Airport Runways, Taxiways, and Aprons 

Behind every successful takeoff and landing is infrastructure designed to perform under pressure. At McClure, our engineers design and maintain the critical systems that allow aircraft to move safely and efficiently on the ground—runways, taxiways, and aprons. 

With deep experience in general aviation and commercial facilities, McClure delivers airfield infrastructure that meets FAA standards, accommodates evolving aircraft needs, and supports long-term airport growth. 

Runways: Engineered for Performance

Runways are the most vital surface at any airport. They must be precisely oriented, properly constructed, and maintained to ensure safe aircraft takeoff and landing under a variety of conditions. 

Strategic Runway Design

Runways are oriented based on prevailing winds to reduce crosswind risk during operations. Their length is determined by factors like aircraft type, airport elevation, temperature, and performance requirements. High-altitude or hot-weather airports often require longer runways for safe departures. These calculations follow the FAA’s recommended design approach in FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 150/5325-4B. 

Pavement Types and Durability

Depending on climate, traffic load, and cost, McClure designs runways using: 

• Asphalt for flexibility and quicker repairs 

• Concrete for durability under heavy loads 

• Hybrid surfaces where appropriate for long-term performance 

We engineer pavements to withstand load cycles and environmental stress, reducing maintenance costs over time, aligning with FAA pavement design guidance in AC 150/5320-6G, Airport Pavement Design and Evaluation. 

Markings and Lighting

Runway markings and lighting are essential for pilot situational awareness. Our engineers design systems that meet FAA in accordance with FAA AC 150/5340-1M, Standard for Airport Markings and FAA AC 150/5340-30J, Design and Installation Details for Airport Visual Aids.

• Threshold and centerline markings 

• Touchdown zones 

• Runway End Identifier Lights (REILs) 

• Approach Lighting Systems (ALS) 

• Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) 

Taxiways: Connecting the Airfield Safely

Taxiways link the runway to other critical parts of the airfield—terminals, hangars, and aprons. Their design plays a key role in minimizing aircraft movement delays and enhancing operational efficiency. 

Taxiway Design Essentials

Our aviation engineers design taxiways based on aircraft size, frequency of use, and operational flow in accordance with Chapter 4 of FAA AC 150/5300-13B, Airport Design. Key considerations include:

Standards: Taxiway/taxilane widths: safety areas, and clearances are based on the critical aircraft

Separation: Minimum distances are required between taxiways, objects, and other pavements for wingtip safety.

Geometry: Turn radii, fillets, and intersections must support safe aircraft maneuvering.

Grades/Drainage: Limits on slopes and proper drainage protect pavement safety and performance.

Markings and Signage

To support safe aircraft movement, McClure integrates FAA-compliant signage and pavement markings, including: 

• Centerlines and edge lines 

• Hold-short positions 

• Directional and location signage 

These elements follow FAA pavement marking standards outlined in AC 150/5340-1M and AC 150/5340-18H Standards for Airport Sign Systemscoordinated with geometric layout standards in FAA AC 150/5300-13B. 

Aprons: The Ground Movement Hub

Also known as the ramp, the apron is the area where aircraft are parked, refueled, boarded, and serviced. Efficient apron design is critical to safe and timely turnaround operations. 

Efficient Apron Layouts

We design apron layouts to support: 

• Multiple aircraft configurations 

• Smooth ground support equipment (GSE) flow 

• Safe clearance from terminal buildings and other aircraft 

• Access to fueling, loading zones, and maintenance areas 

Drainage is a key factor—we design pavement with proper grading to prevent water pooling, which can compromise safety and damage aircrafts. These practices reflect guidance from AC 150/5300-13B, Chapter 5, which outlines apron design best practices. 

Pavement Strength and Durability

Aprons must support static loads from parked aircraft and dynamic forces from tugs, carts, and service vehicles. Our team engineers pavements with appropriate load ratings and material specifications to ensure long-term performance, based on aircraft design groups (ADG).

Why McClure

From small general aviation airports to large commercial service hubs, McClure designs, rehabilitates, and maintains the core infrastructure that keeps airfields operating smoothly. Our aviation team brings deep technical knowledge, FAA coordination experience, and a practical understanding of real-world airport operations. 

Need help with your runway, taxiway, or apron project? Contact McClure today to discuss your airfield improvement goals.

Airport Runways, Taxiways, and Aprons 

Behind every successful takeoff and landing is infrastructure designed to perform under pressure. At McClure, our engineers design and maintain the critical systems that allow aircraft to move safely and efficiently on the ground—runways, taxiways, and aprons. 

With deep experience in general aviation and commercial facilities, McClure delivers airfield infrastructure that meets FAA standards, accommodates evolving aircraft needs, and supports long-term airport growth. 

Runways: Engineered for Performance

Runways are the most vital surface at any airport. They must be precisely oriented, properly constructed, and maintained to ensure safe aircraft takeoff and landing under a variety of conditions. 

Strategic Runway Design

Runways are oriented based on prevailing winds to reduce crosswind risk during operations. Their length is determined by factors like aircraft type, airport elevation, temperature, and performance requirements. High-altitude or hot-weather airports often require longer runways for safe departures. These calculations follow the FAA’s recommended design approach in FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 150/5325-4B. 

Pavement Types and Durability

Depending on climate, traffic load, and cost, McClure designs runways using: 

• Asphalt for flexibility and quicker repairs 

• Concrete for durability under heavy loads 

• Hybrid surfaces where appropriate for long-term performance 

We engineer pavements to withstand load cycles and environmental stress, reducing maintenance costs over time, aligning with FAA pavement design guidance in AC 150/5320-6G, Airport Pavement Design and Evaluation. 

Markings and Lighting

Runway markings and lighting are essential for pilot situational awareness. Our engineers design systems that meet FAA in accordance with FAA AC 150/5340-1M, Standard for Airport Markings and FAA AC 150/5340-30J, Design and Installation Details for Airport Visual Aids.

• Threshold and centerline markings 

• Touchdown zones 

• Runway End Identifier Lights (REILs) 

• Approach Lighting Systems (ALS) 

• Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) 

Taxiways: Connecting the Airfield Safely

Taxiways link the runway to other critical parts of the airfield—terminals, hangars, and aprons. Their design plays a key role in minimizing aircraft movement delays and enhancing operational efficiency. 

Taxiway Design Essentials

Our aviation engineers design taxiways based on aircraft size, frequency of use, and operational flow in accordance with Chapter 4 of FAA AC 150/5300-13B, Airport Design. Key considerations include:

Standards: Taxiway/taxilane widths: safety areas, and clearances are based on the critical aircraft

Separation: Minimum distances are required between taxiways, objects, and other pavements for wingtip safety.

Geometry: Turn radii, fillets, and intersections must support safe aircraft maneuvering.

Grades/Drainage: Limits on slopes and proper drainage protect pavement safety and performance.

Markings and Signage

To support safe aircraft movement, McClure integrates FAA-compliant signage and pavement markings, including: 

• Centerlines and edge lines 

• Hold-short positions 

• Directional and location signage 

These elements follow FAA pavement marking standards outlined in AC 150/5340-1M and AC 150/5340-18H Standards for Airport Sign Systemscoordinated with geometric layout standards in FAA AC 150/5300-13B. 

Aprons: The Ground Movement Hub

Also known as the ramp, the apron is the area where aircraft are parked, refueled, boarded, and serviced. Efficient apron design is critical to safe and timely turnaround operations. 

Efficient Apron Layouts

We design apron layouts to support: 

• Multiple aircraft configurations 

• Smooth ground support equipment (GSE) flow 

• Safe clearance from terminal buildings and other aircraft 

• Access to fueling, loading zones, and maintenance areas 

Drainage is a key factor—we design pavement with proper grading to prevent water pooling, which can compromise safety and damage aircrafts. These practices reflect guidance from AC 150/5300-13B, Chapter 5, which outlines apron design best practices. 

Pavement Strength and Durability

Aprons must support static loads from parked aircraft and dynamic forces from tugs, carts, and service vehicles. Our team engineers pavements with appropriate load ratings and material specifications to ensure long-term performance, based on aircraft design groups (ADG).

WHERE WE MAKE AN IMPACT