Military

Simmons Army Airfield

Operating Simmons and Mackall Army Airfield is the responsibility of Chief, Aviation Branch. The primary function is to support aviation unit and individual training, aviation unit field training exercises, and aviation multi-service joint training exercises/operations.

Simmons is home to 203 aircraft valued at more than $1.4 Billion. Aircraft includes 82 UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopters, 48 AH-64 Apache Attack Helicopters, and 17 CH-47 Chinook Helicopters.

All civil aircraft are prohibited from operating into or out of SAAF unless in compliance with AR 95-2 except for aircraft landing due to an emergency. Permission for use of the airfield can be granted only on an individual basis by the Installation Commander through the Airfield Manager. Approval will be granted only if the operation is for official government business or in the best interest of the government.

The SAAF Manager ensures the Field Deck Landing Practice [FDLP] pads at Flight Strip #2 and Mackall AAF are marked and maintained to represent the type of shipboard helipads identified by XVIII Airborne Corps as an ongoing requirement.

Hazardous or explosive cargo operations are not authorized on SAAF. Pope AFB is the closest military base authorized to handle hazardous or explosive cargo.

The fixed wing "Hot Spot" is located in front of Simmons Base Operations on the east-west taxiway and is normally restricted for aircraft with Code 7 (Colonel) or higher passengers. Priority for use is determined by VIP Code and estimated time of departure or arrival. Aircraft pre-positioned on the hot spot for more than 30 minutes prior to ETD will require permission from the airfield operations section. In all instances, pilots will contact SAAF operations to ensure that no conflicts exist with other code arrivals or departures. The rotary wing "Hot Spot" (C Pad) is located adjacent to the east-west taxiway and to the right front of Simmons Base Operations. Procedures for its use are the same.