DEFINITIONS OF VARIOUS TERMS USED IN

AIRPORT OPERATIONS
CHAPTER-1, ANNEX 14
(60/99)

A presentation by R.Zalpuri
 OBJECTIVES
After going through this presentation, you will be able
to understand: -
that these are minimum aerodrome specifications
that specifications relating to separation between
adjacent aerodromes or capacity of individual
aerodromes and impact on environment have not
been considered
that economic and other non-technical factors
needed for development of an aerodrome have not
been taken into account
the exact and legal definitions of various terms
used in airport operations
 APPLICABILITY

The specifications, unless otherwise indicated in a

particular context, shall apply to

all aerodromes open to public use

in accordance with Article 15 of the Convention on

International Civil Aviation.
The specifications in chapter 3 (Physical
characteristics) will be applicable to

land aerodromes only

 Aerodrome(AD)

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 of aircraft.
 Aerodrome Beacon(ABN)

An aeronautical beacon used to indicate the

location of an aerodrome from the air.
Aerodrome Certificate: A certificate issued by the
appropriate authority under applicable regulations for the
operation of an aerodrome.

Certified Aerodrome: An aerodrome whose operator

has been granted an aerodrome certificate.
Aerodrome elevation: The elevation of the highest
point of the landing area.

Aerodrome Identification sign: A sign placed on an

aerodrome to aid in identifying the aerodrome from the
air.

ABCDEFGH

Aerodrome reference point: The designated

geographical location of an aerodrome.
Aerodrome Traffic Density:

a. Light: Where the number of movements in the mean busy

hour is not greater than 15 per runway or typically less than
20 total aerodrome movements.
b. Medium: Where the number of movements in the mean
busy hour is of the order of 16 to 25 per runway or typically
between 20 to 35 total aerodrome movements.
c. Heavy: Where the number of movements in the mean busy
hour is of the order of 26 or more per runway or typically
more than 35 total aerodrome movements.

Note 1: The number of movements in the mean busy hour is

the arithmetic mean over the year of the number of
movements in the daily busiest hour.

Note 2: Either a take-off or a landing constitutes a movement.

Aero plane reference field length: The minimum
field length required for take-off at maximum
certificated take-off mass, sea level, standard
atmospheric conditions, still air and zero runway
slope, as shown in the appropriate aero plane flight
manual prescribed by the certificating authority or
equivalent data from the aero plane manufacturer.
Field length means balanced field length of aero
planes, if applicable, or take-off distance in other
cases.
Aeronautical ground light (AGL): Any light specially
provided as an aid to air navigation, other than a
light displayed on an aircraft.
Declared Distances
 TORA – Take off Run Available

09 27

The length of the runway available and suitable for the

GROUND RUN of an airplane taking off.
( in nearly all cases the physical pavement)
 TODA – Take off Distance Available

Clear
09 27
Way

TORA
+
Length of clearway, if provided
Clear Way :
A defined rectangular area on the ground or water under the
control of the appropriate authority, selected or prepared as
a suitable area over which an aero plane may make a portion
of its initial climb to a specified height.
 ASDA – Accelerate Stop Distance Available

Stop
09 27
way

TORA
+
Length of stop way, if provided
Stopway: A defined rectangular area on the ground at
the end of take-off run available prepared as a suitable
area in which an aircraft can be stopped in the case of
an abandoned take off.
 LDA – Landing Distance Available

The length of the runway which is declared

available and suitable for the ground run of an
airplane landing.
Displaced Threshold: A threshold not located at
the extremity of a runway.
Area may be used for taxiing, takeoff and landing roll
but NOT FOR TOUCHDOWN.
A displaced threshold often exists because of:
1.obstacles before the runway; or
2.runway strength/un-servicability ; or
3.noise restrictions.
May make the beginning section of runway unsuitable
for landings. It is marked with white paint arrows that
lead up to the beginning of the landing portion of the
runway.
Aircraft Classification Number (ACN): A number
expressing the relative effect of an aircraft on a
pavement for a specified standard sub grade
category.

Pavement classification number (PCN): A

number expressing the bearing strength of a
pavement for unrestricted operations.
Apron: A defined area, on a land aerodrome,
intended to accommodate aircraft for purposes of
loading or unloading passengers, mail or cargo,
fuelling, parking or maintenance.

Aircraft Stand: A designated area on an apron

intended to be used for parking an aircraft.
 45 45
Equipment
Restraint
Line

G G G G
G G
. . . .
. .
S S S S
B 747 S S
. . . .
. .
E E E E
E E
P P P
P P
P a a a
a a
a r r r
r r
r ki ki B 773 ki
ki ki
k n n n
n n
i g g g
g g
n
g
45
Frangible object: An object of low mass designed to
break, distort or yield on impact so as to present the
minimum hazard to aircraft.
Hazard beacon: An aeronautical beacon used to
designate a danger to air navigation.
Heliport: An aerodrome or a defined area on a
structure intended to be used wholly or in part for
the arrival, departure and surface movement of
helicopters.
Holding Bay: A defined area where aircraft can be
held, or bypassed, to facilitate efficient surface
movement of aircraft.
Dependent parallel approaches: Simultaneous
approaches to parallel or near-parallel instrument
runways where radar separation minima between
aircraft on adjacent extended runway centre lines are
prescribed.

Independent parallel approaches: Simultaneous

approaches to parallel or near parallel instrument
runways where radar separation minima between
aircraft on adjacent extended runway centre lines are
not prescribed.

Independent parallel departures: Simultaneous

departures from parallel or near-parallel instrument
runways.
Segregated parallel operations: Simultaneous
operations on parallel or near-parallel instrument
runways in which one runway is used exclusively for
approaches and the other runway is used exclusively
for departures.

Intermediate holding position: A designated position

intended for traffic control at which taxiing aircraft and
vehicles shall stop and hold until further cleared to
proceed, when so instructed by the aerodrome control
tower.
Landing area: That part of a movement area intended
for the landing or take-off of aircraft.

Landing direction indicator: A device to indicate

visually the direction currently designated for landing
and for take-off.
Marker: An object displayed above ground level in
order to indicate an obstacle or delineate a boundary.

Marking: A symbol or group of symbols displayed on

the surface of the movement area in order to convey
aeronautical information.
 Manoeuvring Area:

That part of an aerodrome to be used for

1. take-off ;
ON
2. landing; and PR
S A
DE
L U
3. taxiing of aircraft . C
EX
 Movement Area:

That part of an aerodrome to be used for

1. take-off ;

2. landing;
N n)
R O ro
3. taxing; and P
A + A p
S
E r ea
UD a
4. parking of aircraft. L in g
C r
IN uve
e
an
(M
Near-parallel runways: Non-intersecting runways
whose extended centre lines have an angle of
convergence/divergence of 15 degrees or less.

Obstacle: All fixed (whether temporary or permanent)

and mobile objects, or part thereof, that
a) are located on an area intended for the surface
movement of aircraft; or
b) extend above a defined surface intended to protect
aircraft in flight; or
c) stand outside those defined surfaces and that has
been assessed as being a hazard to air navigation.
Obstacle free zone (OFZ): The airspace above the
inner approach surface, inner transitional surfaces,
and balked landing surface and that portion of the
strip bounded by these surfaces, which is not
penetrated by any fixed obstacle other than a low-
mass and frangibly mounted one required for air
navigation purposes.

Road: An established surface route on the movement

area meant for the exclusive use of vehicles.

Road-holding position: A designated position at

which vehicles may be required to hold.
Runway : A defined rectangular area on a land
aerodrome prepared for the landing and
take-off of aircraft.
Runway strip: A defined area including the runway
and stop way, if provided, intended:

a: to reduce the risk of damage to aircraft

running off a runway;
and

b: to protect aircraft flying over it during takeoff

or landing operations.
Take-off runway: A runway intended for take-off only.

Primary runway (s): Runway (s) used in preference to

others whenever conditions permit.

Non-instrument runway
A runway intended for operation of aircraft using visual
approach procedures.
Extract from Annex 6 – Operation of aircraft, Part 1
4.2.8.3 Instrument approach operations shall be
classified based on the designed lowest operating
minima below which an approach operation shall only
be continued with the required visual reference as
follows:
a) Type A: a minimum descent height or decision
height at or above 75 m (250 ft); and

b) Type B: a decision height below 75 m (250 ft).

Type B instrument approach operations are
categorized as:
1) Category I (CAT I): a decision height not lower
than 60 m (200 ft) and with either a visibility not
less than 800 m or a runway visual range not
less than 550 m;
Extract from Annex 6 – Operation of aircraft, Part 1
(contd.)
2) Category II (CAT II): a decision height lower
than 60 m (200 ft) but not lower than 30 m
(100 ft) and a runway visual range not less
than 300 m;
3) Category IIIA (CAT IIIA): a decision height
lower than 30 m (100 ft) or no decision height
and a runway visual range not less than 175
m;
4) Category IIIB (CAT IIIB): a decision height
lower than 15 m (50 ft) or no decision height
and a runway visual range less than 175 m
but not less than 50 m; and
5) Category IIIC (CAT IIIC): no decision height
and no runway visual range limitations.
Instrument runway. One of the following types of
runways intended for the operation of aircraft using
instrument approach procedures:
a) Non-precision approach runway. A runway served
by visual aids and non-visual aid(s) intended for landing
operations following an instrument approach operation
type A and a visibility not less than 1000 m.

b) Precision approach runway, category I. A runway

served by visual aids and non-visual aid(s) intended for
landing operations following an instrument approach
operation type B with a decision height (DH) not lower
than 60 m (200 ft) and either a visibility not less than 800
m or a runway visual range not less than 550 m.
c) Precision approach runway, category II. A runway
served by visual aids and non-visual aid(s) intended for
landing operations following an instrument approach
operation type B with a decision height (DH) lower than
60 m (200 ft) but not lower than 30 m (100 ft) and a
runway visual range not less than 300 m.
d) Precision approach runway, category III. A runway
served by visual aids and non-visual aid(s) intended for
landing operations following an instrument approach
operation type B to and along the surface of the runway
and:
A — intended for operations with a decision height (DH)
lower than 30 m (100 ft), or no decision height and a
runway visual range not less than 175 m.
B — intended for operations with a decision height (DH)
lower than 15 m (50 ft), or no decision height and a
runway visual range less than 175 m but not less than
50 m.
C — intended for operations with no decision height
(DH) and no runway visual range limitations.
 IN A NUTSHELL

CAT I- DH not less than 60m and visibility not less than
800m or RVR not less than 550m
CAT-II- DH less than 60m but not less than 30m
and
RVR not less than 300m
CAT-III-A-DH less than 30m or nil
and
RVR not less than 175m
CAT-III-B-DH less than 15m or nil
and
RVR less than 175m but not less than 50m
CAT-III-C- No DH and no RVR restrictions.
Runway end safety area (RESA): An area
symmetrical about the extended runway centre line
and adjacent to the end of the strip primarily intended
to reduce the risk of damage to an aeroplane
undershooting or overrunning the runway.

Runway guard lights: A light system intended to

caution pilots or vehicle drivers that they are about to
enter an active runway.

Runway-holding position: A designated position

intended to protect a runway, an obstacle limitation
surface, or an ILS/MLS critical/sensitive area at which
taxiing aircraft and vehicles shall stop and hold,
unless otherwise authorized by the aerodrome control
tower.
Runway turn pad: A defined area on a land
aerodrome adjacent to a runway for the purpose of
completing a 180-degree turn on a runway.

Runway visual range (RVR): The range over which

the pilot of an aircraft on the centre line of a runway
can see the runway surface markings or the lights
delineating the runway or identifying its centre line.

Safety management system (SMS): A system for the

management of safety at aerodromes, including the
organizational structure, accountabilities, policies and
procedures.
Shoulder: An area adjacent to the edge of a
pavement so prepared as to provide a transition
between the pavement and the adjacent surface.

Sign:
a. Fixed message sign : A sign presenting only one
message.
b. Variable message sign : A sign capable of
presenting several pre-determined messages or no
message, as applicable.
Signal Area: An area on an aerodrome used for the
display of ground signals.

9m
0.3 m

9m
 Prohibition of landing
A horizontal red square panel with yellow
diagonals when displayed in a signal area
indicates that landings are prohibited and
that the prohibition is liable to be prolonged.
Need for special precautions while
approaching or landing
A horizontal red square panel with one yellow
diagonal when displayed in a signal area
indicates that owing to the bad state of the
maneuvering area, or for any other reason,
special precautions must be observed in
approaching to land or in landing.
A horizontal white dumb-bell when displayed
in a signal area indicates that aircraft are
required to land, take off and taxi on runways
and taxiways only.
The same horizontal white dumb-bell as
in last figure but with a black bar placed
perpendicular to the shaft across each
circular portion of the dumb-bell when
displayed in a signal area indicates that
aircraft are required to land and take off
on runways only, but other maneuvers
need not be confined to runways and
taxiways.
Closed runways or taxiways
Crosses of a single contrasting color,
yellow or white, displayed horizontally
on runways and taxiways or parts
thereof indicate an area unfit for
movement of aircraft.
 Directions for landing or take-off
A horizontal white or orange landing T indicates the
direction to be used by aircraft for landing and take-off,
which shall be in a direction parallel to the shaft of the
T towards the cross arm.
Note.— When used at night, the landing T is either
illuminated or outlined in white colored lights.

A set of two digits displayed vertically at or

near the aerodrome control tower indicates to
aircraft on the maneuvering area the direction
for take-off, expressed in units of 10 degrees
to the nearest 10 degrees of the magnetic
compass.
Right-hand traffic
When displayed in a signal area, or horizontally
at the end of the runway or strip in use, a right-
hand arrow of conspicuous color indicates that
turns are to be made to the right before landing
and after take-off.
Air traffic services reporting office
The letter C displayed vertically in black
against a yellow background indicates the
location of the air traffic services reporting
office.

Glider flights in operation

A double white cross displayed
horizontally in the signal area indicates
that the aerodrome is being used by
gliders and that glider flights are being
performed.
Switch-over time(light): The time required for the
actual intensity of a light measured in a given direction
to fall from 50% and recover to 50% during a power
supply changeover, when the light is being operated
at intensities of 25% or above.
 09

Threshold: The beginning of that portion of the

runway usable for landing.

Touchdown zone: The portion of a runway,

beyond the threshold, where it is intended
landing aero planes first contact the runway.
Taxiway: A defined path on a land aerodrome
established for the taxiing of aircraft and intended to
provide a link between one part of the aerodrome and
another, including:
a. Aircraft stand taxilane: A portion of an apron
designated as a taxiway and intended to provide
access to aircraft stands only.
b.Apron Taxiway: A portion of a taxiway system
located on an apron and intended to provide a
through taxi route across the apron.
c. Rapid exit taxiway: A taxiway connected to a
runway at an acute angle and designed to allow
landing aero planes to turn off at higher speeds than
are achieved on other exit taxiways thereby
minimizing runway occupancy times.
Taxiway intersection: A junction of two or more
taxiways.

Taxiway strip: An area including a taxiway intended

to protect an aircraft operating on the taxiway and to
reduce the risk of damage to an aircraft accidentally
running off the taxiway.

Usability factor: The percentage of time during

which the use of a runway or system of runways is
not restricted because of the cross-wind
component.

Note: Cross-wind component means the surface wind

component at right angles to the runway centre line.
Licensing of aerodromes

When an aerodrome is granted a license, it

signifies to aircraft operators and other
organizations operating on the airport that, at the
time of licensing, the airport meets the
specifications regarding the facility and its
operation, and that it has, according to the
licensing authority, the capability to maintain
these specifications for the period of the validity
of the license.
Licensing of aerodromes(contd.)

Airports in India shall be licensed in accordance

with the requirements laid down in Part-XI titled
“Aerodrome” of Aircraft Rules, 1937.
As a part of licensing process, the licensee shall
submit an “Aerodrome Manual” containing
information regarding the aerodrome in the form
as specified in Rule 81 of Aircraft Rules, 1937,
for approval prior to granting the aerodrome
license.
Safety Management.
As part of safety management program, the operator of
a licensed aerodrome shall implement a Safety
Management System acceptable to CAA that, as a
minimum;
a) identifies safety hazards,
b) ensures that the remedial actions necessary to
maintain an acceptable level of safety is implemented,
c) provides for continuous monitoring and regular
assessment of the safety level achieved ,and
d) aims to make continuous improvement to the overall
level of safety.
A Safety Management System shall clearly define lines
of safety accountability throughout a licensed aerodrome
operator, including a direct accountability for safety on
the part of senior management.
Section 5 of Aircraft Act, 1934.
Power of Central Govt. to make rules.

Rules may provide for the licensing, inspection and

regulation of aerodromes, the conditions under which
aerodromes may be maintained, the prohibition or
regulation of the use of unlicensed aerodromes;
Aircraft Rules, 1937

133A. Directions by Director-General-

(1) The Director-General may, through Notices to
Airmen (NOTAM), Aeronautical Information
Publication(AIP), Aeronautical Information Circulars
(AICs), Notices to Aircraft Owners and Maintenance
Engineers and publication entitled Civil Aviation
Requirements (CAR), issue special directions not
inconsistent with the Aircraft Act, 1934 (22 of 1934) or
these rules, relating to the operation, use,
possession, maintenance or navigation of aircraft
flying in or over India or of aircraft registered in India.
(2) The Civil Aviation Requirements under sub-
rule(1) shall be issued after placing the draft on
the website of the Directorate General of Civil
Aviation for a period of thirty days for inviting
objections and suggestions from all persons
likely to be affected thereby;
Provided the Director General may, in the public
interest and by order in writing, dispense with the
requirements of inviting such objections and
suggestions.

(3)Every direction issued under sub-rule(1) shall

be complied with by the person or persons to
whom such direction is issued.
 Aerodrome reference code
Code Code element 1 Code Code element 2
number Aero plane letter Wing span Outer main gear wheel
reference field length span (a)
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)

1 Less than 800 m A Up to but not including Up to but not including

15 m 4.5 m

2 800 m up to but not B 15 m up to but not 4.5 m up to but not

including 1 200 m including 24 m including 6 m

3 1 200 m up to but not C 24 m up to but not 6 m up to but not

including 1 800 m including 36 m including 9 m

4 1 800 m and over D 36 m up to but not 9 m up to but not

including 52 m including 14 m

  E 52 m up to but not 9 m up to but not

including 65 m including 14 m

     F 65 m up to but not 14 m up to but not

including 80 m including 16 m

a. distance between the outside edges of the main gear wheels  

Thank you for your kind attention.