SBAH Helipad Accident Potential Zones
The DoD has created safety zones around runways and landing areas based on historical
data identifying areas that are most prone to be impacted in the highly unlikely event of
an aircraft accident. These safety zones are divided into Clear Zones (CZ), Accident
Potential Zone (APZ) I, and APZ II. The zones are based on the dimensions and
classification of the associated runway or landing area. Helicopter landing pads such as
the ones located at SBAH do not have an APZ II because of their size. The orientation of
the safety zones is usually determined by typical flight patterns that aircraft take when
approaching a designated landing area. The safety zones start at the ends of the primary
surface.
For safety reasons, CZs should be entirely clear of any obstructions, whether man‐made
or natural, unless they are deemed necessary for aircraft landing. To ensure this, it is
generally the DoD’s strategy either to acquire the land, initiate a long‐term lease, or
establish an easement to prevent any development or growth. The guidelines for
development within APZ I are less stringent than in the CZ, but development should be
limited, and residential and other uses that congregate people are generally not
recommended. The primary surface encompasses all four landing pads. There are two
associated CZs that begin at both ends of the primary surface. The CZs extend to a length
of 400 feet and have a width of 300 feet. Starting at the end of each CZ, the two APZs I
extend an additional 800 feet with a width of 300 feet. The southern CZ extends outside
the boundary of SBAH over a portion of Pinal Airpark. The northern CZ is within SBAH’s
boundary. The entire southern APZ I is outside of SBAH’s boundary, over Pinal Airpark
property. Approximately 140 feet of the northern APZ I extends outside SBAH’s
boundary over undeveloped Arizona State Trust land managed by the Arizona State Land
Department. The CZs and APZs are illustrated on Figure 3‐13.
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Arizona Army National Guard Profile