AT: "xx" The shuttlebay (variously called the flight deck, hangar deck, or shuttlecraft bay) was a facility on a starship where shuttlecraft were launched, received, stored, and maintained.
The space doors on a shuttlebay were usually kept closed, and were replaced with a force field when a shuttlecraft was about to land or to be launched. This force field could be penetrated by the shuttlecraft itself, while it prevented decompression of the shuttlebay. (citation needed • edit)
Most shuttlebays were equipped with a tractor beam emitter in order to facilitate the landing procedure. During the 22nd century, these facilities were referred to on Starfleet vessels as "launch bays" and used a grappler. (ENT: "Broken Bow", et al.)
On at least Constitution-class starships, flight decks were overlooked by an observation deck. (TOS: "The Conscience of the King")
Galaxy-class starships had several shuttlebays, a main shuttlebay was located in the primary hull while shuttlebays 2 and 3 were located in the secondary hull. These bays were supported by several hangars. (Star Trek: The Next Generation, TNG: "Evolution")
Deep Space 9's landing pads provided a similar storing location for small starships such as Danube-class runabouts, Ferengi shuttles, and Romulan shuttles. (DS9: "Emissary", "The Magnificent Ferengi", "In the Pale Moonlight")
Intrepid-class class starships had a shuttlebay located at the rear of the secondary hull supported by at least one hangar. (Star Trek: Voyager)