Slot definition:
Slot is an area of a runway designated for the landing or departure of an aircraft. The width of a slot is typically half the runway’s width.
What does slots mean in aviation?
Slots in aviation can be used for landing or takeoff purposes. They are also known as “designated landing areas” (DLAs).
These areas are typically located on the outer edge of runways and offer pilots a faster and more direct path to land or take off. Pilots use slots when wind speeds are high, when visibility is poor, or when they need to avoid obstacles on the ground.
The FAA has designated slots at various distances from the end of the runway in order to accommodate a variety of aircraft types. For example, a short slot can be used for small aircraft and a long slot can be used for large planes.
Slots can also be located close to obstacles, such as buildings or mountains, in order to avoid them while landing or taking off.
In general, slots provide pilots with an optimized approach to landing or taking off, which reduces the time they need to reach their destination. They also reduce the amount of time that aircraft spend on the ground at airports, which reduces fuel costs and reduces emissions.
