ICAO Aerodrome Reference Code | SKYbrary Aviation Safety (2024)

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Definition

TheICAOAerodrome Reference Code is a two part categorisation of aircraft types which simplifies the process of establishing whether a particular aircraft is able to use a particular aerodrome. It is included in ICAO Annex 14. It has two 'elements', the first is a numeric code based on the Reference Field Length for which there are four categories and the second is letter code based on a combination of aircraft wingspan and outer main gear wheel span.

Description

Element 1 of the Code is as follows:

Code numberAeroplane reference field lengthTypical aeroplane
1< 800 mDE HAVILLAND CANADA DHC-6/PIPER PA-31
2800 m but < 1200 mATR ATR-42-300/320/BOMBARDIER Dash 8 Q300
31200 m but < 1800 mSAAB 340/BOMBARDIER Regional Jet CRJ-200
41800 m and aboveBOEING 737-700/AIRBUS A-320

Field length means the balanced field length (which is when the take-off distance required is equal to the accelerate-stop distance required) if applicable, or take-off distance in other cases. Aeroplane reference field length is defined as "the minimum field length required for take-off at maximum certificated take-off mass, at sea level, inInternational Standard Atmosphereconditions in still air and with zero runway slope as documented in theAircraft Flight Manual (AFM)or equivalent document.

Element 2 of the Code is derived from the most restrictive of either the aircraft wingspan or the aircraft outer main gear wheel span. The categories are as follows:

Code letterWingspanTypical aeroplane
A< 15 mPIPER PA-31/CESSNA 404 Titan
B15 m but < 24 mBOMBARDIER Regional Jet CRJ-200/DE HAVILLAND CANADA DHC-6
C24 m but < 36 mBOEING 737-700/AIRBUS A-320/EMBRAER ERJ 190-100
D36 m but < 52 mB767 Series/AIRBUS A-310
E52 m but < 65 mB777 Series/B787 Series/A330 Family
F65 m but < 80 mBOEING 747-8/AIRBUS A-380-800

It should be noted that Element 2 is often used on its own since it has direct relevance to detailed airport design. It also has a parallel but differently defined code use by the FAA, theAirplane Design Group (ADG)

Related Articles

Further Reading

  • ICAO Annex 14

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ICAO Aerodrome Reference Code | SKYbrary Aviation Safety (2024)

FAQs

What is the ICAO aerodrome reference code? ›

Definition. The ICAO Aerodrome Reference Code is a two part categorisation of aircraft types which simplifies the process of establishing whether a particular aircraft is able to use a particular aerodrome. It is included in ICAO Annex 14.

What is ICAO code in aviation? ›

An ICAO code is a four-character alphanumeric sequence used to identify airports around the world. They are defined by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and are used by Air Traffic Control (ATC) and airline operations for flight planning.

What is ICAO aerodrome reference code 4E? ›

For instance, an Aerodrome with a reference code 4E can accommodate aircraft with a “Reference Field Length” of 1800m and above and a wingspan up to 65m.

What is aerodrome reference code 3C? ›

Aerodrome with 3C reference code allows operation of aircraft up to category of Airbus A320 family/Boeing 737 family.

What is the difference between IATA code and ICAO code? ›

ICAO codes versus IATA codes

In general IATA codes are usually derived from the name of the airport or the city it serves, while ICAO codes are distributed by region and country. Far more aerodromes (in the broad sense) have ICAO codes than IATA codes, which are sometimes assigned to railway stations as well.

How do I get an ICAO code? ›

​The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) assigns a unique Manufacturer Code to aircraft and UAS manufacturers. To obtain a Manufacturer Code, please contact ICAO at ops@icao.int and provide the following information: ​Company Name. Manufacturers Common Name.

How do I read ICAO codes? ›

For many ICAO codes, the first letter refers to a larger region. The second shows the country within that larger region, and the remaining two letters are a two-letter abbreviation. In Europe, codes begin with either an E (northern Europe,) B (Iceland and Kosovo), L (southern Europe).

Do pilots use ICAO or IATA? ›

As such, pilots, dispatchers, and air traffic controllers work primarily in the ICAO airport code scheme.

What is the 4 digit aviation code? ›

Squawk codes are 4-digit codes that are given to pilots by those in ATC for communication purposes while in flight. Their goal is to improve the manner in which the two communicate so that it is more effective and thorough.

What is an aerodrome in aviation? ›

AERODROME- A defined area on land or water (including any buildings, installations and equipment) intended to be used either wholly or in part for the arrival, departure, and movement of aircraft. AERODROME BEACON [ICAO]- Aeronautical beacon used to indicate the location of an aerodrome from the air.

What is the ICAO code of Ixd? ›

Prayagraj Airport (IATA: IXD, ICAO: VEAB), also known as Allahabad Airport, is the domestic airport serving the city of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. Located in the Bamrauli suburb of the city, it is one of the oldest airports in India.

What is Category C in ICAO? ›

Category C: Between 121 and 140 knots. Category D: Between 141 knots and 165 knots. Category E: Speed 166 knots or more.

What is the IATA code 3A? ›

CKS has been assigned the two-letter airline code 3A by IATA, used for routes to/from Hong Kong International Airport only, where passengers must continue to other destinations (or vice versa) by air.

What is ICAO 3 letter code? ›

3LDs were designed to assist in the identification of airlines in flight. These designators consist of a unique three-letter code which can be used for aircraft identification in a flight plan and/or a telephony designator which may be used as part of an aircraft's radiotelephony call sign.

How do I find my ICAO equipment code? ›

On the FAA domestic flight plan form (FAA Form 7233-1) the equipment code is a single character placed in block 3 (Aircraft Type / Special Equipment) as a suffix to the aircraft type code.

What is the 3 letter code for airports? ›

An IATA airport code, also known as an IATA location identifier, IATA station code, or simply a location identifier, is a three-letter geocode designating many airports and metropolitan areas around the world, defined by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

What is AIP ICAO code? ›

Adampur Airport (IATA: AIP, ICAO: VIAX), is a domestic airport and an Indian Air Force base serving the cities of Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur in Punjab, India.

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