DAF Form 3580: Static Display Egress & Safety Certificate

DAF Form 3580: Static Display Egress & Safety Certificate – The DAF Form 3580 (dated 20250509) is the official Department of the Air Force document used to certify that an aerospace vehicle—such as a historic aircraft or missile—is safe and inert for static public display under the USAF Heritage Program. Prescribed by AFI 84-103, this form ensures rigorous safety and egress procedures are followed before any aircraft is placed on display at bases, museums, airshows, or heritage events across the United States.

Whether you are a USAF unit historian, museum curator, maintenance specialist, safety officer, or heritage program manager, understanding and properly completing DAF Form 3580 is essential for compliance, public safety, and preserving Air Force history.

What Is the Purpose of DAF Form 3580?

The primary purpose of the DAF Form 3580 is to document that an aerospace vehicle has been thoroughly inspected and rendered safe and inert for static display. This includes:

  • Verifying the vehicle poses no radiation, explosive, fire, or mechanical hazards to the public or personnel.
  • Confirming that egress systems (such as canopies, ejection seats, and related components) are properly de-armed and secured.
  • Ensuring all hazardous materials and systems are drained, purged, removed, or disabled per applicable Technical Orders (T.O.s).

The form provides a standardized checklist that separates responsibilities between specialists (who perform the work) and a certifying inspector (who provides independent verification). The certifying inspector and specialist cannot be the same person.

Once completed and signed, the form is retained by the Historical Property Custodian and supports loan agreements from the National Museum of the United States Air Force (NMUSAF).

Who Needs DAF Form 3580?

  • USAF bases and wings managing static display aircraft.
  • Heritage centers, museums, and air parks participating in the USAF Heritage Program.
  • Maintenance, egress, ordnance, and safety specialists preparing aircraft for display.
  • Commanders and unit historians responsible for historical property accountability.
  • Organizations receiving loaned aerospace vehicles from NMUSAF.

The form is mandatory for static displays involving USAF historical aerospace vehicles to meet safety and demilitarization requirements.

Key Sections of DAF Form 3580

1. Aircraft/Missile Information

  • Mission Design Series (MDS) — e.g., A-10A, F-4D
  • Serial Number (S/N)
  • NMUSAF Accession Number
  • Voucher Number and Loan Account Number (for loaned items)
  • Recipient Location (Base, City, State)

2. Section I: Radiation Screen

  • Documents external and internal radiation screening.
  • Requires identification and removal of all radioactive items.
  • If positive, refer to AFI 84-103, Chapter 9.
  • Signed by the radiation specialist with date (YYYYMMDD format).

3. Section II: Safety/Security Requirements This is the core safety and egress checklist. All items must be marked as Complied With (CW), Previously Complied With (PCW), or N/A. Key requirements include:

  • Explosive/hazardous devices (squibs, thrusters, flares, jettison systems, hydrazine, etc.) rendered inert or removed.
  • Pneumatic and hydraulic accumulators depleted; reservoirs drained.
  • Fuel systems and flammable fluids fully drained/purged and verified with an explosive meter (record LEL% reading).
  • Egress system de-armed and components removed (per T.O. 00-80-G-1 and aircraft-specific T.O.s).
  • Oxygen systems depleted.
  • Engines and Auxiliary Power Units (APU) drained (and removed if applicable).
  • Aircraft batteries removed.
  • Fire extinguishers removed/disposed/depleted per local safety and bio-environmental rules.
  • Permanent downlocks installed on landing gear.
  • All doors, hatches, canopies, windows, and access panels secured.
  • Movable control surfaces secured in neutral position (especially for outdoor displays).
  • Annotated Demil Workbook forwarded to NMUSAF.

4. Remarks — Use for additional notes or reference the reverse side if needed.

5. Certification Block The certifying inspector signs the statement: “I CERTIFY THAT THIS AEROSPACE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AS INDICATED ABOVE AND, TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY, DETERMINED IT IS IN A SAFE, INERT CONDITION.”

Include printed name, organization/address, signature, and date.

How to Complete DAF Form 3580? – Best Practices

  • Leave no blank blocks — use “N/A” where appropriate.
  • Use YYYYMMDD date format.
  • Specialists sign for the work they performed or verified.
  • Ensure separation of duties between specialists and the certifying inspector.
  • Reference applicable Technical Orders for each safety step.
  • Attach or reference the radiation survey (often using the companion AF Form 3583 when required).
  • Retain the completed form with historical property records.

Pro Tip: Coordinate early with your unit safety office, egress shop, and radiation protection personnel. For aircraft on loan from NMUSAF, confirm voucher and accession numbers match the loan inventory.

  • AF Form 3581 — USAF Heritage Program Static Display Aerospace Vehicle Maintenance Log.
  • AF Form 3583 — Radiation Survey Log.
  • Governing instruction: AFI 84-103, U.S. Air Force Heritage Program.
  • Additional guidance appears in DAFI 21-101 (Maintenance Management) and DAFMAN 91-203 (Safety).

Always use the most current version from the official Air Force e-Publishing site.

Download the Official DAF Form 3580 PDF

Direct Download Link (Current Version):
https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_ho/form/daf3580/daf3580.pdf

This is the authoritative source. Save and print the fillable PDF for your unit’s use.

Why Proper Use of DAF Form 3580 Matters?

Static displays allow the American public—especially veterans, families, students, and future Airmen—to connect with Air Force history and achievements. However, historic aircraft can contain residual hazards from their operational life. The DAF Form 3580 process mitigates those risks through disciplined, documented safety and egress procedures, protecting both the public and the priceless artifacts themselves.

By following the form’s requirements, USAF heritage managers demonstrate commitment to safety, compliance, and stewardship of America’s aviation legacy.

Need help? Contact your local Historical Property Custodian, unit safety office, or the National Museum of the United States Air Force Loan Program for guidance on specific aircraft.

This article is for informational purposes and is based on official Department of the Air Force publications. Always consult the latest versions of AFI 84-103 and applicable Technical Orders for compliance.