Another factor to consider related to operations at SBAH is the helipad accident potential
zones (APZs) and clear zones (CZs). Requirements for helipad CZs and APZs are
established through DoD Unified Facilities Criteria 3‐260‐01 Airfield and Heliport Planning
and Design. For safety reasons, CZs should be entirely clear of any obstructions, whether
man‐made or natural, unless they are necessary for aircraft landing. The CZs at SBAH
extend to a length of 400 feet from the edge of the helipad surface and have a width of
300 feet. 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. 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 land managed by the Arizona State Land Department. The
CZs and APZs are illustrated on Figure 3‐13 in Chapter 3 of this Background Report.
As future land planning and development progresses in southern Pinal County, northern
Pima County and the Town of Marana, it is vitally important for the jurisdictions and the
AZARNG to work closely and avoid incompatible development around SBAH. Because
SBAH is adjacent to the Pinal Airpark, there is an opportunity for both the military and
civil aircraft / helicopter operations to be supported by collaborative planning and
development that minimizes impacts to all aviation activities in the area.
Issue:
LU‐4
AZARNG Site: Future growth of Red Rock community may
be impacted by helicopter operations.
Silverbell
Army Heliport
There are plans to expand Red Rock Village, a
master planned community north of SBAH. If not
properly coordinated with the AZARNG, future
growth could occur under helicopter flight routes
and be impacted by AZARNG operations.
Compatibility Assessment
Red Rock is a small but growing unincorporated community located in southern Pinal
County approximately three miles north of SBAH and about 30 miles northwest of
Tucson. Red Rock is located along the west side of I‐10 making it easily accessible from
both Tucson and Phoenix. Red Rock Village is a master planned community located in
Red Rock, that when fully built out is planned to include 3,500 homes along with needed
infrastructure and commercial facilities. There is an elementary school and local fire
department to support current and future residents. As of the 2010 census, the
Background Report
5-85