Airfield operations and_management-rw_configurations-ppt03

04/07/23Masters In Aviation Science-EU-Course ASC 640,wk3 2

The operational capacity of an airport, which is usually defined as the maximum possible number of aircraft landings and takeoffs, is determined by the number of runways that are available for use at any one time.The vast majority of airports around the world have the simplest possible layout, a single runway .

04/07/23 3Masters In Aviation Science-EU-Course ASC 640,wk3

Runways are laid out according to the numbers on a compass. A runway's compass direction is indicated by a large number painted at the end of each runway. Preceding that number are 8 white stripes. Following that number by 500 feet is the "touchdown zone" which is identified by 6 white stripes. A runway's number is not written in degrees, but is given a shorthand format.


When runways are built, their layout is influenced by many factors: • Federal Aviation Regulations • Environmental concerns • Noise level impacts • Terrain and soil considerations • Natural and man-made obstructions • Annual weather patterns • The size and performance characteristics of the airplanes that will use the runways

Cultural and Historic Wet lands and Habitat Noise and Safety

Site Pollution


• One of the most severe problems is that of aircraft noise in and around an airport. Laying out runways so that air traffic patterns occur minimally over heavily populated areas is a practice now widely employed during runway expansion and when building new airports.

•The ground on which the airport is to be built must have a stable stratum of earth upon which building foundations can be anchored. The soil must be capable of supporting heavy loads without shifting or sinking.

•Man-made obstructions like multi-storied high rises, transmissions towers and bridges can and do influence runway orientation.

•Consideration of local weather patterns is also a factor in determining an airport's layout. The weather patterns of an area, especially the prevailing winds, are a major factor in determining runway headings.


There are 4 basic runway configurations:A)Single runwayB)Parallel runwaysC)Open-V runwaysD)Intersecting runways


This is the simplest of the 4 basic configurations. It is one runway optimally positioned for prevailing winds , noise, land use and other determining factors. During VFR (visual flight rules) conditions, this one runway should accommodate up to 99 light aircraft operations per hour. While under IFR (instrument flight rules) conditions , it would accommodate between 42 to 53 operations per hour depending on the mix of traffic and navigational aids available at that airport.


There are 4 types of parallel runways. These are named according to how closely they are placed next to each other . Operations per hour will vary depending on the total number of runways and the mix of aircraft. In IFR conditions for predominantly light aircraft, the number of operations would range between 64 to 128 per hour.


Two runways that diverge from different directions but do NOT intersect form a shape that looks like an "open-V" are called open-V runways. This configuration is useful when there is little to no wind as it allows for both runways to be used at the same time. When the winds become strong in one direction, then only one runway will be used. When takeoffs and landings are made away from the two closer ends, the number of operations per hour significantly increases. When takeoffs and landings are made toward the two closer ends, the number of operations per hour can be reduced by 50%.


Two or more runways that cross each other are classified as intersecting runways. This type of configuration is used when there are relatively strong prevailing winds from more than one direction during the year. When the winds are strong from one direction, operations will be limited to only one runway. With relatively light winds, both runways can be used simultaneously. The greatest capacity for operations is accomplished when the intersection is close to the takeoff end and the landing threshold as shown below (with the configuration on the left). The capacity for the number of operations varies greatly with this runway configuration. It really depends on the location of the intersection and the manner in which the runways are operated (IFR, VFR, aircraft mix). This type of configuration also has the potential to use a greater amount of land area than parallel runway configurations.


Thank You04/07/23 12Masters In Aviation Science-EU-Course ASC 640,wk3

Airfield operations and_management-rw_configurations-ppt03

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