AF Form 3626 Position Log – Official Guide & Download (2026) – If you serve in the U.S. Air Force or U.S. Space Force, especially in air traffic control (ATC), command and control, or operations facilities, you’ve likely encountered AF Form 3626, officially titled the Position Log. This form helps units maintain accurate records of personnel assigned to specific operating positions, track incumbents, document vacancies, and ensure accountability during shifts.
Download the current official DAF Form 3626 directly from the Air Force e-Publishing site:
https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a3/form/af3626/daf_form_3626.pdf
The form is prescribed by DAFMAN 13-204 Volume 3 (Air Traffic Control Procedures and related guidance) and remains essential for facilities that require precise tracking of who mans each operational position.
What Is AF Form 3626 Used For?
The Position Log (AF Form 3626) serves as an official record to document:
- Operating positions within a facility (e.g., Local Control, Ground Control, Approach Control, or specific console positions in ATC towers, radar approach control (RAPCON), or command centers).
- Personnel assigned to each position, including the name or identifier of the individual responsible.
- Duty times or shift details for controllers and operators.
- Vacancies and authorized versus filled manpower for each position.
In Air Traffic Control and similar high-reliability environments, the form ensures supervisors and facility managers know exactly who occupies each critical position at any time. It supports safety, training documentation, staffing analysis, and compliance during inspections or incidents. Older references (such as AFI 13-203 and AFI 13-204) explicitly direct its use to record individuals responsible for each operating position.
It is often used alongside related ATC forms such as:
- AF Form 3623 – Daily Traffic Count
- AF Form 3624 – Equipment Outage Log
- AF Form 3616 or equivalents – Daily Record of Facility Operations
Key Features of DAF Form 3626
The current version (as of the 20240426 revision noted on the form) is a fillable PDF designed for clear, standardized logging. Typical fields and layout include:
- Facility/Unit Identification — Base, squadron, or facility name.
- Date and Shift Information — To log daily or per-shift usage.
- Position Title/Identifier — Columns for each specific operating position (e.g., LC-1, GC, Final Approach, etc.).
- Incumbent/Name — Name or callsign of the person assigned.
- Time On/Off or Duty Period — Start and end times for each individual on position.
- Remarks/Initials — Space for notes, supervisor initials, or certifications.
- Authorized vs. Assigned — Some versions or local implementations track manpower authorizations and vacancies.
The form is usually maintained as a single daily or shift-based log, with supervisors reviewing and initialing entries. Previous editions are obsolete, so always use the latest version from e-Publishing.
Who Uses AF Form 3626?
Primary users include:
- Air Traffic Control Squadrons and Tower/RAPCON facilities
- Command and Control (C2) operators
- Air Operations Centers and Ground-Based Radar units
- Training and Standardization sections that monitor position qualification
- Facility Chief Controllers or Operations Officers responsible for shift manning
While primarily associated with ATC, similar position-logging needs exist in other operational environments where real-time accountability of qualified personnel is critical.
How to Properly Complete AF Form 3626 (Step-by-Step)?
- Download the Official Form — Use only the PDF from Air Force e-Publishing to ensure compliance.
- Header Information — Enter the facility name, date, and shift (e.g., Day, Swing, Mid).
- List Positions — Populate each row or column with the standard position designators used at your facility.
- Enter Personnel — Record the full name (or approved abbreviation) of the qualified individual assuming the position.
- Log Times — Note the exact time the individual begins and ends responsibility for the position.
- Add Remarks — Document any handoffs, training status, or special circumstances.
- Supervisor Review — The facility watch supervisor or chief controller reviews the log, initials it, and ensures accuracy.
- Retention — Follow your unit’s records disposition schedule (typically tied to AFI/DAFI 33-322 Records Management). Many facilities keep position logs for a set period for safety investigations or trend analysis.
Pro Tip: Many units now supplement or transition to digital tools where authorized, but the paper or fillable PDF version of AF Form 3626 remains the standard when directed by DAFMAN 13-204V3 or local operating instructions.
Why Accurate Position Logging Matters?
Proper use of the Position Log contributes to:
- Aviation Safety — Ensuring only certified and current personnel control aircraft.
- Manpower Management — Identifying chronic vacancies or over/under-staffing.
- Training Tracking — Documenting position qualifications and currency.
- Accountability — Providing a clear audit trail during mishaps, audits, or readiness inspections.
- Compliance — Meeting Department of the Air Force standards for operational logs.
In ATC environments, incomplete or inaccurate position logs can lead to discrepancies during standardization evaluations or safety reviews.
Common Questions About AF Form 3626
Is AF Form 3626 still required in 2026?
Yes. The form remains active and prescribed under relevant DAFMAN guidance for air traffic control and similar operations. Always check your MAJCOM or local supplements for any authorized electronic alternatives.
Can I use a locally generated form instead?
Only if your MAJCOM or facility has explicit approval. In most cases, the official DAF Form 3626 is required.
Where do I find training on how to use it?
Refer to your unit’s Air Traffic Control Operating Instructions (ATC OI), Facility Training Plan, or DAFMAN 13-204 Volume 3. New controllers typically learn it during initial qualification training.
Is there a digital version or system that replaces it?
Some advanced facilities use automated scheduling or logging systems, but the AF Form 3626 (or approved equivalent) is still the baseline for official records in many locations.
Need the Form or More Guidance?
- Official Download: DAF Form 3626 Position Log PDF
- Air Force e-Publishing: Visit www.e-publishing.af.mil for the latest forms and publications.
- Unit Resources: Consult your Facility Chief, Standardization and Evaluation (Stan/Eval) section, or squadron operations for local procedures.
Bottom Line: AF Form 3626 is a simple but critical tool that supports safe, effective operations by documenting exactly who is responsible for each position. Accurate, timely entries protect both the mission and the Airmen operating it.
For the most current instructions, always refer to the prescribing publication (DAFMAN 13-204V3) and your local guidance, as procedures can be supplemented at the MAJCOM or wing level.
This article is for informational purposes and reflects publicly available guidance as of 2026. Always verify with official Air Force sources and your chain of command before use.