Runway Headings and Lengths

Background
For airport planners, what is the most important aspect of airport design? When surveyed, most individuals concluded that the runway, its configuration, and length were most important. Planning and designing an airport requires an understanding of the aircraft that will use the airport. You will have the opportunity in Module 8 for your term project to create a runway specifically for a large jet.

In this activity, you will learn how to determine runway headings and lengths. Throughout your readings, runway designation, classification, and wind coverage are explored. A planner must provide adequate runway coverage for crosswinds. The FAA recommends the number and orientation of runways should be fashioned in such a manner that the crosswind coverage is at least 95%. Specifically, if the prevailing winds were from the East (090 degrees), your #1 design for a runway would be 09/27. If you cannot build this runway for some reason, you will have to build an airport with at least two runways. In addition, each aircraft has different characteristics. A planner must know which aircraft will be using the airfield. Once orientation is determined, the length of the runway is critical. This is based on an Aircraft Classification Reference Code and an Airport Reference Code. These codes, along with Table 9.3 a, b, and c will help you determine runway length.

In addition, each aircraft has different characteristics. A planner must know which aircraft will be using the airfield. Once orientation is determined, the length of the runway is critical. This is based on an Aircraft Classification Reference Code and an Airport Reference Code. These codes, along with Table 9.3 a, b, and c will help you determine runway length.

Consider the relationship that the following have on runway development:
temperature
surface wind
runway gradient
altitude
the condition of the runway surface
Consider the advantages and disadvantages of:
parallel
intersecting
open/closed V runways

Using your chapter readings and the Internet, prepare a minimum of a 2-page research paper (with accompanying diagrams and not including the reference page) exploring the criteria used to determine runway orientation and length. Explain aircraft reference codes, airport reference codes, single, parallel, open V, and intersecting runways. Lastly, what criteria should a planner use in determining runway length? Include in your report a diagram of the four types of runway mentioned above with correct runway orientation for each runway presented. Cite all sources in the current APA format.