Weight bearing and PCR

Every runway has a weight limit. The diagram prints it in a block of text. At Salinas, Runway 8-26 says S-80, D-136, 2D-244. Each letter is a type of landing gear. Each number is a weight in thousands of pounds.

S is single wheel gear. D is dual wheel gear, like a Boeing 737. 2D is two sets of dual wheels, one behind the other, like a Boeing 757. Add three zeros to each number. S-80 means 80,000 pounds on single wheel gear.

Your training airplane has single wheel gear. It weighs far less than 80,000 pounds. Runway 13-31 holds even more. Its single wheel number is 120. Small airports can have much lower numbers. At Palo Alto, Runway 13-31 says S-12.5.

That means 12,500 pounds on single wheel gear. Your trainer is still well under it. These numbers are not an operating limitation. The Chart Supplement calls them a realistic estimate. If your airplane weighs more than the number, contact the airport management for permission first.

Big airports also print a PCR code. PCR means Pavement Classification Rating. At Oakland, Runway 12-30 shows PCR 1295 F/B/X/T. The letters give the pavement type, the soil under it, the tire pressure limit, and how it was rated.

Jet crews compare the PCR with a rating for their airplane. You will not need it in a trainer. As you move up to heavier airplanes, check these numbers before you fly to a new airport. Next, runway slope.