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. 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.
Element 1 - Reference field length
| Code number |
Aeroplane reference field length |
Typical aircraft types |
| 1 | < 800 m | DE HAVILLAND CANADA DHC-6/PIPER PA-31 |
| 2 | 800 m, but < 1200 m | ATR ATR-42-300/320/BOMBARDIER Dash 8 Q300 |
| 3 | 1200 m, but < 1800 m | SAAB 340/BOMBARDIER Regional Jet CRJ-200 |
| 4 | 1800 m and above |
BOEING 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, in International Standard Atmosphere conditions in still air and with zero runway slope as documented in the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) or equivalent document.
Element 2 - Aircraft wingspan / Outer main gear wheel span
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:
| Letter code |
Wing span |
Typical aircraft |
| A | < 15 m | PIPER PA-31/CESSNA 404 Titan |
| B | 15 m, but< 24 m | BOMBARDIER Regional Jet CRJ-200/DE HAVILLAND CANADA DHC-6 |
| C | 24 m, but< 36 m | BOEING 737-700/AIRBUS A-320/EMBRAER ERJ 190-100 |
| D | 36 m, but< 52 m | B767 Series/AIRBUS A-310 |
| E | 52 m, but < 65 m | B777 Series/B787 Series/A330 Family |
| F | 65 m, but < 80 m | BOEING 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.
Source: www.skybrary.aero