GM1 ADR-DSN.A.005 Aerodrome reference code (ARC)

(a)The intent of the reference code is to provide a simple method for interrelating the numerous specifications concerning the characteristics of aerodromes so as to provide a series of aerodrome facilities that are suitable for the aeroplanes that are intended to operate at the aerodrome. The code is not intended to be used for determining runway length or pavement strength requirements. The code is composed of two elements which are related to the aeroplane performance characteristics and dimensions.

(b)Element 1 is a number based on the aeroplane reference field length, and element 2 is a letter based on the aeroplane wingspan. The code letter or number within an element selected for design purposes is related to the critical aeroplane characteristics for which the facility is provided. When applying CS-ADR-DSN text, the aeroplanes which the aerodrome is intended to serve, are first identified and then the two elements of the code.

(c)In addition to the reference code, other aircraft characteristics, such as aircraft length and tail height, may also have an impact on the design of an aerodrome. Additionally, some characteristics of a piece of infrastructure are directly related to one element of the code (wingspan or wheel span) but are not impacted by other. The aerodrome designer should consider all the relationships between aircraft characteristics and aerodromes and piece of infrastructures characteristics.

(d)It is not intended that the specifications deriving from the aerodrome reference code limit or regulate the operation of an aircraft.

(e)It is recognised that not all areas of the aerodrome should need to correspond to the critical aeroplane that determines the Aerodrome Reference Code. Elements of the aerodrome infrastructure that do not meet the requirements of the Aerodrome Reference Code for the design aeroplane should be designated with an appropriate code letter for its dimensions. Limitations should be identified to aircraft size permitted or operating limitations. ICAO, Annex 14 does not provide sufficient flexibility for infrastructure intended for different sizes of aircraft. It only addresses the ‘design aircraft’. This enables all areas of the aerodrome to reflect the aerodrome reference code.

(f)Further guidance on aerodrome reference code and on planning for aeroplanes with wingspans greater than 80 m is given in ICAO Doc 9157, Aerodrome Design Manual, Part 1, Runways, and Part 2, Taxiways, Aprons and Holding Bays. Additional guidance on determining the runway length is given in ICAO Doc 9157, Aerodrome Design Manual, Part 1, Runways. Note: References to the ICAO documents provided in CS-ADR-DSN are made for additional guidance. Changes in the CS-ADR-DSN regarding the aerodrome reference code are not yet fully reflected in these documents.

(g)In the case of an aeroplane equipped with folding wing tips, its reference code letter may change as a result of the folding/extending of the wing tips. Consideration will be given to the wingspan configuration and resultant operations of the aeroplane at an aerodrome. Further information concerning aeroplanes with folding wing tips, physical characteristics, and the concept of normal and non-normal operations can be found in the manufacturer’s aircraft characteristics for airport planning manual.

[Issue: ADR-DSN/3]

[Issue: ADR-DSN/4]

[Issue: ADR-DSN/6]