How is the Airport Reference Code determined?

• A. Highest RDC And Visibility Component
• B. Runway Length
• C. Aircraft Registration
• D. Terminal Capacity

Answer: (A)

Airport Reference Code is set by two pieces of information about the aircraft and how it approaches the airport. The Runway Design Code (RDC) reflects the size of the largest aircraft the airport must accommodate, based on wingspan and tail height. The visibility component represents the minimum instrument approach requirements (visibility/approach minimums) tied to that level of operation. The ARC combines these two parts, using the most demanding RDC and the corresponding visibility component. That’s why the correct approach is determined by the highest RDC and the visibility component, not by runway length, aircraft registration, or terminal capacity.