Tarmac (commonly used shorthand for tarmacadam) refers to the paved surfaces at an airfield where aircraft operate on the ground. In everyday aviation language, “the tarmac” is used broadly to describe aprons, ramps, taxiways, and sometimes runways, even though these areas may be made of different materials.
What it actually means:
- Tarmacadam is a road surfacing method using crushed stone bound with tar.
- Many modern airfields use asphalt or concrete, not true tarmac.
- Despite that, “tarmac” remains a colloquial catch-all term for airport pavement.
Where the term is commonly used:
- Apron / Ramp: Parking areas for aircraft, loading, refueling, and engine start.
- Taxiways: Paths connecting parking areas to runways.
- Runways: Sometimes incorrectly called “the tarmac” in casual speech.
- Ground operations: “Holding on the tarmac,” “stuck on the tarmac,” etc.
Operational relevance:
- Ground handling: Braking effectiveness, steering, and tire wear depend on surface condition.
- Weather effects: Rain, snow, ice, or rubber buildup affect friction and stopping distance.
- Foreign Object Damage (FOD): Debris on paved surfaces can damage engines and tires.
- Heat and performance: Hot tarmac contributes to higher surface temperatures, affecting takeoff performance.
Application in DCS World:
- DCS models paved airfield surfaces functionally as “tarmac,” regardless of the real-world material.
- Surface friction is simplified but still affects:
- Takeoff roll
- Landing rollout
- Taxi handling
- Environmental details like rubber buildup, grooving, or micro-surface texture are not deeply simulated, but wet or icy conditions do change handling.
Training note for cadets:
- Treat “tarmac” as ground maneuvering space, not just scenery.
- Maintain discipline during taxi, engine run-up, and post-landing operations.
- Assume reduced performance on wet or contaminated surfaces, even if DCS simplifies the physics.