Lesson 2/Learning Event 1
Learning Event 1
OPERATIONAL CATEGORIES
Introduction
An airfield is composed of many elements. Runways, taxiways, aprons, and hardstands, normally
consist of a pavement placed on a stabilized or compacted subgrade. Shoulders and clear zones are
normally composed of compacted in-place materials. Approach zones and lateral safety zone require
only clearing above the prescribed glide angle and safety angle. The acceptable design method consists
of determining the type of aircraft to use the airfield, the type of operational category, traffic areas
involved, and the design gear loads of the aircraft. In this learning event you will learn how to
determine the type of airfield required.
Determine the Design Aircraft; Determine Operational Category; and Determine Traffic Area
Determine the Design Aircraft
The Theater of Operations design system allows for the design of a flexible pavement for each aircraft in
the Air Force and Army inventories. However, doctrine stipulates that flexible pavements will normally
be constructed for the following airfield types, all of which are located in the COMMZ (Communication
Zone).
See Table 12-3 for characteristics of aircraft.
Determine Operational Category
Each type of airfield shown above is subdivided into the following operational categories according to
the construction effort, anticipated design life, and estimated maintenance requirements (Table 11).
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