Maandumisradasid

Maandumisradasid is the Estonian term for landing runways at airports. A maandumisrada denotes a defined, prepared surface designed for aircraft to land, and maandumisradasid refers to the network of such runways within an airport or region. Runways are central to airport infrastructure and are designed to accommodate a range of aircraft types and operations.

Key features of maandumisradasid include orientation, length, width, surface, markings, and lighting. Runways are identified by two-digit numbers that reflect their magnetic heading, rounded to the nearest ten degrees. Surface materials are typically asphalt or concrete, with smaller airfields occasionally using other pavements. Markings include threshold bars, runway numbers, centerlines, and aiming points; many runways also have displaced thresholds indicated by extra distance from the original threshold. Approach and landing performance are influenced by weather, runway length, and braking action.

Lighting and navigation aid systems support safe operations. Runway edge lights outline the surface at night or low visibility, while centerline lights guide alignment. Threshold and touchdown zone lights, as well as precision approach indicators such as PAPI or VASI, assist pilots during final approach. For instrument operations, many maandumisradasid are equipped with instrument landing systems (ILS) or other navigation aids to support precision and non-precision approaches.

Safety, regulation, and maintenance are essential aspects. Runways are designed and operated under international standards set by ICAO and, in the European Union, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), with national authorities overseeing local compliance. Regular inspections, resurfacing, friction testing, and snow and debris management help maintain performance and safety. Maandumisradasid enable efficient air access and connect airports to broader transport networks.