Airport ground surfaces: Beyond the 'tarmac' misconception

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Airport ground surfaces: Beyond the 'tarmac' misconception

Airport ground surfaces are critical for safe and efficient aircraft operations, yet many people incorrectly refer to these areas as the "tarmac." This article clarifies the terminology and explains the three main types of surfaces: runways for takeoffs and landings, taxiways for aircraft movement, and aprons for parking, servicing, and boarding. It also delves into the construction materials and engineering considerations that make these surfaces suitable for heavy aircraft in all weather conditions.

Correct terminology for airport surfaces

Runways: Where aircraft take off and land

Runways are the key surfaces at airports that enable aircraft to take off and land safely. Constructed from durable materials like concrete and asphalt, runways are engineered to withstand the immense weight and force of landing airplanes.

The length and width of runways vary depending on the types of aircraft they need to accommodate and environmental factors like altitude and temperature. Precision markings, lighting and instrument landing systems on runways provide visual and electronic guidance to pilots during takeoff and landing operations in various weather conditions.

Taxiways: Connecting runways and aprons

Taxiways play a critical role in airport operations by efficiently connecting runways and aprons. Without taxiways, aircraft would have to navigate directly between these areas, leading to potential safety issues and congestion.

Taxiways act as dedicated paths, allowing aircraft to move between the apron, where they park and are serviced, and the runway for takeoff and landing. This segregation of traffic ensures a smooth flow of aircraft ground movements and enhances overall airport safety and efficiency.

Aprons: Aircraft parking and servicing areas

Aprons, also known as ramps in some regions, serve several critical functions for aircraft on the ground. The primary use of aprons is for parking aircraft when they are not actively engaged in flight operations. This is where planes will be stationed between flights, often at terminal gates, cargo areas, or remote stands.

But aprons are not just for parking. They also provide the space necessary for essential servicing of aircraft. When an aircraft arrives at the gate, ground crews will unload baggage and cargo, clean and restock the cabin, refuel, and perform any necessary maintenance checks. Efficient apron layout and management is crucial to optimize aircraft turnaround times.

Aprons also accommodate the boarding and deplaning of passengers via jet bridges or mobile air stairs, the loading of catering supplies, and the transportation of freight to and from aircraft holds. The smooth orchestration of these varied activities on the aprons is key to maintaining on-time performance and safety in busy airport environments.

Construction and materials of airport surfaces

Concrete vs. asphalt in airport construction

Concrete and asphalt are the two primary materials used in constructing airport surfaces. Concrete is generally preferred for areas that handle heavy loads, such as runways and aprons where aircraft park. Its rigid structure can withstand the immense weight and pressure from landing gear.

Asphalt, on the other hand, offers more flexibility and is often used for taxiways and shoulder areas. It can expand and contract with temperature changes, making it resistant to cracking. Asphalt is also quicker and easier to repair than concrete.

Ultimately, the choice between concrete and asphalt depends on the specific needs of each airport area. A combination of both materials, strategically used based on their strengths, creates durable surfaces that ensure safe and efficient aircraft ground operations in all weather conditions.

Engineering for heavy loads and weather resistance

Airport surfaces face the tremendous challenge of withstanding the immense weight of aircraft, which can reach hundreds of tons. To handle these loads, runways and aprons are built using highly durable materials like reinforced concrete, which provides the necessary strength and stability.

But heavy loads are not the only challenge. Airports operate in all weather conditions, from scorching heat to frigid cold, rain, snow and ice. To resist damage from these elements and temperature changes, specialized asphalt mixtures and concrete formulas are used that maintain integrity across a wide range of conditions. Proper drainage systems are also critical to prevent water pooling, which could compromise the pavement. With carefully engineered materials and designs, airport surfaces provide the robustness needed for safe operations in even the harshest environments.

Airport ground operations and safety

Air traffic control on the ground

Managing the intricate dance of aircraft movements on busy airport surfaces is a critical role of air traffic control. Ground controllers direct planes between the aprons, where aircraft park and are serviced, and the active runways for takeoffs and landings. They must orchestrate a constant flow of traffic, ensuring safety and efficiency.

One key challenge is coordinating the diverse vehicles that share the surfaces with aircraft, such as fuel trucks, baggage carts, and passenger buses. ATC must be vigilant to prevent collisions while minimizing delays. Closely monitoring aircraft spacing, especially in low visibility conditions, adds to the complexity.

To maintain safe, orderly ground operations, many larger airports employ a dedicated apron management service or apron control. This team allocates aircraft parking stands and gates, and authorizes vehicle movements on the apron not confined to marked roadways. They work in tight coordination with ground control to provide a safe transition as aircraft move between the aprons and taxiways.

Effective communication between apron control, ground controllers, pilots and vehicle operators is essential. Despite the challenges, the goal of all parties is to keep the airport surfaces running like a well-choreographed ballet, moving aircraft and support equipment smoothly and safely to their destinations.

Vehicle and personnel safety on airport surfaces

Maintaining safety on busy airport aprons requires strict adherence to regulations and procedures:

• Speed limits: Vehicles must follow posted speed limits, typically 30 km/h or less, to reduce the risk of collisions with aircraft, equipment, or personnel.
• Right of way: Aircraft always have the right of way. Vehicles must yield to taxiing planes and never drive under an aircraft wing or fuselage.
• Communication: Vehicle operators must monitor the proper radio frequencies and maintain contact with apron or ground control for clearance to cross runways or taxiways.
• Visual awareness: Personnel should wear high-visibility clothing and use designated walkways. Drivers must be alert for aircraft movements, especially in low visibility conditions.
• Foreign object debris (FOD) prevention: Loose items like tools or garbage can severely damage aircraft engines. Regular apron inspections and immediate FOD removal are critical for safety.

Maintenance and inspection of airport surfaces

Regular maintenance and inspections of airport surfaces are critical to ensure safe aircraft operations. Runways, taxiways and aprons must withstand immense stresses from heavy aircraft, extreme weather conditions, and constant use. Without proper upkeep, surfaces can develop cracks, potholes or other damage that could jeopardize aircraft safety.

Thorough inspections allow early detection and repair of any deterioration before it becomes a significant hazard. A robust preventive maintenance program prolongs pavement life, minimizes disruptions, and prevents accidents. By prioritizing the integrity of its surfaces, an airport provides the foundation for smooth and secure operations that keep passengers and crew safe during every phase of their journey.

Airport surfaces are far more than just "tarmac." Runways, taxiways and aprons are carefully engineered using durable materials like concrete and asphalt to withstand heavy aircraft in all weather conditions. Precise markings, lighting and signage ensure safe operations. Efficient coordination between pilots, ground crews and air traffic control keeps the complex choreography of aircraft and vehicles running smoothly on these critical airport surfaces.