The AZARNG, when aware of existing or planned private airstrips takes steps to ensure
military helicopter pilots are aware of the potential for aircraft traffic at and around the
airstrips. Sometimes referred to “Fly Friendly”, pilots are advised of specific areas where
they need to be aware and possibly be prepared to take specific actions to minimize the
potential for unplanned situations. In some cases, helicopter pilots avoid overflights of
specific areas.
Private airstrip in Queen
Creek AZ
Source: Redfin,
https://www.redfin.com.
Section 2.151.010 of the Pinal County zoning ordinance requires a Special Use Permit
(SUP) for certain types of development including the construction and operation of an
airport, heliport or landing field, which are only allowed in I‐2, I‐3, CI‐1, CI‐2, and SR
zoning districts. The ordinance defines the following:
“Airport, commercial” means an airport, landing strip or landing field used by or
available to commercial carriers, flight training or flying schools, private pilots or
owners of noncommercial aircraft on a commercial basis.
“Airport, private” means an airport, landing strip or landing field owned and used
by owners of noncommercial aircraft, including private bona fide flying clubs, on
a noncommercial basis.
The zoning ordinance requires an extensive series of steps and reviews prior to a SUP
being approved, but it does not specifically call out a review by or notification to the
AZARNG to help ensure applicable flying documents are updated and military pilots are
aware of an airfield to avoid potential conflicts.
Issue:
LAS‐7
AZARNG Site: AZARNG has a need to conduct specific
types of helicopter flight and landing
Silverbell
Army Heliport operation training throughout Pinal County.
Helicopter operations and associated training
activities require take‐off, low‐level flight
(nap‐of‐the‐earth), night operations, navigation,
and rough terrain landing (environmental‐based
training). These operations are critical to military
readiness and must be conducted in a manner
that minimizes incompatibility with surrounding
communities.
Compatibility Assessment
The mission of the AZARNG is to deploy to locations around the world and conduct
combat operations in all types of conditions. In addition, support provided by the
AZARNG for civil emergencies requires military members to be ready to operate in
varying on‐the‐ground conditions. In order for AZARNG soldiers to be combat /
5-66
Compatibility Assessment