AFI11-418_2BWSUP — Operations Supervision

AFI11-418_2BWSUP governs supervision of flying operations, including duty locations and in-flight emergency recovery procedures.

Search AFI11-418_2BWSUP

  • Publication number: AFI11-418_2BWSUP
  • Title: OPERATIONS SUPERVISION
  • Date: 2025-06-23

View AFI11-418_2BWSUP on armypubs.army.mil


It defines the flying operations supervision structure and establishes locations and availability requirements for SOF and Top 3 personnel. It also addresses emergency communications, safe recovery, scheduled aircraft launches and recoveries, and coordination during abnormal operations.

Topics covered

  • SOF duty locations
  • Top 3 supervision
  • Aircraft launches and recoveries
  • In-flight emergency communications
  • Safe recovery of aircrew and aircraft
  • Single frequency approach
  • Abnormal operations

Questions and answers

Where should the SOF position himself or herself during the flying day?

The SOF should position himself/herself in the most advantageous position to execute their responsibilities. (paragraph 1)

When may the SOF leave the duty location?

The SOF may leave their duty location during periods of out of Local Area Ops or during certain abnormal operations (e.g. loss of Tower comms). (paragraph 1)

Who recovers or launches aircraft for deployment or cross country sorties?

A SOF will be scheduled to recover or launch aircraft associated with a deployment or cross country sortie if those sorties are not coincident with other 2 BW flying activity. (paragraph 2)

How long must Top 3 remain at the IOC or Squadron Operations Center?

Top 3 remains at the IOC/Squadron Operations Center, as required, until last crew has departed the local area and must be “Available” until last scheduled activity (not including transition at BAFB). (paragraph 4)

What is the primary objective during an abnormal or emergency situation?

The primary objective during an abnormal/emergency situation is the safe recovery of the aircrew and aircraft. (paragraph 5)

Ask Reggie.Bot a question about AFI11-418_2BWSUP