Apron
The paved surface area of an airport where aircraft are parked, loaded, unloaded, refuelled, or serviced.
Full Definition
The apron (also called the ramp in North American usage) is the defined area on an airport where aircraft stand for ground handling operations, including passenger boarding and disembarkation, cargo loading, refuelling, and maintenance. It is distinct from the runway and taxiway system, which are used for aircraft movement. Aprons may be subdivided into contact stands (served by jetways) and remote stands. Editors should note that 'apron' is the preferred ICAO term, while 'ramp' is common in FAA and North American documents; the two should not be used interchangeably within a single document without a defining note.
Usage
Usage note: 'Apron' is the ICAO-preferred term; 'ramp' is standard in FAA/North American contexts. Do not use 'tarmac' in formal operational documents as it is colloquial.
In Context
- "Vehicle speed limits on the apron must not exceed 25 km/h unless otherwise posted." — Ground Movement Procedures Manual
- "The apron controller is responsible for sequencing all aircraft push-back movements." — ATC Operations Briefing