Introduction to Aerodrome Types, Parts, and Terminologies for Engineering Students

Aerodrome

A defined area on land or water (including any buildings, installations and equipment) intended to be used either wholly or in part for the arrival, departure and surface movement.

ICAO Annex 14

A defined area on land or water intended for the arrival, departure and movement of aircraft, including necessary buildings, installations, and equipment.

Air Base

An aerodrome used as a military base by a military force for the operation of military aircraft.

Airstrip

A small aerodrome that consists only of a runway with perhaps fueling equipment, generally located in remote areas.

Water Aerodrome

An area of open water used regularly by seaplanes or amphibious aircraft for landing and taking off.

Airport

An aerodrome with extended facilities, mostly for commercial air transport, including facilities to store and maintain aircraft, and a control tower.

Commercial Service Airports

Publicly owned airports that have at least 2,500 passenger boardings each calendar year and receive scheduled passenger service.

Primary Airports

Commercial Service Airports that have more than 10,000 passenger boardings each year.

Cargo Service Airports

Airports served by aircraft providing air transportation of only cargo with a total annual landed weight of more than 100 million pounds.

Reliever Airports

Airports designated by the FAA to relieve congestion at Commercial Service Airports and to provide improved general aviation access.

General Aviation Airports

Airports commonly described as the largest single group of airports in the U.S. system, including privately owned, public use airports that enplane 2500 or more passengers annually.

Civil Airports

Airports that are open to the general public.

Military/Federal Government Airports

Airports operated by the military, NASA, or other agencies of the Federal Government.

Private Airports

Airports designated for private or restricted use only, not open to the general public.

Towered Airport

An airport with an operating control tower where air traffic control is responsible for the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic.

Nontowered Airport

An airport that does not have an operating control tower.

CTAF

A frequency designated for airport advisory practices.

UNICOM

A nongovernment air/ground radio communication station providing airport information.

Airside

The part of the airport that includes runways, taxiways, and air traffic control facilities.

Landside

The complex of passenger buildings, cargo terminals, and supporting facilities at an airport.

Runway

A defined rectangular area on a land aerodrome prepared for the landing and takeoff of aircraft.

Taxiway

A defined path on a land aerodrome established for the taxiing of aircraft.

Apron

The area of an airport where aircraft are parked, unloaded, loaded, refueled, or boarded.

Parking Area

Part of an apron intended for parking aircraft to enplane/deplane passengers or load/unload cargo.

Holding Aprons

Areas adjacent to the ends of runways used as storage for aircraft prior to takeoff.

Design Standards

Guidelines developed by organizations like ICAO and FAA to ensure safety and efficiency in airfield design.

Geometric Design

The design of an airfield to provide operational efficiency, flexibility, and potential for future growth.

Economic Consequences

The financial implications of design choices in airport planning and operation.

Future Growth

The consideration of expansion capabilities in the design of airfields.

Integration and Coordination

The need for cohesive planning processes in airport design to avoid mistakes.

Air Traffic Control Facilities

Equipment and facilities used to manage aircraft movements in the airspace and on the ground.

Environmental Mitigation

Strategies implemented to minimize the environmental impact of airport operations.

Complex Airport Layouts

Airport designs that utilize multiple runways to handle large volumes of diverse traffic.

Design Mistakes

Common errors in airport planning that can lead to operational inefficiencies.

Recommended Runway

The runway suggested for use based on current weather conditions and traffic.

Weather Information

Data provided by UNICOM stations regarding current weather conditions at the airport.

Passenger Buildings

Structures at the airport designed to accommodate travelers and provide services.

Cargo Terminals

Facilities at the airport dedicated to the handling of freight and cargo.

Utility Plants

Facilities that provide essential services such as power and water to the airport.

Catering Facilities

Services at the airport that provide food and beverage for passengers and crew.

Ground Access Facilities

Infrastructure that allows passengers to access the airport, including roads and parking.

Non-Aviation Facilities

Buildings and services at the airport that do not relate directly to aviation operations.