Authoritative glossary for ICAO Annex 14: Aerodrome design, operations, certification, and safety, serving aviation professionals and regulators.
ICAO Annex 14 is the global reference for the design, certification, and operation of civil aerodromes, setting the foundation for safe, efficient, and sustainable air transport infrastructure. This glossary explains the critical terms and concepts used in Annex 14, supporting professionals across aviation—from regulators and airport operators to designers and emergency responders. Each entry is grounded in ICAO SARPs (Standards and Recommended Practices), the Chicago Convention, and leading international guidance, ensuring authoritative, practical definitions for real-world application.
A defined area on land or water (with buildings, installations, and equipment) intended for the arrival, departure, and surface movement of aircraft. This includes airports, airfields, heliports, and seaplane bases, regardless of size or ownership. Aerodrome infrastructure comprises runways, taxiways, aprons, navigational aids, safety zones, emergency facilities, and environmental protection areas. Certification and oversight are mandatory for most aerodromes to ensure compliance with ICAO and national standards.
An official document issued by a civil aviation authority (CAA) authorizing operation of an aerodrome per defined safety and operational standards. Certification evaluates infrastructure, procedures, safety management, and ICAO compliance. Certificates specify operational limitations, authorized aircraft types, and any special conditions. Certification is essential for international airports and subject to ongoing oversight.
A facility granted an Aerodrome Certificate after meeting all regulatory, safety, and operational requirements. Certified status assures airlines, users, and regulators of consistent compliance. Maintaining certification requires regular inspections, corrective action on deficiencies, and adaptation to evolving ICAO standards.
The 1944 treaty establishing the legal and regulatory framework for international civil aviation, including the creation of ICAO and its Annexes (such as Annex 14). The Convention obligates Contracting States to implement SARPs or notify ICAO of differences, setting global standards for safety, security, airworthiness, environment, and more.
A United Nations specialized agency responsible for developing global civil aviation SARPs, policies, and technical guidance. ICAO coordinates international cooperation, oversees SARPs implementation, and continuously updates regulations to address emerging challenges in air transport.
A rectangular surface prepared for the landing and take-off of aircraft. Runways are constructed from asphalt, concrete, or compacted gravel, and sized according to the largest aircraft expected. Features include markings, lighting, safety areas, and navigational aids. ICAO mandates specifications for slope, surface friction, obstacle clearance, and drainage.
A defined path for aircraft movement between runways, aprons, and other facilities. Designed for the largest expected aircraft, taxiways have specified width, turning radius, and pavement strength. They are marked and lit per Annex 14 standards to support ground safety and efficiency.
A defined area for parking, loading/unloading, refueling, and maintenance of aircraft. Aprons are designed for efficient aircraft arrangement, safe clearance, and optimized ground handling. Features include fueling stations, lighting, drainage, and access to terminals.
An area including the runway and stopway, extending laterally and longitudinally beyond the runway, providing a safety buffer for excursions and supporting emergency response. Strips must be obstacle-free except for required frangible navigation aids.
A specially prepared area beyond the runway strip, symmetrical about the runway centerline, to minimize risk of damage if an aircraft overruns or undershoots. ICAO mandates a minimum RESA length (typically 90m or more for major runways) and obstacle-free, load-bearing surface.
A rectangular area under aerodrome control, free of obstacles, beyond the runway. It allows aircraft to make part of the initial climb and is used in take-off distance calculations. Not for ground movement; must be maintained free of encroachment.
A rectangular area at the end of the take-off run, prepared for rejected take-offs, built to runway standards, and used in accelerate-stop distance calculations. Clearly marked and regularly inspected for integrity.
The area including the taxiway, providing a safety buffer to protect aircraft veering off. Obstacle-free except for certain frangible aids, supporting emergency response.
A defined area where aircraft can hold or bypass for efficient traffic flow, especially near runway thresholds or intersections. Designed for the largest expected aircraft and equipped for night operations.
A designated area reserved for aircraft under suspicion of unlawful interference or carrying hazardous cargo, separated from terminals and critical infrastructure for security and emergency response.
A precisely defined area for parking a single aircraft on the apron. Stands are designed for specific aircraft types and equipped with markings, ground power, fueling, and access for boarding/disembarkation.
A service regulating aircraft and vehicle movement on the apron, allocating stands, coordinating pushback and towing, and ensuring safety and operational efficiency.
All activities required to prepare an aircraft for departure or arrival while parked at the aerodrome. Encompasses fueling, catering, cleaning, cargo/baggage handling, de-icing, and maintenance, requiring coordination with airport and airline teams.
The designated geographical location of the aerodrome, usually near the geometric center. Published in the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) with WGS-84 coordinates; used in navigation, airspace design, and charting.
An alphanumeric code (number and letter) assigned to each runway/aerodrome based on field length and aircraft dimensions. Used to define runway width, taxiway separation, and pavement strength requirements.
A system of imaginary 3D geometric surfaces established around an aerodrome to limit the height of objects, ensuring safe approach, landing, take-off, and circling. Includes Approach, Take-off Climb, Transitional, Inner Horizontal, and Conical Surfaces. Regular surveys and coordination with planning authorities prevent hazardous penetrations.
A volume of airspace above the inner approach and transitional surfaces and runway strip, kept free of all objects except frangible navigation aids. Critical for safe instrument approaches and departures.
A special analytical surface for assessing the impact of obstacles on instrument flight procedures. Used in procedure design/validation to ensure obstacle clearance per ICAO PANS-OPS.
Low-mass items designed to break or yield on impact, minimizing risk to aircraft. Used for navigation aids, signs, lighting supports, and meteorological instruments within safety-critical aerodrome areas.
Any fixed or mobile object on an aerodrome or extending above an OLS, including buildings, cranes, vehicles, vegetation, or terrain. Identified and managed through regular surveys and mitigation (removal, marking, lighting).
A systematic approach to managing safety, including policies, procedures, risk assessment, and continuous improvement. Mandatory for aerodrome certification per ICAO Annex 19.
Distances published for runway operations: Take-off Run Available (TORA), Take-off Distance Available (TODA), Accelerate-Stop Distance Available (ASDA), and Landing Distance Available (LDA). Used for performance calculations and flight planning.
A global standard for expressing the load-bearing capacity of aerodrome pavements. Aircraft must have an Aircraft Classification Number (ACN) equal to or less than the published PCN to operate.
Specialized emergency services at an aerodrome, equipped and trained for aircraft fire, rescue, and medical response. ICAO specifies minimum category requirements based on aircraft size and traffic.
ICAO Annex 14 and its supporting documents (such as ICAO Doc 9157, Aerodrome Design Manual) are updated regularly to reflect advances in safety, technology, and environmental management. Contracting States are responsible for transposing SARPs into national regulations, certifying aerodromes, and ensuring ongoing oversight. Operators must implement robust safety management, conduct regular training, and maintain compliance with all international and local requirements.
For further guidance, consulting, or compliance solutions, contact our team of certified aviation experts.
ICAO Annex 14 provides the international framework for the planning, design, certification, and operation of civil aerodromes, establishing minimum standards to ensure safety, efficiency, and environmental compatibility. It guides States and airport operators in implementing globally harmonized best practices.
All ICAO Contracting States and their aerodrome operators must comply with Annex 14 standards for international airports. Many States also apply these standards to domestic airports, ensuring consistency, safety oversight, and regulatory alignment.
OLS are imaginary 3D surfaces around an aerodrome that restrict the height of objects to protect aircraft during approach, take-off, and circling. They are a vital tool in preventing hazardous obstacles and supporting safe airport operation.
Aerodrome certification requires comprehensive review by the civil aviation authority, covering infrastructure, operational procedures, safety management, and compliance with ICAO SARPs. Certified aerodromes undergo regular inspections and must maintain ongoing compliance.
A RESA is a safety area beyond the end of a runway, designed to minimize risks for aircraft that overrun or undershoot. It is graded, obstacle-free, and supports emergency response, forming a key element in runway safety management.
Learn how our expertise and solutions can help your aerodrome meet ICAO Annex 14 standards, from design to certification and ongoing operations. Consult with us for regulatory insight and best practices.
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