ABSTRACT
An airport is a unique transportation center used for the landing and takeoff of aircraft. Its primary purpose is to provide transportation for passengers, freight, and the U.S. mail. Generally, an airport consists of numerous structures designed to facilitate the needs of both aircraft and passengers. Runways provide the means for aircraft to take off and land. Taxiways are paths the aircraft use to reach the terminal building where passengers are boarded and off-loaded. The aircraft parking area at the gates of the terminal is known as the loading apron. The terminal also contains ticket and baggage counters, vendor operations, and security operations. A control tower is usually located near the terminal where air traffic controllers coordinate the movement of aircraft, maintenance, and refueling personnel. Hangers, maintenance facilities, refueling facilities, and navigational equipment complete the basic layout of an airport. Of course, airports also need to offer passenger parking. All of these areas and people must be patrolled and protected by adequate security forces.
