Aviation
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Construction
We recommend that you discuss your requirements with us before starting to build an airstrip for RFDS use.
It is good practice to then have the suitability of selected sites assessed by someone competent to do so. This could be a pilot or an airstrip owner, or a professional airport engineer if significant earthworks, drainage or construction of a runway pavement is required.
Runway
Dimensions
The runway length should be not less than 1200 metres.
- The preferred runway width is 20 metres.
The dimensions required for day time operations are:.
and for night time:
Surface Slopes
The maximum allowable longitudinal slope between runway ends is 2%.
Where there are longitudinal slope changes:
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They are to be gradual.
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Undulations or appreciable slope changes located close together along a runway should be avoided .
Surface
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The entire runway surface must be smooth and compact and should be well drained. Factors that may contribute to an unsatisfactory surface or affect safe operations include:
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isolated soft wet areas;
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loose surface sand;
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animal pads;
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ruts;
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potholes;
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sand build up around grass growth;
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excessive high grass growth;
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shrub regrowth;
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imbedded rock protruding above the runway surface;
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loose surface stones;
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use of the runway as a road.
The smoothness of a runway can be tested by driving a stiffly sprung vehicle along the runway at a speed of at least 75km/h. If this gives the occupants a smooth ride without discomfort, the surface can be considered satisfactory.
Runway Strip
Dimensions 
The dimensions for day operations and night operations are detailed in the diagrams above
The runway strip length is to be not less than that of the runway it contains.
The width of the runway strip is to be not less than 45 metres.
Surface Slopes
Longitudinal slope characteristics along the runway strip should be essentially the same as those on the adjacent runway.
Transverse slopes are not to exceed 2.5%. Abrupt changes are to be avoided.
Surface
The runway strip is to satisfy runway surface standards if the runway is not well defined.
If the runway is well defined, the runway strip surface condition may then be at a lesser standard, but one such that an aircraft running off the runway is not likely to suffer damage, vis:
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No vegetation (other than short grass) or upstanding objects such as tree roots and rocks;
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A surface graded or dragged to even finish generally meeting runway surface slope requirements;
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Surface smoothness and compactness such that the runway strip can be trafficked in comfort in a heavily sprung two wheel drive vehicle driven over it at 40km/h, and without risk of bogging;
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Is free draining.
Flyover Area
Dimensions
The length is to match that of the associated runway strip.
The minimum width of runway strip plus flyover area is shown on the diagrams above and is:
- For operations by day, 60 metres
- For operations at night, 90 metres.
Surface Slopes
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Upward transverse slopes of up to 12.5% (1 in 8) are acceptable.
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Upward longitudinal slopes should, ideally, not exceed those on the adjoining runway strip.
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Ditches and depressions within the flyover area are acceptable.
Surface
The surface of the flyover area need not be trafficable but must be clear of all above ground level objects such as tree and shrubs, fences, mounds, and rock outcrops.
Approach & Take-off Slope Surfaces
Objects located within approach and take-off areas are not to protrude above the approach and take-off surface slopes
Significant objects located beyond the approach and take-off areas may also need to be considered in some circumstances.
Lateral Transitional Surface
Occasionally, a pilot may need to fly the aircraft over the areas to the side of the runway. Keeping obstacles clear of this protection area is required at airstrips to be used at night and is encouraged at other airstrips, particularly those with trees, ridges or man made structures located within 45 metres of the outer edges of the flyover areas or close to the approach surface.
Apron (Parking) Areas
Dimensions
The dimensions of an aircraft apron area should be not less than 50 metres long by 30 metres wide
Surface and Slopes
The surface, slopes and other characteristics of an apron area are to be the same as for the runway.
Location
The distances of the apron with respect to the runway and strip are detailed on the diagrams above.
The apron is to be located
- at any convenient point along the length of the runway;
- external to the flyover area;
- so that aircraft parked on the apron will not obstruct the lateral transitional surface, if provided.
Taxiway
Dimensions
The minimum taxiway width is 12 metres.
Surface and Slopes
The slopes and surface characteristics of a taxiway are the same as those for a runway.
Location
The location of the taxiway with respect to the runway and strip are detailed on the diagrams above.
The taxiway should link the runway to the apron by the shortest practical route.
Airstrip Marking
Runway Strip Boundary Markers
Figure 5:
Markers assist the pilot in identifying where it is safe to land.
The layout for runway strip edge and corner markers is shown on the following diagram.
The individual marker units may be:
- large cone or gable markers equivalent to those displayed at licensed aerodromes;
- 200 litre drums cut longitudinally into two halves to make two marker units; or
- medium size truck tyres e.g. 4 x 4 Landcruiser tyres.
All runway strip markers are to be painted white.
Runway Edge and Corner Markers
Runway markers are required if the runway edges and ends are not otherwise naturally well defined and the adjacent runway strip surface is maintained to (the lesser) runway strip standard I
The layout for runway edge and end markers is shown in the following diagram from Airstrips Standard.
Figure 6:
The individual marker units are normally small cone markers, equivalent to those used at licensed aerodromes, or small car tyres.
All runway edge and corner markers are to be painted white. If white painted tyres are used, ensure they are clearly visible because collision with them will damage the aircraft.
Wind Direction Indicator
Figure 11:
A wind direction indicator is required, preferably located in the vicinity of the aircraft apron area. It must be positioned clear of the flyover area, and the lateral transitional area if provided.
Standard wind indicator sleeve dimensions and suitable mast assemblies for daylight operations are shown in the above diagram.
An illuminated wind indicator and mast assembly equivalent to licensed aerodrome standard should be provided at airstrips with electric lighting.
Fencing
Livestock and wild animals are extremely dangerous to aircraft, especially at night where it is difficult for the pilot to see them. They cause considerable damage to the strip surface particularly during heavy rain where their hoofs leave large indents and ruts. It is preferable that your strip is completely fenced to prevent livestock from wandering onto the surface during landing or take off.
If the airstrip is not fenced, clearing of the strip and surrounding area is essential. If there is a possibility of livestock or wild life in the vicinity of the airstrip, our Operations Centre needs to be advised sot that they can contact the pilot and alert them of the danger
Last Updated: 24/07/2007