MCO 11010.16A — Air Installations Compatible Use Zones (aicuz) Program

MCO 11010.16A governs the Department of the Navy’s Air Installations Compatible Use Zones program, including its policies and procedures.

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  • Publication number: MCO 11010.16A
  • Title: AIR INSTALLATIONS COMPATIBLE USE ZONES (AICUZ) PROGRAM
  • Date: 11 Apr 2022
  • Proponent: 11000 Facilities & Activities Ashore
  • Status: Current

View MCO 11010.16A on armypubs.army.mil


It addresses AICUZ studies, aircraft noise, accident potential, obstruction clearances, compatible land use, airfield implementation, and real property interests. It requires annual review, timely implementation of recommendations, and land use planning that accounts for noise and safety impacts.

Applies to: This instruction applies to all U.S. Navy and USMC airfields within the U.S. and to airfields hosting U.S. Navy and USMC aviation activities which do not otherwise operate a DoD AICUZ program.

Topics covered

  • AICUZ studies
  • Accident potential zones
  • Aircraft noise contours
  • Compatible land use
  • Obstruction and safety clearances
  • Shared-use airfields
  • Real property acquisition
  • NEPA compliance

Questions and answers

What must be shown as part of the AICUZ footprint?

Clear Zones and APZs must be depicted on- and off- installation, over land and over water as part of the AICUZ footprint whether or not the DON owns a real property interest. (paragraph 1)

When is a Clear Zone required for rotary-wing facilities?

A Clear Zone is required for all visual flight rules (VFR) rotary-wing landing pads, landing zones or runways. (paragraph 2)

How must aircraft noise contours be developed?

All noise contours should be developed by a computerized simulation of aircraft activity at the installation and reflect site-specific operational data (e.g., flight tracks, type and mix of aircraft, aircraft profiles [airspeed, altitude, power settings]) and frequency and times of flight operations and ground maintenance operations, including all engine run-ups. (paragraph 4)

What standard applies to land use compatibility in APZs?

The AICUZ study’s land use compatibility analysis should reflect the standards in Appendix C, Tables 1 and 2 or local ordinances, whichever is more restrictive. (paragraph 4)

When may proposed aircraft mission changes require NEPA compliance?

The establishment of a new air installation, airfield, auxiliary field or OLF – or proposed changes to an existing installation’s aircraft or flying mission – may constitute a significant federal action requiring NEPA compliance actions (see references (t) and (u)). (paragraph 5)

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