The purpose of this article is to give an overview of small aerodrome operations, the typical safety issues and to provide advice on the prevention of runway incursions by visitors, personnel, vehicle drivers and aerodrome managers/owners.

Introduction

The definition of “small aerodrome” varies from country to country. While there is no strict rule under which any given aerodrome is categorised as being "small", the following features are typical:

• Runway length is 1000m or less;
• The aerodrome serves mostly light aircraft (MTOW of 7000kg or less);
• Number of movements is relatively small
• Limited provision of service (ATC, MET, etc.)
• Most traffic flies under VFR

Typical use of small aerodromes

Small aerodromes are commonly used for general aviation purposes, such as: