Air Installation Compatible Use Zone study published

  • Published
  • By Capt. Brittany Martin
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AFB, Texas --  Sheppard Air Force Base released the results of its 2011 Air Installation Compatible Use Zone study during a public meeting at the Ray Clymer Exhibit Hall, Wichita Falls, Aug. 29.

The bottom line: noise levels have decreased since the last study conducted in 1999.

"This is a good news story for the community," 82nd Training Wing Commander, Brig. Gen. Darryl Burke said during his opening comments.

The AICUZ study provides noise level and accident potential information to the community to assist in developing land use policies. The study's purpose is two-fold: protect the health and safety of the local area and preserve the base's ability to effectively carry out its mission.

"The study looks at how we fly, where we fly, and when we fly," said 80th Flying Training Wing Commander Col. Dieter Bareihs. "Although conducted by the Air Force, it is designed primarily for the community."

The most significant finding from the study is that there has been a decrease in the noise levels due to the replacement of the T-37 Tweet primary trainer with the quieter turboprop T-6 Texan II in 2009. The accident potential zones, which are areas most likely to be affected in the event of an aircraft mishap, are relatively unchanged since the last study.

These results were presented by Bareihs Friday to area leaders, and the results were made available to any interested citizens Monday. The event also served as a forum to raise concerns about the impact of the training mission on the community.

"That is our policy - if you call with any concern, we will track down the information, whether it's our plane or Lockheed Martin's or commercial," clarified 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs Director George Woodward.

The AICUZ study is necessary to begin the Joint Land Use Study, which has been requested by the community to determine the possibility of bringing new missions to Sheppard. The JLUS process is scheduled to begin in September.

"The AICUZ looks at flying; the JLUS is more holistic in looking at the whole community," Burke explained.

When the Joint Land Use Study is complete, another community forum will be held.

The full 92-page AICUZ report is available on the Sheppard website, www.sheppard.af.mil.