What is the definition of an aerodrome?

An aerodrome is defined as any area of land or water intended for the movement of aircraft. This encompasses not only runways and taxiways, but also includes all associated facilities for takeoff, landing, and surface movement of aircraft. This definition is broad enough to cover fields used for various types of aviation activities, including commercial, private, and military operations, as long as the area is designated for the movement of aircraft.

The definition captures the essence of what an aerodrome is meant to facilitate—specifically, the operational aspects of aviation that involve aircraft transitioning to and from flight. This means that areas serving as both public airports and smaller private airstrips are included under this definition, making it relevant across varied aviation contexts.

In contrast, other options focus on more restricted definitions or specific functionalities that do not encompass the comprehensive role of an aerodrome. For example, defining it solely as a flight training area or prohibiting the use to military aircraft does not reflect the broader purpose of movement and operations associated with both civil and military aviation. Similarly, a designated parking spot for commercial airliners constitutes only a small part of what an aerodrome encompasses, failing to recognize all the surfaces where aircraft can operate.