Abstract

The Aircraft Classification Rating/Pavement Classification Rating (ACR/PCR) system was introduced in 2020 by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as the standard method for reporting airport pavement bearing strength, replacing the previous Aircraft Classification Number/Pavement Classification Number (ACN/PCN) system. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) compared Pavement Classification Numbers (PCN) and Pavement Classification Ratings (PCR) for a selection of runways at large- and medium-hub airports for which as-built structural data and design traffic are available. Both flexible (asphalt-surfaced) and rigid (concrete-surfaced) runway pavements were included. PCN was computed using the method of FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 150/5335-6C, while PCR used the method of AC 150/5335-6D and the computer program FAARFIELD 2.0. In contrast to the AC 150/5335-5C method, FAARFIELD 2.0 implements an algorithm that produces a single PCR number based on a defined critical aircraft from the input traffic mixture. The comparisons demonstrate that the two systems (ACR/PCR and ACN/PCN), if used correctly, result in similar restrictions on using aircraft traffic.

This report includes a brief summary of ACR/PCR concepts and a description of the PCR computation method as implemented in FAARFIELD 2.0.