Air Law - AerodromesO/Cdt. Darcel

“I feel the need. The need,

for proper aerodrome markings and procedures”

MTPsAerodrome Markings

Runway Markings Taxiway markingsUnservicability lighting

Wind IndicatorsAerodrome LightingAerodrome Traffic Procedures

JoiningNORDO

Aerodrome MarkingsDefinitions:

Aerodrome: Any area used for the arrival, departure, or maintenance of aircraft.

Airport: An aerodrome with respect to which a certificate is in force

Manoeuvring Area: Areas intended for taking off, landing, and/or associated movement. Does not include apron.

Aerodromes MarkingsDefinitions (cont.)

Threshold: Denotes beginning of areas to be used for t/o and landing under normal circumstances.

Displaced Threshold: Area preceding threshold markings may be used for t/o and taxi but not landing.

Relocated Threshold: Area preceding threshold markings may be used for neither taxi nor takeoff/landing

Runway MarkingsNumbering

Done by degrees magnetic in the Southern Domestic Airspace. In NDA, by degrees true.

Done from the pilot’s perspective. ie, the east end of an east-west runway will be numbered 27.

eg, A runway end with an orientation of 189 will be numbered 19. What about the other end?

Parallel r/w numbered L and R

To switch quickly between reciprocal r/w ends, use the 20-20 rule: Add 2 to one digit, subtract 2 from the other.

Runway MarkingsLighting

Only if portion of aerodrome is intended for night use.

Sides indicated by white lights visible at a distance of not less than 2 nm

Lights/markers to be no more than 60m (200 ft.) apart Must be directly opposite one another

No fewer than 8 lights in a row (min 420 m/row)White retro-reflective markers meeting same

specifications may be used In this case ends MUST be indicated by at least one white

light/marker, visible for at least 2 nm

Taxiway MarkingsGenerally, painted with a yellow centerlineLighting

If used at night,Lights are BLUENo less than 60m (200 ft.) apart

Unservicability MarkingsUnserviceable Markings

When an aerodrome is closed permanently, all markings installed must be removed. Also applies to parts of manoeuvring area.

Except water aerodromes, red flags or cones must be used to denote closed portions of the manoeuvring area.

At night, red lighting to be used for closed manoeuvring area portions.

U/S Runways/TaxiwaysDenoted by large, white or yellow Xs at each endWhere painting impossible, may use dye, or other

material as appropriate.

Aerodrome Markings - MiscellaneousObstructions marked with red lights.Must place warnings in public areas where

a/c activity could pose hazard.

Wind IndicatorsExcept where wind direction may be obtained

via radio or other indication, (eg, smoke) must have a w.d.i.Must be truncated cone (ie, wind sock)Visible from 1000 ft. (300m) above aerodromePainted in a conspicuous colour(s) (green

generally not a good choice)As, must be lit at night if a/d used at nightRemoved immediately upon a/d closure

Traffic ProceduresGenerally, all circuits flown at 1000’ AAE

unless otherwise specifiedAlso, most circuits in Canada are left-hand

All turns made to left

Circuit JoiningControlled Aerodrome:

Join when/where they instruct you toMay be straight-in downwind, mid-downwind,

base, or direct to final approach

Circuit JoiningUncontrolled Aerodrome:

Plan to land into the windCircuit must be joined mid-downwind following

a descent on the upwind side If required to cross field to go to upwind, cross over

the field at 500’ above circuit heightWhere no possible conflict, may join early

downwind

Circuit JoiningUncontrolled A/D (cont)

When operating at an aerodrome with a mandatory frequency, and the relevant ground advisory service is in effect, may join at more locations That is, 45 degrees to downwind, or straight in on base

and finalAlso, MF zones require you to radio when

established both downwind and final legs, as well as a 5-minute call prior to MF zone entry

(Not Required) MF Zone = 3000’ AAE, 5 nm around a/d

NORDONORDO: NO RaDiOTo communicate with you, ground operators

may use light signals. Permitted, (although perhaps not

recommended) in all uncontrolled classes of airspaceException are MF zones; may still operate,

provided: Prior arrangements made with a/d operator Ground advisory active when you go through

At any aerodrome, may only join on early or mid- downwind

NORDO Light Signals

Questions?