7/13/18 AC 150/5360-13A
6-6
standards to reduce the probability of runway incursions. See Figure 6-2 for an example
of proper and improper taxiway design. The example is based on AC 150/5300-13, Airport
Design, which contains additional examples, rationale, and guidance on taxiway and
taxilane design.
FAA geometric design standards. FAA airport geometric design standards require specific
separation distances between terminal facilities and aircraft operational areas. These
standards include such minimum separation distances as those between a runway
centerline and aircraft parking aprons, buildings, and those between a taxiway centerline
and fixed/movable objects, etc. Refer to AC 150/5300-13, Airport Design, for information
on FAA airport geometric design standards.
Imaginary surfaces and airspace. Airport owner/operators must site passenger terminal
facilities and associated vehicles (e.g., aircraft at gate positions) in compliance with airport
imaginary surfaces and airspace. For detailed information see, AC 150/5300-13, Airport
Design, 14 CFR Part 77 - Safe, Efficient Use, and Preservation Of The Navigable Airspace,
and United States Standard for Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS).
When administering Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations 14 CFR Part 77, the FAA’s
prime objectives are to promote air safety and efficient use of navigable airspace. To
accomplish this, the FAA conducts aeronautical studies based on information provided by
project proponents on FAA Form 7460-1, Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration.
Proponents must file this form for any construction or alteration that may affect navigable
airspace. Additional information is available on the Obstruction Evaluation / Airport
Airspace Analysis (OE/AAA) website.
Airport traffic control tower (ATCT) and ramp control tower line-of-sight. It is critical to
ensure the terminal building, related structures, and aircraft parked at gates will not
compromise visibility from the ATCT. An unobstructed view of all controlled movement
areas is required. This includes all runways, taxiways, any other landing areas, and air
traffic in the vicinity of the airport. See AC 150/5300-13, Airport Design, and FAA Order
6480.4, Airport Traffic Control Tower Siting Process, for additional information.
Local building code. Airport owners/operators should coordinate with local government
to ensure compliance with local building code, especially during the design phase of a
project.
Terrain. It is important to consider airport topography and the site’s relation to flood-
prone areas when selecting a terminal building site.
Sustainability. Sustainable terminal siting focuses on minimizing taxi distances from
runways and taxiways to reduce fuel consumption and emissions of taxiing aircraft,
minimizing noise impacts to surrounding communities, and convenient, proximate access
to intermodal transportation options. Chapter 9 includes additional information on
sustainability considerations for terminal siting.
Environmental factors. The siting or expansion of a passenger terminal must also consider
potential environmental impacts, which could influence the location or feasibility of a site.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analyses are required for projects that require a
federal decision or involve federal funding. For comprehensive information on NEPA
requirements see FAA Order 5050.4, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
Implementing Instructions for Airport Actions.