Which factor determines the length of a Class B runway?

Which factor determines the length of a Class B runway?

• A. Aircraft assigned to the base
• B. Seasonal winds
• C. Traffic volume
• D. Runway maintenance schedule

Answer: (A)

Runway length for a Class B field is determined by the performance needs of the aircraft that will operate from it. The base must have enough length to safely handle the takeoff and landing distances of the heaviest or most demanding aircraft that will regularly use the runway, plus a safety margin and any required obstacle clearance. That fleet mix sets the minimum length the runway must meet. Seasonal winds, traffic volume, and maintenance schedules affect operations, scheduling, or availability, but not the fundamental length needed to accommodate the aircraft’s performance. So the factor that determines the runway length is the aircraft assigned to the base.

Runway length for a Class B field is determined by the performance needs of the aircraft that will operate from it. The base must have enough length to safely handle the takeoff and landing distances of the heaviest or most demanding aircraft that will regularly use the runway, plus a safety margin and any required obstacle clearance. That fleet mix sets the minimum length the runway must meet. Seasonal winds, traffic volume, and maintenance schedules affect operations, scheduling, or availability, but not the fundamental length needed to accommodate the aircraft’s performance. So the factor that determines the runway length is the aircraft assigned to the base.