Airport Engineering - Planning

Airport Planning:

1. Planning:

• The regional plan usually provides the following info:

1. Approximate locations of airport in National Map.

2. Classification of Airport.

3. Location of Air Strip.

4. Routes of Air Travel.

• Following Data is collected for Regional Planning:

1. Population.

2.Topographical and Geographical features.

3. Existing Airport in Vicinity.

4. Air traffic Characteristics

• Minimum Spacing from Existing Airport:

1. For Airport serving small general aviation aircrafts under VFR conditions = 3.2 km 

2. For Airport serving bigger aircraft under VFR conditions = 6.4 km

3. For Airport operating piston engine aircraft under IFR conditions = 25.6 km

4.For jet aircrafts under IFR conditions = 160 km

The best location is site adjacent to the main highway.

2. Approach Zone:

• The width clearance area are known as approach zone, required on either side of runway along the direction of landing and take off.
• Over this area the aircraft can safely loose or gain altitude.

3. Clear Zone:

• It is the inner most portion of approach zone and the most critical position from obstruction view point.

4. Turning Zone:

• During the take off of the engine fails or pilot select to land in case of an emergency then aircraft will have to take a turn and come in line with runway before landing.
• The area of airport other than the approach area, which is used for turning operation is known as turning zone.