Introduction to Airport Pavements

Understand the pavement risks that can become aircraft safety risks

Airport pavements may look like roads – but they work much harder. They must carry extreme aircraft loads, withstand high tyre pressures and provide a consistently smooth, well-drained surface with reliable friction and no loose material.

When airport pavement performance falls short, the consequences can be serious. Standing water can increase aquaplaning risk. Reduced friction can affect braking and directional control. Surface deterioration can generate Foreign Object Debris (FOD) capable of damaging an aircraft or being ingested into an engine.

This self-paced online course takes you beneath runways, taxiways and aprons to reveal how airport pavements work, what affects their performance and why their condition is critical to safe aircraft operations. Designed for airport personnel, engineers, consultants, contractors, asset managers and local government professionals, the course makes essential pavement concepts accessible – even if you do not have specialist pavement engineering experience.

Explore the layers beneath an airport pavement, compare flexible and rigid structures, and discover why aircraft impose far greater demands than road vehicles. Examine the effects of aircraft loads, tyre pressures, drainage, friction, smoothness and FOD, and learn to connect visible pavement problems with their potential operational and safety consequences. You will also navigate Australia’s airport pavement regulatory landscape, including CASR Part 139, MOS Part 139, CASA Advisory Circulars and the ACR–PCR pavement strength rating system.

Developed with NTRO’s specialist pavement expertise, the course uses clear explanations, real-world examples and regular knowledge checks to turn complex engineering and regulatory information into practical knowledge you can use. Build the understanding to recognise risks earlier, interpret technical advice, ask better questions and support informed pavement decisions before deterioration disrupts operations or compromises safety.

Enrol now to strengthen your airport pavement knowledge – and help keep aircraft moving safely on the ground.

Course structure

1. Look beneath the surface – discover how airport pavements are structured, how they work and how they have evolved.
2. See why airports are different – compare airport and road pavements and explore the impacts of aircraft loads, tyre pressures, friction, drainage and FOD.
3. Navigate the Australian framework – understand the roles of CASA requirements, industry guidance and the ACR–PCR system.
4. Recognise what drives performance – compare flexible and rigid pavements and identify the factors that keep them safe and serviceable.