PrcDevelopment: Airport Diagrams

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Most recent edit on 2008-02-04 06:16:54 by TomSeeley

Additions:
In comparison, the image below left is an airport diagram for Atlanta Hartsfield Airport (KATL). This diagram is smaller, more complex, and a bit more difficult to read. On the other hand it should be noted that Jeppesen provides larger fold-out diagrams for many high-density airports as well as "low visibility taxi route" charts and these are much easier to read and interpret. However these are only available by subscription. A partial example from the fold-out for KATL is reproduced below the full diagram.
KATL Airport Diagram

Looking at the images above, the first shows the aircraft on Taxiway "Delta Two" denoted by the yellow numbers on a black field. It is approaching an intersection with Taxiway Delta. The hold short lines indicate the aircraft has just departed the runway and should not stop until after crossing the hold short line fully.
In the second, the aircraft is on a taxiway approaching a runway intersection. At this intersection, Runway 12/30 and Runway 18L/36R cross. In this case, the solid lines of the hold short line are toward the aircraft, and it cannot proceed past this point unless a clearance to do so has been received.

Runway Lighting
Briefly in the image above you can see runway edge identifier lights that are white, turning to yellow as the departure end of the runway gets closer. The centerline lighting, white until 3000' remaining, then alternating red and white, warning of the reduced length, and ultimately all red. In the upper right of the image you can see all blue taxiway lighting.

Deletions:
In comparison, the image below left is an airport diagram for Atlanta Hartsfield Airport (KATL). This diagram is smaller, more complex, and a bit more difficult to read. On the other hand it should be noted that Jeppesen provides larger fold-out diagrams for many high-density airports as well as "low visibility taxi route" charts and these are much easier to read and interpret. However these are only available by subscription. A partial example from the fold-out for KATL is reproduced below right.

Looking at the image on the left, the aircraft is on Taxiway "Delta Two" denoted by the yellow numbers on a black field. It is approaching an intersection with Taxiway Delta. The hold short lines indicate the aircraft has just departed the runway and should not stop until after crossing the hold short line fully. In the right image, the aircraft is on a taxiway approaching a runway intersection. At this intersection, Runway 12/30 and Runway 18L/36R cross. In this case, the solid lines of the hold short line are toward the aircraft, and it cannot proceed past this point unless a clearance to do so has been received.

Runway Lighting
Briefly in the image at right you can see runway edge identifier lights that are white, turning to yellow as the departure end of the runway gets closer. The centerline lighting, white until 3000' remaining, then alternating red and white, warning of the reduced length, and ultimately all red. In the upper right of the image you can see all blue taxiway lighting.

Edited on 2008-02-03 16:42:30 by TomSeeley [Segment completely re-done 02/03/08]

Additions:
By Tom Seeley
Prerequisites: None

Deletions:
By Dave Wild Revised by Tom Seeley
Prerequisites:
One very useful 3rd party free add-on to help you know where you are at an airport is Airport Chart Viewer for both FS2002 & FS2004. See ref:3 for URL
Airport Chart Viewer
http://www.joachimheimfeld.de/manuel/software/products.htm∞

Edited on 2008-02-03 16:33:52 by TomSeeley

Additions:
In comparison, the image below left is an airport diagram for Atlanta Hartsfield Airport (KATL). This diagram is smaller, more complex, and a bit more difficult to read. On the other hand it should be noted that Jeppesen provides larger fold-out diagrams for many high-density airports as well as "low visibility taxi route" charts and these are much easier to read and interpret. However these are only available by subscription. A partial example from the fold-out for KATL is reproduced below right.

Deletions:
In comparison, the image below left is an airport diagram for Atlanta Hartsfield Airport (KATL). This diagram is smaller, more complex, and a bit more difficult to read. However, it should be noted that Jeppesen provides fold-out diagrams for many large, congested airports, and these are much easier to read and interpret. However, they are only available by subscription. A partial example from the fold-out for KATL is reproduced below right.

Edited on 2008-02-03 16:24:20 by TomSeeley

Additions:

Deletions:

Edited on 2008-02-03 15:56:50 by TomSeeley

Additions:

Deletions:

Runway Lighting

Edited on 2008-02-03 15:38:13 by TomSeeley

Additions:
Runways, Taxiways and Ramps: A RUNWAY is differentiated from other surfaces on the airport by being the only surface an aircraft (other than a helicopter) either lands on or takes off from. Runways may also be used for taxiing aircraft and in some cases for parking aircraft. Runways are always designated (and normally marked) by a one or two number label, loosely associated with their compass bearing. In other words, a runway oriented north-south might be designated 36/18, but might also be identified as 35/17 or 01/19. You can see from these identifiers that one end of the runway is always the "reciprocal" of the other, or 180? opposite. In addition, if there are multiple runways aligned in the same direction, similar to KATL where there are five east/west runways, they will have letter designators attached, such as 27R, 27L, 27C. These would refer to a Runway "27 Right", "27 Left", or "27 Center" and that is the way they are referred to in communications, rather than saying something like, "Two Seven R". When more than three are present, the others are given numerical designators -close- to their geographical orientation. Again, as in the KATL case, you can see that the other runways are referred to as 26R and 26L, and the farthest south runway is 28. Even though all these runways are oriented east/west, their numerical designators differ. Runway markings are always white. Runways are also bordered by white lights.
Taxiways are designated surfaces provided at airports to enable aircraft to reposition from the runway to their final position on the field, or vice versa. They have different marking from runways, and are always identified by letters, with numbers if necessary. In the graphic below from London Gatwick (EGKK) you can see the approach ends of Runways 08L and 08R, with taxiway designators J5, J7, J4, G1, H and others. When communicating with ATC, these are referred to as "Juliet Four" or "Gulf One". Taxiways may have two-letter designators as well, and these are spoken, "Sierra Gulf". It is not uncommon, when calling for taxi or when clearing a runway after landing, to hear something like, "Taxi via Alpha Five, Alpha, Charlie, Hold Short Runway 26L". Pilots anticipating movement at high-density airports should anticipate such instructions and be prepared to read them back, then follow them as instructed, especially during periods of heavy traffic. Taxiway markings are always yellow. Most have yellow centerline markings to facilitate remaining in the center of, and following the taxiway in reduced visibility. They may also be bordered by blue lights and may have blue lights embedded in the centerline.
At the other end of taxiways are "Ramps" which are not really ramps at all, but different surfaces that denote where the taxiway ends and the terminal or gate area begins. It is important to note that in many cases, ATC responsibility ends with the transition from taxiway to ramp. These are often referred to as "non-movement" areas. This designation doesn't mean there is no movement, but that either the pilot or some other authority assumes responsibility, or both. At major airports each airline may have its own "ramp control" and may have a tower-like facility to control movement on its ramp. The line of demarcation between taxiway and ramp is normally a broken single or double yellow line.

The signs in the images above are the universal signs used to denote directions to taxiways and runways. A yellow letter on a black background signifies a taxiway that you are currently on. Black letters on a yellow background are directions to the taxiway represented by the letter. Black numbers on a yellow background indicate directions to the runway(s) represented by the numbers. The solid and dashed black lines indicate a "hold short" location of a taxiway approaching a runway, where you must stop if the solid line is nearest you, or which you must cross if exiting a runway and the dashed lines are nearest you.

Runway Lighting

Airport Chart Viewer
Precision/non-precision

Deletions:
Runways, Taxiways and Ramps: A RUNWAY is differentiated from other surfaces on the airport by being the only surface an aircraft (other than a helicopter) either lands on or takes off from. Runways may also be used for taxiing aircraft and in some cases for parking aircraft. Runways are always designated (and normally marked) by a one or two number label, loosely associated with their compass bearing. In other words, a runway oriented north-south might be designated 36/18, but might also be identified as 35/17 or 01/19. You can see from these identifiers that one end of the runway is always the "reciprocal" of the other, or 180? opposite. In addition, if there are multiple runways aligned in the same direction, similar to KATL where there are five east/west runways, they will have letter designators attached, such as 27R, 27L, 27C. These would refer to a Runway "27 Right", "27 Left", or "27 Center" and that is the way they are referred to in communications, rather than saying something like, "Two Seven R". When more than three are present, the others are given numerical designators -close- to their geographical orientation. Again, as in the KATL case, you can see that the other runways are referred to as 26R and 26L, and the farthest south runway is 28. Even though all these runways are oriented east/west, their numerical designators differ.
Taxiways are designated surfaces provided at airports to enable aircraft to reposition from the runway to their final position on the field, or vice versa. They have different marking from runways, and are always identified by letters, with numbers if necessary. In the graphic below from London Gatwick (EGKK) you can see the approach ends of Runways 08L and 08R, with taxiway designators J5, J7, J4, G1, H and others. When communicating with ATC, these are referred to as "Juliet Four" or "Gulf One". Taxiways may have two-letter designators as well, and these are spoken, "Sierra Gulf". It is not uncommon, when calling for taxi or when clearing a runway after landing, to hear something like, "Taxi via Alpha Five, Alpha, Charlie, Hold Short Runway 26L". Pilots anticipating movement at high-density airports should anticipate such instructions and be prepared to read them back, then follow them as instructed, especially during periods of heavy traffic.
At the other end of taxiways are "Ramps" which are not really ramps at all, but different surfaces that denote where the taxiway ends and the terminal or gate area begins. It is important to note that in many cases, ATC responsibility ends with the transition from taxiway to ramp. These are often referred to as "non-movement" areas. This designation doesn't mean there is no movement, but that either the pilot or some other authority assumes responsibility, or both. At major airports each airline may have its own "ramp control" and may have a tower-like facility to control movement on its ramp. The line of demarcation between taxiway and ramp is normally a broken yellow line.
All operational runways are shown as thick black lines so they stand out from the rest of the details.
The runway length & width, threshold elevation, and runway number are shown.
If we look at runway 14R we can see (hopefully J) that it is 13000 ft long and 200 ft wide. The threshold elevation is 666 ft.
Taxiways
Taxiways are shown along with their alpha/numeric identifiers and holding points.
Using runway 14R again we can see that taxiway TANGO runs along the Eastern side of RWY 14R with links from the taxiway to the runway, such as T2.
Near to the end of RWY 14R you can see a CAT2 holding point.
These taxiways and their identifiers should match the ones you see in FS9 and you may even get the holding points.
Buildings and aprons
The airport terminals are shown along with other important buildings such as the fire station, and control tower. Various aprons can be shown such as cargo area, GA apron.
Other
The ATC frequencies used when on the ground are shown and the magnetic variation from true North. The whole diagram is laid on top of the LAT/LON grid to show the location of the airport.
Each chart is identified at the top with the type of chart (Airport Diagram), the airport it relates to (Chicago-O?Hare Intl) and its ID (ORD) and the date of the chart so you can tell if your chart is current.
EHAM Comparison
If we now look at the diagram for EHAM the first thing you will notice is the larger size of the diagram and its clarity. This type of diagram is typical of European diagrams.
Although the reproduction here is smaller than the actual diagram we should be able to pick out differences to the KORD diagram.

Runways
Taxiways
The taxiways are drawn, not grey paths and holding points are just drawn as lines across the taxiways with their identifiers.
Buildings, aprons and other
Buildings and aprons are drawn and not black/grey blocks. The aprons are identified and even the piers at the terminal are identified.
Unusually ATC frequencies are not shown.
If you look at the full PDF document (not reproduced here) you will see 3 other diagrams. These are taxi routes and parking positions and show all parking positions for cargo and the terminal piers, also shown are one-way and bi-directional taxiways, something that is not shown on the KORD diagram.
Assessment
In brief the important details of an Airport Diagram, as it relates to a VATSIM pilot, are.

Layout of runways
Layout of taxiways
Layout of the airport buildings

Edited on 2008-02-03 14:12:45 by TomSeeley

Additions:
Discussion: The image below is a partial view of the Manchester, UK Airport (EGCC) diagram available from the UK-AIP. The original can be viewed HERE∞ (PDF, 313KB). You can see that this diagram is quite detailed and colorized.
In comparison, the image below left is an airport diagram for Atlanta Hartsfield Airport (KATL). This diagram is smaller, more complex, and a bit more difficult to read. However, it should be noted that Jeppesen provides fold-out diagrams for many large, congested airports, and these are much easier to read and interpret. However, they are only available by subscription. A partial example from the fold-out for KATL is reproduced below right.
Runways, Taxiways and Ramps: A RUNWAY is differentiated from other surfaces on the airport by being the only surface an aircraft (other than a helicopter) either lands on or takes off from. Runways may also be used for taxiing aircraft and in some cases for parking aircraft. Runways are always designated (and normally marked) by a one or two number label, loosely associated with their compass bearing. In other words, a runway oriented north-south might be designated 36/18, but might also be identified as 35/17 or 01/19. You can see from these identifiers that one end of the runway is always the "reciprocal" of the other, or 180? opposite. In addition, if there are multiple runways aligned in the same direction, similar to KATL where there are five east/west runways, they will have letter designators attached, such as 27R, 27L, 27C. These would refer to a Runway "27 Right", "27 Left", or "27 Center" and that is the way they are referred to in communications, rather than saying something like, "Two Seven R". When more than three are present, the others are given numerical designators -close- to their geographical orientation. Again, as in the KATL case, you can see that the other runways are referred to as 26R and 26L, and the farthest south runway is 28. Even though all these runways are oriented east/west, their numerical designators differ.
Taxiways are designated surfaces provided at airports to enable aircraft to reposition from the runway to their final position on the field, or vice versa. They have different marking from runways, and are always identified by letters, with numbers if necessary. In the graphic below from London Gatwick (EGKK) you can see the approach ends of Runways 08L and 08R, with taxiway designators J5, J7, J4, G1, H and others. When communicating with ATC, these are referred to as "Juliet Four" or "Gulf One". Taxiways may have two-letter designators as well, and these are spoken, "Sierra Gulf". It is not uncommon, when calling for taxi or when clearing a runway after landing, to hear something like, "Taxi via Alpha Five, Alpha, Charlie, Hold Short Runway 26L". Pilots anticipating movement at high-density airports should anticipate such instructions and be prepared to read them back, then follow them as instructed, especially during periods of heavy traffic.

At the other end of taxiways are "Ramps" which are not really ramps at all, but different surfaces that denote where the taxiway ends and the terminal or gate area begins. It is important to note that in many cases, ATC responsibility ends with the transition from taxiway to ramp. These are often referred to as "non-movement" areas. This designation doesn't mean there is no movement, but that either the pilot or some other authority assumes responsibility, or both. At major airports each airline may have its own "ramp control" and may have a tower-like facility to control movement on its ramp. The line of demarcation between taxiway and ramp is normally a broken yellow line.

Deletions:
Discussion The image below is a partial view of the Manchester, UK Airport (EGCC) diagram available from the UK-AIP. The original can be viewed HERE∞ (PDF, 313KB). You can see that this diagram is quite detailed and colorized.
In comparison, the image below left is an airport diagram for Atlanta Hartsfield Airport (KATL). This diagram is smaller, more complex, and a bit more difficult to read. However, it should be noted that Jeppesen provides fold-out diagrams for many large, congested airports, and these are much easier to read and interpret. However, they are only available by subscription. A partial example is reproduced below right.
General
The airport diagram shows a ?top down? view of the airport including buildings, runways, taxiways, elevation, ATC frequencies, LAT/LON coordinates and magnetic variation.
(Editors note: The text will be colour coded to match the highlighted parts of the diagrams)

Edited on 2008-02-03 13:15:55 by TomSeeley

Additions:
By Dave Wild Revised by Tom Seeley
Purpose: This segment will provide basic understanding of airport diagrams to enable pilots to navigate safely and correctly at various airfields.
Objective: Upon completion, the pilot should have a clear understanding of the elements of an airport diagram and how to use it.
Prerequisites:
Introduction: In the U.S. every airport to which an instrument approach procedure (IAP) has been published also has an airport diagram published. These can be found in the various charting providers (NOS, Jeppesen) but are also largely available online. Examples of online sources include Airnav∞ and FlightAware∞. For other areas of the world, almost all VATSIM FIR's include sources for online charts on their websites.
For example, to locate charts for Schiphol Airport, Netherlands, (EHAM) you would go to the VATSIM Netherlands site∞ and use the CHARTS link on the left side of the page. Charts for airports in the United Kingdom are a little more involved, but available from the UK AIP (Aeronautical Information Package) site: UK-AIP∞. You must join, but registration is free and the site is very thorough. The quality of diagrams varies throughout the world, with some providing a general overview of the airport and others more detailed. Some are quality PDF files and others are scanned JPG files which results in some quality loss.
Discussion The image below is a partial view of the Manchester, UK Airport (EGCC) diagram available from the UK-AIP. The original can be viewed HERE∞ (PDF, 313KB). You can see that this diagram is quite detailed and colorized.
EGCC Airport Diagram

In comparison, the image below left is an airport diagram for Atlanta Hartsfield Airport (KATL). This diagram is smaller, more complex, and a bit more difficult to read. However, it should be noted that Jeppesen provides fold-out diagrams for many large, congested airports, and these are much easier to read and interpret. However, they are only available by subscription. A partial example is reproduced below right.

All of these diagrams, regardless of how colorful or easy to read, provide basic information for navigating around an airport, and supplemental information which is either critical or informational. The EGCC diagram has numerous "shadow boxes" with important information such as touchdown zone elevation (TDZ) and localizer frequencies, for example. It denotes taxiways via replicas of the taxiway markings you would see looking out the cockpit window, yellow against a black background. The portrayal of runway markings and orientation is also a faithful representation of the real-world airport.
The Atlanta-Hartsfield diagram is representative of most U.S. high-density airports, and is more of a graphic layout than a look-down image. Taxiways and runways are represented only by their letter or numeric labels. Touchdown zone elevation, lighting, and notes are included just as in the UK diagram, but presented differently. One significant difference is taxiway hold points: The UK diagram shows these quite clearly, while the US diagram makes them a little more difficult to see. (Look between runways 27L and 27R at taxiways Kilo and Lima) However despite these sometime subtle differences, either diagram will facilitate on-airport navigation.

Deletions:
By Dave Wild
Purpose
To enable you to find your way around an airport.
Objective
To be able to read an Airport diagram and translate it to your movement on the ground.
Prerequisites
Airport diagram for O?Hare (KORD) See REF 2 for URL
Airport diagram for Schiphol (EHAM) See REF 1 for URL
Airport diagram of your chosen airport.
Procedure or Discussion
Airport diagrams can usually be found at the VATSIM web site for that area, so for EHAM you would go to the VATSIM Netherlands site and then look for CHARTS.
The quality of these diagrams vary, some give a general overview of the airport while others are more detailed, also some are quality PDF files and others are scanned JPG files which lose some quality.
The examples in this lesson were chosen only because they are both large and complex airports and their diagrams are readily available from the VATSIM web sites.
I will concentrate on the KORD diagram and then compare it with the EHAM diagram and deal with the information that is relevant to a VATSIM pilot.

Edited on 2007-07-04 17:37:11 by MikeBevington

Additions:

Airport Diagrams

The runway length & width, threshold elevation, and runway number are shown.
If we look at runway 14R we can see (hopefully J) that it is 13000 ft long and 200 ft wide. The threshold elevation is 666 ft.
Taxiways
Taxiways are shown along with their alpha/numeric identifiers and holding points.
Using runway 14R again we can see that taxiway TANGO runs along the Eastern side of RWY 14R with links from the taxiway to the runway, such as T2.
Near to the end of RWY 14R you can see a CAT2 holding point.
These taxiways and their identifiers should match the ones you see in FS9 and you may even get the holding points.
Buildings and aprons
The airport terminals are shown along with other important buildings such as the fire station, and control tower. Various aprons can be shown such as cargo area, GA apron.
Other
The ATC frequencies used when on the ground are shown and the magnetic variation from true North. The whole diagram is laid on top of the LAT/LON grid to show the location of the airport.
Each chart is identified at the top with the type of chart (Airport Diagram), the airport it relates to (Chicago-O?Hare Intl) and its ID (ORD) and the date of the chart so you can tell if your chart is current.
EHAM Comparison
If we now look at the diagram for EHAM the first thing you will notice is the larger size of the diagram and its clarity. This type of diagram is typical of European diagrams.
Although the reproduction here is smaller than the actual diagram we should be able to pick out differences to the KORD diagram.

Runway designators are not shown at the end of the runway, as in the KORD diagram, but along the length of the runway.
Runway length and width are in metres not feet but threshold elevations are in feet!
The frequency of the runway localisers are shown and the location of the actual beacon. The type of approach lighting is also shown here.
Taxiways
The taxiways are drawn, not grey paths and holding points are just drawn as lines across the taxiways with their identifiers.
Buildings, aprons and other
Buildings and aprons are drawn and not black/grey blocks. The aprons are identified and even the piers at the terminal are identified.
Unusually ATC frequencies are not shown.
If you look at the full PDF document (not reproduced here) you will see 3 other diagrams. These are taxi routes and parking positions and show all parking positions for cargo and the terminal piers, also shown are one-way and bi-directional taxiways, something that is not shown on the KORD diagram.
Assessment
In brief the important details of an Airport Diagram, as it relates to a VATSIM pilot, are.

Layout of runways
Layout of taxiways
Layout of the airport buildings

Airport Diagrams

The runway length

Airport Diagrams

Deletions:

Airport Diagrams

Edited on 2007-06-29 15:31:26 by Xf6Asf

Additions:
The runway length

Deletions:
The runway length & width, threshold elevation, and runway number are shown. If we look at runway 14R we can see (hopefully J) that it is 13000 ft long and 200 ft wide. The threshold elevation is 666 ft.
Taxiways
Taxiways are shown along with their alpha/numeric identifiers and holding points.
Using runway 14R again we can see that taxiway TANGO runs along the Eastern side of RWY 14R with links from the taxiway to the runway, such as T2.
Near to the end of RWY 14R you can see a CAT2 holding point.
These taxiways and their identifiers should match the ones you see in FS9 and you may even get the holding points.
Buildings and aprons
The airport terminals are shown along with other important buildings such as the fire station, and control tower. Various aprons can be shown such as cargo area, GA apron.
Other
The ATC frequencies used when on the ground are shown and the magnetic variation from true North. The whole diagram is laid on top of the LAT/LON grid to show the location of the airport.
Each chart is identified at the top with the type of chart (Airport Diagram), the airport it relates to (Chicago-O?Hare Intl) and its ID (ORD) and the date of the chart so you can tell if your chart is current.
EHAM Comparison
If we now look at the diagram for EHAM the first thing you will notice is the larger size of the diagram and its clarity. This type of diagram is typical of European diagrams.
Although the reproduction here is smaller than the actual diagram we should be able to pick out differences to the KORD diagram.

Layout of runways
Layout of taxiways
Layout of the airport buildings

Edited on 2007-04-25 19:59:27 by MikeBevington

Additions:
The runway length & width, threshold elevation, and runway number are shown.
If we look at runway 14R we can see (hopefully J) that it is 13000 ft long and 200 ft wide. The threshold elevation is 666 ft.
Taxiways
Taxiways are shown along with their alpha/numeric identifiers and holding points.
Using runway 14R again we can see that taxiway TANGO runs along the Eastern side of RWY 14R with links from the taxiway to the runway, such as T2.
Near to the end of RWY 14R you can see a CAT2 holding point.
These taxiways and their identifiers should match the ones you see in FS9 and you may even get the holding points.
Buildings and aprons
The airport terminals are shown along with other important buildings such as the fire station, and control tower. Various aprons can be shown such as cargo area, GA apron.
Other
The ATC frequencies used when on the ground are shown and the magnetic variation from true North. The whole diagram is laid on top of the LAT/LON grid to show the location of the airport.
Each chart is identified at the top with the type of chart (Airport Diagram), the airport it relates to (Chicago-O?Hare Intl) and its ID (ORD) and the date of the chart so you can tell if your chart is current.
EHAM Comparison
If we now look at the diagram for EHAM the first thing you will notice is the larger size of the diagram and its clarity. This type of diagram is typical of European diagrams.
Although the reproduction here is smaller than the actual diagram we should be able to pick out differences to the KORD diagram.

Layout of runways
Layout of taxiways
Layout of the airport buildings

Edited on 2007-04-19 20:40:31 by HlsYq4

Additions:
The runway length

Deletions:
The runway length & width, threshold elevation, and runway number are shown.
If we look at runway 14R we can see (hopefully J) that it is 13000 ft long and 200 ft wide. The threshold elevation is 666 ft.
Taxiways
Taxiways are shown along with their alpha/numeric identifiers and holding points.
Using runway 14R again we can see that taxiway TANGO runs along the Eastern side of RWY 14R with links from the taxiway to the runway, such as T2.
Near to the end of RWY 14R you can see a CAT2 holding point.
These taxiways and their identifiers should match the ones you see in FS9 and you may even get the holding points.
Buildings and aprons
The airport terminals are shown along with other important buildings such as the fire station, and control tower. Various aprons can be shown such as cargo area, GA apron.
Other
The ATC frequencies used when on the ground are shown and the magnetic variation from true North. The whole diagram is laid on top of the LAT/LON grid to show the location of the airport.
Each chart is identified at the top with the type of chart (Airport Diagram), the airport it relates to (Chicago-O?Hare Intl) and its ID (ORD) and the date of the chart so you can tell if your chart is current.
EHAM Comparison
If we now look at the diagram for EHAM the first thing you will notice is the larger size of the diagram and its clarity. This type of diagram is typical of European diagrams.
Although the reproduction here is smaller than the actual diagram we should be able to pick out differences to the KORD diagram.

Layout of runways
Layout of taxiways
Layout of the airport buildings

Edited on 2007-02-04 08:05:52 by DaveWild [Reviewed]

Additions:

Edited on 2006-01-02 06:15:40 by DaveWild

Additions:

Edited on 2006-01-02 06:14:19 by DaveWild

Deletions:

Edited on 2006-01-02 06:11:34 by DaveWild

Additions:

Edited on 2006-01-02 06:11:02 by DaveWild

Deletions:

Edited on 2006-01-02 02:25:15 by DaveWild

Additions:

Oldest known version of this page was edited on 2006-01-02 02:24:46 by DaveWild []

Page view:

Airport Diagrams

By Dave Wild

Purpose
To enable you to find your way around an airport.

Objective
To be able to read an Airport diagram and translate it to your movement on the ground.

Prerequisites
Airport diagram for O?Hare (KORD) See REF 2 for URL
Airport diagram for Schiphol (EHAM) See REF 1 for URL
Airport diagram of your chosen airport.
Procedure or Discussion
Airport diagrams can usually be found at the VATSIM web site for that area, so for EHAM you would go to the VATSIM Netherlands site and then look for CHARTS.

The quality of these diagrams vary, some give a general overview of the airport while others are more detailed, also some are quality PDF files and others are scanned JPG files which lose some quality.
The examples in this lesson were chosen only because they are both large and complex airports and their diagrams are readily available from the VATSIM web sites.

I will concentrate on the KORD diagram and then compare it with the EHAM diagram and deal with the information that is relevant to a VATSIM pilot.

General
The airport diagram shows a ?top down? view of the airport including buildings, runways, taxiways, elevation, ATC frequencies, LAT/LON coordinates and magnetic variation.

(Editors note: The text will be colour coded to match the highlighted parts of the diagrams)

Runways
All operational runways are shown as thick black lines so they stand out from the rest of the details.
The runway length & width, threshold elevation, and runway number are shown.

If we look at runway 14R we can see (hopefully J) that it is 13000 ft long and 200 ft wide. The threshold elevation is 666 ft.

Taxiways
Taxiways are shown along with their alpha/numeric identifiers and holding points.
Using runway 14R again we can see that taxiway TANGO runs along the Eastern side of RWY 14R with links from the taxiway to the runway, such as T2.
Near to the end of RWY 14R you can see a CAT2 holding point.

These taxiways and their identifiers should match the ones you see in FS9 and you may even get the holding points.

Buildings and aprons
The airport terminals are shown along with other important buildings such as the fire station, and control tower. Various aprons can be shown such as cargo area, GA apron.

Other
The ATC frequencies used when on the ground are shown and the magnetic variation from true North. The whole diagram is laid on top of the LAT/LON grid to show the location of the airport.

Each chart is identified at the top with the type of chart (Airport Diagram), the airport it relates to (Chicago-O?Hare Intl) and its ID (ORD) and the date of the chart so you can tell if your chart is current.

EHAM Comparison
If we now look at the diagram for EHAM the first thing you will notice is the larger size of the diagram and its clarity. This type of diagram is typical of European diagrams.

Although the reproduction here is smaller than the actual diagram we should be able to pick out differences to the KORD diagram.

Runways
Runway designators are not shown at the end of the runway, as in the KORD diagram, but along the length of the runway.
Runway length and width are in metres not feet but threshold elevations are in feet!
The frequency of the runway localisers are shown and the location of the actual beacon. The type of approach lighting is also shown here.

Taxiways
The taxiways are drawn, not grey paths and holding points are just drawn as lines across the taxiways with their identifiers.

Buildings, aprons and other
Buildings and aprons are drawn and not black/grey blocks. The aprons are identified and even the piers at the terminal are identified.
Unusually ATC frequencies are not shown.

If you look at the full PDF document (not reproduced here) you will see 3 other diagrams. These are taxi routes and parking positions and show all parking positions for cargo and the terminal piers, also shown are one-way and bi-directional taxiways, something that is not shown on the KORD diagram.

Assessment
In brief the important details of an Airport Diagram, as it relates to a VATSIM pilot, are.

Layout of runways
Layout of taxiways
Layout of the airport buildings