The job specialty of Airfield Management is a more involved job than you may think. The Air Force uses Airfield Management specialists to make sure that the landing Airfield for its aircraft is in good condition and free from garbage and debris. By making sure that the airfield meets specifications and that aircraft are safe to taxi and take off, the Airfield Apprentice serves as a strong part link in Aviation safety. You will be taught how to patrol and inspect active runways, taxiways, aprons and other areas that aircraft move around. You will learn how to effectively deal with issues such as airfield construction and still cooperate in keeping airfields open for operation. Normally part of your duty will involve driving a clearly marked SUV or small truck on the runway airfield to monitor the effects of weather and other environmental factors, as well as multiple daily inspections to keep the runways clear.
The Airfield Management Air Force Technician is the person that is primarily used for ground emergencies and the person that will respond to assist in flight issues that return to the airfield. You will work to monitor and remove items such as snow, rain and ice, and other factors, and to help make the decision if the airfield is safe to use for aviation traffic. Any foreign matter or debris on an airfield can be sucked into a jet engine fairly quickly, which can literally destroy an aircraft. Besides debris, such issues as wildlife and birds can also be a real hazard to military aviation. You will use a system called Oryotechnics to safely and humanely scare off wildlife and birds. This is a system of firecracker like devices and pistols using blanks, or rifle and shotgun that are loaded with acoustical rounds.
There are other types of sound devices and bio acoustical devices that are specifically made to assist in keeping the airfield clear from birds and wildlife. In addition there are specific duties that an Airfield Management Apprentice is responsible for, including: checking weather notices, transmitting and issuing notices for Airmen for flight hazards that may exist at your airfield, or that might be present in your air flight space. You will utilize air to ground and ground to ground radios to communicate flight plans, conditions and information to air crews in the air or on the ground.