Chapter 6
6.7.2. Apron Size. As with fixed-wing aircraft aprons, there is no standard size for rotary-wing
aircraft aprons. The actual dimensions are based on the number of authorized aircraft, maneuvering
space and type of activity the apron serves. Aircraft authorization is discussed in Attachment 3.
6.7.3. Maneuverability. The layout of the rotary-wing parking spacing should allow aircraft access
to these locations.
6.7.3.1. Approach. Rotary-wing aircraft approach the parking spaces with either a front
approach or a sideways approach.
6.7.3.2. Undercarriage. Rotary-wing aircraft are equipped with either a skid gear or wheel gear.
Once on the ground, skid gear equipped helicopters cannot be easily moved. Wheeled rotary-
wing aircraft can be moved once they are on the ground.
6.7.4. Army Parking Apron Layout. Rotary-wing aircraft are parked in one of two configurations
referred to as Type 1 or Type 2.
6.7.4.1. Type 1. In this configuration, rotary-wing aircraft are parked in a single lane, which is
perpendicular to the taxilane. When parked in this configuration, the parking arrangement
resembles that of fixed-wing aircraft. This parking arrangement is preferred for wheeled aircraft.
6.7.4.1.1. Parking Space, All Aircraft Except CH-47. The parking space dimensions for all
rotary-wing aircraft except the CH-47, in the Type 1 configuration, is a width of 25 meters
[80 feet] and a length of 30 meters [100 feet]. This is illustrated in Figure 6.5.
6.7.4.1.2. Parking Space - CH-47. The parking space dimensions for the CH-47 rotary-wing
aircraft, in the Type 1 configuration is a width of 30 meters [100 feet] and a length of 46
meters [150 feet]. This is illustrated in Figure 6.6.
6.7.4.2. Type 2. In this configuration, rotary-wing aircraft are parked in a double lane, which is
parallel to the taxilane. This parking arrangement is preferred for skid-gear aircraft.
6.7.4.2.1. Parking Space, Skid-Gear Aircraft. The parking space dimensions for all skid-
gear rotary-wing aircraft in the Type 2 configuration is a width of 25 meters [80 feet] and a
length of 30 meters [100 feet]. This is illustrated in Figure 6.7.
6.7.4.2.2. Parking Space, Wheeled. The parking space dimensions for all wheeled rotary-
wing aircraft, in the Type 2 configuration is a width of 30 meters [100 feet] and a length of
50 meters [160 feet]. This is illustrated in Figure 6.8.
6.7.5. Air Force Parking Apron Layout. Rotary-wing aircraft at Air Force facilities are parked in a
layout similar to fixed-wing aircraft. Parking space, taxilane, and clearance dimensions for Air
Force facilities will be based on the rotor diameter of the specific aircraft assigned to the facility.
For Air Force, wing tip clearance criteria provided in AFH 32-1084, table 2.7 is preferred.
However, USAF activities may use Army criteria presented in this manual.
6.7.6. Refueling Considerations. As discussed in paragraph 6.6.8, layout of aircraft parking
locations and taxilanes should consider aircraft taxiing routes when an aircraft is refueled. The
safety zone for rotary-wing aircraft is the area 3 meters [10 feet] greater than the area bounded by
the blades and tail of the aircraft. For additional information, see Air Force T.O. 00-25-172.
6.7.7. Parking Dimensions. Table 6.2 presents the criteria for rotary-wing apron design for Army
airfields. Included in this table are parking space widths, grade requirements and clearances.
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