Chapter 2
2.5.2. Site Selection:
2.5.2.1. Site Conditions. Site conditions must be considered when selecting a site for an
aviation facility. The site considerations include, but are not limited to: topography, vegetative
cover, existing construction, weather elements, wind direction, soil conditions, flood hazard,
natural and man-made obstructions, adjacent land use, availability of usable airspace,
accessibility of roads and utilities, and future expansion capability.
2.5.2.2. Future Development. Adequate land for future aviation growth must be considered
when planning an aviation facility. An urgent requirement for immediate construction should
not compromise the plan for future development merely because a usable, but not completely
satisfactory, site is available. Hasty acceptance of an inferior site can preclude the orderly
expansion and development of permanent facilities. Initial land acquisition (fee or lease) or an
aviation easement of adequate area will prove to be the greatest asset in protecting the valuable
airfield investment.
2.5.2.3. Sites not on DoD Property. Site selection for a new airfield or heliport not located on
DoD or service controlled property must follow FAA planning criteria and each service's
established planning processes and procedures for master planning as previously discussed in
paragraph 2.4.1. Siting the aviation facility requires an investigation into the types of ground
transportation that will be required, are presently available, or are capable of being implemented.
All modes of access and transportation should be considered, including other airports/airfields,
highways, railroads, local roadways, and internal roads. The facility's internal circulation plan
should be examined to determine linear routes of movement by vehicles and pedestrians to
ensure that an adequate access plan is achievable.
2.5.3. Airspace Approval. Construction of new airfields, heliports, helipad or hoverpoints, or
modifications to existing facilities affecting the use of airspace or changes in aircraft densities will
require notification to the Administrator, FAA, in conformance with AR 95-2, Air Traffic Control,
Air Space, Airfield Flight Facilities and Navigational Aids. Copies of FAA airspace approval
actions should normally accompany any construction projects when forwarded to Department of the
Army (DA) for approval.
2.5.4. Airfield Safety Clearances:
2.5.4.1. Dimensional Criteria. The dimensions for airfield facilities, airfield lateral safety
clearances, and airspace imaginary surfaces are provided in Chapters 3 and 4 of this manual.
2.5.4.2. Air Force Missions at Army Facilities. Airfield flight safety clearances applicable to
Army airfields which support Air Force cargo aircraft missions will be based upon an Army
Class B airfield. This will be coordinated between the Army and the Air Force.
2.5.4.3. Prohibited Land Uses. Airfield airspace criteria prohibit certain land uses within the
clear zone and Accident Potential Zones (APZ 1 and APZ 2). These activities include the
storage and handling of munitions and hazardous materials, and live-fire weapons ranges. See
AICUZ DoD Instruction 4165.57 for more information.
2.5.4.4. Wake Turbulence. The problem of wake turbulence may be expected at airfields where
there is a mix of light and heavy aircraft. At these airfields, some taxiway and holding apron
design modifications may help to alleviate the hazards. Although research is underway to
improve detection and elimination of the wake, at the present time, the most effective means of
avoiding turbulent conditions is provided by air traffic control personnel monitoring and
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