What is the technical designation for an area where aircraft can taxi and take off?

The designation for an area where aircraft can taxi and take off is known as the maneuvering area. This term refers to the part of an airport where aircraft are allowed to move on the ground, including the runways, taxiways, and areas that are used for takeoff and landing operations. It is a critical component of airport operations, as it encompasses the space where aircraft transition from the taxiing phase to the departure phase of flight.

In contrast, an aerodrome is a broader term that includes the entire area of land or water used for the arrival, departure, and surface movement of aircraft, thus encompassing more than just the maneuvering area. The terminal area refers to the general airspace surrounding an airport where aircraft are preparing to land or take off but does not specifically define the ground area. A runway strip is related to the runway itself, indicating the area adjacent to it, but does not encompass the full range of ground operations that occur in the maneuvering area.

Therefore, understanding the specific functions and definitions associated with each term clarifies why the maneuvering area is the correct technical designation for areas involving aircraft movement on the ground.