Aircraft Parking Glossary: Definitive Guide to Designated Aircraft Parking Areas at Airports

Aircraft parking designates specific, controlled locations at airports where aircraft are positioned when not in flight. These areas are essential for the safe loading, unloading, refueling, maintenance, and preparation of aircraft between flights or during overnight stays. The primary surface for these functions is the apron, also referred to in various regions as the ramp, flight line, or colloquially, the tarmac.

Caption: Multiple aircraft parked on an apron, with ground vehicles and jet bridges in operation.

What is Aircraft Parking?

Aircraft parking encompasses every procedural and physical aspect of safely securing an aircraft on the ground. It involves:

• Allocation of specific parking stands or spots
• Guidance into position via marshallers or automated systems
• Adherence to regulatory clearances and safety standards
• Use of physical securing devices (chocks, tie-downs, rotor brakes for helicopters)
• Staging and movement of ground service equipment (GSE)
• Strict access control and security protocols

Depending on operational needs, aircraft parking can include single- or multi-stand areas, tie-downs for smaller aircraft, and specialized pads for helicopters or cargo planes.

Where is Aircraft Parking Used?

Aircraft parking is integral to all airport types, from small regional fields to major international hubs. The complexity of parking infrastructure scales with:

• The size and category of aircraft served
• The volume and type of operations (commercial, cargo, general aviation)
• The airport’s available apron space and terminal layout

Large airports employ advanced apron management systems and automated docking guidance, while smaller airports rely on manual marshalling and basic tie-downs. In all cases, the parking area is a high-security operational zone with tightly controlled access.

How is Aircraft Parking Conducted?

The parking process includes several steps:

1. Stand Allocation: Operations or apron management assigns parking based on aircraft type, flight schedule, and operational needs.
2. Guidance and Positioning: Aircraft are guided into position by marshallers or Visual Docking Guidance Systems (VDGS).
3. Securing the Aircraft: Chocks, tie-downs, or rotor brakes (for helicopters) are used to immobilize the aircraft.
4. Ground Servicing: Refueling, cleaning, catering, baggage handling, and technical checks are coordinated per strict protocols.
5. Departure Preparation: Aircraft are readied for pushback or self-power-out, depending on stand type and airport procedures.

Apron (Airport Apron / Ramp)

The apron is the main paved area at an airport for parking and servicing aircraft. According to ICAO Annex 14, the apron is “a defined area, intended to accommodate aircraft for purposes of loading or unloading passengers, mail or cargo, fueling, parking, or maintenance.”

Key Features

• Surface: Reinforced concrete or high-strength asphalt, with drainage, lighting, and spill-resistant treatments.
• Markings: Painted lines for stands, taxi routes, GSE areas, and safety zones.
• Security: Fencing, controlled gates, and restricted access.
• Management: May be overseen by dedicated apron control at complex airports.

Aircraft Stand

An aircraft stand is a marked location on the apron where an individual aircraft parks for service or boarding.

Types of Stands

• Contact Stands (Gates): Adjacent to terminals with jet bridges for direct passenger access.
• Remote Stands: Away from terminals, requiring buses or shuttles for passengers and crew.
• Cargo Stands: Near freight terminals, optimized for high-volume cargo transfer.
• Maintenance Stands: Located by hangars for aircraft maintenance operations.

Stand Markings and Management

Stands are marked with centerlines, stop positions, and identification codes. Allocation is managed dynamically to maximize efficiency and safety.

Wingtip Separation

Wingtip separation is the minimum required distance between the wingtips of adjacent parked aircraft, or between aircraft and obstacles. This separation prevents collisions during parking, pushback, and ground handling.

ICAO Wingtip Separation Standards

Source: ICAO Annex 14

General Aviation Parking

General aviation (GA) parking serves private, business, and non-commercial aircraft. These areas feature:

• Open apron tie-downs or covered hangars
• Reinforced anchors for tie-downs
• Dedicated FBO (Fixed Base Operator) terminals
• Security fencing and restricted access

GA parking procedures include assignment by airport staff, use of chocks and tie-downs, and coordination with FBOs for fueling and service.

Transient Parking

Transient parking is allocated for short-term parking by visiting aircraft or those not based at the airport.

• Spaces are often reserved or allocated first-come, first-served
• Fees may apply for hourly or daily use
• All transient aircraft must comply with local security and ground handling procedures

Helicopter Parking and Stands

Helicopter stands are dedicated pads for rotary-wing aircraft, designed for:

• Rotor clearance and safety buffers
• Application of rotor brakes and ground mooring as needed
• Ground crew adherence to strict communication and safety protocols

Helicopter stands may be standalone or integrated into the main apron, with markings and lighting per ICAO Annex 14.

Apron Management Service (Apron Control)

Apron management service (apron control) coordinates all aircraft and vehicle movements on the apron, ensuring safety and efficiency.

• Allocates stands and coordinates pushback/taxi clearance with ATC
• Manages GSE and personnel movement
• Uses dedicated radio channels and software for real-time monitoring
• Is recommended by ICAO for complex airports

Ground Service Equipment (GSE)

GSE includes all vehicles and equipment for servicing aircraft on the apron:

• Support Equipment: Power units, air start units, lavatory trucks, etc.
• Servicing Equipment: Refueling trucks, belt loaders, catering vehicles
• Transport Equipment: Baggage tugs, carts, buses

GSE movement is controlled to prevent interference with aircraft, and operators must be trained and licensed.

Tie-downs and Chocks

• Tie-downs: Anchors and straps/chains to prevent aircraft movement in wind
• Chocks: Wedges placed against wheels to prevent rolling

Both are required by most airport operators for parked aircraft, especially those outside hangars or in adverse weather.

Markings, Signage, and Lighting

• Markings: Indicate stand centerlines, stop points, taxi routes, GSE areas
• Signage: Entry restrictions, directions, safety warnings
• Lighting: Floodlights, taxiway lights, stand lights for night and low-visibility ops

ICAO and FAA technical standards govern all markings and lighting systems.

Movement Area and Maneuvering Area

• Movement Area: All airport surfaces used for aircraft movement, including aprons, runways, taxiways
• Maneuvering Area: Subset used for takeoff/landing and taxiing (runways, taxiways), excludes aprons

Access is tightly controlled for safety and regulatory compliance.

Contact Stand (Gate)

A contact stand or “gate” is adjacent to a terminal and equipped with a passenger boarding bridge. Features include:

• Direct terminal access for passengers
• Integrated utilities for aircraft
• Tightly managed ground handling schedules

Aircraft are guided by marshallers or VDGS into precise stop positions for efficient turnaround.

Remote Stand

A remote stand is located away from terminals and requires busing of passengers and crew. Benefits include:

• Increased apron flexibility during peak periods
• Additional capacity for overflow or low-cost carriers

Remote stands require extra logistics for safe and efficient operations.

Cargo Stand

Cargo stands are located near freight facilities and designed for:

• High-volume, rapid cargo transfer
• Direct access for forklifts and cargo loaders
• Integrated security and customs controls

Maintenance Stand

A maintenance stand is positioned near maintenance hangars for aircraft undergoing technical work. These stands offer:

• Additional space for maintenance equipment
• Utility hookups
• Strict access control and safety protocols

Security and Access Control

Aircraft parking areas are among the most secure airport zones, with:

• Physical barriers (fences, gates)
• Electronic access (badges, biometrics)
• Security patrols and video surveillance
• Strict operational procedures for personnel and vehicles

For more information on optimizing your airport’s aircraft parking, stand allocation, and ground operations, contact our experts today or schedule a demo .