ICAO Doc 9157 – Aerodrome Design Manual – Glossary and Technical Reference

ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization)

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a specialized United Nations agency responsible for setting global standards and recommended practices for civil aviation. Founded in 1944 by the Chicago Convention, ICAO’s mission is to ensure safe, secure, and sustainable air transport worldwide. ICAO’s 19 Annexes define the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) that form the backbone of national aviation regulations, covering every aspect of flight, airspace, airports, and environmental protection. ICAO coordinates with 193 Contracting States and industry stakeholders, maintaining global aviation harmonization and continuous safety oversight.

Doc 9157 – Aerodrome Design Manual

Doc 9157 is ICAO’s authoritative technical manual for aerodrome (airport) design, planning, and maintenance. Structured in four parts, it covers:

• Part 1: Runways (geometric design, length, safety areas)
• Part 2: Taxiways, Aprons, Holding Bays (layout, dimensions, operational requirements)
• Part 3: Pavements (design, construction, strength evaluation, maintenance)
• Part 4: Visual Aids (marking, lighting, signage).

Doc 9157 translates the high-level SARPs of Annex 14 into practical methodologies, calculation models, and engineering criteria. It is the global reference for airport planners, engineers, and regulators to ensure new and existing aerodromes meet international safety and operational benchmarks.

Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs)

SARPs are ICAO’s technical and operational requirements, binding for all Contracting States. Developed collaboratively, SARPs set out mandatory “Standards” for uniform application and “Recommended Practices” for optimal procedures. SARPs are published in the Annexes to the Chicago Convention, with Annex 14 dedicated to aerodrome design and operations. States are audited for SARP implementation under the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP), ensuring global harmonization.

Annex 14 — Aerodromes

Annex 14 defines the international Standards and Recommended Practices for aerodrome design, construction, and operation. Volume I covers land aerodromes; Volume II covers heliports. The Annex specifies:

• Runway and taxiway geometric criteria
• Obstacle limitation surfaces
• Visual aids (lighting, marking, signage)
• Aerodrome maintenance and rescue/firefighting
• Safety management systems and certification.

Compliance is vital for aerodrome certification and international recognition.

Aerodrome

An aerodrome is any area—land or water—including buildings and installations, intended for aircraft arrival, departure, and movement. The term includes major airports, small airfields, and heliports. Aerodromes are classified by operational capabilities and infrastructure, with key components such as runways, taxiways, aprons, terminals, control towers, navigation aids, and rescue/firefighting services.

Runway

A runway is a defined, rectangular surface at an aerodrome, prepared for aircraft landing and take-off. Runways are engineered for specific aircraft loads and performance, surfaced with asphalt, concrete, or compacted materials. Key design factors include length, width, slope, and orientation, dictated by critical aircraft needs and environmental conditions. ICAO specifies detailed marking, lighting, and safety area requirements.

Taxiway

A taxiway is a path on an aerodrome for aircraft movement between runways, aprons, and hangars. Taxiways are designed for safe, efficient ground movement, with width, strength, and turning radii determined by the design aircraft. Centerline markings, edge lighting, and signage support navigation, particularly in low visibility.

Apron

An apron is a designated area for aircraft parking, loading/unloading passengers and cargo, refueling, and maintenance. Located near terminals or hangars, aprons feature markings, lighting, and ground support to ensure safe, efficient turnaround operations. Apron design considers aircraft types, traffic volumes, and operational needs.

Holding Bay

A holding bay is a designated space where aircraft wait before entering a runway or other critical area. Holding bays optimize runway throughput, reduce taxiway congestion, and provide flexibility for pre-departure checks or sequencing. Marked and lit per ICAO standards, they enhance both safety and efficiency.

Pavement

Pavement refers to the structural surface of runways, taxiways, and aprons, engineered to bear aircraft loads and provide safe ground operations. Pavements are classified as flexible (asphalt), rigid (concrete), or composite. Design is based on traffic, climate, and subgrade. The Pavement Classification Number (PCN) expresses strength, matched with the Aircraft Classification Number (ACN) for compatibility.

Visual Aids

Visual aids include markings, lighting, and signage supporting pilots and drivers during approach, landing, taxiing, and parking. Visual aids are critical in poor weather or low visibility, and include:

• Runway and taxiway markings
• Approach and edge lighting
• Guidance signs and stop bars.

ICAO details colors, intensities, and layouts to support all-weather operations.

Aerodrome Reference Code

The Aerodrome Reference Code is a standardized two-part system (number and letter) classifying aerodromes by the operational requirements of the largest aircraft they serve. The code number relates to runway length, while the letter relates to aircraft wingspan and gear span. Example: Code 4F supports the largest jets, such as the A380, requiring specific runway and taxiway dimensions and separations.

Amendments and Corrigenda

Amendments are official changes to ICAO documents reflecting new standards or corrections. Corrigenda address errors or omissions. Both are published through ICAO and must be incorporated by aerodrome operators to maintain compliance and safety.

Permission in Writing (Copyright)

ICAO publications, including Doc 9157, are protected by copyright. Written permission is required to reproduce, store, or transmit any content for commercial or operational use. Requests must be submitted to the Secretary General, maintaining the integrity and authority of ICAO materials.

Aerodrome Design Manual (Doc 9157) – Structure and Purpose

Doc 9157 provides detailed engineering and operational guidance for:

• Runway geometry and safety
• Taxiway and apron layout
• Pavement design and maintenance
• Visual aids specification.

Each part includes criteria, calculation methods, figures, and case studies, helping planners and engineers ensure compliance and safety.

Record of Amendments and Corrigenda – Operational Significance

Aerodrome operators must track and implement all amendments and corrigenda to ICAO documents. Up-to-date manuals are essential for regulatory compliance and safety. Regular audits verify documentation is current.

Published Authority – ICAO Secretary General

The Secretary General of ICAO is the official publisher of Doc 9157 and all ICAO technical documents, ensuring their authority and legal standing. Requests for clarification or permission should be directed to their office.

Visual Aids and Visibility Conditions – Technical Overview

Visual aids support operations from daytime to Category III low-visibility (runway visual range < 75 m). Doc 9157 Part 4 specifies:

• High-intensity lighting systems
• Marking standards (colors, reflectivity)
• Surface Movement Guidance and Control Systems (SMGCS).

Regular inspection and maintenance are mandatory to maintain safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ICAO Doc 9157?

ICAO Doc 9157 is the Aerodrome Design Manual, detailing technical standards and methodologies for airport planning and design, supporting safe, efficient, and compliant aerodrome operations worldwide.

What is the Aerodrome Reference Code?

A system classifying airport design based on the operational needs of the largest aircraft using the aerodrome. It standardizes critical dimensions for runways, taxiways, and aprons.

How often is Doc 9157 updated?

ICAO regularly updates Doc 9157 to reflect new technologies and operational best practices. Users must keep their manuals current with all amendments and corrigenda.

Where can I get permission to use Doc 9157 content?

All requests for reproduction or use must be submitted in writing to the ICAO Secretary General.

Further Resources

• ICAO Official Website
• Doc 9157 Purchase and Downloads
• Annex 14: Aerodromes
• ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP)

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