Category & code for A320

[arrow28]

Hi all,

Quick question. Could someone let me know the category and code for the A320 (google didn't turn up anything). Also would these answers be standard across the A320 family, A318 through to A321.

Thanks everyone

[Dream Land]

I'm sorry I don't understand what the code is, straight in minimums are category "C".

[arrow28]

Sorry everyone. When i mentioned code, i was referring to the distance between the main wheels and also the wingspan. According to these parameters the aircraft then falls into a certain code. Does anyone know what the code is for the A320? Is this code for taxi purposes? (separation and turning width?)

[K.Whyjelly]

Info from, ( I think ), the grey supplement putting aircraft into their wake vortex catagories. the A320 family all fall into the Medium (M) Cat. Might also be for the aircraft's LCN.

Standing by to be told otherwise:}

[mutt]

You need to be more specific in your question, do you mean wake category, fire category, approach category??

Mutt

[SILENT_BADGER]

I think you're referring to the aerodrome code from ICAO annex 14. And if so then I'd expect the A320 family to be in Code letter C as they all have a 34m wingspan.

I think its used more by the planners than us. Seems to be about suitability for taxiways and gates i.e. wide enough or not.

If you're interested then the RFF categories are 6 for the 320 and 7 for the 321.

[BOAC]

Link to ICAO annex 14 (http://dcaa.slv.dk:8000/icaodocs/Annex%20XIV%20-%20Aerodromes/Vol.%201-%20Aerodrome%20Design%20and%20Operations,%20AMDT%207.pdf)(as per SB) - check page 1.8
FAA link (http://www.faa.gov/airports_airtraffic/airports/resources/advisory_circulars/media/150-5300-13/150_5300_13_part1.pdf)Chapter 1-1

[VinnieC]

You are talking about the reference code for rwy and txy right?

http://www.tc.gc.ca/CivilAviation/publications/tp312/Chapter1/1-3.htm#Table%A01-1

This table should do. Just use reference field length, wing span and outer main gear span to determine for each aircraft.

[WestWind1950]

question:

if an airfield has a code of, let's say 3B, and you have a plane that requires a higher category, which that airfield does not fully meet, can you still take-off and land there?

I know of such a field and no one has as yet been able to answer that question for me. Most say, that it's the pilots or the companies decision and if the other parameter (weather, weight, etc.) fit, no problem.

[VinnieC]

To quote my instructor, "It depends."

But civil aerodrome operators has no mean to stop any aircraft from landing at their aerodromes anyways, except for arm intervention :}

[loc22550]

Arrow28..,Only one exception in the 320 Family as far as i known is the A321 wich is a category D (and not C),i mean aircraft approach category...(320-319-318 are category C).
Cheers

[Ipaq]

The A321 at 89,000 Kg MTOW is actually a Cat C aircrfat - it's only the heavyweight ones at 93,000kg MTOW that are Cat D.

[K.Whyjelly]

I hope the A321 is'nt a Cat D machine otherwise I,ve spent all these years briefing the data from the wrong bit of the green pages at the front of the Aerad.......................:bored:

[Thridle Op Des]

Me too, I have been working on the premise that the A332 is a Cat C, I'd better go check if the A345 isn't a Cat E!

[Alteburger]

If you are interested in the ICAO coding for taxyway restrictions etc, then the 320/321 is a Cat D (ref ICAO annex 14). Although it's wingspan (34.1m for both) would put it in Cat C, the wheel track dimensions actually put in Cat D. Both are considered for this categorisation. As far as approach minima goes, they are both Cat C in our company.

[Busterpilot]

The A321 at 89,000 Kg MTOW is actually a Cat C aircrfat - it's only the heavyweight ones at 93,000kg MTOW that are Cat D.

Actually it depends on the max landig weight. If you lower the max allowed landing weight from 77800kg (on the 321 HIGW) to 76900kg, if falls in the cat C category..

93500kg is the max t/o for the heavyweight ones..

BR

Buster

[Alteburger]

I think there is confusion between approach minima categories here which are based on approach speed, and ground movement categories which are based on wingspan and wheel track......