tough Jobs?

BACKGROUND Sometimes we come upon unexpected or counterfactual results during research that make us wonder and lead us into unknown territory. Such was the experience of a team of Air Force researchers exploring aeromedical evacuation crew members’ experiences of safety and patient care concerns throughout the en route care system. OBJECTIVE To explore what it is about the aeromedical evacuation crew members’ occupation that generates a strong motivation to the mission despite the demands it places on its workers. METHODS Eight focus groups were conducted with 69 Air Force aeromedical evacuation and staging facility active duty, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve Command nurses and medical technicians between May 2012 and April 2013 at 5 locations in the contiguous and outside the contiguous United States. RESULTS An unexpected finding was that despite the austere nature of the Air Force en route care mission and the acuity of the patients being transported, nurses and medical technicians were passionate about bringing home the wounded, sick, and injured warriors and were committed to providing the best and safest care possible. CONCLUSIONS It is plausible that a high level of commitment and mission focus contributes significantly to the safety and well-being of those transported. Still, we must wonder why nurses and technicians voluntarily serve in such a demanding and sometimes dangerous occupation, and yet find such a high degree of satisfaction and contentment with this type of job.