Roberta Aguirre
The term ramp in the context of aviation refers to a dedicated space at an airport that serves as a parking pad for aircraft. Ramps are typically paved areas leased by specific companies to store, hold, and secure their aircraft. While the term ramp is used in the United States, Canada, the Maldives, and the Philippines, the equivalent term used in ICAO and FAA terminology is apron. The term apron refers to any area for parking and maintenance, and these areas are sometimes informally called the tarmac. Interestingly, the term ramp may have originated from the use of racetracks and fairgrounds by pilots before the proliferation of airports, where the ramp area was used for motorcycle stunts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Area | A dedicated space at an airport for aircraft to park |
| Other Names | Apron, tarmac, hangar |
| Ownership | Owned or leased by a particular company |
| Size | Variable, depending on the aircraft it is intended to hold |
| Location | Home airport or alternate airport |
| Purpose | Storing, holding, and tying down aircraft; pre-flight activities |
| Surface | Paved with concrete, asphalt concrete, porous friction course, or Portland cement concrete |
| Use | Transitioning from the taxiway to parking and vice versa |
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What You'll Learn
Ramps are usually flat, not sloped
A "ramp" in the aviation context refers to a dedicated space at an airport that serves as a parking pad for aircraft. It is typically paved and leased by a specific company to store, hold, and secure their aircraft. The term "ramp" is interchangeable with "apron," which is the ICAO and FAA-approved terminology. The word "ramp" is not used outside of the US, Canada, the Maldives, and the Philippines.
Ramps can be large or small, depending on the aircraft they are intended to accommodate. For general aviation aircraft, ramps tend to be smaller, while for commercial aircraft, ramps can be as large as a terminal. At larger airports with control towers, pilots need special permission to taxi to and from the ramp.
While the term "ramp" may evoke images of sloped surfaces, most ramps at airports are flat and level. The term likely originated from aviation's maritime roots, where "apron" refers to the area along the waterfront edge of a pier or wharf. Before the widespread adoption of airports, pilots often used racetracks and fairgrounds due to their large, clear, flat areas, and the term "ramp" may have been influenced by the flat surfaces where motorcycle stunts were performed.
It is worth noting that some have suggested adding a ramp at the end of runways, similar to aircraft carriers, to assist with takeoff and landing. However, this idea has not gained widespread traction, as it is not necessary for full-length runways at airports.
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Ramps are paved areas for aircraft to park
Ramps are dedicated spaces at airports, usually paved, where aircraft are parked. They are also used for storing, holding, and tying down aircraft. The term "ramp" is derived from the aviation term "ramp area", which refers to the place with ramps where planes were previously loaded. The ramp is also where planes transition from the taxiway to parking or from parking to the taxiway.
Ramps can vary in size, depending on the aircraft they are intended to hold. For general aviation aircraft, ramps tend to be smaller, while for commercial aircraft, ramps can be as large as a terminal. At larger airports controlled by a tower, pilots typically need special permission to taxi to and from the ramp.
Ramps are often leased by specific companies to park their aircraft. This allows them to avoid paying fees to the airport for tie-downs, landing, and fuel. In the US, ramps are also commonly used as parking spaces and for aircraft repairs and maintenance.
While the term "ramp" is used in the US, Canada, the Maldives, and the Philippines, the ICAO and FAA use the term "apron" to refer to the same area. The apron is defined as an area on an airport intended for aircraft parking, maintenance, and servicing, as well as for loading and unloading passengers and cargo.
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They're leased by companies to hold their aircraft
A ramp is a dedicated space at an airport that acts as a parking pad for aircraft. It is typically paved and leased by a particular company for storing, holding, and tying down their aircraft. The term "ramp" is commonly used in North America, while the internationally accepted term for this area of the airport is "apron". The apron is the place where planes park to board passengers and refuel.
Ramps can vary in size, depending on the aircraft they are intended to hold. For general aviation aircraft, ramps tend to be smaller, while for commercial aircraft, they might be the size of a terminal. At larger airports controlled by a tower, a pilot would need special permission to taxi to and from the ramp.
The ramp is generally home to pre-flight activities such as loading and unloading cargo and passengers. It is also where repairs and maintenance are performed. In the US, it is not uncommon for the ramp to be used as a parking space.
While the term "ramp" is used to describe a flat area, some have observed that ramps at airports are often slightly sloped for water runoff. This is especially true in areas where water takeoff and/or landing are prevalent, as a "ramp" is needed to bring planes out of the water for service.
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They're also used for pre-flight activities
An airport ramp, also known as an apron, is a dedicated space at an airport that serves as a parking pad for aircraft. It is typically an open, paved area where planes transition from the taxiway to parking and vice versa. While the ramp is often leased by a specific company, it is also a bustling hub of pre-flight activities, with a range of critical operations taking place to ensure smooth takeoffs.
The ramp is where aircraft are loaded and unloaded, refuelled, boarded, and maintained. This includes loading and unloading cargo and passengers, as well as baggage handling. It is also where repairs and maintenance are performed, and it serves as a parking space for aircraft. The complex nature of these pre-flight activities requires careful coordination and strict safety protocols to be followed.
One of the key aspects of ramp safety is the management of ground support equipment (GSE). This includes equipment such as baggage carts, refuelling vehicles, and pushback tugs, which must be operated efficiently and safely. To avoid accidents and delays, it is crucial to regularly inspect and properly store this equipment in designated areas, such as the Equipment Staging Area or Equipment Parking Area.
Additionally, the ramp layout plays a significant role in safety. The ground markings on the ramp, such as the centreline, aircraft stop positions, and Equipment Restriction Area (ERA), are carefully measured and marked with reflective paint to ensure high visibility for pilots and ground staff. These markings guide aircraft movement, docking, and parking, helping to prevent collisions and ensure efficient operations.
The efficient and safe completion of pre-flight activities on the ramp relies on well-trained ground staff. Proper training reduces errors, especially in high-pressure situations. Clear communication between ground staff, flight crews, and other personnel is also essential to coordinate operations and maintain seamless flight schedules.
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'Ramp' is an older term, not used outside North America
The term "ramp" is an older term used to refer to the area of an airport where aircraft are parked, and it is still used in North America and a few other places. The term originated from the days of seaplanes when there was a literal ramp from the water to the terminal parking area. This is similar to the term "boat ramp". The term was appropriated for the concrete surface in front of the terminal when seaplanes gave way to land planes.
The use of the word "ramp" is outdated and is being replaced by the term "apron", which is the ICAO and FAA terminology for the area. "Apron" is derived from the world of theatre, where it refers to a flat stage jutting out from the main stage. This is similar to how an "apron" in an airport context is a small outcropping of concrete in front of the terminal. The term "tarmac" is also used, particularly in news media and by government sources, but it is incorrect and cringed upon by aviation professionals. "Tarmac" is simply a synonym for "asphalt" or "asphalt concrete", which was used to refer to the paved parking area in otherwise grass airports.
In the context of airports, "ramp" is also used to refer to the process of transitioning an aircraft from the taxiway to parking or from parking to the taxiway. Airlines might say they are "on the ramp" when calling Ground to taxi. Additionally, "ramp rat" is slang for people who work at an airport, pushing or towing planes, stacking bags in bins, or marshalling planes into gates.
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Frequently asked questions
A ramp is a dedicated space at an airport that acts as a parking pad for aircraft. It is typically paved and leased by a particular company for storing, holding, and tying down their aircraft. It is also where planes transition from the taxiway to parking and vice versa.
The word "ramp" is an older term for an area where pre-flight activities were done. The dictionary defines "apron", another term for the ramp, as "the area along the waterfront edge of a pier or wharf". Much of aviation terminology has maritime origins.
While the term "ramp" may evoke an image of a sloped surface, most ramps at airports are flat and level.
