What does "the tarmac" refer to in aviation?

Question

Is it the apron? Is it the whole cemented area of an aerodrome? Do people even use this word anymore? I know I've heard it in the past, but I spend a lot of time at airports, and never hear it.

Answer 1

Read all about it here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarmac

Answer 2

The word tarmac technically refers to a paving surface made of rocks and tar, but in the aviation world, most people think of tarmac as the paved area where airplanes park, load passengers, etc. between landings and take-offs. In that sense of the word, tarmac can be used interchangeably with apron or ramp.

Answer 3

Tarmac is the apron or parking area; it does not refer to landing zones.
Tarmac comes from the words tar, its meaning obvious, and macadam, an old name for asphault credited to its alleged inventor by the same name.

Answer 4

The Runway Where We Pilots Land Are made of tarmac for maximum grip upon landing.


thanks


Chris Evans British Airways Pilot 4 Stripes ||||

Answer 5

Generally refers to the parking ramp. Although many are made of concrete, some still use tarmac or asphalt concrete. The term applies to the parking ramp regardless of what material it's made of.

Answer 6

Apron, or Ramp are more commonly used today, but are synominous with tarmac.

Answer 7

Tarmac is the material the runway is made of.

Answer 8

tarmac is the parking area . it's name derives from the material ,tar and macadam from which it's made.

Answer 9

as far as I know, " Tarmac " refers to the runway

or taxie ways. its prity muc gone out of use now adays

Answer 10

the tarmac is the area that the aircarft taxi and park on.