The White Falcon - 24.03.1978, Blaðsíða 3

March 24, 1978
White Falcon
Page 3
SIRC PLOWS CLEAR
Long hours often stretch well into
early morning for Snow/Ice Removal Con-
trol operators. Their primary object is
to get an open runway to provide suita-
ble access for the "alert birds to
scramble."
Having to scrape, sweep and remove
snow at least three times in a 24-hour
period, SIRC crews worked 14 to 16
hours straight during the snowfall Mon-
day. In addition, their Airfield Opera-
tions Division officer and supervisor,
Magnus Olafsson, also worked untiringly
for 19 hours Monday.
These words describe a typical day
for SIRC operators and their supervisor,
who is also known as "Snow King One".
Magnus has been in charge of this
branch since its beginning, being placed
under the Naval Station Fire Department
in December 1975. He states that it
operates by the airfield ice and snow
removal bill, and work is performed by
priorities.
Double work feature
A unique feature of the SIRC branch,
Magnus says, is that "all operators
are mechanics. The operators take
pride in maintaining their equipment.
All off-time (when not working on the
field) is spent in maintaining the equip-
ment. The branch is self-supporting in
upkeep and maintenance."
A strict preventive maintenance pro-
gram is responsible for a good upkeep
of the equipment. Overseeing this
capacity is the SIRC maintenance super-
visor, Thorarinn Bjorgveinsson, whom
Magnus calls "a master of his trade".
While solely responsible for this main-
tenance function, he has kept a 90 per
cent "up" status on the equipment.
Another important SIRC assistant is
Fridbjorun Jonsson, field supervisor,
who has worked in the heavy equipment
business for several years. He some-
times fills in as an operator.
The SIRC operation costs about
$400,000 a year during the winter sea-
son. Presently, 13 operators are as-
signed to the SIRC branch.
Statistics outline winter operations
The following statistics apply to the
SIRC branch from Oct. 15, 1977 through
March 15: In this time frame, members
worked 9,762 hours, and 25 pieces of
equipment were operated 7,415 hours.
Snow removal/ice control operations
were performed on 118 days and foreign
object damage control was included on
25 days.
During this time, 4,821 runway in-
spections were held.
A record-breaking 284 snow-tarns were
transmitted via temporary airfield mes-
sage. This represents a higher number
of snow-tarns found at Keflavik than
about anywhere else in the world, the
SIRC supervisor explains.
On 84 days, snowfall was measured
with a trace or more up to an estimated
65 inches.
About 5,000 cubic yards of sand was
spread on the taxiways and ramps.
Important chemical used
Approximately 500,000 pounds of UREA
technical was used for anti- and de-
icing. This chemical is more effective
for anti-icing than for de-icing be-
cause it is faster. However, at 15
degrees and above, it is effective,
but, as Magnus mentions, "It may do
more harm than good with excessive pre-
cipitation."
To further check on runway condi-
tions , Magnus has a small computer on
his desk which transmits a signal every
10 seconds. Called the Runway Weather
Surveillance System, this hookup gives
the actual surface temperature.
Together with all these checks and
measures to ensure safety of the field,
Magnus sums up the operators’ tasks
this way, "There is so much work for so
few. They must work long hours without
eating or taking a break. I think that
they are the best operators in the
world.'"
As a matter of caution to personnel
who use this vital facility, Magnus
reminds, "Pedestrians and motorists
who must cross the flight line during
snow removal equipment operations
should always yield the right-of-way."
ORIGINAL SIRC members take time out from their busy
work day. They are as follows: Front row (left to
right) Fridrik Magnusson, Thorhallur Gudmundsson,
Magnus Olafsson, Halldor Arason and Robert Olafsson.
Back row (left to right) Fridbjorn Jonsson, Magnus
Ingolfsson, Jon Sigfusson, Ingolfur Ingolfsson,
Stefan Bjornsson, Jon Haraldsson, Albert Olafsson and
Thorarinn Bjorgvinsson. TWO PLOWS clear the main ramp
(bottom).
A blower unit attacks the snow build-up in front of the Air Operations Bldg.
BEGINNING THE SEASON in October 1977, all the equipment is ready for use.
SIRC supervisor Magnus Olafsson, Captain Jack T. Weir, Commander Naval Forces
Iceland/Commanding Officer Naval Station Keflavik, Fire Chief Sveinn Eiriksson
and Air Operations Officer Commander Donald E. Blish finish their inspection.
MODERN JET AIRCRAFT requires a black top effect on the runway. Sweepers
provide the means to this end.