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Aviano Air Base: Difference between revisions
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| website = http://www.aviano.af.mil/ | | website = http://www.aviano.af.mil/ | ||
| runway = 05/23 | | runway = 05/23 | ||
| length = | | length = 2,987 m (9,800 ft) | ||
| material = Asphalt | | material = Asphalt | ||
| scenerytile = e012n46 | | scenerytile = e012n46 | ||
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}} | }} | ||
'''Aviano Air Base''' (commonly wrote ''Aviano AB'' | '''Aviano Air Base''' (commonly wrote ''Aviano AB'' or improperly ''Aviano AFB'') is a NATO base built in 1911 in the Italian region of {{wikipedia|Friuli-Venezia_Giulia}}. It is located in the {{wikipedia|Aviano}} municipality, at the foot of the Carnic Pre-Alps, (reason why local people calls it "Pedemontana"), at about 8 NM from Pordenone. | ||
The {{wikipedia|Aeronautica Militare|Italian Air Force}} has administrative control of the base which hosts the {{wikipedia|US Air Force|U.S. Air Force}}'s {{wikipedia|31st Fighter Wing}}. | The {{wikipedia|Aeronautica Militare|Italian Air Force}} has administrative control of the base which hosts the {{wikipedia|US Air Force|U.S. Air Force}}'s {{wikipedia|31st Fighter Wing}}. | ||
The 31st FW (which commander is Brig. Gen. Barre Seguin) is assigned to the {{wikipedia|United States Air Forces in Europe}} major command and the {{wikipedia|Third Air Force}}. It's the only U.S. fighter wing south of the Italian Alps. This strategic location makes the wing critical to operations in NATO's southern region. The 31st FW maintains two [[F-16]] fighter squadrons, {{wikipedia|555th Fighter Squadron|555th Fighter Squadron "Triple Nickel"}} and the {{wikipedia|510th Fighter Squadron|510th Fighter Squadron "Buzzards"}}, allowing the wing to conduct offense and defensive combat air operations. | The 31st FW (which commander is Brig. Gen. Barre Seguin) is assigned to the {{wikipedia|United States Air Forces in Europe}} major command and the {{wikipedia|Third Air Force}}. It's the only U.S. fighter wing south of the Italian Alps. This strategic location makes the wing critical to operations in NATO's southern region. The 31st FW maintains two [[F-16]] fighter squadrons, {{wikipedia|555th Fighter Squadron|555th Fighter Squadron "Triple Nickel"}} and the {{wikipedia|510th Fighter Squadron|510th Fighter Squadron "Buzzards"}}, allowing the wing to conduct offense and defensive combat air operations. | ||
In peacetime, the 31st FW prepares for its combat role by maintaining aircraft and personnel in a high state of readiness. | In peacetime, the 31st FW prepares for its combat role by maintaining aircraft and personnel in a high state of readiness, with a nearly every-day air training sessions, combat simulations and practise operations. | ||
== History == | == History == | ||
''Aviano Air Base'' is one of the oldest military airports in Italy, established by the Italian government in 1911, it was used as training base for Italian pilots and construction facility for aircraft parts. During WWI, Italy used the airfield in missions against the Austro-Hungarian and German armies. At that time, two Italian aviators, Captain Maurizio Pagliano and Lieutenant Luigi Gori, conducted an unauthorized, but heroic and successful, air raid on the Austrian naval yards in Pula, in what is now Croatia. In their honor, the base's name was officially changed to "Aeroporto Pagliano e Gori", in 1919. During the war the airfield was also overrun by the Austro-German army in the months between November 1917 to November 1918. Between the two wars the airfield was again used as a training base. | ''Aviano Air Base'' (in Italian: Base aerea di Aviano) is one of the oldest military airports in Italy, established by the Italian government in 1911, it was used as training base for Italian pilots and construction facility for aircraft parts. During WWI, Italy used the airfield in missions against the Austro-Hungarian and German armies. At that time, two Italian aviators, Captain Maurizio Pagliano and Lieutenant Luigi Gori, conducted an unauthorized, but heroic and successful, air raid on the Austrian naval yards in Pula, in what is now Croatia. In their honor, the base's name was officially changed to "Aeroporto Pagliano e Gori", in 1919. During the war the airfield was also overrun by the Austro-German army in the months between November 1917 to November 1918. Between the two wars the airfield was again used as a training base. | ||
In the WWII, both the Italian Air Force and the German Luftwaffe flew missions from it. British forces captured the base in 1945; they conducted air operations there up to 1947, when the Italian Air Force resumed operational use of the airport and resized it in the early 50s until the arrival of the US Air Force. | In the WWII, both the Italian Air Force and the German Luftwaffe flew missions from it. British forces captured the base in 1945; they conducted air operations there up to 1947, when the Italian Air Force resumed operational use of the airport and resized it in the early 50s until the arrival of the US Air Force. | ||
In 1954, the US Government signed with the Italian Government an agreement for the joint use of the base which became NATO. In the years 1950-1990, Aviano housed in turns fighter squadrons, in support of the tasks assigned to NATO and deployments of the Air Force tasked with training in the use of weapons. | In 1954, the US Government signed with the Italian Government an agreement for the joint use of the base which became NATO. In the years 1950-1990, Aviano housed in turns fighter squadrons, in support of the tasks assigned to NATO and deployments of the Air Force tasked with training in the use of weapons. | ||
=== About the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano === | |||
Before being deployed in Italy, the 31 FW had its home at Homestead Air Force Base, Florida. | |||
In the end of August 1992, Hurricane Andrew swept across southern Florida, leaving extensive damage in its wake. Every building of Homestead AFB received some damage and many buildings were destroyed. The fighter squadrons evacuated most of the planes before the storm but were unable to return. In the aftermath, the secretary of defense recommended closure of the base (then used by the Air Force Reserve) and inactivating the 31st FW. To avoid losing the wing’s heritage and history as the highest scoring Army Air Force unit in the Mediterranean Theater in WWII, the impressive combat record in Vietnam and number of significant firsts they produced in the early years of the Air Force, the 31 FW was chosen to move rather than fade into obscurity. On April 1, 1994, the 31st Fighter Wing inactivated at Homestead AFB and subsequently activated at Aviano Air Base, Italy in place of the 401st Fighter Wing. | In the end of August 1992, Hurricane Andrew swept across southern Florida, leaving extensive damage in its wake. Every building of Homestead AFB received some damage and many buildings were destroyed. The fighter squadrons evacuated most of the planes before the storm but were unable to return. In the aftermath, the secretary of defense recommended closure of the base (then used by the Air Force Reserve) and inactivating the 31st FW. To avoid losing the wing’s heritage and history as the highest scoring Army Air Force unit in the Mediterranean Theater in WWII, the impressive combat record in Vietnam and number of significant firsts they produced in the early years of the Air Force, the 31 FW was chosen to move rather than fade into obscurity. On April 1, 1994, the 31st Fighter Wing inactivated at Homestead AFB and subsequently activated at Aviano Air Base, Italy in place of the 401st Fighter Wing. | ||
Apart from the local F-16s, many U.S. planes arrive/set off to/from Aviano AB, like C-130/J, C-17 and | |||
Between the 1990s and 2005 and then in 2011, Aviano hosted various aircrafts for multiple operations in ex-Jugoslavia, Iraq and Lybia and deployed aircrafts to Iraq, Lybia, Afghanistan and (presently) in Turkey in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. | |||
Apart from the local F-16s, many U.S. planes arrive/set off to/from Aviano AB, like C-130/J, C-17 and weekly [http://www.spacea.net/ Space-A] charter flights from/to [[Ramstein Air Base]] and Baltimore (usually on Wednesday). | |||
== Technical characteristics == | == Technical characteristics == | ||
Aviano AB's elevetion is 410 ft (125 m). | |||
=== Runway === | === Runway === | ||
The airport has only one runway (045°/225°), 2987 m long and 55 m wide. (Both runways 05 and 23 will have got two BAK-12 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arresting_gear#Land-based_systems aircraft arresting systems] for emergency landings and training in the beta version). | The airport has only one runway (045°/225°), 2987 m long and 55 m wide. (Both runways 05 and 23 will have got two BAK-12 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arresting_gear#Land-based_systems aircraft arresting systems] for emergency landings and training in the beta version). | ||
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* Area F is the flightline area, and is the largest area in Aviano. The complex contains the active runway and taxiways and most of the base's facilities like the AMC passenger terminal, the legal office and the Commissary. | * Area F is the flightline area, and is the largest area in Aviano. The complex contains the active runway and taxiways and most of the base's facilities like the AMC passenger terminal, the legal office and the Commissary. | ||
The base | Aprons for transport aircrafts, tankers, etc. are located on the north/north-east sides, east side, south-west side; Four taxiways lead directly to the runway. Two taxiways run parallel to it. The north-west side, the south-west side and the south side feature "rings" used by fighter aircrafts. The north-east side feature an area/ring for helicopters. | ||
=== Operational considerations === | |||
{{note|Some charts will be provided shortly about take-off/land procedures.}} | |||
High mountainous terrain north of the airport requires pilots to perform steep maneuvers if arriving from north or going north. It is advisable to study available charts carefully. | |||
When departing from runway 05 the plane must (unless stated by ATC) perform a right turn just a bit after take-off to heading 110-120. If going north (e.g. charter flight to [[ETAR]]) the aircraft needs to gain altitude quickly during a large circle around the air base before turning right again to 340-350 and going north. | |||
Missed approach procedures are not similar: depending on wind, weather conditions and aircraft size, the aircraft has to: | |||
* turn left to 230, climb to 1,400 ft and mantain a speed of 280-220 (depending on the aircraft) then wait till reaching the NDB and turn to 160 starting to descend and then final to 050 at the NDB; | |||
* turn right to 230, climb to 2,400 ft and mantain a speed of 300-240 (yet depending on the aircraft) the wait till the aircraft passes the NDB of about 4-5 NM and turn to 020 starting to descend and then final to 050. In this type of approach the NDB should be in front of you when turning final. | |||
Touch n go approach (often used by fighters) are very similar to the first missed approach procedure: | |||
* turn left to 225, climb to 1,000 ft and mantain a speed of 280-260 (depending on the fighter) then wait till reaching the NDB and turn to 150 starting to descend and then final to 050 at the NDB. | |||
When landing from the North, it is suggested to: | |||
* cross the Alps at or above FL140; | |||
* turn right to 220 and descend to FL120 before reaching the end of the Alps, reducing airspeed to 270 kts or less; | |||
* continue like this until arriving to the beginning of the glideslope in the FGMap and then turn to 150, descending to FL090. | |||
* reduce airspeed before turning final and land on runway 05. | |||
The area (likely to [[LIPX]]) is often subject to fogs in autumn and especially winter seasons (sometimes also during spring and summer during bad weather conditions due to its proximity to the Carnic Pre-Alps just a few miles away) so visibility often decreases to just a few hundreds of meters. It is recommended to follow ATC guidance if present or use ILS. | |||
=== Communications === | === Communications === | ||
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|- | |- | ||
| Aprons | | Aprons | ||
| {{ | | {{done}} | ||
| A lot of small parkings have been added/edited in the Area F, especially the great one on the left side of rwy 23, need only a few fine tunings. Edited the northeast zone of parkings and the southwest. | | A lot of small parkings have been added/edited in the Area F, especially the great one on the left side of rwy 23, need only a few fine tunings. Edited the northeast zone of parkings and the southwest. Also some parts of the internal area of the base is ready. | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Buildings | | Buildings | ||
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|- | |- | ||
| Parking positions and ground net | | Parking positions and ground net | ||
| {{progressbar| | | {{progressbar|90}} | ||
| Most of the parking position have been added, nearly all the net is ready. | | Most of the parking position have been added, nearly all the net is ready. | ||
|- | |- | ||
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|- | |- | ||
| Comprehensive air base scenery | | Comprehensive air base scenery | ||
| {{progressbar| | | {{progressbar|80}} | ||
| The ground layout is nearly ok, taxi signs are placed, the aprons need only some fine edits, buildings have to be repositioned and some must be created, most the ground net and taxi lights are added and most of the parking positions have been setted. | | The ground layout is nearly ok, taxi signs are placed, the aprons need only some fine edits, buildings have to be repositioned and some must be created, most the ground net and taxi lights are added and most of the parking positions have been setted. | ||
|} | |} | ||
== ATC services (USAF_AV) == | == ATC services (USAF_AV) == | ||
{{note|IMPORTANT: When under ATC guidance, please start your MP session '''on a parking''' OR '''on rwy 05'''}} | |||
[[File:AVB Area-F.jpg|thumb|250px|Chart of [[LIPA]]]] | [[File:AVB Area-F.jpg|thumb|250px|Chart of [[LIPA]]]] | ||
[[ATC]] service is provided with [[OpenRadar]] regularly on weekends and weekdays, using also [[Mumble]] and [[FGCom]] (sometimes also FGUK's Teamspeak channel) - check [http://flightgear-atc.alwaysdata.net/ Lenny's website] for the exact times and dates, but usually on Sunday evenings and Tuesdays evenings. For further informations about LIPA, you can download the chart on the right, use [http://skyvector.com/airport/LIPA/Aviano-Airport SkyVector] and [http://www.gcmap.com/airport/AVB GCMAP]. The air base is also included in the [[NIATCA]] project. | [[ATC]] service is provided with [[OpenRadar]] regularly on weekends and weekdays, using also [[Mumble]] and [[FGCom]] (sometimes also FGUK's Teamspeak channel) - check [http://flightgear-atc.alwaysdata.net/ Lenny's website] for the exact times and dates, but usually on Sunday evenings and Tuesdays evenings. For further informations about LIPA, you can download the chart on the right, use [http://skyvector.com/airport/LIPA/Aviano-Airport SkyVector] and [http://www.gcmap.com/airport/AVB GCMAP]. The air base is also included in the [[NIATCA]] project. | ||
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</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
=== Old layout version === | === Old (current) layout version === | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
File:TWR-View LIPA Winter.JPG|(old) Tower view of [[LIPA]] in winter with traffic | File:TWR-View LIPA Winter.JPG|(old) Tower view of [[LIPA]] in winter with traffic | ||