US AIRPORTS

An airport is a facility where aircraft such as airplanes and helicopters can take off and land. An airport minimally consists of one runway or helipad (for helicopters), but other common components are hangars and terminal buildings.

Additionally, an airport may have a variety of facilities and infrastructure, including fixed base operator services, air traffic control, passenger facilities such as restaurants and lounges, and emergency services. A military airport is known as an airbase or air station. The terms airfield, airstrip, and aerodrome may also be used to refer to airports of varying sizes. In some jurisdictions, the term airport is used where the facility is licensed as such by the relevant government organization (e.g. FAA, Transport Canada). Elsewhere the distinction is merely one of general appearance. Yet other areas define an airport by its having the necessary customs offices etc expected of a port.