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Comin’ in hot: F-16 Fighting Falcons receive “hot pit” refueling

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Eric Maxwell, 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron dedicated crew chief checks the intake of the jet engine of an F-16 Fighting Falcon during a “hot pit” at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, March 28, 2017. A “hot pit” is the refueling of an aircraft while its engine is still running. During the refueling process, the aircraft is checked for safety items such as leaks and debris before returning to the air. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Preston Cherry)

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Comin' in hot: f-16 Fighting Falcons receive "hot pit" refueling

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Robert Gere, 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron dedicated crew chief, marshals an F-16 Fighting Falcon during a “hot pit” at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, March 28, 2017. “Hot pits” double sortie generation time and expedite the refueling process by approximately 30% by fueling the aircraft while its engine is running. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Preston Cherry)

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Comin’ in hot: F-16 Fighting Falcons receive “hot pit” refueling

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Matt Mac Rae, 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron aircraft electrical and environmental technician, connects a fuel nozzle to an F-16 Fighting Falcon during a “hot pit” at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, March 28, 2017. “Hot pits” are a more efficient refueling method because the aircraft is refueled with its engines on, making the refill approximately 30% faster. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Preston Cherry)

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Comin' in hot: f-16 Fighting Falcons receive "hot pit" refueling

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Braxton Quinlan, 52nd Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels distributor operator, carries a fuel hose after fueling an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, March 28, 2017. “Hot pits” are a more efficient refueling method because the aircraft is refueled with its engines on, making the refill approximately 30% faster. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Preston Cherry)

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Comin’ in hot: F-16 Fighting Falcons receive “hot pit” refueling

Airmen from the 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron perform a “hot pit” on an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, March 28, 2017. A “hot pit” is the refueling of an aircraft while its engine is still running. This type of refueling is more than 30% faster than shutting down the engine to refuel and doubles sortie generation time. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Preston Cherry)

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Comin’ in hot: F-16 Fighting Falcons receive “hot pit” refueling

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Matt Mac Rae, left, 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron aircraft electrical and environmental technician, and Airman 1st Class Tyler Shirk, right, 52nd Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels distribution operator, move a Type-4 hydrant system hose after refueling an F-16 Fighting Falcon during a “hot pit” at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, March 28, 2017. An aircraft’s engine stays running during a “hot pit” allowing approximately 1,300 gallons of fuel to be administered 30% faster than a typical refueling process. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Preston Cherry)

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Comin’ in hot: F-16 Fighting Falcons receive “hot pit” refueling

Published April 7, 2017
By Airman 1st Class Preston Cherry
52nd Fighter Wing public affairs

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Eric Maxwell, 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron dedicated crew chief checks the intake of the jet engine of an F-16 Fighting Falcon during a “hot pit” at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, March 28, 2017. A “hot pit” is the refueling of an aircraft while its engine is still running. During the refueling process, the aircraft is checked for safety items such as leaks and debris before returning to the air. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Preston Cherry)