Imagine sitting on a flight to Copenhagen as the city's outline gradually comes into view through your window. What you may not realize is that the seemingly ordinary chart in the pilot's hands contains critical information ensuring your safe landing. Today, we examine Copenhagen Airport's (EKCH) aerodrome chart to uncover its flight safety secrets.
1. Chart Overview: The Informational Backbone
The document officially titled "EK_AD_2_EKCH_ADC_en_A-07-19-Default" is Copenhagen Airport's Aerodrome Chart, compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. With a scale of 1:20,000 (where 1cm represents 200m), it details runway systems, taxiways, parking positions, obstacles, and associated measurements, elevations, and lighting configurations.
2. Runway System: The Lifelines of Takeoff and Landing
Copenhagen Airport features multiple runways, with this chart highlighting 04R/22L and 12/30:
- Runway Designation: Numbers indicate magnetic azimuth (e.g., 04R = 040° magnetic bearing, "R" denoting right parallel runway).
- Dimensions: Runway 04R/22L spans 3,300m × 45m, while 12/30 varies between 570m and 3,600m.
- Slope: All runways maintain slopes below 0.2%, critical for aircraft acceleration/deceleration.
- Pavement Strength: Expressed as PCN (Pavement Classification Number) values like "80/F/C/X/U," defining weight-bearing capacity and usage restrictions.
- Declared Distances: Includes TORA (Take-off Run Available), TODA (Take-off Distance Available), ASDA (Accelerate-Stop Distance Available), and LDA (Landing Distance Available).
- Lighting: High-intensity systems (LIH) feature approach lights, runway edge lights, centerline lights, and touchdown zone lights.
3. Taxiway Network: The Ground Navigation Matrix
Taxiways (labeled A1, A2, B1, N1, etc.) form the circulatory system connecting runways to aprons:
- Blue edge lights and green centerline lights guide nighttime operations.
- Special notations mark rapid-exit taxiways (A6, A7, B4, E3) and de-icing area exits.
4. Apron Areas: Aircraft Parking and Servicing
The chart specifies:
- Numbered parking positions for aircraft identification.
- Service infrastructure including power units, fuel trucks, and baggage handling.
- Terminal locations (T1, T2, T3) for passenger operations.
5. Navigation Infrastructure: Precision Guidance Systems
Key navigational aids include:
- VOR/DME (providing azimuth and distance data).
- DME/GP (glide path-integrated distance measurement for instrument approaches).
- PAPI (Precision Approach Path Indicator) lights for visual slope guidance.
6. Obstacle Management: Mitigating Terrestrial Hazards
The chart documents obstacles like:
- A 15m structure at 55°36'00N 012°39'30E.
- A 60m tower at 55°35'00N 012°36'30E.
All obstacles feature day/night markings for enhanced visibility.
7. Supplemental Safety Data
Additional critical information includes:
- Airport elevation: 17ft AMSL.
- Magnetic variation: 4°.
- Backup power systems activating within 1 second when RVR (Runway Visual Range) falls below 800m.
- Stopways (300m at Runway 04R) for emergency overrun protection.
- SODAR wind profiling equipment for atmospheric monitoring.
8. Chart Maintenance: Ensuring Current Information
The chart carries an AIRAC (Aeronautical Information Regulation and Control) amendment code (07/19 effective 15 AUG 19), mandating pilots use only the latest versions for operational safety.
9. Operational Application
Pilots utilize this chart during pre-flight planning to:
- Assess runway suitability based on length, surface, and lighting.
- Plan taxi routes avoiding obstacles.
- Verify navigation aid frequencies and locations.
10. Conclusion
This aerodrome chart exemplifies aviation's meticulous safety culture, transforming complex operational data into a pilot's navigational compass. Its comprehensive details—from millimeter-perfect slope measurements to obstacle clearance requirements—collectively safeguard every phase of flight.