Hill top airports

Hill tops are the most preferred location for airports. The reasons behind this are reduced obstructions, scope of natural drainage, uniform wind and better visibility. Obstructions due to fences, trees, buildings, electric and telephone lines etc. are very less in hill tops. Hill top locations promise natural drainage devoid of any chance for flooding. There is always risk of flooding in low level valleys. Runway of an airport has to plan in such a way that landing and take of is done by heading into the wind. Traffic capacity of an airport mainly depends on the visibility. Factors which reduces visibility such as fog, smoke and haze should be minimum in airport locations. Valleys are not preferred for airports for the reason of increased fog settlement. Locations near to industrial areas are also not preferred for airports due to the increased smoke and haze.