As discussed in Chapter 3 of JLUS Background Report, Silverbell Army Heliport is the
primary aviation training facility for the AZARNG. The Heliport is approximately three
miles south of Red Rock and is located just north of Pinal Airpark. The area surrounding
Silverbell Army Heliport, especially the corridor connecting it to Picacho Peak Stagefield,
is an important asset for training AZARNG pilots, and other helicopter pilots from other
Guard units across the country, as well as international student pilots. Student pilots are
instructed to avoid overflight of populated areas, and currently the corridor used to fly
between Silverbell Army Heliport and Picacho Peak Stagefield is generally undeveloped,
which minimizes impacts to residential uses from overflight noise.
The construction of a paved road from the Red Rock area south to Pinal Airpark, while
providing additional access to the Airpark, has the potential to spur new development
along the roadway. Increased development such as residential in the area may be
incompatible with AZARNG operations at Silverbell Army Heliport unless it is
appropriately planned, and military operations are taken into consideration.
Incompatible development could result in light pollution that impacts nighttime
helicopter operations, construction of sensitive noise receptors (e.g., housing, schools,
etc.) in areas where helicopters routinely fly, and flight hazards such as communication
towers that are obstructions to safe flight operations.
It’s important that future development and roadway infrastructure improvements
around SBAH are coordinated with the AZARNG. The 2015 Updated Pinal County
Comprehensive Plan, while recognizing the military facilities and the flight operations
that occur in the County, does not provide guidance to help ensure future development
is compatible with AZARNG and other military missions in the region.
Issue:
IE‐3
AZARNG Site: The proposed Interstate 11 may impact
Silverbell Army Heliport.
Silverbell
Army Heliport
The Arizona Department of Transportation is in
the process of preparing a Tier 1 Environmental
Impact Statement for Interstate 11 (I‐11). A
section of the preferred alternative would put the
I‐11 corridor near the western boundary of
Silverbell Army Heliport, which could spur growth
around the installation.
Compatibility Assessment
The Arizona Department of Transportation is in the process of planning a portion of a
future high capacity Canada‐to‐Mexico trade corridor through Arizona. Establishment of
the I‐11 corridor has been approved by the United States Congress. The I‐11 Draft Tier 1
Environmental Impact Statement and Recommended Corridor Alternative was published
Background Report
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