AF Form 651 HATR: Hazardous Air Traffic Report Guide – The AF Form 651, officially titled Hazardous Air Traffic Report (HATR), serves as a critical tool in the U.S. Air Force’s aviation safety program. It enables pilots, air traffic controllers, safety personnel, and other aviation professionals to document and report potentially dangerous air traffic situations that could lead to mishaps.
This form (and its electronic equivalents) plays a vital role in proactive hazard identification, trend analysis, and prevention of aviation incidents across the Department of the Air Force (DAF).
What Is AF Form 651 and Why Does It Matter?
The HATR program identifies hazardous aviation practices or procedures before they result in damage, injury, or loss of life. Reportable events include near mid-air collisions (NMAC), airspace violations, air traffic control issues, runway incursions, communication failures, navigational aid problems, and other conditions that endanger aircraft or flight operations.
Key purposes of the HATR program:
- Capture real-time data on unsafe conditions or “near-miss” events.
- Enable safety offices to investigate, analyze root causes, and implement corrective actions.
- Support data trending in the Air Force Safety Automated System (AFSAS) for broader risk mitigation.
- Promote a culture of safety where personnel report without fear of reprisal.
HATRs complement other reporting tools like the DAF Form 457 (USAF Hazard Report) and are not intended for full mishap investigations (which fall under separate protocols in DAFMAN 91-223).
Who Should File an AF Form 651 HATR?
Any DAF personnel aware of a reportable event—including:
- Pilots and aircrew
- Air traffic controllers
- Airfield operations staff
- Safety officers
- Ground personnel or observers
Reporting is mandatory for events listed in relevant tables (e.g., Table 3.6 in DAFMAN 91-223). Prompt reporting helps prevent recurrence and protects fellow aviators.
How to Submit a HATR: Preferred Methods? (2026 Guidance)
The Air Force encourages electronic submission for faster processing and integration into AFSAS:
- Primary Method: SAFEREP System — Use the “Complete a Hazardous Air Traffic Report (HATR/CMAV/NMAC)” feature on the SAFEREP website (https://saferep.safety.af.mil) or mobile app. This is the fastest and most integrated option.
- Traditional Form — Complete and submit AF Form 651 to your local safety office. Blank forms should be available at base operations and ATC facilities.
Download the Official AF Form 651 PDF Here:
https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_se/form/af651/af651.pdf
Note: Always follow your unit’s specific guidance and DAFMAN 91-223 for submission timelines (typically as soon as possible after the event).
What Information Is Required on AF Form 651?
The form captures essential details for effective investigation:
- Date, time, and location of the incident
- Aircraft/vehicle details (tail numbers, types, altitudes, etc.)
- Description of the hazardous event
- Weather conditions, visibility, and other environmental factors
- Involved personnel and witness statements
- Recommendations for corrective actions
Provide clear, factual narratives. Privacy Act statements apply, and the form includes instructions on the reverse side.
Investigation and Follow-Up Process
After submission:
- The unit safety office reviews and investigates (often in coordination with airfield operations and ATC).
- Findings feed into AFSAS for analysis.
- Corrective actions may include procedural changes, training updates, or equipment improvements.
- Submitters typically receive feedback on outcomes (where appropriate).
HATRs are not privileged like some mishap reports and may be releasable outside certain channels (names are often protected).
Recent Updates and Related Programs (as of 2026)
- SAFEREP Integration — Strongly preferred for HATR, BASH (Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard), and other aviation reports.
- DAFMAN 91-223 — Governs detailed HATR/CMAV procedures.
- DAFI 91-202 — Covers broader hazard reporting and near-miss programs.
These updates emphasize electronic reporting, data analytics, and integration with systems like AFSAS for better safety outcomes.
Benefits of Filing HATRs
- Prevents future incidents through shared lessons learned.
- Enhances overall flight safety culture.
- Supports compliance with Air Force safety directives.
- Demonstrates personal commitment to protecting aircrew and assets.
Every HATR contributes to the USAF’s goal of zero preventable mishaps.
Need to File a Report?
Contact your local Wing Safety Office or use SAFEREP immediately. For the official form, visit the link above or e-Publishing.af.mil.
Stay safe in the skies—report hazards promptly.
This article is for informational purposes and based on official DAF publications. Always consult current DAFMAN 91-223, DAFI 91-202, your safety office, or the latest e-Publishing guidance for authoritative instructions.