AF Form 1687: Leak/Failure Data Record (Download PDF) – AF Form 1687: Leak/Failure Data Record for Resource Advocacy and Corrosion Control Metric is an official U.S. Air Force form used by civil engineering and infrastructure personnel to document leaks, system failures, and related data. This supports corrosion control programs, resource justification, and maintenance planning for real property assets like utility systems, pipelines, storage tanks, and cathodic protection installations.
What Is AF Form 1687?
AF Form 1687, titled “Leak/Failure Data Record Resource Advocacy/Corrosion Control Metric”, serves as a standardized tool for recording incidents of leaks or failures in Air Force infrastructure. It captures critical details to analyze causes (often linked to corrosion), track trends, and build data-driven cases for repairs, replacements, or preventive measures.
The form is referenced in key Department of the Air Force guidance, including:
- DAFI 32-1001 (Operations Management)
- AFI 32-1054 (Corrosion Control, dated 7 November 2014)
- Unified Facilities Manual (UFM) 3-570-06 for cathodic protection systems
It pairs with related forms such as:
- AF Form 1686 (Cathodic Protection Operating Log)
- AF Form 1688 (Annual Cathodic Protection Performance Survey)
Note: The form originated as AF IMT 1687 (dated January 1998). Current references use DAF Form 1687 or AF Form 1687. Always use the latest version from official Air Force e-Publishing channels.
Purpose of AF Form 1687
The primary purposes include:
- Documenting leak investigations and system failure evaluations.
- Collecting data for resource advocacy — justifying funding for repairs, replacements, or corrosion mitigation projects (e.g., via DD Form 1391 for military construction).
- Supporting the Infrastructure Corrosion Control Program by providing metrics on corrosion-related failures in underground piping, tanks, water systems, and other utilities.
- Enabling trend analysis to improve preventive maintenance and reduce long-term costs from corrosion damage.
Corrosion costs the Department of Defense billions annually. Accurate records on AF Form 1687 help installations demonstrate the need for cathodic protection, coatings, material upgrades, or other controls, aligning with DoD Instruction 5000.67 on prevention and mitigation of corrosion.
Who Uses AF Form 1687?
- Civil engineering squadrons (especially utilities, infrastructure, and environmental sections)
- Personnel conducting leak investigations or cathodic protection system evaluations
- Base-level corrosion control teams
- MAJCOM civil engineers for program oversight
It applies to Active Duty, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard units managing real property and installed equipment.
Key Context: Air Force Corrosion Control Program
AF Form 1687 fits into the broader corrosion control framework under AFPD 32-10 (Installations and Facilities) and AFI 32-1054. The program covers:
- Design and materials selection to resist corrosion
- Cathodic protection systems (sacrificial or impressed current)
- Coatings, linings, and other protective measures
- Regular surveys and maintenance of utilities (water, fuel, gas, etc.)
Installations must address aqueous, atmospheric, and underground corrosion. Data from AF Form 1687 feeds into annual performance reports, project justifications, and local operating instructions for infrastructure corrosion control (see DAFI 32-1001, Chapter 15).
How to Use and Complete AF Form 1687?
While detailed block-by-block instructions appear in the form itself and supporting technical manuals (e.g., UFM 3-570-06 includes sample completed versions), typical entries include:
- Date and location of the leak/failure
- System or asset involved (e.g., pipeline, tank, valve)
- Description of the failure (type of leak, extent of damage, suspected corrosion mechanism)
- Investigation findings (soil corrosivity, coating condition, cathodic protection performance)
- Corrective actions taken or recommended
- Impact on operations and estimated repair costs
- Data for corrosion control metrics (e.g., failure rate trends)
Use the form during leak investigations per AFI 32-1054. Retain records for trend analysis and funding requests. Sample completed forms are available in cathodic protection guidance documents.
Important: Follow all applicable Technical Orders (TOs), safety protocols, and environmental regulations when investigating failures.
Official Download Link
Download the current AF Form 1687 PDF directly from the official Air Force e-Publishing site:
https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a4/form/af1687/af1687.pdf
Always verify the latest version on www.e-publishing.af.mil under Forms > Air Force, as forms are occasionally updated.
Best Practices for Air Force Personnel
- Integrate AF Form 1687 data into your installation’s corrosion control plan.
- Combine it with cathodic protection logs (AF Form 1686/1688) for comprehensive system health monitoring.
- Use records to support proactive measures — preventing failures is far more cost-effective than reactive repairs.
- Ensure proper training on corrosion identification and documentation.
For additional guidance, consult:
- AFI 32-1054: Corrosion Control
- DAFI 32-1001: Operations Management (Chapter 15 on Infrastructure Corrosion Control)
- Relevant Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) and Technical Orders for utilities and cathodic protection
Bottom Line: AF Form 1687 is a vital tool for documenting infrastructure issues, advocating for resources, and strengthening the Air Force’s corrosion control efforts. Proper use helps maintain mission-ready facilities, reduce costs, and extend asset life.
If you need help with related forms, corrosion training resources, or interpreting specific sections of the form, refer to your local civil engineering squadron or the official e-Publishing portal for the most current directives.
This article is for informational purposes and is based on publicly available U.S. Air Force publications as of 2026. Always consult the latest official instructions and your chain of command for compliance.