Cessna Citation I/SP — Advisory Circular

This Advisory Circular (AC) provides guidance on the definition and determination of Critical Aircraft for federally obligated airports. It outlines the criteria for identifying the most demanding aircraft that regularly use an airport, which is essential for effective airport planning and design. The document clarifies the terms 'Critical Aircraft' and 'Regular Use,' emphasizing the importance of accurate determinations for federal funding eligibility. It includes methodologies for assessing existing and future Critical Aircraft, as well as considerations for military and civil aircraft operations. The AC serves as a resource for airport sponsors and planners to ensure compliance with federal regulations and to facilitate appropriate infrastructure development.

• Critical Aircraft is defined as the most demanding aircraft type with at least 500 annual operations.
• Regular use excludes touch-and-go operations in its calculation.
• The determination of Critical Aircraft is essential for airport planning and federal funding eligibility.
• Different aircraft may define separate elements of airport design, necessitating multiple Critical Aircraft determinations.
• Periodic reviews of the Critical Aircraft determination are necessary as airport activity can change.