The simplest definition of an aerodrome: a place where aeroplanes, helicopters and other air-craft land and take off. But an aerodrome needs more than just a runway to function safely. Thus, there is a movement area, called an apron, on which an aircraft is parked and where ground handling can take place. Taxiways are also required for aircraft access to the runway.
Proper and continuous operation of an aerodrome requires numerous partners. These can include air traffic control to guide aircraft, airlines to carry passengers, ground handling companies to deliver cargo and baggage and provide passenger assistance, airfield maintenance and many others.
The aerodrome is not simply paved surfaces – it often has extensive green areas where birds and other wildlife live. To ensure that flight operations run safely, the wildlife living on the aerodrome must be managed.
In conclusion: the larger the aerodrome, the more complex it is to ensure and manage the interopera-bility of services.
Examples of incidents on aerodromes include:
- Damage to aircraft resulting from collision with passenger boarding bridge during docking
- An aircraft taxies on the wrong taxiway
- Engine damage due to birdstrike
- A push-back in the wrong direction
- An incorrectly loaded cargo bay
These types of incidents can occur at Swiss airports. In such cases, the top priority is ensuring that they are accurately reported to the appropriate safety office and the Federal Office of Civil Aviation; where or when the incidents occur is less relevant. Proper reporting is essential, as it allows authori-ties to analyse the events, identify recurring patterns and implement corrective measures to enhance aviation safety. Only through thorough and timely reports can valuable lessons be learned, risks miti-gated, and necessary improvements made to prevent future occurrences.
Last modification 14.05.2025
