EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaksa -- The 354th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and the 354th Logistics Readiness Squadron joined together to complete a “hot pits” training Sept. 20.

The hot pit, according the Staff Sgt. Eric Sandberg, a 354th AMXS crew chief, is the refueling of an aircraft while it is still running.

“They land, the fuel trucks get in place, we refuel and then they are able to take off,” said Sandberg. “It takes about 20 minutes versus the usual three hours.”

Senior Airman Jacob Goetz, a 354th LRS fuels distribution operator, said the fuels flight’s participation in hot pits is mandatory to accomplish a quick turnaround for the aircraft.

“Performing hot pit refuels gives us the practice we need for real world scenarios,” said Goetz. “This allows us to keep the jets in the air with a minimal amount of time spent on the ground, which keeps pressure on the enemy.”

The hot pit allows pilots to get more flying hours and helps build up the flying hour program for the 18th Aggressor Squadron, said Sandberg. For the fuels flight, Goetz said it provides minimum aircraft turnaround times and reduces fueling personnel and equipment requirements.

Challenges often arise when completing hot pits. Crew chiefs must be qualified, and Sandberg said there are only six qualified crew chiefs on Eielson.

“It’s been years since the last hot pits was conducted,” said Sandberg. “It can be dangerous and it requires a great awareness of what’s going on around you.”

Goetz said hot refueling presents hazards not normally encountered in other fueling operations.

“Any time you have a running engine and flowing jet fuel, it increases the risk of something going wrong,” said Goetz. “We must be very cognizant of our operation to make sure we have no fuel leaks and the aircraft is taking the fuel the way it’s supposed to be.”

Training on the hot pits operation positively contributes to the missions of the 18th AGRS, 354th AMXS and 354th LRS.

“Being able to turn jets at a faster pace and minimize the time they spend on the ground gives us the capabilities to fly more sorties and always be combat ready,” said Goetz.