The Runway

I have been holding this off for Far too long and I might as well get this over with today we are talking runways how to use them, how to mark them properly, and how to use them.

Runway naming and marking

Runways are named by a number between 01 and 36, which is generally the magnetic azimuth of the runway’s heading in decadegrees. This heading differs from true north by the local magnetic declination For example A runway numbered 09 points east (90°)

below is a typical runway sign you will also note the approach class as well which we will cover next

An aircraft approach category is a grouping differentiating aircraft based on the speed at which the aircraft approaches a runway for a landing they basically break down as follows

• Category A: Speed 90 knots or less. (Small Single Engine)
• Category B: Between 91 and 120 knots. (Small multi engine)
• Category C: Between 121 and 140 knots. (Airline Jet)
• Category D: Between 141 knots and 165 knots. (Large Jet/Military jet)
• Category E: Speed 166 knots or more. (Special military)

The approach category of a runway is determined by its, Length, with, ans Surface material and Thickness for example a concrete runway could be long and wide enough to support a class D but the Slab is not thick enough to bare the weight of the Class D aircraft. as a result it is Designated as a class C.  It is important to note that on a class C runway aircraft of a class A,B or C may be used but never a Class D.

If one wanted to translate this over to Second life one could simply say if your wings reach over the parallel runway  you are too big for that runway!

Runway Threshold marking

you may not be aware that there are three types of runway markings quickly looking at these will tell you if your aircraft is welcome at the airport you want to land at.

First we will look at is the Visual Runway marking

This style is used at Runways that only serve cat. A and B  aircraft for VFR approach only

This next style is called Non Precision Interment approach

This is used for Runways that are capable of serving Class C and D aircraft for both VFR and IFR Approches

Lastly we have the Precision Instrument Approach.

This is used for Runways that are capable of serving Class C and D aircraft for IFR approach only.   Note we lack a proper IFR standard in S.L. this style of marking is Completely overkill if not silly to use.

Markings found adjacent to a runway.

Here I am going to Concentrate on two types of markings “blast pads” and “Displaced thresholds”

Blast pads or over run areas are chevrons that appear at the end of the runway that is used for either Take off or the non threshold end of a landing runway  they serve too purposes Protect the area behind the threshold from jet blast or to serve as emergency space to slowly stop planes that overrun the runway on a landing gone wrong.

Finding an example of this marking used properly in world is imposable to find so i will use a book as an example

below is a example if this being used completely wrong  no names shall be mentioned we all know this place anyway.

Next we have the displaced Threshold this appears os small white chevrons and arrows these are place to warn pilots of an obstruction in the approach  like a fence, wall Trees ect.

Below is an example of this marking being used properly in second life please note the wall at the end of the runway.

Than we have this

Excuse me a moment I need to go get some Ice for my face!

Now its time for the runway commandments

I. Thou Shalt useith the runway designated for Landings to land and the Runway Designated to take off, least Thou name beith like the excrement of a thousand cattle to the one thou ramith.

II. Honor the rules of the airport you are visiting and, keep them holy for thy admins who’s names are Angry will revokeith thy privilege to useith the airport.  if thou rules say no  jets because they are unclean than, thine Jet you shalt not land  nor land  whilst flying the colors of thine airline landith at a General Traffic only airport.

III.Honor your Neighbors time,  Thine Runway is not a place for role play if thou enterith the runway thou shalt Exit it as quickly as possible Thow shalt requestith Permission to tekeithoff before entering the runway. least you Skinkith to thine neighbor like the Cheese of Limburger. Likewise thou shalt not Bitchith if thine Admin yells nor if thin Neighbor tellith you to get thine lead out.