Below are the first 10 and last 10 pages of uncorrected machine-read text (when available) of this chapter, followed by the top 30 algorithmically extracted key phrases from the chapter as a whole.
Intended to provide our own search engines and external engines with highly rich, chapter-representative searchable text on the opening pages of each chapter.
Because it is UNCORRECTED material, please consider the following text as a useful but insufficient proxy for the authoritative book pages.
Do not use for reproduction, copying, pasting, or reading; exclusively for search engines.
OCR for page 14
6. A Pilot's Perspective of the Airport
general
Key Po i nt
Pilots are the most important users of an airport; therefore, it is important to understand their perspective primarily as it
relates to the adequacy of the airport's infrastructure and how its layout and systems contribute to their flying experience.
These systems include the runway(s), runway approach procedures in poor visibility conditions, air traffic control and
communications systems, and other support systems for the pilot.
D i s cu s s i on
The Airport
The Runway
The airway system and airports can be particularly confusing for non-pilots, but a policy maker should know that the
rules of the sky are integrally linked to the design criteria for airports and the specific categories of aircraft they serve.
Once a particular aircraft type or class is documented as "routinely" using an airport (more than 500 annual combined
aircraft takeoffs and landings) then that aircraft or family of aircraft represents the "critical design aircraft" for airport
development -- specifically the runway and airfield geometry.
Pilots understand the performance characteristics of their aircraft and will review the runway's length, width, and pavement
strength to ensure their flight operations will be safe. Common terminology that pilots and air traffic controllers use
relative to runways are "preferred" and "primary" runways. The primary runway is normally the one that is longest and/or
has the best navigational aid capability. The preferred runway is often the primary runway but might be another runway
based on the pilot's location on the airfield and wind conditions.
Airport management works with the FAA to monitor airport activity and periodically updates the Airport Layout Plan
(ALP) to meet the demand. The required runway length is a typical topic of discussion tied directly to the critical design
FINANCIAL
aircraft. The following graphic depicts the relative runway length requirements for takeoff of specific aircraft, ranging
from 3,000 to 12,000 feet.
Commercial Jet - B747
Commercial Jet - B757
Large Corporate - GV
Medium Corporate Jet - Hawker 800
Small Corporate Jet - Citation II
Turboprop - King Air
rules
Light Twin - Beech Baron
Single Eng. - Cessna
14
OCR for page 15
Runway Approach Capability During
Poor Visibility
GENERAL
Pilots cannot land on runways during poor visibility conditions
unless they are appropriately licensed and the runway has
an instrument approach procedure. These procedures are
published by the FAA and achieved with the help of navigational
equipment such as a localizer, full instrument landing system,
or satellite based procedures.
Air Traffic Control and Pilot
Communications
Runway
Runway Approach DuringPoor
Approach During Poor Visibility
Visibility Some airports have an air traffic control tower (ATCT) where
ATCT staff communicates with pilots to ensure aircraft are
properly separated when taking off or landing. When there is
THE AIRPORT
no ATCT or it is closed, pilots use a Common Traffic Advisory
Frequency to communicate with one another. Airport staff
also advise pilots of unusual conditions such as closed taxiways
or runways by issuing Notices to Airmen.
A Pilot 's Perspec tive on Airpor t Safety
Airport staff, engineers, and planners can help provide a safe
environment for pilots by having good airfield signage and
marking that meets FAA standards, by eliminating confusing
or complex geometry on the airfield, and providing takeoff
and landing paths free of obstructions. Examples of complex
geometry that can create runway incursions are when several
taxiways and one or more runways meet at one intersection.
Air Tra c Control and Pilot Communications
Air Tra c Control and Pilot Communications
FINANCIAL
App l i c at i o n
Talk to pilots that use your airport to find out their views about how safe and efficient your airport is and what
improvements may be needed.
Learn more about a pilot's view from the Aeronautical Information Manual:
http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/ATPubs/AIM/aim.pdf.
RULES
15
