USAFAI21-101 — Crash Damaged Disabled Aircraft Recovery (cddar) Program

USAFAI21-101 governs the U.S. Air Force Academy Crash Damaged Disabled Aircraft Recovery program.

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  • Publication number: USAFAI21-101
  • Title: CRASH DAMAGED DISABLED AIRCRAFT RECOVERY (CDDAR) PROGRAM
  • Date: 2021-01-27

View USAFAI21-101 on armypubs.army.mil


USAFAI21-101 covers emergency declarations, coordinated aircraft response, runway and taxiway removal, and crash recovery roles. It requires certified airfield vehicle operators, controlled aircraft access, and specified information when emergencies are declared.

Applies to: This instruction applies to all Air Force military, civilian and contract aircraft maintenance provider personnel including Air Force Reserve Command, and Air National Guard units.

Topics covered

  • Aircraft emergency response
  • Crash recovery procedures
  • Emergency declarations
  • Runway and taxiway aircraft removal
  • Aircraft mishap coordination
  • Crash recovery equipment
  • Airfield vehicle operations

Questions and answers

Which vehicles and personnel should respond to aircraft emergencies?

Only required vehicles and personnel should respond to aircraft emergencies (with Ultra High Frequency (UHF) and Very High Frequency (VHF) radios if available). (paragraph 1)

What license must aircraft emergency vehicle operators possess?

Responding vehicle operators must be certified to drive on the USAFA airfield and possess a valid USAFA airfield driver’s license. (paragraph 1)

Who must approve access to an aircraft before it is released?

Until the aircraft has been released by the IC, no one will approach the aircraft without approval from the IC. (paragraph 1)

Who is primarily responsible for declaring an aircraft emergency?

The aircrew is primarily responsible for declaring ground or in-flight emergencies. (paragraph 2)

Who determines whether an aircraft is safe before maintenance or recovery?

During initial response to an aircraft emergency, the SFO is the IC and will determine if the aircraft is safe prior to releasing the aircraft for maintenance, recovery, or safety investigation (if required). (paragraph 1)

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