Section 1 EO M160.01 – IDENTIFY MAJOR AERODROME COMPONENTS

Around the world there is an intricate system of aeronautical facilities designed to facilitate the efficient movement of air traffic, called aerodrome. Many aerodromes vary widely in the facilities and the services they offer. However, there are certain standard features that apply to every aerodrome.

“An aerodrome is any area of land or water designed for the arrival, departure and movement of aircraft” (Macdonald, 2000).

“An airport is a licensed aerodrome, which possesses a certificate stating it has met all airport safety standards” (Macdonald, 2000).

The runway is the area where aircraft take off and land. A runway may be made of pavement, grass, gravel, dirt or snow among other materials. Runways are identified by numbers and by the white lights that run along each side.

The taxiway is the area used by an aircraft to manoeuvre around the aerodrome between aprons and runways. Letters normally designates taxiways. At aerodromes with lighting, taxiways are defined by blue lights along each side.

The apron, also known as the tarmac or ramp area, is the part of an aerodrome intended to accommodate the loading and unloading of passengers and cargo. It is also the area used for refuelling, servicing and parking of aircraft.

Note. From Royal Canadian Air Cadet Manual, Proficiency Level One Handbook, Cadets Canada, 1998.

Figure 1  Aerodrome Movement Areas

Some aerodromes have a control tower to ensure the safe and efficient movement of aircraft. The air traffic controllers in the tower are responsible for a number of procedures. These include take off and landing procedures, circuit procedures and ground manoeuvring of aircraft.

Terminal buildings are used for passengers arriving and departing. They are also used for baggage and cargo handling. Terminal buildings are located on the apron.

All aerodromes have at least one windsock or wind-t. The windsock is used by pilots to determine wind direction and speed. The approximate wind speed is indicated by the amount the windsock is extended. The wind-t is designed like an arrow whose small end points into the wind. They are found on the airfield, beside the runway.

Note. From The Ground Up: Millennium Edition, A.F. MacDonald, 2000.

Figure 2  Windsock and Wind-T

Flying schools are used as training facilities for current pilots and those that want to learn how to fly.

Hangars are used to store aircraft to protect them from weather conditions that might damage their components. Hangars are also used to facilitate work while conducting maintenance tasks on the aircrafts.