Guide to Compatible Planning Around Dyess AFB

Welcome to the Dyess Air Force Base (AFB) compatible land use planning mapping portal. This website provides information enabling property owners, residents, developers, and other interested parties to be aware of and understand potential compatibility concerns when developing or using land around Dyess AFB. It also contains actions that can be taken to address such concerns.

This website was created as a follow-up to the Dyess AFB Joint Land Use Study (JLUS), which was completed in January 2018. The JLUS is a compatible land use planning tool that was developed through the collaborative efforts of a comprehensive set of stakeholders — including the City of Abilene, City of Tye, Taylor County, residents and property owners from the View/Caps community, other neighbors of Dyess AFB, and Dyess AFB. Through the study, compatible and non-recommended land uses were identified around Dyess AFB and assessed for potential impacts on property owners and Air Force missions. The outcome of the study was a set of recommended strategies to guide compatible land use and growth around Dyess AFB. The strategies are designed to support the base operations, protect property owners, and help the region’s economic growth opportunities.

For more information on the JLUS, click the links to download the documents.

 Click here to download the JLUS Executive Summary 

 Click here to download the JLUS Background Report 

 Click here to download the JLUS Report and Implementation Plan 

Dyess AFB occupies 5,453 acres in Taylor County in north-central Texas. It is incorporated into the City of Abilene and is surrounded by the City of Tye to the north, the City of Abilene to the east, the unincorporated View/Caps community to the south, and unincorporated Taylor County to the west. Dyess AFB has a workforce of more than 5,300 military and civilian employees and supports nearly 5,300 military dependents and 3,600 local military retirees. The base’s total annual economic impact on the Big Country region is nearly $528 million.  Click here  to download a brochure to learn more about why it is important to partner with Dyess AFB.

The 7th Bomb Wing is the host unit. It is charged with producing combat-ready aircrews and is the Air Force's only B-1B formal training unit. Its mission is to provide overwhelming long‐range strike capability within hours, anywhere in the world. The 7th Bomb Wing maintains 23 B-1B Lancer aircraft at Dyess AFB that collectively flew over 2,500 hours in fiscal year 2021.

The 317th Airlift Wing provides worldwide airlift support, with the primary mission of transporting personnel and equipment into combat zones. The 317th also delivers critical humanitarian aid and is frequently involved in disaster relief and emergency evacuations of American nationals from troubled areas worldwide. The 317th Airlift Wing maintains 24 C-130J Super Hercules aircraft at Dyess AFB that collectively flew over 14,880 hours in fiscal year 2021.

Other units and tenants at Dyess AFB provide a variety of other activities and support functions for the Air Force and for the B-1B and C-130J aircraft. For example, the 436th Training Squadron provides formal training to Air Combat Command using 15 schools at Dyess AFB and 38 other programs exported directly to units for local training needs.

The base also supports two squadrons that are geographically separated from other Air Force bases. The 77th Weapons Squadron is stationed at Dyess AFB and assigned to the Air Force Weapons School. It is a geographically separated unit of the 57th Wing, which is assigned to Nellis AFB in Nevada. The mission of the squadron is to provide B 1B Lancer instructional flying. The 337th Test and Evaluation Squadron is part of the 53rd Wing at Eglin AFB in Florida. Its primary mission is to test and evaluate modifications to the B 1B bomber and to train future aircrews to fly upgraded B 1Bs.

Mission activities conducted on and around Dyess AFB can impact surrounding communities if incompatible/not recommended land uses are developed. Examples of potential impacts of the Air Force mission impacts include noise and vibration from aircraft and the risk of an aircraft mishap. Conversely, the military mission is susceptible to hazards and other incompatible/not recommended land uses created by certain types of civilian development or activities, such as vertical obstructions to air space; uses that attract birds, causing safety concerns; and civilian drone operations where aircraft fly. The City of Abilene has a series of educational brochures addressing compatible land use planning around Dyess AFB. The brochures can be downloaded under the topics below.

To help property owners, developers, and planners anticipate noise levels around airports and military airfields, average day-night levels (DNLs) noise contours are modeled in increments of five decibels (dB), with associated noise contours representing the farthest points away from an airfield where each DNL can be expected. The geographic expanse between DNL contours — where different land uses are considered compatible or not recommended based on noise sensitivity — are called noise zones. While the DNL system is considered a reliable model of aircraft noise patterns, noise exposure will vary depending on several factors, including weather, aircraft type, and aircraft altitude.

Aircraft noise levels at Dyess AFB are influenced by several factors including weather, flight frequency, aircraft type, flight altitude, and flight paths. NOISEMAP noise modeling software was used to develop the DNL noise contours at Dyess AFB ranging from 65 to 8 dB DNL, with the 85 dB DNL contour being the loudest.

Properties in noise zones are likely to experience higher noise levels than properties outside, and noise-sensitive land uses may be negatively impacted. Before developing new land uses or expanding existing ones on property near Dyess AFB, owners and developers should know whether the property is located in a noise zone and what steps they may wish to take to reduce interior noise levels.

To find out whether your property is in a noise zone, contact the City of Abilene Planning and Development Services Department at (325) 676-6237.

 Click here  to download the noise education brochure to learn how noise affects property around Dyess AFB and what you can do to reduce noise impacts on new development.

There are three types of airfield safety zones:

Clear Zone (CZ) The CZ extends from each end of the runway and measures 3,000 feet long by 3,000 feet wide. It is recommended that no development occur in the CZ. Dyess AFB’s northern CZ is within the installation boundaries, but approximately half of the land in the southern CZ is privately owned. Development is prohibited through easements maintained between Dyess AFB and the property owner.

Accident Potential Zone I (APZ I) APZ I starts at the far end of each CZ and measures 5,000 feet long by 3,000 feet wide. There is less potential for mishaps in APZ I than in the CZ. However, residential uses denser than one dwelling unit per acre and other uses that congregate people are not recommended in APZ I.

Accident Potential Zone II (APZ II) APZ II starts at the far end of each APZ I and measures 7,000 feet long by 3,000 feet wide. The aircraft mishap potential in APZ II is less than in APZ I. As in APZ I, residential uses denser than one dwelling unit per acre and other uses that congregate people are not recommended in APZ II.

The APZ I and APZ II at Dyess AFB extend outside the installation boundary. If you own property within APZ I or APZ II, it may be at a greater risk of potential aircraft mishaps during takeoffs and landings and may be subject to zoning regulations adopted by the City of Abilene or the City of Tye. Contact the Abilene Planning and Development Services Department at (325) 676-6237 or the Tye City Hall at (325) 692-8588 to see if your property is within APZ I or APZ II.

 Click here  to download the safety zones education brochure to learn how airfield safety zones affect property around Dyess AFB and what you can do to minimize airfield safety impacts on new development.

Vertical obstructions are objects or structures that encroach into navigable airspace used by the military because of their height. These obstructions may pose safety hazards to both the public and military personnel and may compromise the value of low-level flight training by limiting areas where such training can occur. As a result, military readiness can be negatively affected. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) evaluates vertical obstructions through Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations — commonly known as Part 77 ─ and the FAA and Department of Defense (DoD) have developed imaginary surfaces to identify recommended maximum heights around airfields.

Imaginary surfaces extend around runways in a bowl shape. The imaginary surfaces start at specified heights measured above an established airfield elevation (EAE). The EAE for Dyess AFB’s runway is 1,789 feet above mean sea level. Any man-made or natural object that penetrates an imaginary surface is considered an obstruction.

Primary Surface This surface is located on the ground, horizontally centered on and spanning the same length as the runway. The width of the primary surface is 2,000 feet.

Approach/Departure Clearance Surface This is an inclined plane, symmetrical relative to the runway centerline, beginning 200 feet beyond each end of the primary surface and extending for 50,000 feet. The slope of this surface is 50 horizontal feet for every one vertical foot, or 50:1, along the runway centerline, until it reaches an elevation of 500 feet above the EAE (25,00 feet from the starting point). The surface then continues horizontally at this elevation for another 25,000 feet. This surface is the same width as the primary surface where first extending from the end of the runway and then flares uniformly to 16,000 feet wide at its end.

Inner Horizontal Surface This is an oval-shaped plane 150 feet above the EAE. The plane is constructed by scribing an arc with a radius of 7,50 feet about the centerline at each end of the runway and interconnecting these arcs with tangents.

Conical Surface This inclined surface extends 7,000 feet outward from the inner horizontal surface to 500 feet above the EAE with a slope of 20:1.

Outer Horizontal Surface This plane is located 500 feet above the EAE. It extends outward from the outer periphery of the conical surface for 30,00 feet.

Transitional Surfaces Transitional surfaces connect the other surfaces to each other, with a slope of 7:1.

Landing Zone Approach/Departure Clearance Surface This surface is specific to the landing zone runway. It is an inclined plane arranged symmetrically about the runway centerline, beginning at the end of the clear zone 500 feet beyond each end of the runway threshold and extending 10,500 feet. The slope is 35:1 with the surface extending 300 feet above the runway. The surface starts with a width of 500 feet and then flares uniformly until reaching a width of 2,500 feet at 10,500 feet above the runway.

Property owners or developers who propose projects that include structures taller than 200 feet should submit an Obstruction Evaluation form to the FAA to determine whether the structures would constitute vertical obstructions. The FAA may waive height restrictions and approve taller buildings or structures if the obstruction is minimal and certain conditions are met. Vertical obstructions are most likely to occur in the approach/ departure clearance surface. The closer a property is to a runway, the more likely a tall structure will be a vertical obstruction. Vertical obstructions are also a concern in low-level flight areas, which are often close to airfields. Height limitations are associated with each surface to help identify existing and potential obstructions. Structures proposed within the imaginary surfaces should be evaluated based on their height and distance from the airfield to determine whether they pose a vertical obstruction.

To find out if your proposed development may cause a vertical obstruction, coordinate with the appropriate city to determine the allowable height of a structure on your property.

 Click here  to download the vertical obstructions education brochure to learn how vertical obstructions impact flight activity around Dyess AFB and what you can do to minimize vertical obstructions on your property.

Drones are unmanned aircraft remotely controlled by ground-based operators using wireless communication systems. Drones come in a variety of shapes and sizes and carry out different functions. The military uses highly sophisticated drones, from hand-held to aircraft-sized, and for purposes ranging from surveillance and reconnaissance to tactical and offensive. Civilian drones are typically much smaller than military drones and are most often used for recreational, commercial, or educational purposes. Most civilian drones are multi-rotor designs that use helicopter-style rotors to lift and propel the aircraft; they usually have short- to medium-range capabilities. They can carry small loads like cameras for short distances, adding to their functionality. Some common commercial uses for these types of drones are land survey, aerial photography, and disaster relief support.

Drone operations near Dyess AFB create two primary concerns for the Air Force — safety and security. Operating drones near Dyess AFB, as well as Abilene Regional Airport, poses safety risks to pilots, passengers, and the general public due to the potential for aerial collisions and crashes. Drones flown too close to or over Dyess AFB also pose security risks, as it is unknown if they will be used to record operations, other activities, or conversations or if they are carrying harmful materials or weapons. These uses may or may not have nefarious intent but threaten installation security, regardless.

A Department of Defense (DoD) policy instituted in 2017 grants military installations the authority to track, disable, and destroy drones determined a threat to an installation or military mission. Dyess AFB uses various methods to manage drone threats.

The FAA regulates drone usage to ensure safe aircraft operations. FAA regulations limit the use of drones within five miles of large and medium-sized airports and in security-sensitive airspace. The latter includes airspace over military installations, national landmarks, and critical infrastructure such as power plants and transmission lines. The regulations cover two categories of drones: under 55 pounds and over 55 pounds. The Unmanned Aircraft Systems Rule (14 CFR, Part 107), referred to as the Small UAS Rule, regulates drones under 55 pounds. To operate larger drones, an exemption from the 55-pound weight restriction must be obtained under Special Authority for Certain Unmanned Systems (49 USC 44807). FAA regulations also limit drone operations near airports and military airfields.

The State of Texas regulates certain types of drone operations and uses, and prohibits flight over specific uses under Texas Government Code Chapter 423. Texas state law prohibits the use of drones to capture imagery of individuals or of private property for unlawful surveillance purposes (Section 423.003). The law also prohibits drone operations over critical infrastructure, including military installations such as Dyess AFB (Section 423.0045).

 Click here  to download the drone safety education brochure to learn what effects drones have on aircraft safety, how they are regulated, and where to find additional resources about safe and legal drone operations.

Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) refers to a possible collision between an animal (usually a bird) and an aircraft. Bird strikes can cause significant damage to aircraft and, in some cases, may render aircraft completely irreparable. Such damage results in delayed air missions and may result in injury or loss of life to aircrews and passengers. Bird strikes threaten the safety of Dyess AFB pilots and the local community and increase operating costs for the installation. From 2007 through 2022, there were 791 bird strikes with military aircraft at or near Dyess AFB, resulting in nearly $4.8 million in aircraft damage.

The Cities of Abilene and Tye regulate certain types of development that may attract birds in their respective Airport Zoning Regulations ordinances. These regulations apply to properties in the BASH Relevancy Area, which has a radius of five miles around Dyess AFB’s air operations area. The regulations apply only to specific uses that are likely to attract birds and thus cause a bird safety hazard near the airfield. The air operations area encompasses all parts of the airfield where aircraft may operate. The regulations are not likely to affect the average property owner, as they apply more to municipal uses than to private development.

If you own property in the BASH Relevancy Area, consider whether new development or activity may attract birds. Certain types of land use and water features, such as feed lots, horse stables, grain crops, waste disposal operations, golf courses, wetlands, water bodies, and fishing operations, have greater potential to attract birds and wildlife and should be carefully considered before their development near Dyess AFB. If these uses already exist, keeping them sanitary and installing bird-repelling devices such as netting or life-like scarecrows and predator decoys may reduce bird activity.

 Click here  to download the BASH education brochure to learn how land uses that attract birds affect flight safety around Dyess AFB and what you can do to minimize bird attractions on your property.

The interactive map can be used to generally identify whether your property lies within one of the Dyess AFB mission footprint areas described above. To make a final determination whether your property is within one of these footprints, contact the City of Abilene or City of Tye.

Turning Layers On and Off To turn different layers and Dyess AFB mission footprints on and off, use the “Layer List” menu at the top right to select the layers that you want to view to identify the footprint(s) in which a specific property is located.

Zooming In and Out Click, hold, and drag the map to your approximate issue location. Use the + and - buttons in the top left to zoom in and out. (Note: additional street names will appear as you zoom in).

Selecting a Parcel When you zoom in enough you will see parcel boundaries. When you click on a parcel, a pop-up will appear, which will list information and planning considerations for the parcel based on the layers selected from the Layers List.

Changing the Basemap To change the basemap to another option, select the “Basemap” menu at the top right.

Disclaimer: This product is for informational purposes and may not have been prepared for or be suitable for legal, engineering, or surveying purposes. It does not represent an on-the-ground survey and represents only the approximate relative location of property boundaries, Dyess AFB mission footprints, and other data.

City of Abilene, Planning and Development Service

555 Walnut Street Suite 100 Abilene, TX 79601 Phone: (325) 676-6237

City of Tye, City Hall

649 Scott St PO Box 369 Tye, TX 79563 Phone: (325) 692-8588

Abilene Chamber of Commerce, Military Affairs Committee

400 Pine, 5th Floor Abilene, Texas 79601 Phone: (325) 677-7241

 _{This website was prepared under contract with the City of Abilene, TX, as a component of the Dyess AFB Joint Land Use Study Implementation. Financial support to develop this brochure was provided by the Department of Defense Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC). The content reflects the views of the City of Abilene and other project partners and not necessarily those of the OLDCC.}