Airport & Air traffic Services 28.12.2024 QB

Part -A (1 Marks)

Choose the best answer

Question 1: What is the primary function of an airport?

a) To provide a place for people to gather and socialize.

b) To facilitate the arrival, departure, and transfer of passengers and cargo by air.

c) To house airplanes for storage and maintenance.

d) To serve as a hub for ground transportation.

Answer: b) To facilitate the arrival, departure, and transfer of passengers and cargo by air.

Question 2: What is the difference between a runway and a taxiway?

a) Runways are used for aircraft to take off and land, while taxiways are used for aircraft
to move between the terminal, gates, and runways.

b) Runways are used for aircraft to move between the terminal, gates, and runways, while
taxiways are used for aircraft to take off and land.

c) There is no difference between runways and taxiways.

d) Runways are for small aircraft, while taxiways are for large aircraft.

Answer: a) Runways are used for aircraft to take off and land, while taxiways are used for
aircraft to move between the terminal, gates, and runways.

Question 3: What is the role of air traffic control (ATC) at an airport?

a) To provide food and beverages to passengers.

b) To manage the flow of ground traffic around the airport.

c) To guide aircraft on the ground and in the air, ensuring safe separation between aircraft,
and managing the flow of traffic to and from the airport.

d) To provide information about flight delays and cancellations.

Answer: c) To guide aircraft on the ground and in the air, ensuring safe separation between
aircraft, and managing the flow of traffic to and from the airport.

Question 4: What is the purpose of airport security measures?

a) To make passengers feel more comfortable.

b) To prevent unauthorized access to aircraft and facilities, and to detect and deter
potential threats to aviation safety.

c) To collect fees from passengers.

d) To monitor the weather conditions.

Answer: b) To prevent unauthorized access to aircraft and facilities, and to detect and deter
potential threats to aviation safety.

Question 5: What is the importance of airport infrastructure?

a) Airport infrastructure is not important for the operation of an airport.

b) Airport infrastructure, including terminals, runways, taxiways, and ground support
equipment, is essential for the efficient and safe operation of an airport. It also plays a
significant role in the economic development of the surrounding region.

c) Airport infrastructure is only important for large airports.

d) Airport infrastructure is only important for military airports.

Answer: b) Airport infrastructure, including terminals, runways, taxiways, and ground support
equipment, is essential for the efficient and safe operation of an airport. It also plays a significant
role in the economic development of the surrounding region.

Part -B (5 Marks)

1.How to classify the airports?

Airports can be classified in several ways, depending on the criteria used. Here are some
common classifications:

By Function:

Commercial Service Airports: These are airports that handle scheduled passenger flights.

They can be further classified by size and passenger volume:

Hub Airports: Major airports that serve as connecting points for many flights.

Focus Cities: Airports with a significant number of flights for a single airline.

Regional Airports: Smaller airports that serve a specific region.

General Aviation Airports: These airports primarily serve private aircraft, flight training, and
air taxi operations.

Cargo Airports: These airports are primarily focused on the handling of air freight.

Military Airports: These airports are used by the military for various purposes, including
training and operations.

By Size and Passenger Volume:

Large Hub Airports: Handle millions of passengers annually.

Medium Hub Airports: Handle a significant number of passengers, but fewer than large hubs.

Small Hub Airports: Handle a moderate number of passengers.

Non-Hub Airports: Handle a smaller number of passengers.

By Ownership:

Public Airports: Owned and operated by government entities (federal, state, or local).

Private Airports: Owned and operated by private individuals or companies.

By Location:

International Airports: Handle international flights.

Domestic Airports: Handle flights within a country.

2.Explain the airport structures and functions?

Airport Structures and Functions

Airports are complex hubs of activity, consisting of various structures designed to facilitate the
efficient and safe movement of passengers and cargo. Here are some key airport structures and
their functions:

1. Terminal Building:

Function: The central hub for passengers, housing check-in counters, baggage claim, security
checkpoints, boarding gates, and various amenities like shops, restaurants, and lounges.

2. Runways:

Function: Long, paved surfaces used for the takeoff and landing of aircraft. Their length and
orientation are determined by factors like aircraft size, wind patterns, and surrounding terrain.

3. Taxiways:

Function: Paved paths used by aircraft to move between the terminal, gates, and runways.
They allow aircraft to navigate safely and efficiently on the ground.

4. Apron:

Function: The area in front of the terminal gates where aircraft park and load/unload
passengers and cargo. Ground support equipment (GSE) also operates here.

5. Air Traffic Control Tower:

Function: A tall structure housing air traffic controllers who guide aircraft on the ground and
in the air, ensuring safe separation and efficient traffic flow.

6. Cargo Facilities:

Function: Warehouses, handling equipment, and areas for loading and unloading cargo. These
facilities are crucial for the efficient movement of goods by air.

7. Ground Support Equipment (GSE):

Function: A wide range of vehicles and machinery used for various ground operations,
including baggage handling, aircraft towing, fueling, and maintenance.

8. Hangars:

Function: Large structures used to store and maintain aircraft, providing protection from the
elements and facilitating maintenance work.

These are some of the essential structures that make up a modern airport, each playing a vital
role in ensuring the smooth and safe operation of air travel.

3.Differentiate water airport and floating airport?

Water Airport vs. Floating Airport

Here's a breakdown of the key differences between water airports and floating airports:
Water Airport

Definition: An airport located on a body of water, often involving land reclaimed from the
water or constructed on artificial islands.

Mobility: Fixed location

Aircraft Types: Primarily used for seaplanes and other water-based aircraft.

Purpose: Primarily for water-based aircraft operations.
Floating Airport

Definition: An airport built on a floating structure, such as a barge or artificial island.

Mobility: Highly mobile and can be relocated.

Aircraft Types: Can handle various aircraft types.

Purpose: Diverse purposes, including disaster relief, tourism, and offshore operations.

In essence:

A floating airport is like a ship carrying an airport, offering flexibility in location.

A water airport is built on a fixed location on or near water, often specializing in seaplanes.

Part – C (8 Marks)

1.Describe the Apron Management in airport?

Apron Management in Airports

Apron management is a critical function at airports, overseeing the efficient and safe operations
on the apron, the area where aircraft park, load/unload, refuel, and are serviced. Here'
breakdown of key aspects:

Key Responsibilities:

Aircraft Parking and Allocation: Assigning aircraft to specific parking stands (gates) based on
factors like aircraft size, type, and flight schedules. This aims to optimize apron space utilization
and minimize delays.

Ground Handling Coordination: Coordinating activities of various ground handling agents,
including baggage handlers, fuelers, caterers, and maintenance crews, to ensure timely and
efficient aircraft turnaround.

Safety Oversight: Ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment on the apron by preventing
collisions between aircraft, vehicles, and other obstacles. This involves implementing clear
procedures and communication protocols.

Traffic Flow Management: Regulating the movement of aircraft, ground support equipment
(GSE), and other vehicles on the apron to prevent congestion and delays.

Apron Condition Monitoring: Monitoring the condition of the apron surface, including any
potential hazards like ice, snow, or debris, to ensure safe aircraft operations.

Challenges and Considerations:

Congestion: Managing peak hours and ensuring efficient aircraft turnaround to minimize
delays.

Safety: Maintaining a high level of safety awareness among all personnel operating on the
apron.

Communication: Effective communication between air traffic control, ground handlers, and
other stakeholders is crucial for smooth operations.

Technology Integration: Implementing advanced technologies like apron management systems
(AMS) to enhance efficiency and safety.

Benefits of Effective Apron Management:

Reduced aircraft turnaround times

Improved on-time performance

Enhanced safety for personnel and equipment

Optimized use of apron space

Reduced fuel consumption and emissions

2.Explain the ground supporting equipments in airport?

Ground Support Equipment (GSE) at Airports

Ground Support Equipment (GSE) refers to the specialized vehicles and machinery used to
service aircraft while they are on the ground. This equipment plays a crucial role in ensuring
efficient and safe airport operations. Here are some key types of GSE:

1. Aircraft Towing and Pushback:

Pushback Tugs: These powerful vehicles push aircraft away from the gate, as aircraft engines
are typically not designed for reverse thrust on the ground.

Tow Tractors: Used to move aircraft around the apron, such as from the gate to the
maintenance hangar.

2. Passenger Handling:

Passenger Stairs/Steps: Provide access to aircraft for boarding and disembarking passengers.

Passenger Buses: Transport passengers between the terminal and the aircraft.

3. Baggage Handling:

Belt Loaders: Convey baggage from the terminal to the aircraft hold.

Baggage Carts: Used to transport baggage within the terminal and on the apron.

4. Aircraft Servicing:

Refuelers: Transport and deliver fuel to aircraft.

Ground Power Units (GPUs): Provide electrical power to aircraft when they are on the ground.

Air Start Units (ASUs): Supply compressed air to start aircraft engines.

Lavatory Service Vehicles: Service and empty aircraft lavatories.

Catering Trucks: Load and unload food and beverages for passengers.

De-icing/Anti-icing Vehicles: Remove ice and snow from aircraft surfaces.

5. Maintenance and Cleaning:

Mobile Maintenance Platforms: Provide access to different parts of the aircraft for
maintenance work.

Cleaning Vehicles: Clean aircraft exteriors and interiors.

6. Cargo Handling:

Container Loaders: Load and unload cargo containers from aircraft.

Forklifts: Used to move cargo within the cargo area.

7. Emergency Vehicles:

Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Vehicles: Equipped with specialized firefighting
equipment to respond to aircraft emergencies.

Importance of GSE:

Efficiency: GSE enables rapid aircraft turnaround times, minimizing delays and maximizing
airport capacity.

Safety: Ensures safe and efficient aircraft operations on the ground.

Reliability: Reliable GSE is essential for maintaining on-time performance and passenger
satisfaction.

By utilizing a wide range of specialized GSE, airports can ensure smooth and efficient
operations, contributing to a positive travel experience for passengers.