Aerodrome Design
Operational expertise is essential in the design of an aerodrome to ensure it meets safety, efficiency, and user needs across a wide range of scenarios. Integrating insights from experienced aviation professionals allows flight instruments procedure designers to anticipate practical challenges and incorporate features that support smooth, effective operations.
SIG Aviation understands the potential hazards of the aerodrome environment and can help implement design elements that minimise risks. Our operational expertise allows for risk assessments and planning to prevent common issues, such as runway incursions, inadequate spacing for ground operations, and obstacles in flight paths. This helps maintain a high level of safety for aerodrome and aircraft operators and ground handling organisations.
Our operational experts ensure that the aerodrome design complies with local and international regulations set by bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and EASA, including standards for safety, obstacle clearance, and environmental impact.
Operational input helps in planning noise abatement procedures and minimizing environmental impact by incorporating sustainable practices, such as efficient drainage, waste management, and environmentally friendly building materials.
Incorporating operational expertise when designing an aerodrome is critical for developing a safe, efficient, and adaptable facility that meets the diverse needs of aviation stakeholders. By aligning design with real-world operational insights, aerodromes can enhance safety, optimize efficiency, and deliver a positive and safe experience, all while maintaining regulatory compliance and cost-effectiveness.
Examples on our work
World's largest seaplane operator asked SIG Aviation to provide (safety) guidance on the relocation of their entire operation to the New Seaplane Terminal (NSPT) in Maldives. On behalf of this operator, we ensured that the Management of Change process identified all risks, and that those risks were properly mitigated. The end result was a smooth, uninterrupted safe transition and inauguration of a new operating base that thousands of high end holiday travellers use each single day.
To pave the way for their airfield expansion project, Changi Airport Group, the licensed operator of
Singapore Changi Airport (WSSS), requested an evaluation of the taxiway routes and aircraft parking stands. As part of this evaluation, SIG Aviation provided our client with recommendations on the safety of taxiing routes, and the naming convention used. An integral part of the work was a comprehensive risk assessment that involved all ground modalities (handling, fuelling, catering, emergency response and maintenance providers).
A decommissioned airbase (EHTW) in The Netherlands requested, as part of their ambition to re-open the airport for uncontrolled traffic (end-of-life decommissioning of large commercial aircraft) assistance from SIG Aviation. We developed the operational procedures and briefing packages for the aerodrome users and pilots of large OEL aircraft. To ensure a pragmatic use, we opted to develop VFR routes with prescribed tracks, in combination with typical aerodrome crew qualification criteria.