Beware of aircraft, even on the ground Published Dec. 10, 2010 By Senior Airman David Dobrydney 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- With Hangar 7 being certified as a facility to host physical training tests, more people will be crossing an active taxiway behind the Strike Eagle Complex. "People who have never been around aircraft need to understand they need to stop; Aircraft and vehicles on the taxiway itself have priority," said Tech. Sgt. Devon Adams, 48th Operations Support Squadron deputy airfield manager and flightline driving program manager for the 48th Fighter Wing. "Especially when we have inclement weather like fog and poor visibility, it's even more important to make sure that they stop and take cautions and use their best judgement before crossing," said Sergeant Adams. There are large signs marking where to stop on either side of the taxiway. Motorists must stop and check for approaching aircraft and vehicles. If an aircraft is taxiing, vehicles must wait until it has passed by 300 feet. Above all, do not cut off an aircraft. "You don't want to go between two aircraft, that's a big no-no," added Sergeant Adams. Whether coming or going, moving aircraft pose potentially fatal hazards to vehicle drivers, said Tech. Sgt. Ryan Fletcher, 48th Fighter Wing flight safety NCO. "If a car pulls out in front an aircraft and is hit, it could collapse the nose gear and then the full weight of the aircraft is on top of the car," said Sergeant Fletcher. Sergeant Fletcher added that even after a plane passes, the exhaust from the engine is capable of flipping over a vehicle that passes too closely.