Ice On The Ground Can Spell Trouble In The Sky

The Air Force operates from one end of the globe to the other. On the coldest day in Alaska in December 2019, the temperature dropped to minus 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, missions in Antarctica can involve a wind chill of nearly negative 100 degrees Fahrenheit. At those temperatures, prepping to fly an airplane involves deicing first to decrease the risk factors for flying. On the ground, loading the airplane can create perfect conditions for frostbite and falls. It is in this climate that the Air Force may be called to operate during an emergency.

As the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) notes, icy conditions “destroy the smooth flow of air, increasing drag while decreasing the ability of the airfoil to create lift.” Ice can form on multiple surfaces of an aircraft, causing anything from broken antennas to engine failure. The plane can change its behavior and maneuverability during icy conditions, making it more difficult for the pilot to operate. For those reasons, deicing is vital to missions conducted in a cold climate.

Deicing the plane involves running deicing trucks on the ground, and the people working on the ground in these cold climates can have the best ideas for safety precautions. For instance, at Joint-Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska, Mr. Jessie Mauldin, a heavy mobile equipment mechanic assigned to the 673d Logistics Readiness Squadron, saw that new deicing trucks had anchor points on top for the mechanics to secure themselves while working to keep the trucks running during deicing. Those anchor points help prevent falling off the icy trucks during cold weather or at least make the fall only a few feet. Seeing a need, Mauldin, with a team of engineers, designed and retrofitted the existing fleet of deicing trucks to include these anchor points. It was a great solution that could likely prevent injuries and enable work on the trucks outside of the hangar.

Airmen are expected to operate in both day-to-day missions and unique situations that crop up in an emergency. As with any emergency, the best way to survive is to train before it happens. Training Airmen to navigate an icy world can help mitigate the risks associated with a cold climate. Falling and frostbite are two of the severe risks associated with the cold. Some of the key points to cover when preventing icy falls include:

• Clear walking surfaces of snow and ice after a storm.
• Wear proper footgear that can get traction, such as those with rubber soles. Add an insulated pair of boots for an extra layer of protection from the cold.
• Walk in short steps at a slower pace than usual.
• Avoid stairs and hilly terrain.
• Watch out for thick icicles and chunks of snow that could dislodge above you.

The 27th Special Operations Wing, Cannon Air Force Base, NM, along with a team of Special Tactics Airmen, trained for an emergency January 21-31, 2020. The situation simulated was creating a forward area refueling point (FARP) for F-22 Raptors assigned to the Pacific Air Forces’ 3d Wing, in the event that the planes were low on fuel and in occupied territory. The 3d Wing sometimes operates in an extremely cold-weather environment at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska, and that is where the simulation took place.

Not only did the Special Tactics team have to prepare for the cold weather with equipment but they also had to contend with operating with decreased dexterity and a new crew. Working in those conditions, the Special Tactics team secured the airbase, while an MC-130J Commando II team refueled the F-22 Raptors. That teamwork allowed for a successful training mission in a cold climate.

When icing occurs, frostbite is also a risk. According to the Military Health System website, in the 2017-2018 cold season, 84 percent of cold injuries in the Air Force were frostbite. For the “Port Dawgs” and maintainers who keep planes moving from the ground, dressing for the weather is essential to preventing frostbite. Keep your clothing dry and wear layers. Replace those layers if they get wet. Frostbite can occur in only 15 minutes, so limit your time outside as best as you can. Most important, know how to recognize frostbite and what to do if it does happen.

The first symptoms of frostbite include cold skin and a tingling feeling. Then the area goes numb, and the skin turns red, white, bluish-white, or grayish-yellow and can look hard or waxy. Joint and muscle stiffness can cause clumsiness, and, in severe cases, blisters may form after rewarming the skin, indicating frostbite.

The Ellsworth Air Force Base, SD, website has tips on what to do if frostbite occurs. First, take the affected person inside immediately and check for numbness or pain, especially in the fingers, toes, nose, cheeks, and ears. These outer extremities are more susceptible to early frostbite. After moving inside, be gentle (do not rub or massage the area) and move the body part to increase blood flow to that area. Warm any frozen area against the body; then soak the area in lukewarm water for 15 to 30 minutes. Seek medical attention if the area does not improve with warming.

When icing occurs, frostbite is also a risk. According to the Military Health System website, in the 2017-2018 cold season, 84 percent of cold injuries in the Air Force were frostbite.

Whether in Alaska or Antarctica, Airmen are called on to carry out missions in extremely cold environments. Safety is a priority to prevent loss of life and injury in these conditions. From falls to frostbite and other cold injuries, the previous tips can help keep Airmen safe when the temperature drops.