Chapter 2
2.2. Justification:
2.2.1. Aviation Facilities Planning. Aviation facilities must be planned, programmed, and
constructed in accordance with the Airfield Master Plan process. An Airfield Master Plan is
developed and approved through an established planning process as discussed in paragraph 2.4.
During the Master Plan process, alternatives must be assessed to determine the best, or a
combination of, alternative(s) which overcome deficiencies at an aviation facility. Consideration
must be given to construction alternatives (to construct new, modify, or upgrade a substandard
facility) combined with operational alternatives (rescheduling and sharing facilities, changing
training or mission) to determine the best plan for meeting facility requirements. As a minimum,
each alternative considered must identify the changes to the mission, personnel, weapons systems
and equipment, and any other impact to the facility. Construction of a new aviation facility is
authorized when: (1) operational alternatives considered have been assessed and it has been
concluded that the alternatives are not viable or executable options; or (2) existing facilities have
been assessed as inadequate to meet the mission and new airside and/or landside facilities are not
feasible.
2.2.2. Number of Aircraft. The construction and operating cost of an airfield for a few
miscellaneous aircraft usually cannot be justified from the standpoint of military necessity or
economy when those aircraft can be accommodated at an existing airfield within 32 kilometers (20
miles). Planning efforts must consider the number of aircraft assigned to the mission and review
alternatives for using existing airfields which have capacity to satisfy mission requirements.
2.2.3. Joint Use Facilities. Use of existing facilities on a civil airfield, or the airfield of another
service, should be considered when feasible.
2.3. General Planning Considerations:
2.3.1. Goals and Objectives. The goals and objectives of planning an aviation facility, as set forth in
this manual, are to ensure sustained, safe, economical and efficient aircraft operations and aviation
support activities. Planners must consider both the present and potential uses of the aviation facility
during peacetime, mobilization, and emergency operations.
2.3.2. Functional Proponent. The functional proponent responsible to justify the need, scope (size),
and utilization of an aviation facility is discussed below. Engineers/planners should assist
operations personnel with the planning and programming, definition and scope, site selection, and
design of the facility.
2.3.2.1. Army. The functional proponent for developing the scope and requirements for Army
aviation facilities is usually assigned to the Aviation Division, Directorate of Plans, Training and
Mobilization (DPTM) of the installation staff or the Operations Section (G/S-3) of the senior
aviation organization. At locations where there is no DPTM or G/S-3 office, facility planners
must coordinate with the commander of the aviation units to be supported. The DPTM, as the
primary functional proponent, is responsible for determining mission support requirements for
aviation facilities, operations, safety, and air traffic.
2.3.2.2. Air Force.
The functional proponent for the Air Force is the Major Command
(MAJCOM).
2.3.2.3. Navy. The functional proponent for the Navy is the Activity Commanding Officer.
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