McConnell flight safety office to host MACA conference

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Victor J. Caputo
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  The 22nd Air Refueling Wing flight safety office will be hosting a Midair Collision Avoidance Fly-In Seminar from 6:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Oct. 17, on base.

The event will allow any interested parties to either drive or fly in to McConnell to partake in a day of seminars and classes aimed at educating aviators on midair collision avoidance to produce a safer airspace for aviators around Wichita, Kansas.

"We're excited to talk to the general public about this," said Capt. Paul Seal, 22nd ARW flight safety officer. "We want to get a positive message out to the local aviation community."

There are more than 70 airfields within 75 miles of base, and McConnell aircraft have experienced seven hazardous air traffic reports since July 28, during which two aircraft came within one nautical mile and 500 feet of each other, requiring KC-135 Stratotanker pilots to suddenly divert from their air traffic control issued flight path.

"It's important for us to work with our partners throughout the Wichita area," said Maj. John Stock, 22nd ARW flight safety chief. "Midair collisions can cost more than just the money it would take to repair a damaged aircraft; lives are at stake, both of the crew and the people on the ground below them."

Interested parties must register by 11:55 p.m., Oct. 7, at www.mcconnellmaca.com. The website contains all necessary forms for aviators who wish to fly to the event and land on base, as well as a variety of forms and information pertaining to the schedule of events and details for arrival and departure.