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FC 3-260-18F is the Air Force publication governing aircraft arresting systems installation, operation, and maintenance [AFMAN 32-1040 para 4.1.1].

The document covers grandfathered systems, installation at jointly used airports, use by non-US aircraft, approved configurations, and maintenance documentation and records [AFMAN 32-1040 para 4.1.2]. It provides specific technical information on barrier systems (MA-1A variants, E-5 series), cable tiedown anchors, hand signals for operations, and foundation details for flexible pavement [FC 3-260-18F]. Personnel performing maintenance must be task-certified 3-level or higher AFSC 3E0X2 (or civilian equivalent WG-5378) [AFMAN 32-1040 para 4.1.3]. The publication is referenced across Air Force safety and operations guidance as the controlling technical standard for arresting system design, installation, and maintenance procedures [DAFMAN 13-204V2 para 5.1.1.9; USAFE-AFAFRICAI32-1007 para 3.16.1.1].

Unofficial — answered from indexed publication text, which may be incomplete or out of date. Your MAJCOM/unit supplement may be stricter. Verify the official PDF before acting or writing a finding.
NFPA standards (cited by reference)
NFPA 415 Airport Terminal Buildings — cited by USAFE-AFAFRICAI32-1007 · read at NFPA free access ↗
NFPA 70 National Electrical Code — cited by DAFMAN 91-203 (sections 5, 8) · read at NFPA free access ↗
NFPA 30 Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code — cited by DAFMAN 91-203 · read at NFPA free access ↗
NFPA 70E Electrical Safety in the Workplace — cited by DAFMAN 91-203 (sections 2.3, 8.17) · read at NFPA free access ↗

NFPA text is copyrighted — we cite and link the official free-access viewer, never reproduce it.

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FC 3-260-18F as of 2015-10-28 · official source ↗

ion Surfaces (formerly “Alternate Cable Tiedown Anchor Installation”) 10 FC 3-260-18F 28 October 2015 Change 1, 02 August 2023 Figure 3-3 4130 Grade Steel Cable Tiedown Anchor Figure 3-4 Installation of 4130 Grade Steel Cable Tiedown Anchor 11 FC 3-260-18F 28 October 2015 Change 1, 02 August 2023 Figure 3-5 Locally Manufactured Cable Tiedown Anchor 12 FC 3-260-18F 28 October 2015 Change 1, 02 August 2023 Figure 3-6 Tiedown Foundation Detail for Flexible Pavement Systems 13 FC 3-260-18F 28 October 2015 Change 1, 02 August 2023 3-10 GRANDFATHERED SYSTEMS On-grade BAK-12 systems installed before 1 July 1977 that are sited at least 76.2 meters (250 feet) from the runway centerline do not have to be relocated to meet the minimum setback requirement of 84 meters (275 feet) from the runway center

FC 3-260-18F as of 2015-10-28 · official source ↗

THUMB EXTENDED UPWARD, RAISED SUDDENLY TO MEET HORIZONTAL PALM OF LEFT HAND 46 FC 3-260-18F 28 October 2015 Change 1, 02 August 2023 Figure 4-6 Hand Signals for Rewind, Point Man to Rewind Operator, Sheet 1 STOP (Both Units As Shown) NIGHT - LIGHT WANDS TO SIDES, LIGHTS OFF DAY - HANDS TO SIDES, FISTS CLENCHED REWIND OR PRETENSION ONE UNIT AS INDICATED BY HAND USED TO SIGNAL REWIND BOTH UNITS 47 FC 3-260-18F 28 October 2015 Change 1, 02 August 2023 Figure 4-6 Hand Signals for Rewind, Point Man to Rewind Operator, Sheet 2 LOCK BRAKE RELEASE BRAKE REPEATE LAST SIGNAL 48 FC 3-260-18F 28 October 2015 Change 1, 02 August 2023 Figure 4-6 Hand Signals for Rewind, Point Man to Rewind Operator, Sheet 3 4-13 MAINTENANCE DOCUMENTATION AND RECORDS 4-13.1 Document all activities (maintenance and inspe

FC 3-260-18F as of 2015-10-28 · official source ↗

23 Figure 5-1 MA-1A Barrier 54 FC 3-260-18F 28 October 2015 Change 1, 02 August 2023 Figure 5-2 MA-1A Modified Barrier With Hook Cable Interconnect 55 FC 3-260-18F 28 October 2015 Change 1, 02 August 2023 Figure 5-3 Speed and Weight Chart for Chain Gear 5-3 E-5 This unidirectional emergency arresting system is a U.S. Navy design and designation. Much like the MA-1A, this system uses several shots of ship’s anchor chain as the energy absorber but these systems are never connected with a barrier (net). For the Navy or Marine Corps, these systems can have from one to four disc-supported hook cables, with designations of E-5 and E-5 Mod 1 through E-5 Mod 3. Obtain further 56 FC 3-260-18F 28 October 2015 Change 1, 02 August 2023 technical information on the Navy configuration of this system fro

AFMAN 32-1040 · para 4.1.3 as of 2019-08-23 · View in PDF → · official source ↗

kings to AFCEC/CPP for review and coordination with MAJCOM/A3. (T-2). AFMAN32-1040 23 AUGUST 2019 11 Chapter 4 MANAGING, OPERATING, AND MAINTAINING AIRCRAFT ARRESTING SYSTEMS 4.1. Aircraft Arresting Systems Installation, Operation, and Maintenance 4.1.1. For detailed information regarding installation, operation and maintenance procedures for AASs, refer to FC 3-260-18F and the 35E-8 series TOs. 4.1.2. FC 3-260-18F provides specific information regarding topics such as grandfathered systems, installation at jointly used airports, use by non-US aircraft, approved configurations, maintenance documentation and records. 4.1.3. Personnel performing maintenance on an AAS shall be task-certified, 3-level or higher power production personnel (AFSC 3E0X2) or the civilian equivalent (WG-5378). (T-2)

DAFMAN 13-204V2 · para 5.1.1.9 as of 2024-12-17 · View in PDF → · official source ↗

requirements to include priorities, berm heights and Navigational Aids. (T-2) 5.1.1.6. Bird/Wildlife hazard management to include bird watch conditions, attractants, passive/active control measures, local species identification and surveys. Reference DAFI 91-202 and DAFI 91-212 for guidance. (T-2) 5.1.1.7. Standards for airfield markings. Reference UFC 3-260-04 and AFMAN 32-1040 for guidance. (T-2) 5.1.1.8. Standards for airfield pavement conditions, distresses, and corrective actions. Reference Tri-Service Pavement Working Group Manual 3-260-02.09-2, Contingency Airfield Pavement Specifications and AFMAN 32-1041 for guidance. (T-2) 5.1.1.9. Standards for aircraft arresting systems. Reference AFMAN 32-1040, FC 3-260- 18F, and FAA Advisory Circular 150/5220-9, Aircraft Arresting Systems on

USAFE-AFAFRICAI32-1007 · para 3.16.1.1 as of 2021-10-06 · open official PDF ↗

information on planning, installing, and repairing an arresting system or arresting system complex is provided in AFMAN 32-1040 and FC 3-260-18F. During the planning, installation and repair process, the following items will be given consideration. 3.16.1.1. Configuration and Location. The configuration and location of arresting system installations will be determined in accordance with FC 3-260-18F. Design will conform to the criteria within Section 3 of the appropriate 35E8 series Technical Order (T.O.) and the typical installation drawings. Both may be obtained from: AFLCMC/WNZEC, ATTN: Aircraft Arresting Systems Engineer 235 Byron St, Robins AFB GA 31098-1813 or the AFLCMC/WNZ Workflow Box at: 642CBSG.workflow@us.af.mil 3.16.1.2. Runway Pavement. The 60 m (197 ft) of pavement on both t

DAFMAN 91-203 · para 25.16.1 as of 2026-06-25 · View in PDF → · official source ↗

ystems, AFI 48-127, and FC 3-260-18F, Air Force Aircraft Arresting Systems (AAS), Installation, Operation, and Maintenance, for additional guidance. 25.16. Miscellaneous. 25.16.1. Mobile Cranes. A minimum of one person assigned to each 4FPET and 4FPAS Unit Type Code (UTC) will be qualified and certified within the respective Career Field Education and Training Plan. (T-1) Contact AFCEC for more information on operator certification, qualification, and currency training requirements. Refer to 29 CFR § 1926.1427, Operator Training, Certification, and Evaluation, and 29 CFR § 1926, Subpart CC – Appendix C, Operator Certification—Written Examination—Technical Knowledge Criteria, for minimum training requirements. 25.16.2. Dump Trucks. Dump truck operators will be trained IAW Air Force Qualific

CFETP 3E0X2WG · para 18.3 as of 2025-11-19 · open official PDF ↗

Tasks 3. Certification of Training References and Proficiency Codes A/ H J C/WL S Trng Trng Trne Trnr Strt Com Init Init 17.3. Test P pk - 17.4. Adjust P pk - 17.5. Troubleshoot P pk - 17.6. Replace components P pk - 17.7. Configure with computer software P pk - 17.8. Determine compatibility between transfer P pk - switch, generator and electrical service 17.9. Install P pk - 18. AIRCRAFT ARRESTING SYSTEMS TR: TO 35E8-2 Series; AFI 32-1043; FC 3-260-18F 18.1. MA-1A and E5 Barrier; Components, K - - - theory of operation and configuration 18.2. BAK-14 Support System; Components, K - - - theory of operation and configuration 18.3. BAK-15 Aircraft Arresting System; Components, theory of operation and K - - - configuration 18.4. Textile Brake Aircraft Arresting System; Components, theory of o

Unofficial. Answers come from indexed publication text and may be incomplete or out of date. Your MAJCOM/unit supplement may be stricter. Always verify against the official publication before acting, citing, or writing a finding.

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