The Maxwell AFB AICUZ Report provides a complete listing of the land uses
that are not recommended for use in the CZ, APZ I and APZ II for the main
runway. In these recommendations, some land uses also have recommended
limits on density and intensity of use. For a more detailed analysis about land
uses within the CZs and APZs, see Chapter 5, Compatibility Assessment. In efforts to minimize noise for citizens in surrounding communities, engine
run‐up locations have been placed in areas that are less likely to impact daily
life. Maxwell AFB does not operate late night engine run‐ups, but there is the
potential for unpredicted contingencies that could require nighttime engine
run‐ups.
Source: Air Installation Compatible Use Zone Report, Maxwell Air Force Base,
November 2009 Source: Air Installation Compatible Use Zone Report, Maxwell Air Force Base,
November 2009
Aircraft Noise Contours
Aircraft noise is produced from flight operations (overflight, take‐offs,
landings, touch‐and‐go operations) and engine maintenance run‐ups. The Air
Force considers how its operations impact the local community by calculating
an average‐weighted noise level measured as a day‐night average A‐weighted
sound level (DNL). The Maxwell AFB AICUZ uses the DOD NOISEMAP program
to develop noise contours indicating noise exposure levels from aircraft
operations. Airfield Approach and Departure Flight Tracks
The contour lines developed in the model range from 65 decibel (dB) DNL to
80 dB DNL and increase in increments of 5 dB. The 80 dB DNL is the “loudest”
contour line computed and the 65 dB DNL is the “quietest”. The DNL measure
has been determined to be a reliable measure of community sensitivity to
aircraft noise and has become a standard metric used to map aircraft noise
impacts. These noise contours are typically generated during the AICUZ
Report process. Maxwell AFB’s AICUZ was updated in 2009 to reflect a change
in aircraft equipment and mission operations. The 2009 noise contours are
depicted on Figure 3‐7.
In reviewing noise contours, it should be noted that these are annual
averages, and noise does not stop at the line of the noise contours. Noise
exposure at any given time will vary based on a number of factors including
weather and aircraft type.
June 2017
Flight tracks are developed to provide guidance on the average area of
standard operations that may occur at and around the airfield. These are
created using information gathered from air traffic controllers, pilots, and
other sources. When flight tracks are developed they attempt to avoid urban
development as much as possible to reduce impacts and risk to the general
public and commercial or general aviation activities. Safety of operations is
paramount in the design of these tracks. Maxwell AFB has one runway
(15 / 33) and one landing zone (009 / 189).
Figures 3‐8 through 3‐11 illustrate the primary flight tracks used by
Maxwell AFB aircraft. Other flight tracks may also be used depending on
variables such as weather or mission.
The closed pattern flight tracks utilized at Maxwell AFB are isolated to areas
surrounding the installation and consist of low‐level altitude flights. The
operation performed by the aircraft using these flight tracks can potentially
create noise and vibration impacts on land uses under these paths. In order
to deconflict traffic arriving and departing at MGM, closed traffic patterns are
generally kept to the north and east side of the runway complex.
Background Report
Page 3‐19