Factors for the design of an airport depends upon aircraft characteristics like
- SIZE OF AIRCRAFT
- SPAN OF WINGS: Decides width of taxiway, apron, hanger etc.
![](https://blog.theamazeacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Wing-span-1024x576.png)
- TAIL WIDTH: Decides the size of apron and parking.
- HEIGHT: Decides the height of hanger gate
- WHEEL BASE: Decides minimum taxiway radius.
![](https://blog.theamazeacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Wheel-base-fig-1-1024x372.png)
![](https://blog.theamazeacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Wheel-base-fig-2-1024x329.png)
- MINIMUM TURNING RADIUS
Minimum turning radius is to decide radii t the end of taxiway and position on loading apron.
R= Distance of farther wing tip from centre of rotation.
![](https://blog.theamazeacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Minimum-turning-radius-fig-1-1024x1024.png)
![](https://blog.theamazeacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Minimum-turning-radius-fig-2-1024x396.png)
- WEIGHT OF AIRCRAFT
Weight of aircraft decides the length of runway, thickness of runway etc.
- SPEED OF AIRCRAFT
Ground speed is the aircraft speed with respect to ground.
Air speed is the aircraft speed relative to wind.
- AIRCRAFT CAPACITY
Capacity determines the number of passengers, baggage and fuel that can be accommodated in aircraft.
- RANGE
The distance that an aircraft can fly without refueling.
- TAKE OFF AND LANDING DISTANCE
It determines the minimum runway length required for a particular type of aircraft.
- TYRE PRESSURE AND CONTACT AREA
Gives an indication of the width, type and strength of pavement required.