AF Form 3616: Daily Record of Facility Operation (2026 Guide) – The AF Form 3616, officially titled Daily Record of Facility Operation (now often referred to as DAF Form 3616), serves as a critical log for documenting daily activities, events, and operational status in Air Force facilities—particularly airfield operations (AMOPS), air traffic control towers, and related support sections.
U.S. Air Force airfield managers, operations coordinators, and supervisors use this form (or an approved electronic equivalent) to maintain an accurate chronological record of shift activities. It supports safety, compliance, accountability, and trend analysis for airfield and facility management.
What Is AF Form 3616 Used For?
The primary purpose of AF Form 3616 is to create a permanent daily log of significant events, inspections, incidents, personnel on duty, equipment status, and other operational details. It functions similarly to the FAA’s Form 7230-4 but is tailored for Department of the Air Force needs.
Key uses include:
- Logging airfield inspections and checks (runway, taxiway, ramp, FOD, BASH, construction areas)
- Documenting significant incidents or events during each shift
- Recording equipment outages or status changes
- Noting radio discipline issues, airfield driving violations/spot checks, and corrective actions
- Capturing after-hours support, emergency responses, and special events
- Supporting shift change briefings and supervisory reviews
- Providing data for trend analysis by the Airfield Operations Flight Commander (AOF/CC) or Airfield Manager (AFM)
Units often reference it in local operating instructions, airfield driving programs (per DAFI 13-213), and AFMAN 13-204 series guidance.
Who Uses AF Form 3616?
- Airfield Management (1C7X1) personnel
- Air Traffic Control Tower and Radar facility supervisors
- Airfield Operations Flight Commanders and Managers
- Contracted airfield services support (when required by performance work statements)
- Anyone responsible for facility oversight in flying operations
The form (or suitable substitute) is a standard tool across Active Duty, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve components for maintaining continuity and safety in airfield environments.
Key Sections and How to Fill Out AF Form 3616
While the exact layout appears on the official PDF, typical entries on the Daily Record of Facility Operation include:
- Facility Identification — Base, facility name (e.g., Airfield Management Operations, Control Tower), date, and shift times.
- Personnel on Duty — Names, ranks, positions, and shift details.
- Time — Chronological entries (military time).
- Event/Description — Concise, factual descriptions of activities, inspections, incidents, or changes.
- Actions Taken / Remarks — Resolutions, notifications, or follow-up.
- Supervisor Review — Initials or signatures by the shift supervisor or AFM/DAFM, often with a requirement for daily review.
Best practices for entries:
- Keep entries concise yet descriptive enough to understand the event without additional explanation.
- Use military time and clear language.
- Document inspections, NOTAMs processed, flight plan activities, emergencies, equipment issues, and any deviations from normal operations.
- Record corrective actions for radio phraseology, driving violations, or safety discrepancies.
- Ensure the form (or digital log) is reviewed and signed off by appropriate leadership at the end of each day or shift.
Many units now use electronic equivalents or integrated systems, but the requirement for a daily record remains. Always follow your local Airfield Operations Instruction or supplement for specific formatting.
Download the Official Form:
DAF Form 3616 – Daily Record of Facility Operation (PDF)
Access the most current version and related publications through the official Air Force e-Publishing site at www.e-publishing.af.mil.
Related Air Force Forms and Publications
- AF Form 3624 — Equipment Outage Log
- AF Form 3626 — Position Log
- AF Form 3623 — Daily Traffic Count
- DAFI 13-213 — Airfield Driving
- AFMAN 13-204 Volumes — Airfield Operations procedures and standardization
- Local Base Instructions or Operating Instructions (e.g., 13-204 series)
Supervisors often compare AF Form 3616 entries for trends in FOD, BASH activity, pavement issues, or driving compliance.
Why Proper Use of AF Form 3616 Matters?
Accurate daily logging supports:
- Safety — Quick identification of hazards and recurring issues.
- Compliance — Meets requirements in AFMAN 13-204 and installation instructions.
- Accountability — Provides an auditable record for inspections, mishap investigations, or audits.
- Efficiency — Aids shift handovers and leadership oversight.
Failure to maintain proper records can impact readiness, safety ratings, and mission effectiveness.
Tips for Air Force Personnel
- Start a new form (or digital entry) at the beginning of each day or shift.
- Document everything significant—better to over-document than under-document.
- Use clear, professional language suitable for official records.
- Ensure the Airfield Manager or designated reviewer initials the log daily.
- Retain records according to the Air Force Records Disposition Schedule (RDS) under AFI 33-322.
For unit-specific guidance, consult your Airfield Operations Flight Commander or the latest version of AFMAN 13-204V2 (Airfield Management) and DAFMAN 13-204V3 (Air Traffic Control).
Need the form right now?
Direct download: DAF Form 3616 PDF
Stay mission-ready by keeping your facility operations documentation accurate and up to date. For the absolute latest policy, always check the official Air Force e-Publishing website, as forms and instructions are periodically updated.
This guide is for informational purposes and is based on publicly available Air Force publications and instructions as of 2026. Always refer to current official DAF publications for authoritative guidance.