TY2 TYNDALL AFB ALTERNATIVE
Tyndall AFB and its associated airspace represent one of the Air Force’s alternatives for the
beddown of the Initial F-22 Operational Wing. This section details the elements of the alternative
for both the base and the associated airspace.
TY2.1
Tyndall AFB: Base
The four elements with the potential to affect Tyndall AFB include (1)
beddown of F-22s; (2) sorties by F-22s; (3) construction; and (4)
personnel changes. Tyndall AFB supports advanced fighter pilot
training for one squadron of F-15Cs (27 Primary Aircraft Inventory
[PAI] and Backup Aircraft Inventory [BAI] aircraft) and two squadrons
Unlike the proposed action and
of F-22s (60 PAI and BAI aircraft). The aircraft delivery schedule for
other basing alternatives, no
the F-22s begins with the first training squadron in February 2003
drawdown of F-15C aircraft
through September 2008, with 23 of 30 aircraft being in place by July
would accompany the beddown
of F-22s for the initial
2004. The second training squadron will arrive between June 2007 and
Operational Wing.
March 2008. Because the Air Force has already made the decision to
place the 60 advanced fighter pilot training F-22s at Tyndall, this
analysis assumes these aircraft are already part of the baseline, as they would be by the time the full
complement of jets for the first Operational Wing are delivered. Because the F-15C will continue to
be used by the Air Force, F-15C training would continue at Tyndall. Both the F-22 and F-15C
training squadrons would remain at Tyndall AFB, and advanced fighter pilot training for both
aircraft types would continue after beddown of the Initial F-22 Operational Wing.
TY2.1.1 Beddown of F-22s
A total of 72 PAI F-22 aircraft, divided into three squadrons of 24
PAI consists of the F-22s
aircraft, would comprise the Operational Wing at Tyndall AFB. Each
authorized and assigned to
squadron would receive two additional reserve F-22s as replacements for
perform the wing’s missions.
operational aircraft that require maintenance or are otherwise out of
BAI includes F-22s used as
service. The Initial F-22 Operational Wing would be established as an
substitutes for PAI aircraft
undergoing maintenance or
independent Air Combat Command wing, separate from the Air
th
th
otherwise unable to fly.
Education and Training Command (AETC) 325 Fighter Wing (325
FW). The new F-22 Operational Wing organization would include its
own support structure and commander. If selected as the initial beddown location, the exact wing
designation would be determined at a later date.
The operational F-22 beddown would start in September 2004 with delivery of the first F-22 to the
base; by June 2007, the full complement of 78 (PAI and BAI) operational F-22s would be at the base
and the beddown complete. The beddown process would occur over three years and would be
linked to development of the individual operational squadrons (Table TY2.1-1).
Tyndall AFB
Page TY2-1
Initial F-22 Operational Wing Beddown Draft EIS
Table TY2.1-1. Proposed Operational F-22
Beddown Schedule: Tyndall AFB
Year
Baseline
2004
2005
2006
2007
Operational
F-22 Aircraft Delivered
0
7
25
26
14
Operational F-22
PAI Aircraft
0
7
32
58
72
Unlike the proposed action or other alternatives, Tyndall AFB supports no operational squadrons of
F-15Cs to “swap” with the F-22s. The discussion below, therefore, excludes mention of an F-15C
drawdown and presents the proposed beddown as an additive action. Tyndall AFB would continue
to support 104 other aircraft including 60 F-22s and 27 F-15Cs used for advanced fighter pilot
training, F-16s, target drones, and transient (visitor) aircraft such as A-10s, F-14s, F-18s, F-16s, and
transports. At the completion of the proposed F-22 beddown, a total of 269 aircraft would be based
at Tyndall AFB.
TY2.1.2 Sorties
Like existing operational F-15C squadrons at other bases, the operational F-22 squadrons at Tyndall
AFB would be integrated into the Air Force’s Expeditionary Air Force (EAF) Construct. The EAF
program grew out of the need for the United States to deploy forces worldwide despite the
reduction in United States overseas basing and personnel. Under the EAF, the Air Force has
divided its forces into 10 Aerospace Expeditionary Forces (AEFs) and 2 Aerospace Expeditionary
Wings (AEWs) to make worldwide deployments more predictable and manageable. An AEF is a
“package” (groups of different types of aircraft with a mix of capabilities suited to the tasking)
deployed to overseas locations for about 90 days. These AEFs consist of wings or squadrons from
multiple United States bases, and may operate as a unit or be integrated with other forces overseas.
Pre- and/or post-deployment training at locations other than a “home” base also occur
approximately another 30 days out of the year. Squadrons or wings at the bases are rotated into the
AEF program on a 15-month cycle. The fighter pilot training F-15Cs and F-22s at Tyndall AFB are
not part of an AEF and do not deploy.
The Initial F-22 Operational Wing would fly 11,187 sorties per year
from Tyndall AFB by 2007. Based on projected requirements and
deployment patterns, the F-22 Operational Wing would fly an
additional 5,760 sorties at overseas airfields during deployments or at
other locations for exercises or in preparation for deployments. On
average, each squadron (24 PAI aircraft) would be deployed for 120 days per year (90 days AEF and
30 days pre- or post-AEF training); this equates to a single squadron being deployed all year. In
addition, each squadron would participate in training exercises and operate out of another United
States or overseas base for an average of one week per year, flying up to 333 (or 111 sorties per
squadron) sorties at remote locations other than Tyndall AFB. Some of these sorties could involve
A sortie is the flight of a
single aircraft from takeoff
through landing.
Page TY2-2
Tyndall AFB
Initial F-22 Operational Wing Beddown Draft EIS
ordnance delivery training or missile firing at approved ranges such as the Nellis Range Complex
(Nevada) or Utah Test and Training Range. Operational F-22s from Tyndall AFB could also use
Eglin AFB’s over-water ranges in the Gulf of Mexico.
Beddown of the Initial
F-22 Operational Wing at
Tyndall AFB would result
in an increase of 11,187
sorties at the base.
The 11,187 F-22 sorties at Tyndall AFB would be in addition to the
baseline operations flown by advanced fighter pilots training with
F-15Cs and F-22s at the base (Table TY2.1-2). This increase in
operations would result directly from the addition of 72 PAI aircraft at
Tyndall AFB. At completion of the proposed beddown, the F-22s from
the initial Operational Wing would perform 30 percent of all sorties.
Table TY2.1-2. Comparison of Annual
Baseline and Projected Sorties
Baseline
Aircraft
Sorties
Projected
Operational
F-22 Sorties
Total Projected
Sorties
26,248
11,187
37,435
The F-22s would employ similar departure and landing procedures as used by the advanced pilot
training F-22s and F-15Cs at the base. The operational F-22s would generally be indistinguishable
from the training F-22s. When compared to an F-15C, the F-22’s power allows it to accelerate more
quickly to climb speed and reduce power sooner past the departure end of the runway. All
proposed F-22 airfield operations would adhere to existing restrictions, avoidance procedures, and
the quiet-hours program at Tyndall AFB.
The F-22 would fly 30 percent of sorties after dark (i.e., about 1 hour after
sunset) as required for the operational F-15Cs under the Air Force’s
initiative to increase readiness. Approximately 5 percent (out of the total 30
percent) of the after-dark sorties are expected to occur during
environmental night (10:00 pm to 7:00 am). The total annual sorties during
environmental night would increase by 559, or by about two for every flying
day (260 flying days/year).
Environmental night
(10:00 pm to 7:00 am) is
the period when the effects
of aircraft noise on people
are accentuated.
Due to thrust-to-weight relationships, the operational F-22s use the afterburner 5 percent or less of
the time on takeoff. This would be similar to the training F-22 takeoff.
TY2.1.3 Construction
F-22 operations would require additional infrastructure and facilities (Table
TY2.1-3). A total of 40 construction, modification, or infrastructure
improvement projects would be implemented over the period from 2002 to
2004 (Figure TY2.1-1). One of these projects includes a dormitory complex
for 360 unaccompanied military personnel. Most construction would occur
Tyndall AFB
Proposed Operational
Wing construction at
Tyndall AFB would cost
over $300 million and
take 3 years to complete.
Page TY2-3
Initial F-22 Operational Wing Beddown Draft EIS
Table TY2.1-3. Proposed Construction and Modifications
for Tyndall AFB
(Page 1 of 2)
Year
Description
Action
Affected Area
In Acres
2002
Low Observable/Composite Repair
Facility
Construct
1.92
2002
Fighter Squadron
Operations/Maintenance Hangar
Construct
3.40
2002
Flight Simulator
Construct
0.96
2002
Armament/Weapons Release
Construct
1.38
2002
Engine Shop Storage
Upgrade/Addition
0.46
2002
Fuel Cell Hangar
Construct
1.10
2002
Parts Store
Construct
1.52
2002
Vertical Wing Tank Storage
Construct
3.04
2002
Maintenance Shops
Construct
2.20
2002
Aerospace Ground Equipment (AGE)
Building
Construct
1.16
2002
Weapon Load and Maintenance Trainer
Construct
1.10
2002
Munitions Maintenance Facility
Construct
0.42
2002
Munitions Administration
Construct
0.30
2002
Munitions Control
Construct
0.32
2002
Missile Shop
Construct
0.20
2002
Munitions Area
Upgrade/Addition
0.58
2002
Survival Equipment Shop
Construct
0.56
2002
Mobility Processing Center
Construct
1.52
2002
Training Detachment Facility
Upgrade
0.92
2002
Administrative
Construct
3.86
2002
Fire Pit Training
Construct
0.42
2002
Taxiways
Construct
2.80
2002
Airfield Navaids
Construct
Varied
2002/03/04
3 Igloos
Construct
0.26
2002/03/04
Apron
Construct
16.06
Page TY2-4
Tyndall AFB
Initial F-22 Operational Wing Beddown Draft EIS
Table TY2.1-3. Proposed Construction and Modifications
for Tyndall AFB
(Page 2 of 2)
Year
Description
Action
Affected Area
In Acres
2002/03/04
Dormitories (360 spaces)
Construct
4.60
2002/03/04
Petroleum, Oils, Lubricants
NA
NA
2002/03/04
Hydrant System/Hot Pit Refueling
Construct
2.00
2002/03/04
Temporary Lodging Facility
Construct
2.00
2002/03/04
Transportation, Civil Engineering,
Supply, Security Forces
NA
NA
2002/03/04
Various Support Facilities
Upgrade
0.46
2002/03/04
Roads, Streets, Parking Lots
Upgrade
Varied1
2003
Hush House Foundation
Construct
0.046
2003
Fire Department
Construct
0.68
2003
Fighter Squadron Operations/
Maintenance Hangar
Construct
3.40
2003/04
Dining Hall
Construct
0.46
2003/04
Fitness Center
Construct
1.60
2003/04
Youth Center
Construct
0.68
2004
Fighter Squadron Operations/
Maintenance Hangar
Construct
3.40
2002/03/04
Associated Utilities/Infrastructure
Construct
6.58
Total
≈73
Note: 1. Included in affected area for other facilities.
Tyndall AFB
Page TY2-5
Initial F-22 Operational Wing Beddown Draft EIS
in the years 2002 and 2003. In total, the construction, modifications, and infrastructure
improvements would affect about 73 acres and cost approximately $305.4 million. Affected acres
represent the area covered by the construction footprints of the proposed facilities plus the
surrounding lands where construction-related clearing and grading would occur. Infrastructure
upgrades, such as connecting new facilities to water and power systems, would also add to the
affected areas on the base.
Construction of three new squadron operations/maintenance hangars, maintenance shops, aircraft
parking aprons, dormitories, taxiways, and a low-observable composite repair facility represent the
most substantial construction projects proposed at Tyndall AFB. All construction and modification
projects would be located in the northwest portion of the airfield (see Figure TY2.1-1).
Since Tyndall AFB would also include the F-22s for advanced fighter
pilot training, there could be some efficiencies in functions and facilities
at the base because similar established procedures would be used. The
F-22s, either operational or training, would use all the appropriate
facilities constructed for the aircraft. However, the demands of both
the training and operational squadrons would not be expected to allow
the construction of facilities described above to be substantially reduced.
During scoping, a
commentor noted that there
could be efficiencies of
having the F-22 training
squadrons and the
operational squadrons at
one location.
TY2.1.4 Personnel Changes
Addition of personnel due to
the proposed F-22 beddown
would result in a 30 percent
increase in overall personnel
at the base.
All aircraft require preparation and maintenance in order to function
effectively and safely. Fulfilling these needs involves activities such as
fueling, arming (i.e., loading ordnance on the aircraft), maintaining,
and repairing. Tyndall AFB will already support 54 PAI plus 6 BAI F22s for pilot training; therefore, most installation operations and
maintenance procedures needed for the Operational Wing beddown
would be in effect on base.
Additional personnel would be required to support and fly the Initial F-22 Operational Wing.
Overall, 1,846 additional personnel would be required to support the F-22 Operational Wing. For
Tyndall AFB, the F-22 personnel positions would add to baseline manpower authorizations (Table
TY2.1-4).
Tyndall AFB
Page TY2-7
Initial F-22 Operational Wing Beddown Draft EIS
Table TY2.1-4. Proposed Personnel Changes: Tyndall AFB
Baseline
Personnel
Total
Projected
Personnel
F-22
Projected
Personnel
Total
Total Change
in Personnel
September 2004
–August 2005
September 2005
–June 2006
September 2006
–June 2007
CHANGE PER BEDDOWN
PHASE1
Officer
769
169
938
+169
+56
+56
+57
Enlisted
2,748
1,598
4,346
+1,598
+532
+533
+533
2,715
791
2,7941
+79
+26
+26
+27
1,846
8,0781
+1,846
+614
+615
+617
Civilian
Total
6,232
Note: 1. Includes 54 contractor personnel.
As shown in Table TY2.1-4, the Air Force expects changes in personnel to occur in three phases
associated with the establishment of the three squadrons from September 2004 through June 2007.
TY2.2
Tyndall AFB: Training Airspace
TY2.2.1 Airspace Use
At Tyndall AFB, the operational F-22s would conduct the same missions and training programs in a
manner similar to the Eglin operational F-15Cs now using that airspace. All operational F-22 flight
activities are assumed to take place in existing airspace; no airspace modifications would be required
for the F-22.
The affected airspace units for the Tyndall AFB alternative include primary and occasional use
airspace. These airspace units are heavily used by Tyndall AFB and Eglin AFB based aircraft. If
Tyndall were to be selected for the Initial F-22 Operational Wing beddown, and Eglin maintained
their current aircraft, ensuring the availability of airspace could be a challenge. For the purpose of
this analysis, cooperative scheduling between the two installation airspace managers is assumed so as
to enable scheduling of the additional aircraft in the airspace units. The primary airspace units
consist of four Warning Areas (designated with a “W”), two Military Operations Areas (MOAs)
(Moody 3 and Tyndall LLA [Table TY2.2-1 and Figure 2.2-1]), and two Work Areas (Carabelle and
Compass Lake). These primary affected airspace units all lie within the flight distance available
during a standard daily flight operation. The operational F-22s would use these airspace units for
almost 100 percent of their training. Three additional airspace units, Camden Ridge/Pine Hill
MOA, Rose Hill MOA, and W-168 are identified as “occasional use” airspace for operational F-22
aircraft in this Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and are expected to receive less than 1
percent of the activity of the operational F-22s.
Page TY2-8
Tyndall AFB
Initial F-22 Operational Wing Beddown Draft EIS
Tyndall AFB
Page TY2-9
Figure TY2.2-1
Airspace Associated with Tyndall AFB
Initial F-22 Operational Wing Beddown Draft EIS
Table TY2.2-1. Baseline and Projected Sortie-Operations in
Airspace Associated with Tyndall AFB
Airspace Unit
W-151
W-1554
W-453
W-470
Moody 3 MOA
Tyndall LLA MOA1
Carabelle Work Area2
Compass Lake Work Area3
Floor
(feet)
surface
surface
surface
surface
8,000 MSL
300 AGL
9,000 MSL
9,000 MSL
Ceiling
(feet)
unlimited
60,000 MSL
50,000 MSL
unlimited
18,000 MSL
18,000 MSL
18,000 MSL
18,000 MSL
Total
Baseline Projected Projected
Use
F-22 Use Total Use
16,472
2,912
19,384
400
448
8484
2,939
672
3,611
17,935
5,824
23,759
5,017
112
5,129
1,831
448
2,279
3,808
390
4,198
3,614
390
4,004
Notes: 1. Tyndall Low-Level MOA consists of Tyndall C, D, and E MOAs; Tyndall C and D MOAs have a ceiling of 6,000 feet
MSL and Tyndall E MOA has a ceiling of 18,000 feet MSL.
2. Carabelle Work Area is within Tyndall E and is a training area scheduled for use with certain operating procedures
(Tyndall AFI 11-401: Flying Operations).
3. Compass Lake Work Area overlies Tyndall B, C, and H MOAs and comprises a training area when these three MOAs
are scheduled together.
4. W-155 may support unscheduled sortie-operations due to the availability of other Warning Areas.
MSL = mean sea level; AGL = above ground level
By the completion of the beddown in 2007 and the addition of F-22 operational sorties, total sortieoperations would increase in each of the primary airspace units from 10 to 112 percent above
baseline levels. In the most heavily used (i.e., most sortie-operations) airspace units (W-151 and
W-470), addition of operational F-22 sortie-operations would increase total sortie-operations by 18
and 32 percent, respectively. In the other two Warning Areas (W-453 and W-155), total sortieoperations would increase 23 and 112 percent. This would represent an additional 38 sortieoperations per flying day (260 days/year) cumulatively for all the Warning Areas. Increases in sortieoperations in the MOAs and Work Areas would range from 2 to 24 percent, with less than 1 to
about 2 additional sortie-operations per flying day. Operational F-22s would account for 2 to 25
percent of total sortie-operations in the primary airspace units.
F-15C and F-22 aircraft used for advanced fighter pilot training and based at Tyndall AFB, as well as
F-15Cs from Eglin AFB, would continue to conduct sortie-operations in W-151, W-470, Moody 3
MOA, and Tyndall LLA MOA. In W-470 and the Tyndall LLA, these advanced fighter pilot
training F-15Cs and F-22s and the Eglin F-15Cs represent the dominant users, accounting for 55
and 79 percent of the total sortie-operations, respectively. This pattern would continue under the
proposed action. Sortie-operations by Tyndall AFB F-15Cs and F-22s and Eglin F-15Cs contribute
25 percent or less to the total for W-151 and the Moody 3 MOA.
Occasional use airspace for the operational F-22s at Tyndall AFB would include W-168, Camden
Ridge/Pine Hill MOA, and Rose Hill MOA. The F-22s would use these airspace units when
scheduling conflicts, weather, or other similar factors preclude training in primary airspace. It is
assumed that the operational F-22s would fly about 1 percent or less in occasional use airspace.
Page TY2-10
Tyndall AFB
Initial F-22 Operational Wing Beddown Draft EIS
The F-22 would fly approximately 90-minute training missions, including takeoff, transit to and
from the training airspace, training activities, and landing. Depending upon the distance and type of
training activity, the F-22 would spend between 20 to 60 minutes in the training airspace. On
occasion during an exercise, the F-22 may spend up to 90 minutes in one or a set of the larger
Warning Areas (W-151, W-155, or W-470).
General F-15 and F-22 Altitude Use
The F-22 would fly more of the time at higher altitudes
% of Flight
% of Flight
than the Eglin-based operational F-15Cs (Table
Altitude
Hours:
Hours:
EG2.2-2). In the Warning Areas, F-22s would fly above
(feet)
F-15C
F-22
5,000 feet mean sea level (MSL) for 90 percent of the
>30,0001
8%
30%
time, with 30 percent of the flight time above 30,000 feet
10,000-30,000
67%
50%
MSL. Due to the lack of visual cues over water, fighter
5,000-10,000
14%
15%
aircraft rarely engage in air-to-air training below 5,000
feet MSL in Warning Areas. In the Moody 3 MOA,
2,000-5,000
8%
3.75%
whose lower limit starts at 8,000 feet MSL and in the Air
1,000-2,000
2.75%
1%
Traffic Control Assigned Airspace (ATCAA) overlying
500-1000
0.25%
0.25%
the MOA, the F-22s would predominantly (80 percent)
Note: 1. Operations by F-22s would emphasize use of higher
fly above 10,000 feet. Flight altitudes in the Carabelle
altitudes more often than F-15Cs.
and Compass Lake Work Areas would be similar, since
both units start at 9,000 feet MSL. In all these overland airspace units, above ground level (AGL)
altitudes are very close to MSL altitudes. The Tyndall LLA MOA has airspace upper limits of
18,000 feet MSL. In the Tyndall LLA MOA (composed of Tyndall C, D, and E MOAs), half the
F-22 activity would occur below 5,000 feet AGL. Only 0.25 percent of the flight time by the F-22s
would be from 500 to 1,000 feet AGL. This equates to about 30 minutes total flight time for the
F-22s at this altitude over an entire year. The F-22s would conduct less than two additional sortieoperations per flying day in this airspace.
Table TY2.2-2. Baseline and Projected Altitude Use in Airspace
Associated with Tyndall AFB
Airspace Unit1
W-151
W-470
W-453
W-155
Moody 3 MOA
Tyndall LLA MOA
Carabelle Work Area2
Compass Lake Work
Area3
Notes: 1.
2.
3.
4.
Tyndall AFB
PERCENT TIME OF AVERAGE SORTIE-OPERATION (FEET)
SUPERSONIC
EGLIN-BASED OPERATIONAL F-15C/
TYNDALL-BASED OPERATIONAL F-22
AUTHORIZED
1,000 –
5,000 –
10,000 –
5005,000
10,000
30,000
>30,000
1,0004
0/0
10/10
10/10
72/50
8/30
Yes
0/0
10/10
10/10
72/50
8/30
Yes
0/0
10/10
10/10
72/50
8/30
Yes
0/0
10/10
10/10
72/50
8/30
Yes
NA
NA
20/20
80/80
NA
No
45/0.25
40/49.75
10/45
5/5
NA
No
NA
NA
20/20
80/80
NA
No
NA
NA
20/20
80/80
NA
No
Refer to Table 2.2-1 for floor and ceiling altitudes.
Overlies/coincides Tyndall E MOA.
Coincides/overlies Tyndall B, C, and H MOAs.
F-15C and F-22 operational and training aircraft are prohibited from flying below 1,000 feet MSL in Warning Areas per
Air Force Instructions.
Page TY2-11
Initial F-22 Operational Wing Beddown Draft EIS
The F-22 would, on average, fly 30 percent of the time at night
(about 1 hour after sunset), with 5 percent between the hours of
10:00 pm and 7:00 am (i.e., environmental night). This is about the
same as the Eglin-based operational F-15Cs currently using the
airspace. Other users of the airspace, particularly the Warning
Areas, currently fly and would continue to fly about 80 percent of
night sortie-operations.
Environmental night (10:00 pm –
7:00 am) is the period when the
effects of aircraft noise on people
are accentuated.
To train with the full capabilities of the aircraft, the operational F-22s
would employ supersonic flight within the Warning Areas where such
activity is already authorized. No supersonic flight is authorized in the
MOAs or Work Areas. Due to the F-22’s mission and capabilities, the
Air Force anticipates that approximately 25 percent of the time spent
in air combat training would involve supersonic flight. Most (>99
percent) supersonic flight would be conducted above 10,000 feet
MSL, with 60 percent occurring above 30,000 feet MSL. In
comparison, Eglin-based operational F-15Cs commonly conduct
supersonic flight for about 7.5 percent of the time spent in air combat
maneuvers; such flights are performed between 10,000 feet MSL and
30,000 feet MSL. Within the Warning Areas, pilot training F-15Cs
and F-22s from Tyndall AFB, operational F-15Cs from Eglin AFB,
and Navy F-14 and F-18 aircraft would continue to conduct
supersonic flights at the same levels as under baseline conditions.
TY2.2.2 Defensive Countermeasures
Operational F-22s would employ chaff and flares as defensive countermeasures in training. Chaff
and flares are the principal defensive mechanisms dispensed by military aircraft to avoid detection or
attack by enemy air defense systems. Because of evolving tactics and mission scenarios, the F-22 is
expected to use fewer defensive countermeasures (i.e., chaff and flares), per mission, due to its
stealth characteristics. However, because the F-22 is so new, this reduction in chaff and flare use
cannot yet be defined. For the purposes of this analysis, it is estimated that the expenditure of chaff
and flares by the F-22s would match that of operational F-15Cs. Chapter 2, section 2.1.2, provides
details on the use, composition, and characteristics of chaff and flares.
Chaff and flares would be used in the Warning Areas, Moody 3 MOA, and Compass Lake and
Carabelle Work Areas. Current restrictions prohibit such use in the Tyndall LLA MOAs. No
restrictions on the amount or altitude of use apply in the Warning Areas. In the Moody 3 MOA and
the Work Areas, standard Air Force altitude restrictions would apply (refer to Table TY2.2-1).
Under the Tyndall AFB alternative, operational F-22s would use up to an additional 41,951 bundles
of chaff and 22,374 flares per year (in 2007 and after) in the authorized airspace. The amount of
chaff used in each airspace unit would be proportional to the number of sortie-operations
conducted by the F-22s. Based on the emphasis on flight at higher altitudes for the operational
F-22s, roughly 80 percent of F-22 flare release throughout the Warning Areas would occur above
10,000 feet AGL.
Page TY2-12
Tyndall AFB
Initial F-22 Operational Wing Beddown Draft EIS
TY2.3
Permits and State Consultation
Air quality permits to construct and operate new stationary sources would be required for new or
modified sources of regulated pollutants from engine shops, construction and operation of a new
Low Observable Composite Repair Facility, and other structures.
New construction would include consultation and compliance with the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection (FDEP) regarding stormwater rules 62-25 and 62-621 of the Florida
Administrative Code. Tyndall AFB would need to amend its National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) permit that limits the concentrations and quantities of pollutants.
Because the area of construction is over five acres, two permits would be needed: a permit to
construct and a permit to operate. The application would include proof of proper operation and
maintenance facilities, discharge monitoring, record keeping, and reporting of data to FDEP.
Runoff must not create any water quality standards violations. The project could require wastewater
and drinking water extension permits for new facilities in accordance with 62-550 and 62-600 of the
Florida Administrative Code.
TY2.4
Public and Agency Concerns
The EIS process has undergone an extensive 8-month public scoping period, with 33 scoping
meetings in five states. The Air Force publicized the scoping meetings by placing six meeting
notices in local and regional newspapers and sending press releases to area television stations.
In order to ensure maximum opportunity for community dialogue, scoping was conducted in two
distinct phases. Forty people attended the Phase-One and Phase-Two scoping meetings for Tyndall
AFB. The Phase-One scoping meeting was held in Panama City, Florida, on April 4, 2000. The
Phase-Two scoping meetings were held in Apalachicola on July 10 and Panama City on July 11,
2000. Thirteen written comments were received from the public and agencies prior to close of the
scoping period.
During the scoping meetings, people were given the opportunity to ask questions and provide
comments on the Initial F-22 Operational Wing beddown proposal. Some of the questions and
comments for the Tyndall AFB alternative include:
•
Why is Langley AFB the preferred location? (see Chapter 2)
•
Would co-location of the operational and training units improve communication? (see
section TY2.1-3)
•
Will the Air Force screening process and report look at quality of life issues and the
positive impact on the community? (see section TY3.13 for the socioeconomics analysis)
•
There will be an economy of scale for beddown of the operational wing and training unit
at Tyndall. (see section TY2.1.3)
•
How will the Air Force utilize the airspace for the F-22 compared to the F-15C? (see
section TY2.2)
Tyndall AFB
Page TY2-13
Initial F-22 Operational Wing Beddown Draft EIS
•
The Air Force should consider the ability of the community to handle the influx of 1,800
new residents. (see sections TY3.12 through TY3.16)
•
Is there going to be a socioeconomic analysis for each of the communities? (see section
TY3.13)
•
How important is public input in the process? (public input at scoping helped define the
Draft EIS, and public input at hearings will help define the Final EIS to be used by the
Air Force decisionmaker)
•
[regarding Tyndall] The cost of living and good weather are suitable for Air Force
personnel associated with the F-22 beddown. Eventually, there will be three operational
wings. Is this the only EIS for all three wings? (there will be separate environmental
analyses for future decisions)
•
Since Tyndall will already have F-22-specific maintenance facilities, would operational
units be able to use these facilities as well? (see section TY2.1)
Page TY2-14
Tyndall AFB