Information
about
Flight Test Boom Operators
The Society of Flight Test Boom Operators was founded at the Air Force Flight Test Center (AFFTC), Edwards AFB, California. Boom operators who have served as experimental flight test boom operators are charter members. Others who have made notable contributions to the fields of flight test or air refueling, or to the boom operator career field, are honorary members.
The primary mission of the flight test boom operator is to qualify receiver and tanker aircraft for air refueling operations. Flight Test boom operators are assigned to the 418th Flight Test Squadron (FLTS), previously 452nd FLTS, 412 Operations Group (OG), 412 Test Wing (TW), Air Force Flight Test Center (AFFTC), Air Force Material Command (AFMC), at Edwards AFB, CA.
The flight test arena is a dynamic one, with it's own jargon and technical skills. Few people have earned the title "Flight Test Boom Operator." Those who have served as flight test boom operators have been hand-picked to serve in a highly deserved, and highly selective manning position. These unique individuals are qualified in every boom equipped KC/EC/NKC-135 variant and the KC-10. They perform aerial refueling research, certification and testing for all developmental USAF, DoD, and NASA aircraft.
Considered the US Air Force's experts in aerial refueling research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E), they develop air refueling procedures and techniques, integrate data, and write technical manuals for aircraft and aircrew operations. Flight test boom operators perform military specification verification testing and prepare technical post mission flight test reports. Supporting USAF, NASA, DoD, and FAA test programs, these individuals acquire unique skills and abilities. Flight test boom operators also perform inflight icing/rain missions with a specially modified tanker. This airplane has the unique ability to spray water out of the refueling boom to simulate icing conditions.
Officially, they are "responsible for experimental aerial refueling research, development, test, and evaluation, advanced air refueling component and aircraft tests, envelope expansion and establishment for prototype aircraft, aerial artificial atmospherics (water and icing spray tests), contractor interface, aerial refueling test planning and safety review board and working group members, aerial refueling safety/test safety experts, human factors integration evaluators, and night lighting system evaluators. Certify and qualify air refueling systems and receivers for USAF/DOD operational use. Qualified in NKC-135A/B/E, KC-135A/D/E/Q/R/T/ART/RRT, EC-135C/G/L, and KC-10A."