Citation III — Cessna Aircraft Company Citation III

This document is an Advisory Circular (AC) issued by the FAA, focusing on the definition and determination of Critical Aircraft for airport planning and design. It provides guidance on how to identify and categorize aircraft that significantly impact airport operations and infrastructure. The AC aims to standardize the definition of Critical Aircraft across federally obligated airports, ensuring that airport facilities are designed to accommodate the most demanding aircraft types that regularly use the airport. It also clarifies the concept of 'Regular Use' and its implications for airport planning. This document is essential for airport sponsors, planners, and engineers involved in airport development and improvement projects.

• Critical Aircraft is defined as the most demanding aircraft type that makes regular use of the airport, requiring 500 annual operations.
• Regular Use excludes touch-and-go operations and is crucial for determining airport design requirements.
• Different Critical Aircraft may be designated for separate elements of airport design, such as runway length and taxiway design.
• The determination of Critical Aircraft must be based on documented aeronautical activity over the most recent 12-month period.
• Future Critical Aircraft determinations should consider trends in aircraft fleet and operational forecasts.