Motorcycle season: Altus safety office offers safety riding course Published March 18, 2008 By Senior Airman Clinton Atkins 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Spring is fast approaching and the Air Force is gearing up for another year of motorcycle riding. To anyone looking forward to hit the open -- first think safety. The 97th Air Mobility Wing Safety Office here will provide Motorcycle Safety Foundation courses from now until December -- weather permitting. There are two types of courses: the Beginner Rider's Course, which teaches the basics of motorcycle riding and the Experienced Rider's Course, which serves as a refresher and to increase a rider's skill level. The ERC is a day long and the BRC is two days. Both course require riders to pass both a written and riding test in order to receive their MSF certification card, which is required to gain access to any Air Force installation while riding a motorcycle. In contrast to the safety courses, motorcycle accidents are one of the Air Force's leading safety mishaps each year. In Fiscal Year 2007, the number of motorcycle fatalities in the Air Force totaled 19 -- Air Education and Training Command personnel accounted for four fatalities. Airman Ceja said the 2007 motorcycle fatality rate was one of the higher rated years since FY02, "but we are continuously striving to mitigate these, and all other mishaps." "One of the Air Force's top priorities is safety," said Airman 1st Class Nicholas Ceja, 97 AMW Safety journeyman. "The main point is to make sure riders are educated and that they know how to handle any possible situation they can get into while riding." Airman Ceja also said the courses provide a good foundation of motorcycle safety precautions and the skills needed to be the safest riders possible. "Safety is paramount," he said. Everyone, not just motorcycle riders, need to practice good safety awareness and operational risk management." Airman Ceja said the MSF courses provide riders with the tools they need to stay safe. "Our instructors are the best out there," he said. "They will teach you everything you need to know and how to ride a motorcycle safely." Additionally, prior to riding a motorcycle, Air Force servicemembers must have their AETC Form 410 (high risk activity form) and 708 (commander's motorcycle safety interview) filled out and approved, and must have successfully completed one of the two MSF courses. For more information about the MSF courses, call 481-SAFE (7233).