Roberta Aguirre
The term tarmac is often used to refer to various paved areas of an airport, including runways, taxiways, and aprons, which are crucial for aircraft operations. However, it is important to note that the term tarmac is not an official designation for any specific area of an airport. The runway, taxiway, and apron, also known as the ramp, each serve distinct functions in the movement, parking, and ground operations of aircraft. While the tarmac encompasses these critical surfaces, the question of whether it constitutes private property warrants further examination into the ownership and access control of airport facilities.
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What You'll Learn
Tarmac vs apron, taxiway, runway, and ramp
Tarmac, apron, taxiway, runway, and ramp are terms used to refer to different areas of an airport. However, the use of these terms varies, and some are considered incorrect by aviation professionals.
Firstly, tarmac is not an official place at an airport. The word 'tarmac' refers to a specific road surface material—a British company's trademarked product—made from crushed rock, cement, and tar. While it was once used for airport surfaces, it has not been used for decades due to the availability of better materials. Thus, referring to any area of an airport as 'the tarmac' is incorrect and can cause confusion.
The apron is the internationally accepted term for the area of an airport where aircraft are parked for passenger boarding and refuelling. It is a busy place where vehicles and airplanes share the same space. The term 'apron' is used by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). However, the term 'ramp' is also commonly used, especially in North America, to refer to the same area.
Taxiways are the "roads" that airplanes use to move between the apron and the runway. They are distinct from runways, which are the long, wide paths at airports that aircraft use for takeoff and landing.
In summary, while the terms tarmac, apron, taxiway, runway, and ramp are all used in aviation, only apron, taxiway, and runway refer to specific areas of an airport. Tarmac refers to a specific surface material, and ramp is an outdated term for the apron area.
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Tarmac is a trademarked term
Tarmac is a colloquial term often applied to any paved surface of an airport, including runways, taxiways, and aprons. The term originates from "tarmacadam", a road surface material patented in 1901 in the UK, which is a combination of crushed rock and cement sealed with tar. While the material has not been used for airport surfaces for decades, the term "tarmac" has persisted in common usage, particularly when referring to delays in aircraft operations.
Despite its widespread use, the term "tarmac" is not officially recognized in aviation terminology. There are no locations on an airport that are officially defined as tarmac, and aviation professionals often cringe at the use of the word. The internationally accepted terms for the areas of an airport commonly referred to as "tarmac" are "apron", "taxiway", and "runway". The use of incorrect terminology by news media, government sources, and even aviation analysts and experts has contributed to the public's confusion and the continued use of the term "tarmac".
The apron is the area of an airport where airplanes park to board passengers, refuel, and perform maintenance. The term "ramp" is also used interchangeably with "apron", although it is considered outdated and primarily limited to usage in North America. The taxiway refers to the paths that connect runways with aprons, terminals, and other facilities within the airport, enabling the transition of aircraft from parking areas to runways. Lastly, the runway is the straight path designed for the landing and takeoff of aircraft.
While the term "tarmac" may be convenient and commonly used, it is important to recognize that it is not the technically accurate term for any specific area of an airport. The aviation industry is constantly evolving, and the development of tarmac areas remains a key focus to incorporate new technologies and materials that meet the demands of modern air travel and environmental sustainability. As such, it is essential to stay informed about the correct terminology and adapt to any changes or updates in the field of aviation.
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Tarmac is not used in airport construction anymore
Tarmac, short for tarmacadam, is a type of road surface material patented in the UK in 1901. It is a more advanced version of the surface developed in the 1820s by John Loudon McAdam. Tarmac is made by mixing crushed rock with cement and then sealing it with tar. While this material was revolutionary at the time of its creation, by modern standards, it is considered a very crude surface that cannot withstand the weight of aircraft. As a result, tarmac has not been used in airport construction for decades.
The term "tarmac" is commonly used to refer to the hard-surfaced areas of an airport, including runways, taxiways, and aprons. However, this usage is incorrect and can cause confusion. Aviation professionals cringe at the use of the word "tarmac" to describe these areas, as it does not accurately reflect the materials used in their construction. Instead, runways, taxiways, and aprons are typically made of asphalt or reinforced concrete, which provide the necessary durability and stability for aircraft operations.
The continued use of the term "tarmac" in aviation can be attributed to its historical association with airfields during World War II. At that time, the term distinguished between grass fields and paved surfaces. Despite its inaccuracy, "tarmac" has persisted in common usage, even finding its way into Department of Transportation and FAA documents as "tarmac delay." This term was coined by Congress and has since become widely accepted, despite efforts by aviation professionals to encourage the use of more precise terminology.
While tarmac may have been suitable for early airfields, it is not suitable for modern aviation. Today's airports require surfaces that can withstand the immense weight of aircraft and the environmental challenges posed by take-off and landing. Asphalt and concrete are the materials of choice for these critical surfaces, ensuring the safety and efficiency of aircraft operations.
As aviation continues to evolve, the development of tarmac areas remains a key focus. New technologies and materials are being incorporated to meet the demands of modern air travel and environmental sustainability. Innovations in materials science are leading to the development of more sustainable surfaces, including recycled materials and designs that reduce heat absorption, contributing to conservation efforts. While tarmac may have played a role in the early days of aviation, it is no longer used in airport construction, making way for more advanced and durable materials.
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Tarmac delay
Tarmac refers to the hard-surfaced areas of an airport, including runways, taxiways, and aprons, which are crucial for the landing, takeoff, and ground movement of aircraft. The term "tarmac delay" refers to when an airplane on the ground is either awaiting takeoff or has just landed, and passengers do not have the opportunity to get off the plane. This term is used by the FAA and in Department of Transportation documents.
During a tarmac delay, airlines must provide passengers with snacks and drinking water no later than two hours after the start of the delay, unless the pilot determines that safety or security reasons prevent this. Airlines are not required to serve full meals during a tarmac delay, but they must have enough food and water for all passengers. Additionally, airlines must ensure that operable lavatory facilities, adequate medical attention, and a comfortable cabin temperature are maintained during the delay.
Passengers should be aware that if they choose to get off the plane during a tarmac delay, the airline is not obligated to let them back on, and they may need to find an alternative flight.
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Tarmac safety and maintenance
Safety on the tarmac begins with effective water drainage planning to prevent pooling and surface erosion, which can compromise the structural integrity of the tarmac and, consequently, aircraft safety. Regular maintenance, including inspections and repairs, is necessary to address wear, cracks, and other damage that may affect the surface's performance and safety.
To ensure the safety of ground personnel and equipment, it is crucial to follow manufacturer manuals and maintenance requirements. Human error is inevitable, but careful training and a focus on preventative maintenance can reduce, if not eliminate, injuries and equipment damage. For example, crew access stairs with automatically locking X-braces increase safety by removing the risk of human error. Similarly, spring-loaded towbars that hold the towbar off the ground when dropped optimize safety for ground personnel and equipment.
As aviation continues to evolve, the development of tarmac areas must keep pace, incorporating new technologies and materials to meet the demands of modern air travel and environmental sustainability. Innovations in materials science are leading to more sustainable tarmac surfaces, including recycled materials and designs that reduce heat absorption, contributing to environmental conservation efforts.
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Frequently asked questions
Tarmac is a type of pavement made out of crushed stone covered in tar. It is short for tarmacadam, a road surface material patented in 1901 in the UK.
The term tarmac is often used to refer to different areas of an airport where aircraft operate, including runways, taxiways, and aprons. However, there are no areas or sections of an airport that are officially called tarmac.
While there is no definitive answer, it is generally considered that the airport tarmac is private property. The tarmac areas are crucial for aircraft operations and are typically not open to the general public. Access to certain areas, such as the apron, may require a permit.
