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We provide an operational capability in support of
flight testing to the SANDF in the service of our country.
AFB Overberg hosts the Test Flight and Development Centre of the
South African Air Force as well as 525 Squadron. The base is
situated in one of South Africa’s most beautiful coastal areas and
boasts rare Cape indigenous wildlife and vegetation. In winter mist
often covers the base until midmorning while in summer on a clear
day you can see forever.
At AFB Overberg personnel go beyond loyalty to the South African Air
Force - they have a deep rooted passion for their work, community
and environment. The base policies are entrenched with commitment to
zero error and personnel belief that in order to be competitive in
the world of international test flying, they have to do the job
correctly the first time.
AFB Overberg is uniquely placed under the command of the Air Office
stationed in Pretoria, Gauteng and report directly to the Air Office
regarding air operations.
In 1998, seven base members elected to do the Navy Swimmers Course
at Naval Base Simonstown. This provided AFB Overberg with a true
Search and Rescue capability, capable of being deployed within 45
min. AFB Overberg is the only SAAF unit in the RSA which has its own
independent Search and Rescue capability and in addition these
swimmers are utilized to recover Target Drones etc.
Furthermore Emergency Exercises are held on a regular basis in
conjunction with the Southern District Council Rescue Services and
the SA Police Services.
Visitors:
Visiting aircraft (civilian) to the base must request authorization
from the Air Office in Pretoria prior to departing for the unit. The
Air Office can be contacted in Pretoria, telephone no: 012 3122034.
Normal hours of duty are from 07:45 to 16:15 Monday to Friday.
Aircraft routing through FAR 147 during working hours should contact
the Air Traffic Controller at (028) 425-4079 or after hours at (028)
425-4111.
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Vision Statement
Excellence in flight-test support.
Mission Statement
We provide an operational capability in support of flight testing to
the SANDF in the service of our country.
Value Statement
With the challenges of the SAAF 2012 Vision, AFB Overberg decided to
adopt the SAAF Value system as our own. We have four values, which
are human dignity, excellence in all we do, integrity and service
before self that are explained as follows:
Human Dignity
Respecting the human dignity of all individuals. Treating others the
way you would expect to be treated through the following:
- Respect.
- Tolerance.
- Fairness.
- Consideration.
Excellence
A sustained passion to continuously improve individual and
organisational performance through:
- Personal Excellence.
- Team Excellence.
- Leadership Excellence.
- Service Excellence.
- Operational Excellence.
- Military Professionalism.
Integrity
To be honourable and follow ethical principles, to be faithful to
convictions, to practise what you preach. Integrity forms the
cornerstone for building trust which consists of the following:
- Honesty.
- Credibility.
- Trustworthiness.
- Transparency.
- Service Before Self.
Professional SAAF duties
preference over personal desires
This value is broken down in the following characteristics:
- Loyalty.
- Love for country.
- Commitment.
- Sacrifice.
- Devotion.
- Faithfulness.
- Pride.
- Courage.
- Military Discipline.
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(Also see Telemetry at TFDC). It is the goal of
the Officer Commanding of AFB Overberg to obtain safe mission
accomplishments through dynamic support programs by utilising the
talents and experience of effective (trained) personnel as well as
resource management. The objectives of this program are as follows:
- The provision of a safe and healthy working
environment for all employees at AFB Overberg (Accidents are
neither expected nor acceptable and thus the only acceptable
accident rate is zero).
- Prevention of flying, ground and weapon
accidents (All accidents can be prevented and restrictions for
optimum performances in preventative measures will not be
acceptable)
- Minimisation of the extent of property damage
and severity of personnel injuries caused by accidents
(Corrective and preventative actions are to be applied to the
causes and not the results).
- Prevention of damage to private or public
property and injuries to non-air force personnel (Crash plan) as
a result of air force activities (Positive dynamic attitudes
will prevent accidents).
- Elimination of design deficiencies, unsafe
acts and unsafe conditions (Activity and pressure of work cannot
be used to justify accidents and therefore disciplinary failure
necessitates punishment).
- An effective, detailed and accurate reporting
system for analytical purposes.
- Aviation Safety Audits to be carried out at
intervals as prescribed by the Aviation Safety and SHERQ Manual
(MRI 009098).
It is an executive leadership goal at AFB Overberg
that everybody be involved in aviation safety aspects and comply
with the above mentioned criteria. By taking ownership of our
working environment, tasks, safety precautions and procedures, as
well as the responsibility for reporting all unsafe situations and
actions, we will be able to prevent any aviation accidents at AFB
Overberg.
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Shortened AFB Overberg Efficiency and Quality
Assurance Policy:
It is AFB Overberg Command Council’s policy to strive for the
highest standards of quality and efficiency by using the SAEM as a
management tool in conjunction with all other available SANDF
policies and procedures. All employees are volunteer employees and
therefore automatically accept a moral obligation to their employer,
the South African Air Force, to ensure those operations under their
care, custody and control are carried out in a safe and efficient
(quality) controlled manner. Co-operation, teamwork (Bathopele -
People first principals) and a safety conscientious work manner are
essential tools in order to accomplish mutual responsibilities. The
Commanding Officer is committed to strive to create and maintain a
positive work force, willing and eager to achieve maximum efficiency
and productivity with the available resources at their disposal.
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The idea of conforming to an international
standard within the Department of Defence (DoD) might not be so far
fetched as we think.
As far back as the middle of 1999, after a base command-council
decision, Test Flight and Development Centre (TFDC) started a
project to have the base certified. The project was put under
command of the environmental officer of the base. After consultation
with the various departments and sections in the demarcated zones
the necessary information was gathered with regards to the
activities and certification aspects in the zones. A complete
register was drawn-up for the base; this register was used as a
basis from which various documents could be compiled. The idea was
to compile documents for each aspect and implement the procedures.
One of these documents was the operational procedure. Since this new
way of thinking would have the greatest impact on the day to day
running of the base. The lessons learnt could then be used for
future implementations.
It was not until the end for October 2000, when a
new facet moved in over TFDC, that the project gained momentum. The
possibility of commercialisation burst on to the scene. All at once
the idea of certification made sense. Should TFDC be commercialised
and venture onto open market where competition could be stiff at
times, having an ISO 14001 certificate on the wall was an added
advantage.
Work started in all passion. The environmental
management system manual needed to be complied. This manual would be
the heart of the system. Every requirement of the system would be
addressed within the manual. Environmental legislation became a
necessity. Since the base was in possession of a Local Area Network
system this problem was solved because any member on the base could
enter the website and search for the applicable legislation.
To correct certain aspects that needed better
management within the industrial and natural environment, clear
objectives and targets was set. Environmental management programmes
were also implemented to act as execution platform for the
objectives and targets. Responsibilities and target dates guided the
zone personnel towards completion of the above mentioned deadlines.
Since the system takes up a lot of energy and
time, management appointed the environmental officer as the EMS co-ordinator
as well as zone representatives to assist him with necessary duties.
Training on the base started with basic awareness training given to
every person working on the base. Zone representatives received
additional training and personnel having an impact on the
environment received specialised training.
Communication was formalised in two categories,
internal and external. The environmental officer was responsible for
all internal communication. External communication was done in
collaboration with the Officer Commanding and public relations
officer. At first an advertisement was placed in the local newspaper
stating TFDC’s intentions with regards to ISO 14001 certification.
At a later stage an open day was held at TFDC, the public was
invited to attend a presentation where the impacts on the
environment were highlighted as well as the management thereof.
At the end of January 2001 the SABS performed the
stage one audit. During this audit they focused on the EMS system.
In total 30 findings were logged, of these 24 were applicable on the
system and six were technical. To put this in perspective, after
Overberg Test Range’s (OTR) phase 1 audit they had 41 findings
against them. Worst case up to date after a stage one audit
performed by the SABS is 167 findings. This shows clearly that TFDC
performed extremely well under the circumstances, taking into
consideration the involvement of the private sector in flight test
activities at TFDC. TFDC was given three months to rectify the
findings after which the phase two audit would take place.
During the three-month period various corrections
were made to the system. Monitoring and measurement was introduced
at all levels were an impact occurred. Non-conformances were logged,
recommendations made and implemented. An internal audit took place
through which additional faults were identified. A management review
was held whereby the suitability, adequacy and effectiveness of the
system were confirmed.
The stage two audit took place in middle of May
2001. After an intense two day audit seven findings were made of
which five were applicable on the system and two technical. This was
merely administrative of nature.
During the closing meeting the auditors told
members of the base command council that TFDC would be recommended
for certification. To say the least, from the EMS co-ordinator side
this was a unit effort. Without the support of every member it would
not have been possible for TFDC to rise to the occasion.
Altogether we look at five advantages for the unit
after implementation of the system namely:
- Compliance with environmental legislation.
- Assessment of environmental performance.
- Responsibility towards the community through
environmental awareness.
- Greater efficiency, decrease in waste,
recycling and re-use of products as well as savings in water and
electricity consumption.
- Being recognised as an environmentally safe
marketer in the international arena. Thus it would be easier to
win contracts being ISO 14001 certified as internationally
requested.
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Shortened AFB Overberg Productivity Policy:
With the budget constraints imposed on the South African Air Force,
it is imperative that more is achieved with less input (definition
of efficiency). This will only be possible if all personnel actively
participate in methods and programs to minimise consumption of
limited recourses. It is the general believe that measurement and
analysis of productivity in the military environment would be very
difficult because of the fact that we “use” and do not “produce”.
Notwithstanding this presumption, the Total Quality Management
Policy (MRI 007775) and the SAEM will be ustilised as tools to
measure efficiency at AFB Overberg. It is also the wish of the
Officer Commanding that AFB Overberg personnel support all programs,
systems or methods that are implemented to curb losses/wastages and
increase productivity.
When statistical analysis is performed, the following
factors/criteria should be taken into consideration in order to
attain a baseline for effective managerial adjustments:
- Why did the performance, efficiency or
completion rate of tasks increase or decrease?
- What were the lessons learnt?
- What and where must adjustments be made to
increase performance/efficiency?
- What were the overall costs or time saving
factors?
Impact on society. What was each Department’s
contribution/impact on the internal society and external society?
Customer satisfaction. How many tasks/jobcards received in
comparison with how many tasks/jobcards completed?
People satisfaction. Which external and internal factors made people
happy/unhappy? In the case of patterned absenteeism which corrective
actions were taken?
Supplier and partnership performances. What material/DPW jobcards
are outstanding according to the budget planner? What is the reason
for outstanding demands? How will this affect operational or OHS
capabilities?
Organisation results. Is budget spending according to plan, and if
not, provide the reasons? What are the other issues / crisis
management factors and what was done about it? Which departmental
achievements were accomplished? Which departmental goals were
reached in the preceding quarter and what are the goals for the next
quarter?
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Shortened AFB Overberg Sport and Recreation
Policy:
All AFB OVB uniformed members shall take responsibility for their
own physical fitness and health by maintaining a lifestyle that
promotes optimal health and physical readiness. They shall meet and
maintain the SANDF’s fitness standards through participation in
available sport types, fitness and recreational programs whilst
under the command and control of AFB Overberg. All Uniformed members
will be subjected to periodic physical evaluation tests (As required
by the SG Publication No 00001/2003). The objectives with physical
training and the promotion of sport and recreation at AFB Overberg
are as follows:
Physical. Increase energy; improves posture and physical appearance;
promotes weight control; improves flexibility; improves muscular
strength and endurance; reduces osteoporosis; reduce risk of
coronary heart diseases.
Psychological. Improves psychological resilience; improves
capability to make sound decisions under pressure; enhances team
cohesion; develops leadership in a competitive environment; develops
ability to communicate effectively; develops social acceptable
interpersonal skills.
Emotional. Relieves tension; aids in stress management; improves
self-image; balances emotional swings; provides time for adult play.
Social. Enhances relationships with family and friends; increases
opportunity for social contacts.
Intellectual. Develops harmony of mind and body; increases
alertness; enhances concentration; motivates positive personal
habits (cessation of smoking, reducing drug and alcohol and better
nutritional use); stimulates creative thoughts.
Occupational. Less absenteeism; more productivity; decrease in days
of disability; lower medical care costs; lower job turnover rate;
increase networking possibilities.
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Shortened AFB Overberg Training Policy:
Training is the building block for development, experience and
progress. The overall development of AFB Overberg personnel cannot
be complete without formal, functional and developmental training.
As TFDC is a test flight facility, it is crucial that every member
be competent and current in every aspect of his/her sphere of
responsibility. AFB Overberg cannot afford any mistakes due to
inadequate training methods or untrained personnel. The Officer
Commanding appeals to every member at AFB Overberg to ask questions,
to follow publicised (authorised) procedures, and to educate
themselves to the highest level of their ability.
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Fly-in 2005
25 to 27 November 2005
The fly-in will be hosted at Air Force Base Overberg (TFDC) over the
period 25 to 27 November 2005. The main event which is the open day
will be on 26 Nov. This is the day that the gates will be open to
the public to come and view the static displays and see the various
aircraft visiting the base. Detail of the flying events will be made
available as we get nearer to the date and air show slots have been
allocated.
Visiting aircraft are welcome to start arriving from the morning of
25 Nov and enjoy the day with the base personnel. Please take
cognisance of the fact that although the airfield will be open for
arrivals on the morning of 26 Nov the timeslot will be limited.
General
On arrival, pilots will be required to register at the information
office, where information packages on the planned events will be
available, as well as brochures on the area for sightseeing and
accommodation. Crew can camp under the wing or use one of the many
guest houses in the area. Ablution facilities will be available 24
hrs.
Hangar facilities (subject to availability) will be made available
to micro light aircraft, with flex wings ("trikes") having priority,
should the wind be a problem. (First come, first served on the day).
Fuel availability
Only Avgas will be available. Those that use normal "car" fuel must
please make alternative arrangements. Payment for fuel will only be
by means of a bank guaranteed cheque or cash. No credit card
facility will be available.
Presentations - 25 Nov
It is planned to present some workshops on the day preceding the
fly-in. Current program as follows:
Airframes
- Pre-flight inspections.
- Propeller blending.
- NDT.
Identification and prevention of corrosion.
Radiation.
Sheet metal
- Identification of defects.
- Type of minor airframe repairs.
Welding
- Types of welding.
- Identification of weak welding joints.
Survival
- Importance of First Aid kits.
- Flares.
Aircraft electrical.
Aviation fuel
- Properties of aircraft fuel.
- Importance of the purity of aircraft fuel.
The total time of the above is approximately 3
hours. All pilots are welcome to attend.
Air Traffic Control Information
All information regarding detail of the airfield and runways, let
down plates, frequencies, co-ordinates and airspace boundaries are
available for download by clicking the respective disks. The files
are zipped .pdf files to make them as small as possible but of high
quality. If you experience any problems please contact us for
alternative arrangements.
Flight Plans: Please file departure flight plans on arrival
at the registration office, or at least by Saturday 26 Nov 13h00.
General Flying: Pilots would be free to do general
recreational flying in the area over the period of the fly-in. ATC
will advise on any restrictions should any military testing be in
progress. The airspace around the airfield will be closed on
Saturday during the air displays. ATC will control the airspace and
advise incoming traffic accordingly. General recreational flying
would be possible before and after the air displays, provisionally
planned for 09h00 to 15h00 on Saturday, 26 November.
Accommodation
Unfortunately accommodation on the base is very limited. In the
event that such facilities are required please contact the Cape
Agulhas Tourism Bureau. Their contact details are:
Tel: 028 424 2584
Fax: 028 425 2731
E-mail:
suidpunt@brd.dorea.co.za
Food, Beverage and Novelty Stalls
Various food, beverage and novelty stalls will be available during
the AFB Overberg 2005 fly-in.
Contact persons: Leon Jansen van Vuuren - (028) 425-4190 or Phillip
Kapp - (028) 425-4160.
Flying Program
Will be published in the near future.
Contact Details
E-Mail: overbergatc@telkomsa.net
Fax: (028) 425-4227
Lt Col Chris Meiring: (028) 425- 4111
General enquiries:
F/Sgt Elsje de Villiers: (028) 425-4204
Flight related enquiries:
Lt Col G. Struthers: (028) 425-4081
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Officer Commanding
AFB Overberg
Private Bag X14
Bredasdorp
7280
South Africa
Tel: +27 28 425-4004
Fax: +27 28 425-4227
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