What is Air Operations Area (AOA)?

Air Operations Area (AOA) is the portion of the airport designed and used for aircraft landing, takeoff, or surface maneuvering including the associated hangars, navigation, and communication facilities.

The AOA can be differentiated in Movement Area and Non-Movement Area.

Movement Area

The Movement Area is that part of the AOA that is under the control of Air Traffic Control (ATC); i.e., runways and their associated safety areas, taxiways and their associated safety areas, run-up blocks/hold aprons, but not loading ramps and aircraft parking areas.

Non-Movement Area

All of the AOA other than the Movement Area, i.e. loading ramps and aircraft parking areas. The Non-Movement Area is under the control of the Ramp Tower.

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Further Reference:

• Airport Acronyms and Abbreviations, FAA
• 49 CFR, Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (e-CFR)
• General Definitions, Oregon Department of Aviation