What is an airfield?

Airfield Glossary – Comprehensive Aviation Reference

Welcome to the definitive glossary of airfield and airport infrastructure. This guide is designed for aviation professionals, pilots, engineers, and enthusiasts seeking a deep understanding of airfield components, standards, and operational concepts. Each entry below provides a detailed, standards-based definition, practical context, and references to official sources.

Table of Contents

1. Airfield
2. Aerodrome
3. Airport
4. Airstrip
5. Runway
   • Runway Markings
   • Runway Lighting
   • Runway Types
6. Taxiway
   • Taxiway Markings
   • Taxiway Lighting
7. Apron (Ramp)
8. Runway Safety Area (RSA)
9. Hold Position
10. Traffic Pattern
11. Terminal Building
12. Control Tower
13. Hangar
14. Hot Spot
15. Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF)
16. Runway Orientation
17. Approach Lighting System (ALS)
18. Runway Threshold
19. Displaced Threshold
20. Pavement Classification Number (PCN)
21. Obstruction Clearance
22. Wildlife Hazard Management
23. References & External Resources

1. Airfield

Definition:
An airfield is a defined area on land or water prepared and equipped for the safe arrival, departure, and surface movement of aircraft. It includes runways, taxiways, aprons, and may feature basic navigational aids and lighting. Airfields form the foundation of all aviation operations, from basic grass strips to complex, multi-runway installations.

Usage:
Airfields support general aviation, commercial, cargo, military, and emergency operations. Their design and features depend on regulatory standards, operational needs, and the types of aircraft served.

Key Points:

• All airports are airfields, but not all airfields are airports.
• Airfield design prioritizes safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
• The term “airfield” is common in the US and UK, “aerodrome” is used internationally.

2. Aerodrome

Definition:
An aerodrome is the ICAO-preferred term for any defined area intended wholly or partly for the arrival, departure, and movement of aircraft, including all buildings, installations, and equipment. It is a broader term that covers all types of aviation facilities, from small landing grounds to major international airports.

Regulatory Context:
Aerodrome standards and certification are defined in ICAO Annex 14 .

3. Airport

Definition:
An airport is an airfield with additional infrastructure and certification for commercial, cargo, or general aviation operations, including terminals, control towers, and security facilities. Airports are subject to stricter regulatory standards, such as FAA FAR Part 139 in the United States.

Key Facilities:

• Passenger and cargo terminals
• Air traffic control towers
• Security and customs
• Ground transportation and parking

Reference:
See FAA Airport Design AC 150/5300-13 .

4. Airstrip

Definition:
An airstrip is a simple, often unpaved landing area with minimal infrastructure. Airstrips typically lack taxiways, lighting, or terminal facilities, and are common in remote or rural locations.

Characteristics:

• Grass, gravel, or dirt surface
• Minimal markings or lighting
• Used for rural, emergency, or bush operations

5. Runway

Definition:
A runway is a defined, usually paved, surface on an airfield designated for aircraft takeoff and landing. Runway design considers orientation, dimensions, surface type, and regulatory standards.

Features:

• Numbered by magnetic heading (nearest 10°)
• May have parallel, intersecting, or open-V configurations
• Surface type: asphalt, concrete, or unpaved (for small fields)

Reference:
FAA AC 150/5300-13 , ICAO Annex 14, Vol I

Runway Markings

Definition:
Standardized white paint markings provide visual cues for alignment, threshold, numbers, aiming point, and touchdown zones. Markings are essential for safe approach, landing, and departure.

Reference:
FAA PHAK Ch.14 – Markings

Runway Lighting

Definition:
Lighting systems enable safe night and low-visibility operations. Key lights include runway edge (white), threshold (green/red), centerline (precision runways), and touchdown zone lights.

Reference:
FAA AIM – Airport Lighting

Runway Types

• Single Runway: One operational surface.
• Parallel: Multiple runways side-by-side, labeled L/C/R.
• Intersecting: Runways cross, allowing for variable wind use.
• Open-V: Diverge from a common point.

6. Taxiway

Definition:
A taxiway connects runways to aprons, terminals, and hangars, enabling safe aircraft ground movement. Taxiways are marked with yellow lines and identified by letters or letter-number combinations.

Reference:
FAA AC 150/5300-13 – Taxiway Design

Taxiway Markings

Definition:
Yellow centerlines, edge lines, and hold position markings guide aircraft and prevent runway incursions.

Taxiway Lighting

Definition:
Edge (blue) and centerline (green) lights provide visual guidance at night or in low visibility.

7. Apron (Ramp)

Definition:
The apron (or ramp) is a paved area for parking, loading, refueling, and servicing aircraft. It is where passengers and cargo are handled, and aircraft are prepared for flight.

Reference:
FAA AC 150/5300-13 – Apron Design

8. Runway Safety Area (RSA)

Definition:
A graded surface surrounding the runway, designed to minimize damage in case of an aircraft undershoot, overshoot, or excursion. Must be obstacle-free and properly drained.

Reference:
FAA AC 150/5300-13 – RSA Design

9. Hold Position

Definition:
A marked location where aircraft and vehicles must stop before entering or crossing an active runway, indicated by solid and dashed yellow lines and red/white signage.

Reference:
FAA PHAK Ch.14 – Hold Position

10. Traffic Pattern

Definition:
A standardized rectangular flight path around an airfield that organizes arriving and departing aircraft, enhancing safety and efficiency.

Reference:
FAA AIM – Airport Operations

11. Terminal Building

Definition:
A building where passengers embark/disembark, check in, and access amenities. It includes check-in, baggage, security, and concessions, serving as the interface between landside and airside operations.

12. Control Tower

Definition:
A facility housing air traffic controllers who manage aircraft movements on runways, taxiways, and in immediate airspace, ensuring safe and orderly operations.

Reference:
FAA Tower Operations

13. Hangar

Definition:
A large structure for aircraft storage, maintenance, and protection from the elements. Includes maintenance, storage, and specialized hangars.

14. Hot Spot

Definition:
A location on an airfield with a risk of collision or runway incursion, often due to complex geometry or traffic. Identified on airport diagrams, with enhanced signage and procedures.

15. Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF)

Definition:
A designated radio frequency for self-announced communication by pilots at non-towered airports, enhancing situational awareness and safety.

16. Runway Orientation

Definition:
The alignment of a runway, chosen to maximize usability in prevailing wind conditions and minimize crosswind hazards. Numbered by magnetic heading.

17. Approach Lighting System (ALS)

Definition:
A configuration of lights extending from the runway threshold into the approach area, guiding pilots to the runway in low-visibility conditions.

Reference:
Approach lighting system – Wikipedia

18. Runway Threshold

Definition:
The beginning of the portion of the runway usable for landing, marked with white bars. Some thresholds are displaced for obstacle clearance.

19. Displaced Threshold

Definition:
A threshold located at a point other than the physical beginning of the runway, indicated by white arrows. The area before it may be used for takeoff or rollout but not for landing.

20. Pavement Classification Number (PCN)

Definition:
A standardized international code describing the bearing strength of a runway, taxiway, or apron pavement, ensuring compatibility with aircraft weight.

Reference:
PCN – Wikipedia

21. Obstruction Clearance

Definition:
Procedures and design standards ensuring that all operational surfaces are free from obstacles, providing safe aircraft movement and compliance with regulatory standards.

22. Wildlife Hazard Management

Definition:
Programs and procedures to mitigate the risk of wildlife strikes, including habitat management, fencing, and active dispersal.

Reference:
Wildlife hazard management at airports – Wikipedia

23. References & External Resources

• ICAO Annex 14 – Aerodromes
• FAA Advisory Circulars
• Airport lighting – Wikipedia
• Aerodrome traffic pattern – Wikipedia
• Pavement Classification Number – Wikipedia

This glossary is maintained in accordance with current ICAO and FAA standards. For further reading, please consult the official references above.