Taxiways
Taxiways are paved surfaces on which aircraft move under their own power to and from
landing, service, and parking areas. Taxiway length depends upon the specific airfield
configuration and layout of support facilities. Taxiways are normally 75 feet wide except
for the taxiways that support only Class A runways or helicopter landing pavements.
Those taxiways are no less than 40 feet wide.
End turn-offs are planned for each Class B runway end and are 150 feet wide except
those from parallel runways to the parallel taxiway. End turn-offs from parallel runways
to the parallel taxiway are 200 feet wide. Normal intermediate turn-offs are required for
all Class B runways. Normal intermediate turn-offs for Class B runways are 75 feet wide
and are placed 2,000 feet from each end of the runway and in the remaining runway
length at intervals of not more than 3,000 feet or less than 2,000 feet. High-speed turn-
offs are provided where traffic studies indicate the requirement. High-speed turn-offs are
100 feet wide at the throat tapering to 75 feet and are a minimum of 1,000 feet long.
Taxiways are located to provide adequate clearance between taxiing aircraft, aircraft in
adjacent areas, and other obstacles.
Parking Aprons
Parking aprons are required for parking, servicing, loading, and unloading aircraft. They
are connected to the runways by taxiways or tow ways. There is no standard size or
configuration for parking aprons. Parking apron sizes are based on the type and number
of aircraft to be parked, the requirement for squadron integrity, and 45 versus 90 degree
parking. Areas required include:
Parking space
Wing-tip separation between aircraft
Interior taxi lanes
Peripheral taxi lanes
Compass Calibration Pad
An aircraft compass calibration pad is a paved area in a magnetically quiet area where
the aircraft compass is calibrated. At least one compass calibration pad is provided at
each airport; however, additional pads may be required depending on local demands.
There are two types:
Type 1 Used with a magnetic compass calibration set (see Figure 4-1)
4-3
