Airport Plan Update: Safety Zones
As part of updates to Johnson County's airport land use compatibility plans, the county has outlined safety compatibility zones around Johnson County Executive Airport and New Century AirCenter.
These six safety zones provide direction for planners and developers regarding how this land is used. The shape and size of each zone denotes physical risk for an aircraft accident, providing guidance for land use policies. They reflect operating characteristics such as type of aircraft activity, runway length, traffic pattern and more.
Below, you can view a map of the safety compatibility zones at both airports, with an explanation of each zone and the risk associated with it.
Zone 1 – Runway Protection Zone
RPZs are trapezoidal areas located at ground level beyond each end of a runway. Ideally, each RPZ should be entirely clear of all objects. The dimensions for the RPZ are taken from the respective airport’s airport layout plan (ALP) or diagram and are based on FAA AC 150/5300‐13B, Airport Design. 3 The accident risk level is considered very high within RPZs, comprising approximately 20 to 21 percent of accidents at general aviation airports.
Zone 2 – Inner Approach/Departure Zone
This zone encompasses areas that are overflown at low altitudes, typically only 200 to 400 feet above runway elevation. The accident risk level is considered high within the IADZ, comprising approximately 10 percent of general aviation aircraft accidents.
Zone 3 – Inner Turning Zone
This zone encompasses locations where aircraft are typically turning from the base to final approach legs of the standard traffic pattern and are descending from traffic pat‐ tern altitude. The ITZ also includes the area where departing aircraft normally completes the transition from takeoff power and flap settings to climb mode and begins to turn to its en route heading. The accident risk level is considered moderate to high within the ITZ, comprising approximately seven percent of general aviation aircraft accidents.
Zone 4 – Outer Approach/Departure Zone
The OADZ is situated along the extended runway centerline beyond the IADZ. Approaching aircraft are usually at less than traffic pattern altitude in the OADZ. The accident risk level is considered to be moderate within the OADZ, encompassing approximately five percent of general aviation aircraft accidents.
Zone 5 – Sideline Zone
The SZ encompasses the close‐in areas lateral to runways. The primary risk in the SZ is from aircraft losing directional control on takeoff. The accident risk level is considered low to moderate within the SZ, comprising approximately five percent of general aviation aircraft accidents.
Zone 6 – Area Within One Mile of Airport Property
Zone 6 includes the entire area within one mile of Johnson County Executive Airport’s property line, established pursuant to Kansas Statutes Annotated 3‐307e, that is not otherwise included in Zones 1 through 5. The aircraft accident risk level is considered low in Zone 6.
Please Note: All proposed development located within one mile of the Johnson County Executive Airport or the New Century Air Center requires review and approval by the Board of County Commissioners. For additional information about this process, please contact the Johnson County Planning Department at 913-715-2200.