Apr 28 - CBF Presents RAF Gibraltar’s First Flight Safety Awards
Commander British Forces, Commodore Ian McGhie, presented the inaugural Flight Safety Awards at RAF Gibraltar today. Six employees within British Forces Gibraltar were recognised for their positive contribution to flight safety.
Sergeant Robert Dixon was awarded the Station Commander’s Commendation for Flight Safety Excellence and Police Constable David Ferrary, Able Rate Lawrence Miller, Mr Frances Vasquez, Mr George McNiven and Mr Viv O’Reilly were all awarded the Station Flight Safety Officer’s Commendation to Flight Safety.
RAF Station Commander, Wing Commander Greg ‘’Vasco’ Smith explains why it is important to recognise individuals who have positively contributed to flight safety, he said: “We wanted to reward the people who have been the most proactive and embraced a flight safety culture. They lead by example helping us to spread the message to a wider audience. We have a very unusual set up at the airfield, in that, in between flights pedestrians cross the runway. Naturally this can lead to a higher risk of Foreign Object Debris (FOD), which can be a real hazard. Raising awareness of the issue is paramount.”
Station Flight Safety Officer, Flight Lieutenant Avril Webb explains that everyone can help when it comes to flight safety, she said: “You don’t have to be working at the airfield or directly involved to do your bit towards flight safety. The general public can help by making sure the areas surrounding the airfield are clean and tidy at all times to limit the amount of litter blowing onto the airfield. By doing your bit for flight safety, you can be safe in the knowledge that you are helping yourself the next time you fly out of this airfield.”
Avril is keen to encourage people to report anything large or unusual in areas surrounding the airfield that could be a potential hazard, she added: “If they do spot something they can contact us via the air traffic control switchboard on 2005 3383.”
Photo L to R: Flt Lt Webb, Mr Vasquez, AB Miller, PC Ferrary, CBF, Sgt Dixon, Mr McNiven, Mr O’Reilly and Wg Cdr Smith
{fcomment}
