Chapter 1
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
1.1. Purpose of This Manual. This manual provides standardized airfield, heliport and airspace
criteria for the geometric layout, design, and construction of runways, helipads, taxiways, aprons, and
related permanent facilities to meet sustained operations.
1.2. Scope. This manual prescribes dimensional and geometric layout criteria for safe standards for
airfields, landing zones, heliports and helipads, and related permanent facilities, as well as the
navigational airspace surrounding these facilities. Criteria in this manual pertain to all Department of
Defense (DoD) military facilities in the United States, its territories, trusts, and possessions, and unless
otherwise noted, to DoD facilities overseas on which the United States has vested base rights. For DoD
facilities overseas; if written agreement exists between host nation and DoD that requires application of
either NATO, ICAO or Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards, those standards shall apply as
stipulated within the agreement. However, DoD proponents shall apply criteria within this manual to
the maximum extent practicable. USAF bases within the European theater are authorized to use NATO
criteria. Tenant organizations on civil airports in CONUS will use these criteria to the extent
practicable; otherwise, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) criteria will apply. Procedures for
pavement structural design and pavement marking and lighting are beyond the scope of this manual.
1.2.1. Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS). In addition to a local TERPS review,
modifications to existing facilities and construction of new facilities must be closely coordinated
with the Major Command (MAJCOM - Air Force), U.S. Army Aeronautical Services Agency
(USAASA) and USAASDE, and Naval Flight Information Group (NAVFIG), to ensure instrument
flight procedures' compliance with TERPS. The criteria in this manual do not address instrument
flight procedures. TERPS evaluations and processes are described in AFMAN (I) 11-226/TM 95-
226/OPNAVINST 3722.16C, United States Standard for Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS).
TERPS provides additional criteria to be considered when designing or modifying airfields and
facilities on airfields that are used under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).
1.2.2. Objects Affecting Navigable Airspace. Modifications to existing facilities and construction
of new facilities must consider navigable airspace, and may require that a Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) Form 7460-1 be filed with the Administrator. See Attachment 6 to determine
when this form must be filed. The criteria for determining obstructions to navigable airspace have
been identified in this manual. The designer must consult this manual during the design process to
identify obstructions to airspace, and file FAA Form 7460-1 when required. Designers for USAF
facilities will coordinate with the airfield manager and safety officer before filing the form with the
FAA. For facilities outside the U.S. and its trust territories, host nation criteria apply off base. If the
criteria in this manual are more stringent, this manual should be used to the maximum extent
practical.
1.2.3. Navigational Aids (NAVAIDS) and Lighting. NAVAIDS and airfield lighting are integral
parts of an airfield and must be considered in the planning and design of airfields and heliports.
NAVAID location, airfield lighting, and the grading requirements of a NAVAID must be considered
when locating and designing runways, taxiways, aprons and other airfield facilities. Table A17.1 in
Attachment 17 includes a list of design documents governing NAVAIDS and lighting and the
agency where siting and design information can be obtained.
1.2.4. Vertical-Short Takeoff and Landing (V-STOL) Aircraft (V-22). At shore establishments, the
V-22 will be considered a fixed-wing aircraft, and the runway planned according to critical field
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