For which type of airport is a rectangular approach surface not appropriate?

The appropriate choice regarding the type of airport for which a rectangular approach surface is not suitable is based on the specific operational needs and design features associated with different airport classifications.

General utility airports serve a wide variety of aviation activities, but they typically do not support scheduled air carrier operations that require longer, more precise approach patterns. Since these airports may have a mix of general aviation traffic and potentially lower traffic volumes, the use of a rectangular approach surface, which helps accommodate the specific requirements for larger aircraft operations, can lead to inefficiencies or conflicts, particularly in environments that may not have the infrastructure (such as lighting, visual aids, or runway length) to support such operations effectively.

In contrast, commercial airports are designed to handle scheduled airline services and typically require more standardized approach surfaces to ensure safety and efficiency for larger, faster commercial aircraft. Thus, they often implement specific design criteria that may include rectangular or other approach surfaces tailored to their operational demands.

Basic utility airports also benefit from other types of approach surfaces since they provide essential services and support for general aviation but do not cater to the same traffic demands as general utility or commercial airports.

Understanding the operational context and design standards helps clarify why a rectangular approach surface is not suitable for general utility airports, which prioritize flexibility