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West Flight Pattern over Altus becomes normal practice

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Jennifer Seidl
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The 97th Air Mobility Wing's training mission requirements have changed, driving the development of a new flight pattern that has become become standard practice for aircrews here over the past six months.

The west pattern, as it is called, resulted in a significant improvement in training with night vision goggles. The Altus AFB west pattern is used from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. By using this new pattern the base is doubling it's training capacity while decreasing the risk of mid-air collisions by providing a wider space for aircraft to operate in.

"The addition of the west pattern has really helped us simplify our training operations," said Col. Ty Thomas, 97th Air Mobility Wing commander. "When we perform NVG training on our east runway with the runway lighting 'blacked out,' we can still do VFR (Visual Flight Rules) training on our west runway with normal lighting, simultaneously and yet safely."

As part of the General Plan-Based Impact Analysis Process, the base placed sensitive noise receptors along the flight track of the planned west pattern. With consideration for number of passes per year, the pattern was found to have no effect on land use either on or off installation from flight operations.

"We made a significant public awareness effort back in April as we 'rolled out' our new flight operations pattern," Colonel Thomas said. "At the time, we had some inquiries and complaints, but as the months have passed and our community partners have become used to the west pattern, inquiries and concerns have subsided. We appreciate the understanding and support we've received from the citizens of Altus."

By creating and using the West Pattern, partially over sections of the city of Altus, the 97th AMW is able to increase the quantity and quality of training Airmen receive here with a minimal, periodic impact for the people of Altus, Colonel Thomas added.

For more information regarding the new traffic pattern, please contact 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs, 481-7700 or 97amw.pa.uc@altus.af.mil.