A comprehensive glossary based on the ICAO Aerodrome Design Manual (Doc 9157), providing authoritative definitions and operational context for key aerodrome planning and design terms, with references to ICAO standards.
A defined area on land or water, including all buildings, installations, and equipment, intended wholly or partly for the arrival, departure, and surface movement of aircraft.
Operational Application:
Forms the basis for all aerodrome planning, design, and certification. Encompasses operational surfaces, safety infrastructure, and ancillary facilities.
References:
Definition:
ICAO’s multi-part technical manual offering detailed methodologies and best practices for aerodrome planning, geometric design, pavements, and visual aids.
Parts:
| Part | Title | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Runways | Design, orientation, declared distances |
| 2 | Taxiways, Aprons, Holding Bays | Layout, separation, geometry |
| 3 | Pavements | Structural design, evaluation, maintenance |
| 4 | Visual Aids | Lighting, markings, signage, visual guidance |
References:
Definition:
A specialized United Nations agency responsible for developing global civil aviation standards, including aerodrome design and operation.
Mandate:
Establishes SARPs (Standards and Recommended Practices) in 19 Annexes, coordinates global harmonization, and provides the ADM.
References:
Definition:
ICAO-adopted technical specifications for global application.
Role:
Form the foundation for national aviation law, certification, and operational approvals.
References:
Definition:
A two-part code (number and letter) assigned to an aerodrome, based on the critical aircraft’s field length requirement and wingspan/gear span.
| Code Number | Reference Field Length (m) |
|---|---|
| 1 | < 800 |
| 2 | 800 – < 1,200 |
| 3 | 1,200 – < 1,800 |
| 4 | ≥ 1,800 |
| Code Letter | Wingspan (m) | OMGWS (m) |
|---|---|---|
| A | < 15 | < 4.5 |
| B | 15 – < 24 | 4.5 – < 6 |
| C | 24 – < 36 | 6 – < 9 |
| D | 36 – < 52 | 9 – < 14 |
| E | 52 – < 65 | 9 – < 14 |
| F | 65 – < 80 | 14 – < 16 |
Example:
Boeing 777 (field length 2,800 m, wingspan 65 m): Code 4E.
References:
Definition:
An official log in ICAO publications noting all updates and corrections since original release.
Role:
Ensures users apply the latest standards; required for audits and compliance.
References:
Definition:
Geometric, structural, and spatial properties of aerodrome elements—runways, taxiways, aprons, strips, safety areas.
Importance:
Determine safe operations, standardization, and future scalability.
References:
Definition:
A prepared rectangular area for aircraft landing and takeoff.
Key Attributes:
Length, width, surface, markings, slopes, shoulders, and safety strips.
References:
Definition:
A defined path for taxiing aircraft, connecting runways, aprons, and other facilities.
Types:
Parallel, rapid-exit, and link taxiways.
References:
Definition:
Area for parking, loading/unloading, refuelling, and maintenance of aircraft.
Design:
Must accommodate maneuvering, pavement strength, markings, and lighting.
References:
Definition:
Markings, lights, signs, and markers for visual guidance to pilots and vehicles.
Categories:
Markings, lighting systems, signage, and markers.
References:
Definition:
Visual aids providing glide path indications via colored lights (e.g., PAPI, T-VASIS).
Example:
PAPI displays red/white lights indicating aircraft position relative to approach angle.
References:
Definition:
Red-background, white-inscription signs indicating stop or clearance points.
Purpose:
Prevent runway incursions; enforce ATC instructions.
References:
Definition:
Systems providing real-time visual cues to guide aircraft into apron parking positions.
Types:
AGNIS, PAPA, advanced laser/video systems.
References:
Definition:
Systems (e.g., runway status lights) warning of potential runway incursions using real-time surveillance data.
References:
Definition:
Systems managing aircraft/vehicle movements on the aerodrome, especially in low visibility.
Features:
Taxiway lights, stop bars, surveillance, ATC integration.
References:
Definition:
The property of structures to yield or break on impact, minimizing aircraft damage/injury.
Application:
Essential for all objects within runway strips (visual aids, signs, lighting).
References:
Definition:
Percentage of time aerodrome runways can be used for operations, based on wind and weather (ICAO minimum: 95%).
Purpose:
Guides runway orientation and infrastructure planning.
References:
Definition:
Published runway distances for performance calculations:
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| TORA | Take-Off Run Available |
| TODA | Take-Off Distance Available |
| ASDA | Accelerate-Stop Distance Available |
| LDA | Landing Distance Available |
References:
For further authoritative information, always refer directly to the latest ICAO publications and official guidance.
Ensure compliance and best practice with in-depth guidance from ICAO's Aerodrome Design Manual and global standards.
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