# 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")
2800 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")
31200 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")
41800 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")
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](https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/ISA "ISA") conditions in still air and with zero runway slope as documented in the [Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM)](https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/AFM "AFM") or equivalent document. ##### Element 2 - Wingspan 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 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")
B15 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")
C24 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")
D36 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")
E52 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")
F65 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