Chapter 6
6.5.2. Size. As a general rule, there are no standard sizes for aircraft aprons. Aprons are
individually designed to support aircraft and missions at specific facilities. The actual dimensions of
an apron are based on the number of authorized aircraft, maneuvering space, and type of activity the
apron serves. Air Force allowances are provided in AFH 32-1084, Standard Facility Requirements
Handbook. Army facility authorizations are discussed in Attachment 3 and the individual service
components programming directive. The ideal apron size affords the maximum parking capacity
with a minimum amount of paving. Generally, this is achieved by reducing the area dedicated for
use as taxilanes by parking aircraft perpendicular to the long axis of the apron.
6.5.3. Army Parking Apron Layout:
6.5.3.1. Variety of Aircraft. Where there is a large variety of fixed-wing aircraft types, fixed-
wing aircraft mass parking apron dimensions will be based upon the C-12J (Huron). The C-12J
parking space width is 17 meters [55 feet] and the parking space length is 18.25 meters [60 feet].
6.5.3.2. Specific Aircraft. If the assigned aircraft are predominantly one type, the mass parking
apron will be based on the specific dimensions of that aircraft.
6.5.3.3. Layout. Figure 6.2 illustrates a parking apron. These dimensions can be tailored for
specific aircraft, including the C-12J (Huron).
6.5.4. Air Force Parking Apron Layout. Parking apron dimensions for Air Force facilities will be
based on the specific aircraft assigned to the facility and the criteria presented in AFH 32-1084,
Standard Facility Requirements Handbook. A typical mass parking apron should be arranged in
rows as shown in Figure 6.2.
6.5.5. Layout for Combined Army and Air Force Parking Aprons. Parking apron dimensions for
combined Army and Air Force facilities will be based on the largest aircraft assigned to the facility.
6.5.6. Tactical/Fighter Parking Apron Layout. The recommended tactical/fighter aircraft parking
arrangement is to park aircraft at a 45-degree (45) angle as discussed in AFH 32-1084. Arranging
these aircraft at a 45-degree angle may be the most economical method for achieving the clearance
needed to dissipate jet blast temperatures and velocities to levels that will not endanger aircraft or
personnel (see figure 6.4). Jet blast relationships for tactical and fighter aircraft are discussed in
Army ETL 1110-3-394.
6.5.7. Refueling Considerations. Layout of aircraft parking locations and taxilanes should consider
aircraft taxiing routes when an aircraft is refueled. Refueling operations should not prevent an
aircraft from leaving the parking apron. Two routes in and out of the apron may be required.
During refueling, active ignition sources such as sparks from ground support equipment or jet
engines (aircraft) are prohibited from a zone around the aircraft. The Army and Air Force refer to
this zone as the Fuel Servicing Safety Zone (FSSZ). The Navy and Marine Corps refer to this zone
as the Refueling Safety Zone (RSZ). An example of the refueling safety zone around a fixed-wing
aircraft is shown in Figure 6.3. The safety zone is the area within 15 meters [50 feet] of a
pressurized fuel carrying servicing component; e.g., servicing hose, fuel nozzle, single-point
receptacle (SPR), hydrant hose car, ramp hydrant connection point, and 7.6 meters [25 feet] around
aircraft fuel vent outlets. The fuel servicing safety zone is established and maintained during
pressurization and movement of fuel. For additional information, see Air Force T.O. 00-25-172,
Electrical Grounding for Aircraft Safety.
6-3
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