Designing a runway, taxiway, or apron starts from the intended operations and the reference aircraft. Geometry, structural integrity, and usage conditions must be demonstrated together, including for temporary configurations during construction.
How is the reference aircraft defined?
Specify the aircraft type and variant, operating masses, wingspan, wheelbase, and the outer main gear wheel span (OMGWS). Add movement frequency and planned maneuvers: self-taxiing, push-back, or towing. A single type is not necessarily decisive for all checks; document the aircraft that governs each criterion.
Separate annual traffic demand from peak hour demand and stand occupancy times. For apron expansion, capacity also results from service sequence, equipment availability, and access feasibility to adjacent stands.
What data must be prepared before design?
The initial file includes the topographic survey, geotechnical investigations, existing infrastructure plans, paved structure characteristics, and underground networks. Include marking and lighting configuration, drainage, CNS/MET equipment, protected areas, and operational restrictions.
Request the certificate, certification basis, and relevant drawings from the aerodrome manual from the operator. Record the date and revision of each source. Discrepancies between the site, the existing design, and published information must be clarified before becoming design assumptions.
How is geometry correlated with other specialties?
Kinematic analysis tracks wheel paths and the aircraft envelope along the entire route, including turn entries and exits. Verify clearances relative to paved surface edges, equipment, and parked aircraft. Correlate results with shoulders, slopes, and drainage continuity.
Structural sizing uses actual loads and foundation soil data. The placement of a drain, manhole, or lighting unit must be coordinated with landing gear paths, maintenance, and local bearing capacity.
What is the technical and certification framework?
For aerodromes within its scope, Regulation (EU) No 139/2014, AMC/GM, and CS-ADR-DSN are correlated with the applicable certification basis. The 7th edition of CS-ADR-DSN is included in the EASA compilation from March 2026; applicability to a modification is established through the certification process, not by simply replacing the reference list.
The project register associates each criterion with the drawing, calculation, or verification that demonstrates it. Relevant changes are correlated with change management and operational condition analysis.
How do you prepare for execution and the request for proposal?
Define work phases, available surfaces at each stage, equipment access, temporary obstacles, and reopening conditions. The schedule must include inspections, training, documentation updates, and the necessary aeronautical information.
For bidding purposes, provide the site location, investment objects, reference aircraft, documentation phase, and periods during which operations must be maintained. Specify available studies, included specialties, and required deliverables for projects in Bihor or other airports in Romania.
Also consult the technical chapter in the guide
Discuss your project with the Sky Meridian team
Airport design and airport infrastructure