AIR MOBILITY COMMAND WELL DONE AWARD

As a Flight Line Expediter during a C-17 launch from Kadena Air Base, Japan, TSgt Daniel Hayes recognized an extremely unsafe situation and intervened with time-critical actions to prevent potential injury to ground personnel and aircraft damage. On Nov. 10, 2022, a C-17 aircrew was performing a non-standard engine start with external air due to an inoperative auxiliary power unit. The TO 1C-17A-1 procedure for engine start with external air is to start the number 4 engine, disconnect the air cart, and then start the number 1 and 2 engines on the opposite side, followed by the last engine. The aircrew deviated from TO guidance and started the number 3 engine first, deployed the number 3 thrust reverser, started the number 1 engine, and then requested that maintenance personnel disconnect the air cart with the thrust reverser still deployed and throttle above idle power. Hayes immediately recognized the unsafe situation and notified the aircrew to reduce power to idle and close the thrust reverser before removing the ground equipment. After the aircraft’s safe departure, Hayes filed a report using the Airman Safety Action Program (ASAP) to articulate the hazardous event and help prevent future mishaps. Based on Hayes’ ASAP report, Air Mobility Command (AMC)/A3V submitted a C-17 flight manual change request to add additional information on aircraft danger areas and a reminder to return the donor engine to idle during crossbleed starts. Additionally, AMC/A3T is including the report in its monthly Ops Risk Assessment and Management System Newsletter that is distributed to all Mobility Air Forces. Hayes’ ability to recognize a dangerous situation and fortitude to intervene reinforced the Expediter’s pivotal role in operations and bolstered Rapid Global Mobility capabilities in a time when every aircraft counts!