Minimum Safety Margin Formula:
Definition: This calculator determines the minimum safety margin for aircraft taxiway operations based on fillet radius, taxiway centerline radius, undercarriage deviation, and track measurements.
Purpose: It helps airport engineers and planners ensure safe clearance margins for aircraft maneuvering on taxiways.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the negative of the sum of fillet radius minus taxiway radius plus undercarriage deviation plus half the undercarriage track.
Details: Proper safety margin estimation ensures aircraft can maneuver safely without risk of collision or going off the taxiway, accounting for all geometric factors.
Tips: Enter all required measurements. Values should be in consistent units (typically meters). All inputs have a ±5% tolerance.
Q1: Why is the safety margin negative in the formula?
A: The negative sign accounts for the worst-case scenario in the geometric relationship between aircraft and taxiway dimensions.
Q2: What's a typical value for fillet radius?
A: Fillet radius varies by airport and aircraft type but typically ranges from 20-30 meters for large commercial aircraft.
Q3: How is undercarriage deviation measured?
A: This is the maximum observed lateral deviation of the main undercarriage from the centerline during taxiing.
Q4: What if my safety margin is too small?
A: A small or negative safety margin indicates potential clearance issues. Consider redesigning the taxiway geometry or restricting aircraft types.
Q5: Does this include safety factors for weather?
A: No, additional margins should be added for adverse weather conditions like snow or ice.