Air Installation Compatible Use Zone (AICUZ) Study for Andrews Air Force Base
In 1998, Wyle Laboratories (as a sub-consultant to Higgenbotham & Briggs) updated the original AICUZ Study for Andrews Air Force Base (AFB). The 1998 update was initiated due to flight track and operational changes and to reevaluate the aircraft noise and accident potential related to Air Force flying operations.
The AICUZ was designed to aid in the development of local planning mechanisms which will protect the public safety and health, as well as preserve the operational capabilities of Andrews AFB.
Wyle assisted in the evolution and application of Air Mobility Command's new format for AICUZ documentation, significantly departing from and improving upon the Air Force's traditional format. The focus of the new format was the content and layout of the AICUZ Study and the generation of the AICUZ Resource Book. The AICUZ Study provided a more detailed description and depiction of the flight tracks and flight operations than traditional formats. The Study also demonstrated the use of a Geographical Information System (GIS) to estimate affected acreage, housing units and population within Day-Night Average Sound Level (DNL) contours and standard Accident Potential Zones (APZ). GIS was also employed to analyze existing and future incompatible land use in the vicinity of Andrews AFB.
The AICUZ Resource Book provides expanded information regarding noise modeling, including unique graphical depictions of each flight profile, for ease of future updates.
As part of the AICUZ documents, Wyle also devised a plan for AICUZ implementation and maintenance.