5: 2, Community Relations, 1970: 47323287

Read from the scan by GLM-OCR; expect the odd misread word.

The Air Force's basic philosophy of safety is that all accidents are preventable and that the only acceptable rate of accidents is the zero rate. At this writing, SAGE holds one of the highest safety records in the Aerospace Defense Command: 4.5 accidents per 100,000 flying hours. This is considered a high rate for the type of military aircraft flown.

Each fighter squadron is assigned a flight surgeon who is well trained in aviation medicine. He keeps a close eye on the pilots to insure there is no problem that could cause a hazardous situation during a military mission. In the event a condition arises which could possibly incapacitate a pilot, he is grounded either temporarily or permanently.

Should there be a flight accident, a nine-man accident investigation board, including advisors to the board, is immediately sent to the accident scene. Ground accidents are also investigated by safety personnel who have been taught investigation procedures. All accidents, of whatever type, are reported not only to SAGE but also to the Aerospace Defense Command.

Of note, two major unions represent the employees working at Hancock Field. These include The Service Employee International Union, local 200 and The National Association of Government Employees, local R246.

In addition, Western Union employees are represented by the United Telegraph Workers, local 42, and AT&T employees by the Communication Workers of America. Both AT&T and Western Union work on a contract basis with the government, and their employees work full time at SAGE.