New safety apparel for AAFC aviators

A trial of hi-visibility airside attire is currently underway on an Air Force Cadets gliding camp being run at Balaklava, South Australia.

Workplace health and safety are the highest priorities in the Australian Air Force Cadets.

The AAFC offers young adults a range of activities, which provide the best possible aviation-focused experiential learning environment in a safe, effective way.

AAFC gliding centres at Warwick and Balaklava are at the forefront of pioneering an integrated airfield safety initiative, that encompasses both WHS and Aviation Safety elements.

One new initiative in the AAFC’s safety management system – known as ‘AAFCSafe’ – is the introduction of high visibility safety apparel for flying trainees, to improve airside awareness.

AAFCSafe system operates under the RAAFSafe umbrella as the AAFC’s Work Health and Safety Management System.

Flying Officer (AAFC) Paul Rosenzweig, Aviation Operations Wing Public Affairs & Communication Officer said the AAFC planning process involved planning the activity, identifying the hazards and managing the risk.

“AAFCSafe allows us to take effective action to mitigate and manage risks to as low as reasonably practicable,” Flying Officer Rosenzweig said.

This new safety apparel was trialled by a group of gliding trainees and their instructors during a gliding camp at Balaklava Airfield in South Australia.

The Tier 1 gliding scholarship participants were Cadet Corporal Tim Cox from No 608 (Town of Gawler) Squadron, Cadet Corporal Sam Ward and Leading Cadet Alexander Pearce from No 609 Squadron (Warradale Barracks), and Leading Cadet Brian Telford from No 612 Squadron (Mount Gambier).

Assisting with instruction were three Tier 3 gliding scholarship recipients: Cadet Under Officer Ben Dunk (No 613 Squadron, RAAF Edinburgh), Cadet Warrant Officer Ian Van Schalkwyk (No 617 Squadron, Netherby) and Cadet Sergeant Nic Sibly (No 601 Squadron, Keswick Barracks).

CUO Dunk and CWOFF Van Schalkwyk are ‘C’ Certificate qualified, and are recipients of the AAFC General Flying Proficiency Badge (‘Cadet Pilot Wings’).

FLGOFF(AAFC) Rosenzweig said every person involved with the AAFC had a personal responsibility to be safety conscious.

“A disciplined approach to safety practices is essential.”

The newest elements of this safety consciousness, hi-vis flying jackets, caps and beanies, are proving to be a winter winner.

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