¶ Introduction
Although the A380 is an aircraft like any other, its wingspan and weight require slightly specific handling both in the tower and on radar. This is a summary sheet. For further details, refer to the AIP and the relevant documentation.
¶ General information
The L’A380-800 (ultimately the only version produced) is a four‑engine aircraft available in two variants:
- the A380-841, equipped with four Rolls‑Royce Trent 900 engines
- the A380‑861, equipped with four Engine Alliance GP7200 engines (a joint venture between PW and GE)
¶ Dimensions
Its wings measure m, with a total wing area of
¶ Mass
Here are the aircraft’s characteristic weights that are useful to know:
- MTOW (Maximum Takeoff Weight): kg (versions with an enhanced thrust package)
- MLW (Maximum Landing Weight) : kg
Maximum usable fuel: L i.e. kg with a SG (Specific Gravity) of .
¶ Aerodrome management
¶ Taxi and parking
Due to its wingspan, numerous taxiing limitations apply to the A380.
It belongs to aerodrome reference Code F, just like the B748 (wingspan between 65 m and 80 m).
These limitations may range from restrictions on the use of parallel taxiways (for example, limiting a taxiway to Code C aircraft while the A380 is passing) to a complete prohibition of using a given taxiway (for instance, at CDG, taxiway E between N and B is prohibited to the A380).
These restrictions are published in the AIP, and dedicated charts are available.
In France, three airports are capable of accommodating the A380:
- LFPG (Emirates, Etihad, Qatar, Air France, Korean Air, Singapore)
- LFMN (Emirates)
- LFBO (Toutes les compagnies exploitantes)
Several other airfields serve as diversion airports, sometimes with additional specific restrictions.
- LFPO (MTOW = MLW = 398t)
- LFBD
- LFSB
In most cases, using a parking stand for the A380 results in restrictions on the adjacent stands (e.g., stands CFW and CFE at Terminal 2C in CDG).
¶ Wake turbulence and takeoff separation
The A380’s wake turbulence category is J for Super (ICAO) or A under RECAT‑EU.
Departure time‑based separation:
| N°1/N°2 | S | H | M | L |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 2/2 | 3/4 | 3/4 | |
| H | 2/3 | 2/3 | ||
| M | 2/3 | |||
| L | 2/3 |
Values expressed in minutes
Format: delay from the same intersection or an upstream one / delay from a downstream intersection.
Apply the general rule if the box is empty.
Compliance with these minima is mandatory unless otherwise instructed.
¶ Radar management
On approach, the A380 is an Approach Category C aircraft, just like the A320. It uses the same minima and flies at very similar speeds.
In terms of radar separation, however, note that RECAT‑EU increases the required spacing compared with the ICAO standard.
| Leader / Follower | A380-800 | Heavy | Medium | Light |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A 380-800 | 6 NM | 7 NM | 8 NM | |
| Heavy | 4 NM | 5 NM | 6 NM | |
| Medium | 5NM | |||
| Light |
