AF Form 1174 Airfield Survey: Complete 2026 Guide – US Air Force personnel, contingency response teams, and aviation planners searching for the AF Form 1174 Airfield Survey need accurate, up-to-date information. This official form plays a critical role in documenting airfield conditions for safe aircraft operations worldwide. Whether you’re preparing for a deployment, contingency mission, or routine airfield assessment, the AF Form 1174 ensures mission-ready data on runways, taxiways, aprons, and support infrastructure.
In this comprehensive guide tailored for US-based Air Force members, contractors, and aviation professionals, you’ll learn exactly what the form is, its purpose, who uses it, key sections, completion guidelines, and how to download the latest official version directly from e-Publishing.
What Is AF Form 1174?
AF Form 1174, titled Airfield Survey, is the standardized US Air Force document used to record detailed results of airfield surveys. It captures essential data on an airfield’s physical infrastructure and operational capabilities to support air mobility aircraft.
The form is maintained under the Air Force A3 (Operations) and is available as a fillable PDF through the official Department of the Air Force e-Publishing portal. It remains the primary tool for USAF airfield surveys in both garrison and expeditionary environments.
Purpose and Importance of the AF Form 1174 Airfield Survey
The primary purpose of AF Form 1174 is to document airfield conditions, capabilities, and limitations so commanders and planners can determine suitability for US Air Force and joint operations. It provides:
- Precise details on runway, taxiway, and apron surfaces
- Pavement strength data (often paired with Contingency Airfield Pavement Evaluation)
- Obstruction clearances, lighting, navigational aids (NAVAIDs), and hazards
- Geospatial and mapping data critical for mission planning
This information feeds directly into the Global Decision Support System (GDSS), the AMC Airfield Database, and other planning tools. Accurate airfield survey data prevents mishaps, maximizes aircraft maximum-on-ground (MOG) capacity, and supports rapid bed-down decisions during contingencies, humanitarian assistance/disaster relief (HA/DR), or exercises like African Lion.
Why it matters for USAF operations: Surveys conducted with AF Form 1174 help Contingency Response Forces open airfields quickly and safely. Without it, air mobility missions could face unnecessary restrictions or safety risks.
Who Uses AF Form 1174 and When?
The form is primarily completed by certified Airfield Survey Teams (AST) within Contingency Response Groups (CRG) or Contingency Response Wings (CRW). These teams consist of:
- Airfield Operations personnel (13M/1C7X1 with 368 SEI)
- Civil Engineers (32E/3E5X1 with pavement evaluation certification)
- Other subject-matter experts as needed
Key scenarios include:
- Pre-deployment or “set the theater” surveys for Combatant Command (CCMD) requirements
- Contingency airfield opening and assessment operations
- Validation or update of existing airfield data
- Support for Landing Zone (LZ) or Drop Zone (DZ) operations (often paired with AF Form 3822 or 3823)
Surveys are typically performed in permissive environments and are valid for three years (or sooner if significant changes occur). Data must be re-validated after major events like construction or natural disasters.
Key Sections of AF Form 1174
The form is organized into two main parts for maximum clarity and usability:
Part I – Airfield Data
Focuses on the physical capability of the airfield to handle air mobility aircraft. This includes:
- Runway dimensions, surface conditions, gradients, and pavement classification numbers (PCN)
- Taxiway and apron details
- Obstructions, lighting systems, and NAVAIDs
- Geospatial coordinates and mapping data
Part II – Airfield Support
Documents facilities and services available to support operations, such as:
- Fuel storage and dispensing
- Maintenance, cargo handling, and parking areas
- Security, communications, and other infrastructure
Every item must be completed or marked “N/A” to ensure nothing is overlooked during AMC suitability analysis.
How to Complete AF Form 1174 (Step-by-Step Guidance)?
While only certified Survey Teams perform official surveys, here are the official procedures:
- Conduct an on-site physical survey using authorized equipment (hand-held GPS, Dynamic Cone Penetrometer for pavement, etc.).
- Record data with maximum precision — include photos, measurements, and notes on conditions.
- Coordinate with functional experts (CE, AO, SF) for comprehensive coverage.
- Complete Part I and Part II fully.
- Submit the finished form and any pavement evaluation report (including DCP results) to:
- AMC Airfield Help Desk: [email protected]
- AMC/A4O: [email protected]
- AMC/A4R: [email protected]
Units must retain a copy until superseded. The form is reviewed and verified by the Airfield Assessment Team (AAT) when required.
Pro Tip: Always cross-reference with the latest AFI 10-202 Contingency Response Forces and AFTTP 3-4.7 Contingency Response for current tactics, techniques, and procedures.
Official AF Form 1174 PDF Download (2026 Current Version)
Direct Download Link (Official US Air Force source):
Download AF Form 1174 – Airfield Survey PDF
This is the authoritative, most current version hosted on e-Publishing.af.mil. Always use the official link to ensure you have the latest edition.
Related Forms and Governing Publications
- AF Form 3822 – Landing Zone (LZ) Survey
- AF Form 3823 – Drop Zone (DZ) Survey
- AFI 10-202 (25 July 2024) – Primary governing instruction
- AFTTP 3-4.7 – Contingency Response tactics
- AFTTP 3-2.68 – Multiservice procedures for airfield opening
These documents provide the full framework for conducting USAF airfield surveys.
Why Accurate Airfield Surveys Matter for US National Security
In an era of great-power competition and rapid global response, the AF Form 1174 ensures US Air Force airlift, special operations, and mobility forces can operate from any airfield — austere, forward, or allied. It directly supports operational readiness, force protection, and mission success for American service members.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is AF Form 1174 only for contingency operations?
A: No — it is used for any airfield survey requiring detailed suitability data, though it is most common in expeditionary and CR force missions.
Q: How long is the form valid?
A: Typically three years, with updates recommended every two years or after significant changes.
Q: Can I fill this out myself?
A: Official surveys must be performed by certified Survey Teams. Contact your local CRG or airfield operations squadron for assistance.
Q: Where can I find training on airfield surveys?
A: Refer to AFI 10-202 Chapter 3 and your MAJCOM guidance for Survey Team certification.
Conclusion: Get the AF Form 1174 Today
The AF Form 1174 Airfield Survey remains an indispensable tool for safe, effective US Air Force operations. Download the official PDF, review the latest guidance in AFI 10-202, and ensure your next mission is backed by precise, verified airfield data.
Bookmark this page for future reference and share it with your team. For the most current information, always visit e-Publishing.af.mil and consult your chain of command or the AMC Airfield Help Desk.
Last updated: April 2026. All information sourced from official Department of the Air Force publications.