Contemporary issues: Risk Analysis: F-16 Block 60 FLIR-Assisted Landing Instruction

Air Force Journal of Logistics, Fall, 2006

One of the tools available to Air Force officers to assist them in safely integrating a new program is Operational Risk Management (ORM). ORM is a six-step process based upon four primary principles--accept no unnecessary risk, make risk decisions at the appropriate level, accept risk when benefits outweigh the costs, and integrate ORM into the planning stages of an operation.

"Risk Analysis: F-16 Block 60 FLIR-Assisted Landing Instruction" reviews the evolution of the F-16 Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) system, specifically how the FLIR applies to the newest F-16, Block 60 under contract by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Part 1 of this article examines the history of FLIR systems prior to the F-16 Block 60 series. Part 2 investigates the hazards associated with landing an F-16 at night, in addition to the potential utility of a FLIR-assisted landing. Finally, in Part 3, the authors present an Operational Risk Management analysis of the integration of teaching FLIR-assisted landings to new UAE Block 60 pilots. Based on this structured risk analysis, the authors recommend introducing IFTS FLIR-assisted night landings during the student's second night sortie. This recommendation follows the logic that the student is already somewhat familiar with the IFTS from using it as a head's-down sensor during the day. On the second night sortie, they suggest having the student use the FLIR to identify the runway environment and then to turn the FLIR down before actually touching down. This reduces the risks of having a night landing mishap. Additionally, they suggest having the student's first night sortie dedicated to standard night instruments and non-FLIR-assisted landings. This allows the emphasis to be on a night instrument cross-check and normal night visual landing cues, thereby giving the student a solid foundation to build his night habit patterns. If the intention becomes to teach an additional IFTS capability, extra night sorties can be added toward the end of the training program. This recommendation safely incorporates the IFTS in the initial sorties, gives a solid night instrument background to the student, and gives the flexibility to build upon the student's IFTS procedures with additional IFTS night sorties later on in the program as dictated by the tactical requirement.