Pilot/Controller Glossary
4/3/14
PCG R−7
RUNWAY IN USE/ACTIVE RUNWAY/DUTY
RUNWAY− Any runway or runways currently being
used for takeoff or landing. When multiple runways
are used, they are all considered active runways. In
the metering sense, a selectable adapted item which
specifies the landing runway configuration or
direction of traffic flow. The adapted optimum flight
plan from each transition fix to the vertex is
determined by the runway configuration for arrival
metering processing purposes.
RUNWAY LIGHTS−
(See AIRPORT LIGHTING.)
RUNWAY MARKINGS−
(See AIRPORT MARKING AIDS.)
RUNWAY OVERRUN− In military aviation exclu-
sively, a stabilized or paved area beyond the end of a
runway, of the same width as the runway plus
shoulders, centered on the extended runway
centerline.
RUNWAY PROFILE DESCENT− An instrument
flight rules (IFR) air traffic control arrival procedure
to a runway published for pilot use in graphic and/or
textual form and may be associated with a STAR.
Runway Profile Descents provide routing and may
depict crossing altitudes, speed restrictions, and
headings to be flown from the en route structure to the
point where the pilot will receive clearance for and
execute an instrument approach procedure. A
Runway Profile Descent may apply to more than one
runway if so stated on the chart.
(Refer to AIM.)
RUNWAY SAFETY AREA− A defined surface
surrounding the runway prepared, or suitable, for
reducing the risk of damage to airplanes in the event
of an undershoot, overshoot, or excursion from the
runway. The dimensions of the RSA vary and can be
determined by using the criteria contained within
AC 150/5300-13, Airport Design, Chapter 3.
Figure 3−1 in AC 150/5300-13 depicts the RSA. The
design standards dictate that the RSA shall be:
a.
Cleared, graded, and have no potentially
hazardous ruts, humps, depressions, or other surface
variations;
b.
Drained by grading or storm sewers to prevent
water accumulation;
c.
Capable, under dry conditions, of supporting
snow removal equipment, aircraft rescue and
firefighting equipment, and the occasional passage of
aircraft without causing structural damage to the
aircraft; and,
d.
Free of objects, except for objects that need to
be located in the runway safety area because of their
function. These objects shall be constructed on low
impact resistant supports (frangible mounted struc-
tures) to the lowest practical height with the frangible
point no higher than 3 inches above grade.
(Refer to AC 150/5300-13, Airport Design,
Chapter 3.)
RUNWAY TRANSITION−
a.
Conventional STARs/SIDs. The portion of a
STAR/SID that serves a particular runway or
runways at an airport.
b.
RNAV STARs/SIDs. Defines a path(s) from
the common route to the final point(s) on a STAR. For
a SID, the common route that serves a particular
runway or runways at an airport.
RUNWAY USE PROGRAM− A noise abatement
runway selection plan designed to enhance noise
abatement efforts with regard to airport communities
for arriving and departing aircraft. These plans are
developed into runway use programs and apply to all
turbojet aircraft 12,500 pounds or heavier; turbojet
aircraft less than 12,500 pounds are included only if
the airport proprietor determines that the aircraft
creates a noise problem. Runway use programs are
coordinated with FAA offices, and safety criteria
used in these programs are developed by the Office of
Flight Operations. Runway use programs are
administered by the Air Traffic Service as “Formal”
or “Informal” programs.
a.
Formal Runway Use Program− An approved
noise abatement program which is defined and
acknowledged in a Letter of Understanding between
Flight Operations, Air Traffic Service, the airport
proprietor, and the users. Once established, participa-
tion in the program is mandatory for aircraft operators
and pilots as provided for in 14 CFR Section 91.129.
b.
Informal Runway Use Program− An approved
noise abatement program which does not require a
Letter of Understanding, and participation in the
program is voluntary for aircraft operators/pilots.