Aviation Safety: Stopway and Taxiway Guidelines

Stopway

• Stopway width must match the associated runway width for aircraft exceeding 68,000 kg maximum takeoff mass.
• Paved stopway surface should achieve friction characteristics equal to or exceeding the associated runway.
• Unpaved stopway friction characteristics should be comparable to the associated runway.
• Stopway slopes should ideally mirror the associated runway, except for the first and last quarter of the length, where the 0.8% slope limit doesn't apply.
• Maximum slope change on a stopway is 0.3% per 30 m at the runway junction and along the stopway.

Taxiway

• Taxiway width must meet minimum requirements based on code number.
• Taxiway direction changes should be minimized.
• Rapid exit taxiways must have sufficient straight distance for stopping, clear of intersecting taxiways.
• Rapid exit taxiway intersection angle with the runway should be between 25° and 45°, with 30° being preferred.
• Rapid exit taxiway turn-off curve radius needs to be at least 550 m for code 3 or 4, and at least 275 m for code 1 or 2.
• Taxiway longitudinal slope cannot exceed 1.5% for code letters C, D, E, or F, and 3.0% for code letters A or B.
• When avoiding slope changes, a curved surface transition is required, with a rate of change not exceeding 1.0% per 30 m for code letters C, D, E, or F, and 1.0% per 25 m for code letters A or B.
• Taxiway surface should be smooth to prevent damage to aircraft structures.
• Paved taxiway surface should provide suitable friction characteristics.

Taxiway Transverse Slope

• Taxiway transverse slope should be sufficient to prevent water accumulation, with a minimum of 1.0% and a maximum of 1.5% for code letters C, D, E, or F, and 2.0% for code letters A or B.

Taxiway Shoulders

• Taxiways with code letters C, D, E, or F, used by jet-propelled aircraft, must have shoulders.
• Shoulders on straight portions of taxiways with code letters C, D, E, or F should extend symmetrically on each side, creating a total width of 44 m for code F, 38 m for code E, 34 m for code D, and 25 m for code C.

Taxiway Bearing Strength

• CAAP doesn't specify a standard strength, but it must be adequate to prevent safety issues for operating aircraft.
• Taxiway strength needs to be at least equal to the runway it serves, due to the higher traffic density and stresses.

Taxiway Sight Distance

• Unobstructed line of sight along the taxiway surface must meet minimum distances defined in tables.

Holding Bay, Runway-Holding Position, Intermediate Holding Position, Road-Holding Position

• Providing a holding bay is at the aerodrome operator's discretion but must not infringe upon the inner transitional surface.
• Holding bays are recommended for medium to heavy traffic.
• Runway-holding positions should be established on a taxiway at the intersection of a taxiway and runway, or at the intersection of a runway with another runway when the former runway is part of a standard taxi route.
• The distance from the runway-holding position, intermediate holding position, holding bay or road-holding position to the runway centerline must meet distances specified in tables.

Apron

• Apron location must prevent parked aircraft from infringing on the obstacle limitation surface and the transitional surface.
• Aprons should be provided to allow passenger, cargo, and mail loading/unloading, as well as aircraft servicing without affecting aerodrome traffic.
• Apron grading should prevent water accumulation and avoid sloping towards the terminal building.
• Drainage should be provided for apron areas sloping towards the terminal building to direct spilled fuel away from buildings and structures.
• Storm-water drains serving the apron area should have flame traps or interceptor pits to contain spilled fuel.

Apron Bearing Strength

• CAAP doesn't specify a standard strength, but it needs to be sufficient to prevent safety issues for operating aircraft.
• Each apron portion must support the traffic it's intended for, considering higher density traffic and stresses.

Apron Slopes

• The slope on an aircraft parking position (aircraft stand) should not exceed 1%.
• The slope on other parts of the apron, including aircraft stand taxilane, should be as level as practicable, with a maximum of 2%.

Apron Road

• Apron roads for surface vehicles should be positioned at least 3 m away from any parked aircraft at the aircraft parking position.

This quiz covers important standards and guidelines for stopways and taxiways in aviation. It includes specifications related to dimensions, friction characteristics, slopes, and angles for safe aircraft operations. Test your knowledge of these critical components of airport infrastructure.