'Hot pitting' returns to Incirlik

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Thomas Kennedy
  • Detachment 7, Air Force News Agency
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey (AFNEWS) --  Airmen from Incirlik's 39th Logistic Readiness Squadron recently began practicing a refueling technique not used at this base in more than a decade.

The technique, called hot pitting, allows aircraft such as F-16 Fighting Falcons that are deployed here for training to land and refuel without ever stopping their engines.

Senior Master Sgt. Allen Hornback, a fuels manager, said hot pitting also saves time for the Airmen who deliver the fuel.

"If you run 30 planes across the pit in a day, you can save at least 30 man hours, and you also have to take into account the wear and tear you save on our assets," Sergeant Hornback said.

Incirlik AB began hot pitting aircraft as the 22nd Fighter Squadron arrived from Spangdahlem AB, Germany, to train in Turkey's warmer climate. Accompanying the 22nd FS are elements from the 52nd Logistic Readiness Squadron and the 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, who also refuel aircraft by hot pitting.

Hot pitting allows pilots more training time, gives ground crews a chance to practice skills they might not normally exercise, and offers an opportunity to use equipment that has not been employed in several years.

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