Technical data

CHAPTER 8
EXTERIOR FINISHES, INSIGNIA AND MARKINGS,
APPLICABLE TO USAF AIRCRAFT
8.1 GENERAL.
8.1.1 Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to stan-
dardize the painting and marking and exterior configuration
of all Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard
aircraft. This chapter describes Air Force policy on the
painting, marking, and exterior configuration of aircraft. Also
described in this chapter are common internal markings and
standardized international markings. In the event of a tech-
nical conflict between this chapter and the weapon system
specific manuals shall take precedence. Conflicts concerning
safety, health or environmental issues shall be resolved
locally and through the MAJCOM headquarters. Only the
types of finishes and insignia described in this chapter shall
be applied to USAF aircraft. Refer to AFI 21-105 with
MAJCOM supplements, weapon system manuals and
weapon system drawings for specific paint schemes and
marking applications.
8.1.2 Responsibilities. 542 SEVSG/GBZAB is respon-
sible for keeping this chapter current. HQ USAF/A4 is
responsible for coordinating Air Force painting and marking
policy with the various international organizations and is the
focal point for all Air Force painting and marking issues. The
MAJCOM logistics and maintenance function is responsible
for implementing the policy as described by USAF/A4.
System Program Directors (SPD) are responsible for main-
taining accurate technical data depicting approved paint
schemes and markings for their assigned aircraft. SPDs shall
be responsible for assuring compliance with AFI 21-105 and
Air Force policy promulgated by USAF/A4.
8.1.3 Maintenance and Application. The MAJCOMs
and using organizations are responsible for the application
and maintenance of coatings and markings for all assigned
aircraft listed in TO 00-25-4. AFMC shall be responsible for
the overcoating or strip and repaint of aircraft listed in TO
00-25-4.
8.1.4 Major Command Instructions. Each major com-
mand shall prepare a supplement for AFI 21-105 pertaining to
painting and marking of aircraft. The supplement will be
limited to distinguishing insignia, markings and finishes as
authorized in this chapter and other Air Force directives.
8.1.5 Authorized Deviations. All requests for devia-
tions from the standard exterior paint and marking configu-
ration in this TO will be sent to HQ USAF/A4. HQ USAF/A4
will coordinate with HQ USAF/XO and maintain copies of
drawings and photographs.
8.1.6 Paint Scheme and Marking Approval Pro-
cess. All changes to approved schemes and markings will
be submitted to the MAJCOM Aircraft Structural Manager/
Corrosion Manager. The ASM/CM will coordinate the
changes within the command structure and ensure survivabil-
ity analysis is completed as necessary. The ASM/CM will
work with the SPD to ensure the applicable technical docu-
ments are changed and develop a method to implement the
changes. A copy of the approved change package will be
forwarded to HQ USAF/A4. USAF/A4 will acknowledge
receipt of the package and will retain the authority to require
changes to the package. Exceptions are as follows:
8.1.7 89th AW, 201AS, and the 1st Helicopter
Squadron. Deviations from standard paint schemes and
markings are authorized and shall be approved by HQ
USAF/A4.
8.1.8 U.S. Air Force Aerial Demonstration Squadron
“The Thunderbirds”. Paint schemes and markings shall be
approved by HQ USAF/A4.
8.1.9 76TH Airlift Squadron. Aircraft assigned are
authorized radio call numbers on each side of the vertical
stabilizer, American flag and United States of America
markings with no other external USAF markings authorized
(i.e. USAF, stars and bars, organizational markings, fuel
grade markings under pilot’s window) Painting and marking
of these aircraft will be as specified by USAFE/CC. Infor-
mation copies of all approved paint schemes and markings
will be forwarded to HQ USAF/A4.
8.1.10 Low Observable Aircraft. HQ ACC is respon-
sible for developing paint schemes and markings for LO
aircraft.
8.1.11 Aircraft Received From Other Services. When
types and models of aircraft not previously in the Air Force
inventory are acquired from other military departments the
MAJCOM and SPD will develop paint schemes and markings
patterns for the aircraft. The SPD will be responsible for
developing special purpose markings for servicing and per-
sonnel safety.
TO 1-1-8
Change 3 8-1