scope:

This manual prescribes dimensional and geometric layout criteria for safe standards for airfields, landing zones, heliports and helipads, and related permanent facilities, as well as the navigational airspace surrounding these facilities. Manned aircraft facilities are addressed in Chapters 1 through 6. Landing Zones used by C-130 and C-17 aircraft are addressed in Chapter 7. Airfield facilities used by Short Take-off Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft are addressed in Chapter 8. Airfield facilities for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are addressed in Chapter 9. Criteria in this manual pertain to all Department of Defense (DoD) military facilities in the United States, its territories, trusts, and possessions, and unless otherwise noted, to DoD facilities overseas on which the United States has vested base rights. For DoD facilities overseas; if a written agreement exists between the host nation and the DoD that requires application of either North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), or Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards, those standards will apply as stipulated within the agreement; however, DoD proponents will apply the criteria within this manual to the maximum extent practicable. United States Air Force (USAF) bases within the European theater may be authorized by Headquarters United States Forces in Europe (HQ USAFE) to use NATO criteria (See USAFEI 32-1007). Tenant organizations on civil airports in the continental United States (CONUS) will use these criteria to the extent practicable; otherwise, FAA criteria will apply. Specifically, on airfield areas that are joint-use or with restrictions and clear zones generated by joint-use areas, the FAA criteria contained in FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 150/5300-13 is applicable. For areas where airfield surfaces are National Guard Bureau (NGB), Army Reserve or Air Force Reserve controlled, whether fee-owned or exclusive use leased, the criteria contained in this manual are applicable.

Purpose.

This manual provides standardized airfield, heliport, and airspace criteria for the geometric layout, design, and construction of runways, helipads, taxiways, aprons, landing zones (LZs), short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) facilities, unmanned aircraft system (UAS) facilities and related permanent facilities to meet sustained operations.