Code E and F Aircraft Aeronautical Study

The operation of New Larger Aeroplanes (NLAs), such as the 747-8F (considered with a wingspan of 68.5 m as Code F aircraft), poses a host of challenges for aerodrome operators, especially at aerodromes which infrastructure was not designed to fit aircraft of such dimensions.

Prior operating such new type of aeroplanes, aerodrome operators shall provide the responsible authorities with the appropriate documented evidence of compliance with the applicable regulations (ICAO Annex 14), and demonstrate that possible deviations does not adversely affect the safety or significantly affect the regularity of operations of aeroplanes at the aerodrome.

airsight was commissioned by the company “TR Engineering”, to conduct an aeronautical study on ICAO Code E and F aircraft operations at Luxembourg Findel Airport, in order to ensure the safe operations of Cargolux new fleet of 747-8F.

The conducted study included the compliance verification of runways (dimensions, shoulders, separations), straight and curved taxiways and taxilanes (dimensions, shoulders, separations), runway holding positions, visual aids, lighting and marking, aircraft stands, as well as rescue and fire fighting services. The utilisation in such project of a risk-based approach, supported by the work of the “Boeing 747-8 Airport Compatibility Group (BACG)” (published in 2008), enables to demonstrate that - taking possibly into account especially developed mitigation measures - some deviations may be not infringe safety.

The utilisation of aeronautical study is recognised by ICAO and numerous Civil Aviation Authorities worldwide, helping aerodrome operators to avoid cost-intensive measures (e.g. infrastructure changes, rescheduling of planned construction).