Draft ICAO Circular on NLA.pdf - Airports Council International

Chapter 4
AERODROME FACILITIES AND SERVICES
4.1 FACILITIES
4.1.1 Introduction
4.1.1.1 Newer generations of aeroplanes generally have an impact on existing aerodrome facilities
and services when the dimensions and/or mass of these aeroplanes exceed the design parameters used for
planning and developing the aerodromes. Due to their specific dimensions, the aerodrome infrastructure and
operations may be affected. This is not only the case with the future NLAs such as the Airbus A380 and the
proposed Boeing B747-Advanced or existing ones (Lockheed C5 and Antonov AN124) but also with recent
and new aeroplanes within the well established code E. The new Airbus A340-600 as also the Boeing
B777-300ER are within the upper boundaries of code E but require changes to many aspects of the
aerodrome infrastructure due to their long fuselage length and the associated long wheelbase, i.e. the nose
wheel gear to main landing gear distance.
4.1.1.2 This chapter describes the effect of these NLAs on the aerodrome infrastructure. The
following items that may be affected by the introduction of NLAs are:
a) runways and shoulders;
b) runway strip and runway end safety area;
c) taxiways and shoulders;
d) bridges, tunnels and culverts under taxiways;
e) taxiway minimum separation distances; and
f) aprons and holding bays.
4.1.1.3 For each infrastructure item the following is presented:
a) The <strong>ICAO</strong> SARPs: (Standards and Recommended Practices) contained in Annex 14,
Volume I, and guidance material in the Aerodrome Design Manual are described. Where
possible, information and formula used to elaborate the <strong>ICAO</strong> provisions are given.
b) Hazard identification and analyses: where it is impossible or not practicable for
aerodromes to adapt their infrastructure to the <strong>ICAO</strong> Annex 14, Volume I, code F
provisions for the operation of a given NLA, an aeronautical study will be required to
show that operation of the specific type within existing facilities is possible without
compromising safety. For this reason a number of possible hazards are identified.
<strong>ICAO</strong> Version 4.1 — 15 March 2004