AFI91-111 — Safety Rules For U.s. Strategic Bomber Aircraft

AFI91-111 governs safety rules for U.S. strategic bomber aircraft carrying or operating with nuclear weapons and nuclear weapon systems.

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  • Publication number: AFI91-111
  • Title: SAFETY RULES FOR U.S. STRATEGIC BOMBER AIRCRAFT
  • Date: 2026-08-31

View AFI91-111 on armypubs.army.mil


It addresses nuclear identification, non-nuclear assurance, security criteria, aircraft configurations, ground and flying operations, and dispersal. It requires certified procedures, personnel, equipment, facilities, and organizations for nuclear weapon system operations.

Applies to: This instruction applies to all civilian employees and uniformed members of the Regular Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, and nuclear certified equipment, facilities involved with nuclear weapons, nuclear weapon systems, and radioactive materials-related program.

Topics covered

  • Nuclear identification
  • Non-nuclear assurance
  • Security criteria
  • Weapon safety verification
  • Basic aircraft configurations
  • Ground operations involving nuclear weapon-loaded aircraft
  • Permissive action link procedures
  • Command disable procedures

Questions and answers

Can commanders impose stricter nuclear safety guidance?

The United States Air Force (USAF) commanders may impose more restrictive guidance or policy than contained in safety rules, but may not unilaterally change the safety rules. (paragraph 1)

When may units expose nuclear weapons to abnormal environments?

Units will not intentionally expose nuclear weapons to abnormal environments except in an emergency. (paragraph 3)

Can nuclear weapons be used for training or troubleshooting?

Units will not use nuclear weapons for training or for troubleshooting (e.g., to confirm the existence of a fault, aid in fault isolation, or verify that a fault has been corrected except as explicitly allowed by a specific safety rule). (paragraph 3)

How many authorized persons must be present during a nuclear weapon operation?

At least two authorized persons must be present during any operation involving a nuclear weapon, except when authorized by a specific safety rule (e.g., alert fly). (paragraph 3)

When is non-nuclear assurance required for a test assembly?

Verification that a nuclear warhead is not present in a test assembly must be made using non-nuclear assurance procedures at the last practical opportunity agreed on by the DoD and/or DOE before an operational test. (paragraph 6)

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