airfields

An airfield is a tract of land or water equipped for the takeoff, landing, and movement of aircraft. Unlike larger airports, airfields may be small, with limited facilities, and are used by civil aviation, general aviation, or military forces. They may support fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, or both, and can range from grass strips to paved runways.

Typical airfield layout includes at least one runway or helipad, with associated taxiways, an apron or ramp for aircraft parking, and a functional area housing hangars, fuel services, maintenance facilities, and sometimes a terminal building. Some airfields also have navigation aids (VOR, NDB, ILS), lighting, fencing, and air traffic control or advisory services.

Airfields are categorized by use: public-use airfields open to general aviation and commercial traffic; private airfields restricted to the owner or invited users; and military airfields operated by armed forces. They vary in size, from small rural grass strips to large regional fields that form part of an international airport system.

Operations are governed by aviation authorities and international standards set by ICAO. Airfields may be controlled or uncontrolled airspace, with control towers or advisory services for traffic separation. Safety practices address runway condition, lighting, weather reporting, and emergency procedures. Certification and licensing assure the field meets performance, safety, and environmental requirements.

Historically, airfields emerged from fields and airstrips used in the early days of aviation and expanded with industrial-scale aviation. Today, airfields remain essential for regional connectivity, flight training, cargo, and emergency services, complementing larger airports within national air transport networks.