Runways are generally dimensioned to accommodate an aircraft considered to be the critical aircraft. To identify the critical aircraft, flight manual performance data of a variety of aircraft is examined. Once the critical aircraft has been defined, the longest distance determined after analyzing both take-off and landing performance is used as the basis for runway dimensions. Runways can be categorized into one of three types: non-instrument runways, non-precision runways and precision runways. This section will briefly introduce the three types of runways and the following sections will discuss various markings found on them.

Non-Instrument Runway

A runway intended for the operation of aircraft using visual approach procedures. Consists of the runway designation and runway centreline.

Non-Precision Runway

A runway served by instrument navigation aids that provide at least lateral guidance adequate for an instrument approach procedure down to a Height Above Touchdown (HAT) lower than 500 feet but not lower than 250 feet. Consists of markings present on non-instrument runways, the threshold marking and the aiming point.

Precision Runway

A runway served by instrument navigation aids that provide lateral and vertical guidance adequate for an instrument approach procedure down to a HAT lower than 250 feet. Consists of markings present on a non-precision runway, the touchdown zone marking and side stripes.

Definitions

Height Above Touchdown (HAT): The height of the Decision Height or Minimum Descent Altitude above the highest runway elevation in the touchdown zone.
Instrument Approach Procedure: A series of predetermined manoeuvres by reference to flight instruments with specified protection from obstacles from the beginning of a defined arrival route to a point from which a landing can be completed.
Navigation Aid (NAVAID): Any visual or electronic device airborne or on the surface which provides point-to-point guidance information or position data to aircraft in flight.

References

AIM AGA 3.0 Runway Characteristics
TP312 Aerodrome Standards and Recommended Practices

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