Chapter 6
6.9.7.2.6. A paved roadway to the unsuppressed power check pad for access by fire fighting,
towing and aircraft maintenance support vehicles.
6.9.8. Noise Considerations. The noise level at unsuppressed power check pads may exceed 115
dB(a) during power-up engine tests. Caution signs should be placed around the power check pad
indicating both the presence of hazardous noise levels and the need for hearing protection.
6.10. Arm/Disarm Pads. The arm/disarm pad is used for arming aircraft immediately before takeoff
and for disarming (safing) weapons retained or not expended upon their return.
6.10.1. Navy and Marine Corps Requirements. Navy and Marine Corps requirements for
arm/disarm pads are found in P-80 and MIL-HDBK-1021/1, General Concepts for Airfield Pavement
Design.
6.10.2. Location. Air Force arm/disarm pads should be located adjacent to runway thresholds and
sited such that armed aircraft are oriented in the direction of least populated areas or towards
revetments.
6.10.3. Siting Considerations:
6.10.3.1. Aircraft Heading. The criteria for establishing the exact heading of the parked aircraft
depends on the type of aircraft and associated weapons. This information is contained within the
classified portion of the aircraft manuals. The most economical means of parking aircraft on the
arm/disarm pads is at 45 degrees (45) to the taxiway. However, because of the requirement to
orient armed aircraft away from populated areas, this angle may vary.
6.10.3.2. Inhabited Building Distance Clear Zone. As a general rule, an "inhabited building
distance clear zone" of plus or minus 5 degrees (5) of arc on each side of the heading of the
parked aircraft and 8.5 kilometers [5 miles] in the front of the parked aircraft, both measured
from the aircraft's nose, should be maintained. This means that no occupied building will be in
this clear zone. In addition, it is good practice to keep all buildings out of this clear zone to
prevent damage from accidental weapon firing. This "inhabited building distance clear zone"
may cross a runway, taxiway, or runway approach as long as the landing and taxiing aircraft can
be seen by the arm/disarm quick check crews and the arming/disarming operations can cease for
the period in which the aircraft passes. Parked aircraft or parked vehicles must not be located in
the "inhabited building distance clear zone." If this clear zone cannot be obtained, earth
revetments must be used as a barrier.
6.10.3.3. Electromagnetically Quiet Location. Prior to construction of any pad, local field
measurements must be taken to ensure that the location is electromagnetically quiet. To avoid
potential electromagnetic interference from taxiing aircraft, pads should be located on the side of
a runway opposite the parallel taxiway. Navy and Marine Corps aviation facilities must have an
EMC background study by NISE EASE CHSN, as described in NAVAIR 16-1-529,
Electromagnetic Radiation Hazards.
6.10.4. Arm/Disarm Pad Size. Each arm/disarm pad should be capable of servicing four or six
aircraft at a time. The dimensions of the pad may vary with the length and wingspan of the aircraft
to be served. Typical layout of arm/disarm pads are shown in Figures 6.20, 6.21, 6.22 and 6.23.
6.10.5. Taxi-In/Taxi-Out Capabilities. The parking locations should have taxi-in/taxi-out
capabilities to allow aircraft to taxi to their arm/disarm location under their own power.
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