Airfield Operations and Safety Guidelines

Parking Restrictions

• No vehicle or equipment can be parked within 10 ft of a security fence.
• Vehicles and equipment cannot be parked within 15 ft of a fire hydrant or firefighting apparatus.
• Vehicles and equipment must be parked at least 20 ft from any parked aircraft, unless servicing the aircraft.
• All vehicles must stay at least 150 ft away from the chute of snow blowing equipment.

Refueling

• Fuel vehicles must be parked at least 10 ft away from other vehicles.
• Fuel vehicles must be parked at least 50 ft away from any buildings.
• If a fuel spill occurs, all personnel must stay 100 ft away and should not drive through the spill.

Airfield Lighting

• White lights are used for runways.
• Blue lights are used for taxiways.
• Amber lights are used for authorized service roads/taxiway crossings.

Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT)

• The Air Traffic Control Tower is located at O'Hare International Airport.
• The ATCT controls the Airfield Operations Area (AOA).

Depressed Roadway (ORD)

• The Baggage cart road (bag alley) is located between Terminals 1, 2, and 3 and the aircraft gate area.

Foreign Object Debris (F.O.D.)

• Foreign Object Debris (F.O.D.) is any litter, trash, or rubbish found on the airport which could damage aircraft.

Movement Area

• The area of the airfield controlled by the ATCT, such as runways and taxiways.
• Any surface used for taking off or landing aircraft.
• Surface movements require contacting the ATCT.

Non-Movement Area

• Aircraft and ground vehicles can move at the operator's discretion without contacting the ATCT.

Runway Incursions

• Runway incursions are any incidents where an aircraft, vehicle, or person is incorrectly present on the protected area of a surface designated for landing and takeoff.
• The FAA reviews and categorizes runway incursions using the ICAO definition and severity categories.

Security Perimeter/Security Area

• The portion of the airport enclosed by fencing, walls, or other barriers.
• Access is controlled through designated entry points by the Chicago Department of Aviation and authorized agencies.

Fishtailing

• Excessive side-to-side movement of a vehicle or equipment being towed.

O'Hare Communications Center (OCC)

• Emergency contact: (773) 894-9111

O'Hare Operations

• Contact: (773) 686-2255

Speed Limits

• Baggage Claim and Depressed Roadway: 5 mph
• Ramp Area: 20 mph
• ORD Speed Limit: 30 mph*
  • *Unless posted otherwise

Air Traffic Control Light Gun Signal

• Steady red light: Stop, do not proceed, and wait for someone to assist.

Zipper Roadway Markings

• Approved taxiway/service road crossing.

Mandatory Hold Position Marking

• Movement/Non-Movement Marking
• Mandatory Hold Position sign

Taxiway Guidance Signs

• Indicate direction and taxiway names.

Test your knowledge on the essential parking restrictions, refueling protocols, airfield lighting, and the function of the Air Traffic Control Tower. This quiz is designed to ensure safety and efficiency in airfield operations. Perfect for aviation industry professionals and students!