Aerodrome Elevations and Runway Measurements

Aerodrome and Runway Elevations

• Aerodrome elevation and geoid undulation must be measured to an accuracy of one-half meter or one foot and reported to AIS-CAAP.
• For non-precision approaches, the runway end elevations and significant high/low points must also be reported with the same accuracy.
• For precision instrument runways, key elevations including threshold and highest touchdown zone points require the same accuracy for reporting.

Declared Distances

• Declared distances for runway intersections start at a perpendicular line from the farther edge of the taxiway from the take-off direction.
• If take-offs can occur in both directions, separate declared distances must be defined for each direction from respective taxiway edges.
• Example format for intersection departure: "RWY 16 – TKOF from TWY E: RWY remaining 2345 (7694), reduce all DECL DIST by 1312 (4305)."

Aerodrome Obstruction Charts – Type A

• Type A Charts must indicate the currency of the information, including date of preparation or edition/issue number.

Obstructions and Take-off Gradients

• If fences or levee banks are too close to the runway affecting take-off gradients, the next obstacle in the take-off area may be considered for gradient calculations.

Factors for Site Selection for Major Airports

• Regional Plan: Site must integrate into the national airport network.
• Airport Use: Selection depends on whether the airport is for civilian or military.
• Proximity to Airports: Selected sites should be distanced from existing airports to prevent interference.
• Ground Accessibility: Sites should be easily accessible for users, critical for short-haul operations.
• Visibility: Airports must be free from visibility-reducing conditions such as fog or smoke.
• Noise Nuisance: Sites should minimize noise impact on surrounding areas, considering aircraft climb-out paths.

Aeronautical Information

• Aeronautical Information Service (AIS) collects and publishes aeronautical data, important for aviation stakeholders.
• Key publications include:
  • Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP): Essential aeronautical information.
  • AIP Amendment: Permanent updates to AIP data.
  • AIP Supplement: Temporary updates, published on special pages.
  • NOTAM: Notices regarding changes or hazards important for flight operations.

Aerodrome Information Elements

• Location Information: Includes name, WAC number, coordinates, magnetic variation, UTC time, and local time differences.
• Ground Services: Includes fuel suppliers' contact details, weather information, and available services for pilots.
• Special Procedures: Unique procedures specific to an aerodrome that pilots need to be aware of.

Runway Surface Types

• Runway surfaces are classified as:
  • Bitumen seal
  • Asphalt
  • Concrete
  • Gravel
  • Grass
  • Natural surface

Tire Pressure Categories

• Unlimited: No limit
• High: 1.75 MPa
• Medium: 1.25 MPa
• Low: 0.50 MPa

Pavement Strength Categories

• High Strength: K value ≥ 150 MN/m³; CBR ≥ 15 for rigid pavements.
• Medium Strength: K value between 60-120 MN/m³; CBR 10-13 for flexible pavements.
• Low Strength: K value < 80 MN/m³; Technical evaluations required for bearing strength assessments.

Technical Evaluation

• Characterization of pavement strength provides crucial data for aircraft operations and maintenance.

Example Evaluation

• A rigid pavement on medium strength subgrade with a technical evaluation PCN 80 and no tire pressure limitations leads to standardized reporting requirements for operations.