New flying pattern boosts aircrew training Published April 21, 2010 By Staff Sgt. Clinton Atkins 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- C-17 Globemaster III and KC-135 Stratotanker aircrews started flying a new training pattern April 6 on the west side of the base, which include flying over the city of Altus. The new traffic pattern at Altus AFB, Okla., nearly doubles the training capacity of the airfield and increases flexibility for air traffic controllers to more safely manage flight operations in the visual pattern. "The additional Altus AFB visual flight rules pattern will permit more 97th Air Mobility Wing aircraft to accomplish training in the [Visual Flight Rules] pattern in less flying hours," said Col. John Oates, 97th Operations Group commander. "The increase in airspace available coupled with the corresponding geographic separation between airplanes performing VFR training to each runway means an increase in training capacity. Additionally, with the proposed future addition of the new KC-X tanker at Altus AFB, there is an increased requirement for pattern capacity." The new flying pattern, known as the West Pattern, will be in use from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Monday through Friday to conduct VFR training. Engine noise will be noticeable in some Altus neighborhoods. "In order for 97th AMW aircraft to properly space themselves for landing on the Altus AFB westernmost runway they will fly up to but not west of Park Lane (County Road 205)," the colonel said. "Expected over-flight of areas spanning from County Road 167 on the south and County Road 157 on the north along Park Lane will be noticeable in homes and neighborhoods under that flight path." The new flying pattern was environmentally assessed as part of the General Plan-based Impact Analysis Process in 2009 and was found to have no significant impact to the general public. The aircraft are flying at an approved 2,900-foot mean sea level (which is approximately 1,500 feet above ground level). "Altus AFB conducted three noise impact studies and found during these tests that as aircraft pass over Park Lane, the decibel levels were no greater than 81 DBs (roughly equivalent to temporary high urban ambient sound)," said Douglas Winters, Altus AFB airspace manager. According to the General Plan-based Environmental Impact Analysis Process contractor, who conducted one of the studies, there will be an extension of noise contours along all axes due to the increase in aircraft operations; however, noise level increases will be below perceptible levels. Altus AFB senior leaders continue to work vigilantly to ensure a happy medium is maintained between the needs of Altus residents and the 97th AMW training mission. "Boosting training capacity and safety at our airfield increases the value of Altus Air Force Base to the Air Force and Department of Defense," said Col. Ty Thomas, 97th AMW commander. "At the same time, we appreciate the support of our local community and are sensitive to how we impact the lives and livelihoods of local citizens. That's why we accomplished the noise study in advance. We'll work together with community leaders to ensure the right balance is maintained." For more information about the new traffic pattern procedure, people can call the 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs office at (580) 481-7700.