AF Form 4066: FARP Site Survey Guide & PDF Download – The AF Form 4066, officially titled Forward Area Refueling Point (FARP) Site Survey, is a critical U.S. Air Force document used to evaluate, certify, and document potential sites for Forward Area Refueling Point (FARP) operations. FARPs enable rapid, expeditionary refueling (and often arming) of aircraft—primarily rotary-wing and certain fixed-wing assets—in austere or forward locations where traditional fuel infrastructure is unavailable or impractical.
This form ensures safety, operational effectiveness, and compliance with Air Force standards by capturing detailed site data, measurements, hazards, and diagrams. It supports both permanent and temporary FARP sites and integrates with the Talon Point database for MAJCOM approval and tracking.
What Is a Forward Area Refueling Point (FARP)?
A FARP is a temporary or semi-permanent fueling facility established closer to the area of operations than main bases. It allows aircraft to land, hot-refuel (engines running), rearm if applicable, and depart quickly—often in 15 minutes or less—maximizing time on target and sortie rates.
FARPs are essential in:
- Combat or contingency operations
- Special operations support
- Exercises in austere environments (desert, arctic, jungle)
- Scenarios requiring dispersed operations to reduce vulnerability to enemy attack
They typically use specialized equipment like the Advanced Aviation Forward Area Refueling System (AAFARS) or other portable systems, with minimal ground infrastructure.
Governing Document: Air Force Instruction (AFI) 11-235, Forward Area Refueling Point (FARP) Operations (31 May 2019), which prescribes the use of AF Form 4066 and details survey, certification, and operational procedures.
Purpose of AF Form 4066
The form standardizes the FARP site survey process. A certified surveyor (often a Special Tactics or ST FARP-certified individual) and team perform on-site measurements, hazard assessments, and documentation. The completed package supports:
- Risk assessment and mitigation
- Determination of compatible aircraft types (tankers and receivers)
- Calculation of safe distances, layouts, and restrictions
- Submission for MAJCOM approval via Talon Point (NIPR/SIPR)
- Long-term tracking and reassessment of sites
Key outcomes include micro and macro diagrams (to-scale, true north oriented), photos (minimum four hemispheres from the tanker origin point), and a Landing Zone (LZ) survey for unpublished airfields.
Permanent vs. Temporary FARP Sites on AF Form 4066
- Permanent Sites — Marked in Block 3. Surveys expire 5 years from the survey date (Block 4). They can be reassessed for another 5 years (max 10 years total) if no significant changes occur in Blocks 30 A-J. Units must forward the survey for MAJCOM approval within 45 days.
- Temporary Sites — Also marked in Block 3, for exercises, contingencies, or bare-base ops. They must be used within 1 year of approval and expire 2 years after MAJCOM approval (Block 16). Reassessment possible for +1 year; after 3 years, a permanent survey is required. Restrictions or specifics go in Block 30J.
How to Complete AF Form 4066? (Key Blocks Summary)
According to AFI 11-235, the surveyor annotates results directly on the form. Here are the primary blocks (exact guidance from the instruction):
- Block 1: Surveyor’s unit or organization name.
- Block 2: Location of the FARP site (include airfield or LZ details).
- Block 3: Mark Permanent or Temporary.
- Block 4: Date the site was surveyed.
- Block 5: Full name and grade of the ST FARP-certified surveyor.
- Block 6: DSN and commercial phone numbers of the surveyor.
Additional sections typically cover:
- Site coordinates and dimensions
- Soil/terrain assessment
- Obstacle and hazard identification (with distances)
- Aircraft compatibility (largest tanker and receiver aircraft recommended for initial surveys)
- Refueling point layouts
- Emergency response (ARFF positioning if available)
- Remarks/restrictions (Block 30 series, including detailed limitations)
Diagrams and Supporting Materials:
- Micro diagram: Focused FARP site layout.
- Macro diagram: Broader airfield/LZ context, including runways, taxiways, parking, and surrounding hazards.
- Both must be to scale, oriented to true north.
- Include photos with cardinal references.
- Follow example layouts in AFI 11-235 or adhere to minimum distance criteria in Table A2.1.
The surveyor must be trained per current AFSOC FARP survey guidance and capable of precise measurements and computations.
Download the Official AF Form 4066:
Direct PDF from Air Force e-Publishing
Always use the latest version from the official Air Force e-Publishing site and cross-reference with current AFI 11-235 for procedural updates.
FARP Site Selection and Survey Best Practices
Effective surveys consider METT-TC (Mission, Enemy, Terrain and Weather, Troops and Support Available, Time Available, Civil Considerations) principles, adapted for Air Force operations. Critical factors include:
- Proximity to operations while maintaining security and dispersion
- Suitable terrain for aircraft landing, refueling points, and ground vehicle movement
- Obstacle clearance, slope, soil stability, and drainage
- Fuel spill response capability
- Night operations (NVG compatibility where applicable)
- Threat assessment (cover/concealment, enemy indirect fire range)
Surveys should aim for the largest possible tanker and maximum refueling points to maximize future utility. List any aircraft-specific or operational restrictions clearly.
Submission and Approval Process
- Conduct the on-site survey and complete AF Form 4066.
- Prepare micro/macro diagrams, photos, and any required LZ survey.
- Submit the full package through Talon Point (NIPR: https://www.gz-db.org or SIPR equivalent).
- MAJCOM reviews and approves (forward within 45 days of survey date).
- Once approved, the site is entered into the AFSOC/A3TW database for unit access.
If Talon Point is unavailable, contact AFSOC/A3TW for assistance.
Why Proper Use of AF Form 4066 Matters?
Accurate completion reduces risks of fuel spills, aircraft damage, or mission delays. It ensures compliance with safety standards, supports joint and special operations, and enables rapid deployment of aviation assets in contested environments.
U.S. Air Force units, especially those under AFSOC or involved in expeditionary operations, rely on this form to maintain readiness. Regular reassessments keep site data current as terrain or infrastructure changes occur.
For the most current guidance, consult AFI 11-235 directly via the Air Force e-Publishing portal and coordinate with your MAJCOM or certified FARP personnel.
Need the form? Download it here: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a3/form/af4066/af4066.pdf
This guide is for informational purposes based on official Air Force publications. Always verify procedures with current directives and qualified personnel before conducting surveys or operations.
Last updated reference: AFI 11-235 (31 May 2019). Check e-publishing.af.mil for any superseding guidance.