(1) For the purposes of this chapter the following definitions, terms, words and phrases shall have the meanings given. These definitions are in addition to the definitions found in the Code of Ala. 1975,23-1-352 as may be amended.
- (a) ALDOT. The Alabama Department of Transportation.
- (b) AIP. The Airport Improvement Program administered by the Federal Aviation Administration.
- (c) Airport Hazard. Any structure, object of natural growth, or use of land which obstructs the airspace required for the flight of aircraft in landing or taking off at an airport or is otherwise hazardous to a landing or taking off.
- (d) Airway. A route in the navigable airspace over and above the lands or waters of this state, designated by the United States Government, as a route suitable for air navigation.
- (e) Approach and Departure Path. An area of navigable airspace defined by Administrative Code of the Aeronautics that ensures safe ingress and egress of an aircraft to and form an airport.
- (f) Bureau. The Aeronautics Bureau of the Alabama Department of Transportation.
- (g) Chief. The Chief of the Aeronautics Bureau.
- (h) Department. The Alabama Department of Transportation.
- (i) Director. The Director of the Alabama Department of Transportation.
- (j) Displaced Threshold. A threshold that is located at a point on the runway other than the beginning of the full-strength pavement, and the paved area between the beginning of the full-strength pavement and displaced threshold can be used for takeoff or rollout of aircraft.
- (k) Federally Obligated Airport. An airport that has received Federal funding through the AIP and has agreed to certain conditions pertaining to construction and operation.
- (l) FAA. The Federal Aviation Administration.
- (m) Imaginary Surfaces, Airports. Teh imaginary surfaces associated with aircraft operation areas, and airspace surrounding airports that is used to identify obstructions to aircraft navigation and operation.
- (n) Inspector, Airport. An employee of the Aeronautics Bureau charged with the physical inspection of landing areas within the State and enforcement of all rules and regulations of the ALDOT Aeronautics Bureau.
- (o) Instrument Approach. An approach to an airport using an electronic aid providing directional guidance.
- (p) Landing Area. Any site that has been specifically prepared for the landing of aircraft.
- (q) License. Permit for operation of airport, heliport, or any other designated landing area issued by the Alabama Department of Transportation Aeronautics Bureau.
- (r) Non-precision Instrument Runway. A runway having an existing instrument approach procedure utilizing air navigation aids with only horizontal guidance to aircraft approaching for landing.
- (s) Obstruction. Any penetration of the airport imaginary surfaces described in the Code of Federal Regulations 14 CFR Part 77.
- (t) Operations Area, Aircraft. That portion of airport property dedicated to the operation of aircraft on the ground. This area includes the runway, taxiway, apron, and associated imaginary surfaces.
- (u) Precision Instrument Runway. A runway having an existing instrument approach procedure utilizing navigation aids that provide horizontal and vertical guidance to aircraft approaching for landing.
- (v) Primary Surface. A clear area surrounding a runway with no above-ground objects protruding above the elevation of the nearest point of the runway safety area, except those objects that are necessary for air and ground navigation and provides wingtip protection in the event of an aircraft excursion from the runway. Parked aircraft, agricultural operations, and other non-aeronautical activities are not allowed within the Primary Surface.
- (w) Relocated Threshold. A threshold that is located at a point on the runway other than the beginning of the full-strength pavement, where the portion of the runway between the beginning of the full-strength pavement and the relocated threshold cannot be used for the landing or takeoff of aircraft.
- (x) Runway Safety Area. A cleared and graded area surrounding a runway that is free of objects, except those objects that need to reside in this area because of function for air and ground navigation, with no potentially hazardous ruts, humps, depressions, or other surface variations.
- (y) Runway Threshold. The designated beginning of the runway that is available and suitable for the landing of aircraft.
- (z) Usable Runway Width. That portion of the runway containing full strength pavement for paved runways or the portion contained within the boundary markers of turf runways that is constructed to support the weight of aircraft.
- (aa) Visual Runway. A runway having no instrument approach procedure and intended solely for the operation of aircraft using visual approach procedures.
Author: William F. Patty, Chief Counsel
Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, 23-1-357(c), 23-1-359.
Editor’s Note: Alabama Department of Aeronautics has been moved to the Alabama Department of Transportation pursuant to the Code of Ala. 1975, §23-1-359, Act No. 2000-220, S. 404.
History: Filed October 1, 1982. Repealed and New Rule: Filed January 28, 1998; effective March 4, 1998. Amended: Published April 30, 2026; effective June 14, 2026.