The spelling of the word "auxiliary airfield" may seem complicated, but it follows a consistent pattern in English. The first syllable is pronounced /ɔːɡzɪləri/ (awg-zil-uh-ree), with the "au" representing the sound of "aw." The second syllable is pronounced /ˈɛəfɪld/ (air-field), with the "ei" representing the "ay" sound. Altogether, the correct pronunciation is /ɔːɡzɪlərɪ ˈɛəfɪld/ (awg-zil-uh-ree air-field). This term is commonly used in aviation and refers to a secondary airport used when the main airport is unavailable.
An auxiliary airfield is a secondary or supplemental airfield that is used to support aviation operations in specific geographical regions or provide backup capabilities in case of emergencies or capacity constraints. It serves as a complement to the main airfield and offers additional landing and takeoff facilities to accommodate a variety of aircrafts.
Typically, auxiliary airfields are strategically located in proximity to major airports or military bases to facilitate seamless air traffic operations. They are designed to cater to a range of purposes, such as military training activities, civil aviation needs, aircraft testing, emergency landing sites, or the dispersal of air traffic during peak hours or times of high demand. This decentralized approach helps to alleviate congestion, enhance operational flexibility, and ensure continuous functionality of air transportation systems.
Auxiliary airfields often feature paved runways, taxiways, apron areas for parking and servicing aircraft, and basic facilities for air traffic control and airport administration. While they may lack some of the amenities and services found at the main airport, they provide a critical backup airfield infrastructure that can be activated when needed.
Overall, auxiliary airfields play a crucial role in maintaining a resilient and efficient aviation network by distributing the workload, providing redundancy, and supporting the seamless movement of aircraft in diverse operational scenarios.
The word "auxiliary" originates from the Latin word "auxiliarius", which means "giving help or support". It can be traced back to the Latin word "auxilium", meaning "aid" or "support".
The term "airfield" is a combination of the words "air" and "field". "Air", in this context, refers to the area above the surface of the Earth where planes fly. "Field" comes from the Old English word "feld" or "feald", meaning a wide expanse of open land.
Therefore, when combined, "auxiliary airfield" refers to a secondary or supporting airfield that provides assistance or support to the primary airfield.