# Aerodrome Reference Code ##### Definition The [ICAO](https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/International_Civil_Aviation_Organisation_(ICAO) "International Civil Aviation Organisation (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 aeroplane** |
1 | < 800 m | [DE HAVILLAND CANADA DHC-6](https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/DHC6 "DHC6")/[PIPER PA-31](https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/PA31 "PA31") |
2 | 800 m, but < 1200 m | [ATR ATR-42-300/320](https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/ATR42 "ATR42")/[BOMBARDIER Dash 8 Q300](https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/DH8C "DH8C") |
3 | 1200 m, but < 1800 m | [SAAB 340](https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/SF34 "SF34")/[BOMBARDIER Regional Jet CRJ-200](https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/CRJ2 "CRJ2") |
4 | 1800 m and above | [BOEING 737-700](https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/B737 "B737")/[AIRBUS A-320](https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/A320 "A320") |
**Code letter** | **Wingspan** | **Typical aeroplane** |
---|---|---|
A | < 15 m | [PIPER PA-31](https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/PA31 "PA31")/[CESSNA 404 Titan](https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/C404 "C404") |
B | 15 m but < 24 m | [BOMBARDIER Regional Jet CRJ-200](https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/CRJ2 "CRJ2")/[DE HAVILLAND CANADA DHC-6](https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/DHC6 "DHC6") |
C | 24 m but < 36 m | [BOEING 737-700](https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/B737 "B737")/[AIRBUS A-320](https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/A320 "A320")/[EMBRAER ERJ 190-100](https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/E190 "E190") |
D | 36 m but < 52 m | [B767 Series](https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/B767 "B767")/[AIRBUS A-310](https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/A310 "A310") |
E | 52 m but < 65 m | [B777 Series](https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/B777 "B777")/[B787 Series](https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/B787_Series "B787 Series")/[A330 Family](https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/A330 "A330") |
F | 65 m but < 80 m | [BOEING 747-8](https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/B748 "B748")/[AIRBUS A-380-800](https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/A388 "A388") |
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