What is AICUZ

The Department of Defense (DoD) AICUZ program promotes compatible land use through participation in local, regional, state and federal land use planning control and coordination processes. In accordance with State law, Dyess participates in local land use planning efforts by consulting with municipal and county governments. This process ensures open communication between Dyess staff and local decision makers on development issues around the installation.

AICUZ Study

The AICUZ Study describes current air operations and procedures, the Dyess noise environment, areas for increased accident potential, and hazards to air operations posed by tall structures. The study also provides recommendations for compatible land use development based on nationally recognized standards.

Table of Contents
Chapter 1, Introduction
Chapter 2, Installation Description
Chapter 3, Land Use Constraints and Compatibility Guidelines
Chapter 4, Land Use Analysis
Chapter 5, AICUZ Strategies and Responsibilities
Chapter 6, References
Appendices
Dyess AICUZ Map (Choose layers on left tool bar to customize map)
Dyess AICUZ Citizens Brochure

Airfield Height Restrictions:

The Federal Aviation Administration and DOD have identified height limitations for structures around military airports. Imaginary surfaces, defined at 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 77, establish criteria for determining obstructions to air navigation. Click here for a description of these surfaces.

Noise Zones

The AICUZ Program provides information on day-night average sound levels (noise zones) generated by aircraft operations on Dyess. The AICUZ Program uses a Day-Night Average Sound Level (DNL) metric developed and approved in the early 1970s by the USEPA. Noise zones are described in Chapter 3 of the AICUZ study.

Local Government

USAF Recommended Land UsE

The information presented in the table is essentially the same as the information provided in the June 1980 publication by the Federal Interagency Committee on Urban Noise entitled Guidelines for Considering Noise in Land Use Planning Control (FICUN 1980). The table is organized by codes found in the Standard Land Use Coding Manual (SLUCM) published by the U.S. Urban Renewal Administration in 1965. The key and notes at the end of the table define and qualify recommended land use criteria.

Encroachment

Encroachment is largely a problem of conflicting military and civilian land uses. By applying smart land use planning principles and practices, the goal is to achieve a balance: To preserve and protect the public health, safety, and welfare of those living near Dyess AFB while at the same time maintaining the viability of the installation and its military missions and operations.

Urban Growth

Since Dyess AFB was re-opened in 1956, urban development has moved west and south towards the base and developed moderately north of the base. However, encroachment due to urban growth is not currently a significant factor in the continued operation of Dyess AFB. Click here to view a slide presentation depicting parcel development since 1946. The map shows parcels of less than 10 acres in size with built real estate.

Dyess AFB Economic Impact

Dyess Air Force Base (AFB) plays a key role in the economy of the Abilene region, providing significant economic benefits to the local community. For detailed information on Dyess' economic contributions to the Big Country, please review the Dyess Economic Resource Impact Statement.

APZ

Accident Potential Zones (APZs) are based upon statistical analyses of past Department of Defense (DOD) aircraft accidents. APZs consist of a clear zone (CZ), APZ I, and APZ II. The CZ, the area closest to the runway end, is the most potentially hazardous. APZ I is an area beyond the CZ that possesses a significant potential for accidents. APZ II is an area beyond APZ I having a lower, but still significant, potential for accidents. The U.S. Air Force strongly encourages land use planning and controls in these areas for the protection of the public. Please see Chapter 3 of AICUZ study.

Wind FarmS

Since 2000, wind farm development in Taylor, Shackelford, and Nolan counties has presented the potential of a significant land use incompatibility due to obstruction hazards to flying aircraft. Dyess AFB has been actively coordinating with the industry as well as federal, state and local officials to communicate the ramifications of this possibly incompatible development. Wind farm development can particularly affect the low-level military training routes (MTRs) and military operations areas (MOAs) used by the B-1B Lancer and drop zones (DZs) used by C-130 Hercules aircraft. Wind turbines can also potentially block the NEXRAD weather radar located to the east of the base in Shackelford County, which is the primary weather radar for Dyess AFB. To discuss future wind farm development, contact the Dyess Airspace Manager.

Federal Government