when evaluating compatibility. It is important to regulate land use near
military airfields in order to minimize damage from potential aircraft
accidents and to reduce air navigation hazards. To help mitigate potential
issues, the Department of Defense (DOD) has delineated Clear Zones (CZs)
and Accident Potential Zones (APZs) in the vicinity of airfield runways. APZs
are usually divided into APZ I and APZ II. Each zone was developed based on
the statistical review of aircraft accidents. Studies show that most mishaps
occur on or near the runway, predominately along its extended centerline.
The following Safety issues were identified:
Incompatible Uses in Clear Zone. Any development that occurs
within the Clear Zone (CZ), including railroad, and utility and roadway
infrastructure, is incompatible per Air Force AICUZ recommended
guidelines.
Incompatible Uses in Accident Potential Zones. There are land uses,
including a Technical College and the Montgomery County Health
Center, in the accident potential zones that are incompatible with the
latest Air Force AICUZ recommended guidelines for land uses in the
airfield safety zones.
Land Use Control of Southern Clear Zone. The northern CZ is either
owned by the Air Force or controlled by avigation easements that
restrict height and use in accordance with the imaginary surfaces.
However, a majority of the southern CZ is subject to local land use
controls.
Bird Air Strike Hazard Awareness Concern. General concern about
Bird Air Strike Hazard (BASH) incidents. While Maxwell AFB updates
its BASH Plan upon mission changes and monitors the conditions
indicative of high risk potential of BASH incidents, it is important to
maintain an awareness of the BASH environment in this area to
decrease the risk to safety and property damage.
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Vertical Obstructions (VO)
Vertical obstructions are created by buildings, trees, structures, or other
features that may encroach into the navigable airspace or line of sight radar
signal transmission pathways used by the military. These obstructions can be
a safety hazard to both the public and military personnel and potentially
impact military readiness. The following Vertical Obstructions issues were
identified:
Pumping Station Tower Extends into Navigable Airspace. The tower
at the city’s sewer pumping station located north of Maxwell AFB’s
airfield extends into navigable airspace. This can create an airspace
hazard relative to the recommended heights and dimensions of the
imaginary surfaces.
Trees Inside Southern Clear Zone. Trees inside the southern CZ pose
an obstruction to navigable airspace for Maxwell AFB’s Runway 15/33.
Temporary Crane Permits. The lack of permits for temporary
construction cranes in the City of Montgomery creates the potential
for vertical obstructions of the imaginary surfaces.
Lack of Awareness of Imaginary Surfaces in Economic Development
Community. The lack of awareness about imaginary surfaces within
the economic development community creates potential for
incompatible development with aviation operations.
Height Regulations Do Not Consider Imaginary Surfaces. Current
Montgomery and Prattville height regulations do not consider the
Federal Aviation Administration’s height guidance relative to
imaginary surfaces.
Formalized Cell Tower Regulations. There are no formalized cell
tower regulations for the jurisdictions in the JLUS Study Area. Lack of
a formalized process for approval of energy development projects can
potentially lead to oversight and compatibility issues.
Joint Land Use Study Report
June 2017