Airport Markings & Signs PDF

Airport Markings & Signs
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Introduction:
Like roads, which take us from our home to our destination, airports have taxiways which takes us to and from our
runway
Along those roads, or taxiways, exisit a variety of markings and signs provide guidance to pilots operating on the
airport surface during arrival and departure
These airport markings and signs, both in the United States and internationally, are standardized by the International
Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to enhance safety and improve efficiency [Figure 1]
Markings break down as follows:
Runway Markings
Taxiway Markings
Holding Position Markings
Other Markings
Mandatory Instruction Signs
Direction Signs
Destination Signs
Location Signs
Marking Colors:
Markings on runways are white
Markings defining the landing area on a heliport are also white except for hospital heliports which use a red "H" on
a white cross
Markings for taxiways, areas not intended for use by aircraft (closed and hazardous areas), and holding positions
(even if they are on a runway) are yellow
Runway
Markings:
Runways are
numbered
(designated) to
the nearest 10
in relation to
magnetic north
based on
approach
direction [Figure
2]
This number
becomes the
runway's name,
and is how it is
referenced by Air
Traffic Control
(ATC) and other
pilots
Figure 1: Airport Markings and Signs
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Example: 084 is marked 08

Example: 085 is marked 08 or 09
Example: 086 is marked 09
The opposite end of the runway is then marked with the reciprocal heading
Reciprocal heading is determined by adding or subtracting 180 from the runway heading
You must therefore add 180 to any runway 180 or below, and subtract 180 to anything 180 or above
Example: (using runway 26) 260 - 180 = 080
Example: (using runway 08) 080 + 180 = 260
If your answer comes out to be greater than 360, or negative, then you added when you should have
subtracted or vice versa
Parallel runways are designated with numbers but also as "L," "C" and/or "R," which stand for left, center and/or
right
Example: 21L, 21C, and/or 21R
While 3 parallel runways will be labeled with all 3 designators, just 2 parallel runways will omit the "center" and
become just "left" and "right"
Figure 2: Runway Markings
Types of Runways:
There are 3 types of runways, each with an associated level of markings: [Figure 3]
Visual: [Figure 4]
Visual runways are marked with the
runway number and a dashed runway
centerline
Could also include threshold markings
if intended for international operations
Aiming points may be included on
runways 4,000' or longer used by jet
aircraft
Non-precision: [Figure 5]
Non-precision runways do not
incorporate an electric glide slope and
the corresponding runway markings
Figure 3: Runway Marking Elements
vary accordingly
In many cases however, non-precision
runways will look similar to visual runways
Precision: [Figure 6]
Precision runways are used when the runways are served by non-visual precision approach
aids such as an Instrument Landing System (ILS) or Precision Approach Radar (PAR)
These types of runways typically provide some type of glide slope information, including what
can be found on the non-precision runway the side stripes, touchdown zone markings, and
fixed distance markings
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Figure 4:
Visual Runway
Figure 5:
Non-Precision Runway
Figure 6:
Precision Runway
Runway Centerline Marking:

Runway centerline arkings identify
the center of the runway for
guidance on takeoff and landing
Figure 7: Runway Centerline Markings
[Figure 7]
Painted white in color
One centerline marking is 120' in length and the gap between markings is 80' giving 200' for a full set
Runway Aiming Point:

Aiming point markers serve as a
visual target for landing aircraft
[Figure 8]
Consists of two broad white
stripes located on each side of the
runway, about 1,000' from the landing threshold
Figure 8: Runway Aim Point
Runway Touchdown Zone Markings:

Thin white stripes identifying the touchdown zone for landing operations and are spaced in 500' (150m)
increments [Figure 9]
3, 2 and then 1 thin stripe
symmetrical bars arranged in pairs
on each side of runway centerline
Figure 9: Runway Touchdown Zone Markings
For runways having touchdown
zone markings on both ends,
those pairs of markings which extend to within 900' (270m) of the midpoint between the thresholds are
eliminated
Runway Side Stripe Markings:

White lines identifying the edges of the runway provide visual contrast between runway and the abutting
terrain or shoulders [Figure 10]
Runway Shoulder Markings:

Yellow lines may supplement
runway side stripes to identify
pavement areas adjacent to the
runway sides that are not intended
for use by aircraft
Figure 10: Runway Side Stripe Markings
Runway Threshold Markings:

Runway threshold markings come in two configurations:
They either consist of eight longitudinal stripes of uniform dimensions disposed symmetrically about
the runway centerline, or the number of stripes is related to the runway width [ Figure 11]
Helps identify the beginning of the runway that is available for landing with stripes that correspond to the
width of the runway
In some instances the landing threshold may be relocated or displaced
4 stripes = 60' wide
Figure 11: Runway Threshold Markings

Displaced Threshold:
A displaced threshold is a threshold located at a point on the runway other than the designated beginning
of the runway [Figure 12]
The portion of runway behind a displaced threshold is available for takeoffs in either direction and landings
from the opposite direction
Exists usually because of obstructions
On runways with a displaced threshold, the beginning of the landing zone is marked by a 10' solid white
line with white chevrons leading to it
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May not be used for landing touchdown, but may be used for taxiing, takeoff, and landing roll outs
Demarcation bar separates the displaced threshold area from a blast pad, stop way, or taxiway that
precedes the runway
White arrows are located along the centerline in the area between the beginning of the runway and
displaced threshold
White arrow heads are located across the width of the runway just prior to the threshold bar
Relocation of a Threshold:
Due to construction
or maintenance, a
threshold may be
closed/moved for a
Figure 12: Displaced Threshold
varied amount of
time
When a threshold is relocated, it closes not only a set portion of the approach end of a runway, but also
shortens the length of the opposite direction runway
Closure will be noted via Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), but the method of marking may vary
Example: 10/28 W900 CLSD
One common practice is to use a ten feet wide white threshold bar across the width of the runway
Although the runway lights in the area between the old threshold and new threshold will not be illuminated,
the runway markings in this area may or may not be obliterated, removed, or covered
Demarcation Bar:
Delineates a runway with a displayed threshold from a blast pad, stop-way or taxiway that precedes the
runway
The demarcation bar is 3' (1m) wide and yellow, since it is not located on the runway
Chevrons:
Used to show pavement areas aligned with the runway that are usable for landing, takeoff, and
taxiing
Chevrons are yellow
Runway Threshold Bar:

Delineates the beginning of the runway that is available for landing when the threshold has been displayed
or relocated
A 10' (3M) wide bar extends across the width of the runway
Blast-pad/Stop-way:
Referred to as an
overrun and may
be used as such
[Figure 13]
Figure 13: Blast-pad/Stop-way
Cannot be used
for normal
operation
Allows propeller or jet blasts to safely dissipate
Taxiway Markings:
Centerline Markings:
Centerline markings provide a visual cue to permit taxiing along a
designated path
Ideally, pilots should maintain centerline but be aware, this does
not guarantee wingtip clearance of obstacles on either side
Centerline markings come in two varieties:
Normal Centerline:
Consists of a single, continuous yellow line
6 to 12 inches wide (15-30cm) [
]
Figure 15: Enhanced Taxiway Centerline
Figure 14: Continuous Centerline
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Enhanced Centerline:
At some airports, mostly the larger commercial service airports, an enhanced taxiway
centerline will be used
The enhanced taxiway centerline marking consists of a parallel line of yellow dashes on either
side of the normal taxiway centerline
Located a maximum of 150' prior to a runway holding
position marking as a warning to pilots that he/she is
approaching a runway holding position marking and
should prepare to stop unless he/she has been cleared
onto or across the runway by ATC [ Figure 15]
Taxiway Edge Markings:

Define the edge of the taxiway; used primarily when the edge of the
pavement and taxiway do not correspond
The taxiway edge markings also come in two varieties:
Continuous Markings:
Consist of a double yellow line, each 6 inches (15cm) in
width, separated by 6 inches [Figure 16]
These continuous markings delineate areas where aircraft
operation is not intended
Dashed Markings:
These markings are used when there is an operational
need to define the edge of a taxiway or taxilane on a
paved surface where the adjoining pavement to the
taxiway edge is intended for use by aircraft, e.g., an
apron
Figure 16: Taxiway Edge Markings
Consists of a broken double yellow line, with each line
being at least 6 inches (15cm) in width, separated by 6 inches
Used when there is an operational need to define the edge of a taxiway or taxilane on a
paved surface where the adjoining pavement to the taxiway edge is intended for use by
aircraft (e.g., an apron)
These lines are 15' (4.5m) in length with 25' (7.5m) gaps [ Figure 16]
Taxi Shoulder Markings:

Although shoulders may have the appearance of full
strength pavement they are not intended for use by aircraft,
and may be unable to support an aircraft
In these areas, taxiway shoulder markings are used to
indicate the pavement is unusable
Examples: taxiways, holding bays, and aprons are
sometimes provided with paved shoulders to prevent
blast and water erosion which are not intended for
use by aircraft
Used where conditions exist such as islands or
taxiway curves that may cause confusion as to which
side of the edge stripe is for use by aircraft [Figure
17]
Consists of yellow lines perpendicular to the taxiway edge
markings
Surface Painted Taxiway Direction Signs:
Figure 17: Taxi Shoulder Markings
Written with yellow background with black inscription

Provided when it is not possible to provide taxiway direction signs at intersections, or when necessary to
supplement
Located adjacent to the centerline on the side the turn is to be executed to [ Figure 18]
Turns to the left being on the left side of the taxiway centerline, right being on the right side
Surface Painted Location Signs:

Written with a black background and yellow inscription
Supplement location signs, located along side the taxiway and assist the pilot in confirming the designation
of the taxiway on which the aircraft is located, on the right side of centerline [ Figure 18]
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Figure 18: Surface Painted Signs
Geographic Position Markings:

Located at points along low visibility taxi routes designated in the airport's Surface Movement Guidance
Control System (SMGCS) plan [Figure 19]
Identifies the location of taxiing aircraft when Runway Visual Range (RVR) is below 1200' (360m)
Positioned to the left of the centerline in the direction of taxi
Comprise of a black circle contiguous to a white ring with a pink circle in the middle
The white and black ring are reversed when painted on blacktop to make it easy to read
Designated with a number or a number and letter to correspond to the consecutive position of the marking
on the route
Figure 19: Geographic Position Markings
Hold Position Markings:

Purpose:
Hold position markings are located wherever a taxiway intersects a runway or another taxiway to indicate
where an aircraft is supposed to stop when approaching a runway
They may also be placed where a runway intersects a runway for Land and Hold Short operations (LAHSO)
Generally placed between 125-250' from the runway centerline
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Consist of four yellow lines, two solid and

two dashed, spaced 6 to 12 inches apart,
and extending across the width of the
taxiway or runway
The solid lines are always on the side
where the aircraft is to hold
There are three locations where runway
holding position markings are encountered
Runway Holding Position Markings

on Taxiways:
Identify the locations on a taxiway where
an aircraft is supposed to stop when it
does not have clearance to proceed onto
the runway [Figure 20/22]
Runway holding position markings also
identify the boundary of the runway
safety area for aircraft exiting the runway
At controlled fields, when
instructed by ATC to, "Hold short of
[Runway]," the pilot must stop so
that no part of the aircraft extends
beyond the runway holding
position marking
ATC will state "Cleared to cross
[Runway]" when approved to
proceed beyond the hold line
At uncontrolled fields, pilots should
not cross the holding position
Figure 20: Holding Position Markings: ILS Critical Area
marking without making sure of
adequate separation from other
aircraft
An aircraft exiting a runway is not clear of the runway until all parts of the aircraft have crossed the
applicable holding position marking
Figure 21: Runway Holding Position Markings on Taxiway
Runway Holding Position Markings on Runways:

These markings are installed on runways only if the runway is normally used by ATC for land and/or LAHSO
operations or taxiing operations on runways
Hold position markings on runways have operational significance only for those two types of
operations
A runway hold position sign (white writing on black background) is installed adjacent to these holding
position markings [Figure 21]
The holding position markings are placed on runways prior to the intersection with another runway, or
some designated point
Pilots receiving instructions "cleared to land, [Runway]" from ATC are authorized to use the entire landing
length of the runway and should disregard any holding position markings located on the runway
Pilots receiving and accepting instructions "cleared to land [Runway], hold short of [Runway]" from ATC
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must either exit [Runway] or stop at the holding position prior to the specific runway
Figure 22: Runway Holding Position Markings on Runway
Taxiways Located in Runway Approach Areas:

These markings are used at some airports where it is necessary to hold an aircraft on a taxiway located in
the approach or departure area of a runway so that the aircraft does not interfere with the operations on
that runway [Figure 22]
This marking is collocated with the runway approach area holding position sign
When specifically instructed by ATC "Hold short of [Runway Approach Area]" the pilot should stop so no
part of the aircraft extends beyond the holding position marking
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Figure 23: Taxiways Located in Runway Approach Area
Holding Position Markings for Instrument Landing System (ILS):

At airports equipped with an ILS, it is possible they will move the hold line back or create a ILS hold line for
that type of operation
Holding position markings for ILS critical areas consist of two yellow solid lines spaced two feet apart
connected by pairs of solid lines spaced ten feet apart extending across the width of the taxiway as shown
[Figure 19/23]
A sign with an inscription in white on a red background is installed adjacent to these hold position markings
[Figure 35]
When the ILS critical area is being protected, the pilot should stop so no part of the aircraft extends beyond
the holding position marking and not cross without ATC clearance
ILS critical area is not clear until all parts of the aircraft have crossed the applicable holding position
marking
Holding Position Markings for

Taxiway/Taxiway Intersections:
Holding position markings for
taxiway/taxiway intersections
consist of a single dashed line
extending across the width of the
taxiway [Figure 24]
They are installed on taxiways
where ATC normally holds aircraft
short of a taxiway intersection
When instructed by ATC "hold
short of [Taxiway]" the pilot
should stop so no part of the
aircraft extends beyond the
holding position marking
When the marking is not present
the pilot should stop the aircraft Figure 24: Holding Position Markings: Taxiway/Taxiway Intersections
at a point which provides
adequate clearance from an aircraft on the intersecting taxiway
Surface Painted Holding Position Signs:

Surface painted holding position signs have a red background with a white inscription and supplement the
signs located at the holding position
This type of marking is normally used where the width of the holding position on the taxiway is greater
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than 200' (60m)

It is located to the left side of the taxiway centerline on the holding side and prior to the holding position
marking [Figure 18]
Figure 24: Vehicle Roadway Markings
Other Markings:
Vehicle Roadway Markings:
Used when necessary to define a pathway for
vehicle operations on or crossing areas that are
also intended for aircraft
Markings consist of a white solid line to delineate
each edge of the roadway and a dashed line to
separate lanes within the edges of the roadway
In lieu of the solid lines, zipper markings may be
used to delineate the edges of the vehicle roadway
[Figure 24]
Details of the zipper markings are shown in
[Figure 25]
Very-High Omni-Directional Range (VOR)

Receiver Checkpoint Markings:
The VOR receiver checkpoint marking allows the
pilot to check aircraft instruments with navigational
aid signals
Consists of a painted circle with an arrow in the
middle; the arrow is aligned in the direction of the
checkpoint azimuth
This marking, and an associated sign, is located on
the airport apron or taxiway at a point selected for
Figure 25: Roadway Edge Stripes, White, Zipper Style
easy access by aircraft but where other airport
traffic is not to be unduly obstructed [Figure 26]
The associated sign contains the VOR station identification letter and course selected (published) for the
check, the words "VOR check course," and Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) data (when applicable)
using black numerals on a yellow background
The color of the letters and numerals are black on a yellow background
These locations on the airfield and information about them can be found in the Airport/Facility Directory
(A/FD)
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Example:
DCA 176-356
VOR check course
DME XXX
Non-movement Area Boundary

Markings:
These markings delineate the movement
area, i.e., area under ATC
These markings are yellow and located on
the boundary between the movement and
non-movement area
The non-movement area boundary
markings consist of two yellow lines (one
solid and one dashed) 6 inches (15cm) in
width
The solid line is located on the
non-movement area side while the dashed
yellow line is located on the movement
area side [Figure 27]
Figure 26: Ground Receiver Checkpoint Markings
Figure 27: Non-movement Area Boundary Markings
Marking and Lighting of Permanently Closed Runways and Taxiways:

For runways and taxiways which are permanently closed, the lighting circuits will be disconnected
The runway threshold, runway designation, and touchdown markings are obliterated and yellow crosses are
placed at each end of the runway and at 1,000' intervals
Temporarily Closed Runways and Taxiways:

To provide a visual indication to pilots that a runway is temporarily closed, crosses are placed on the
runway only at each end of the runway
The crosses are yellow in color [Figure 28/29]
A raised lighted yellow cross may be placed on each runway end in lieu of permanent markings to
indicate the runway is closed
A visual indication may not be present depending on the reason for the closure, duration of the
closure, airfield configuration and the existence and the hours of operation of an airport traffic
control tower
Pilots should check NOTAMs and the Automated Terminal Information System (ATIS) for local
runway and taxiway closure information
Temporarily closed taxiways are usually treated as hazardous areas, in which no part of an aircraft
may enter, and are blocked with barricades
However, as an alternative a yellow cross may be installed at each entrance to the taxiway
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Figure 28: Closed Runway Marking
Special Purpose Areas:

Closed or overrun stop way areas are special purpose areas
Any surface or area which appears usable, but which, due to the nature of its structure, is unusable
See EMAS below
STOL:
Short takeoff and landing
Has STOL painted on the approach end
Figure 29: Closed Taxiway or Runway Marking
Helicopter Landing Areas:

Used to identify the landing and takeoff area at a public use heliport and hospital heliport [ Figure 30]
The letter "H" in the markings is oriented to align with the intended direction of approach
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Figure 30: Helicopter Landing Areas
Mandatory Instruction
Signs:
Mandatory signs have a red background with a white
inscription used to denote an entrance to a runway or
critical area and areas where an aircraft is prohibited
from entering
Note that holding position signs provides the pilot with
a visual cue as to the location of the holding position
marking
Figure 31: Runway Holding Position Sign
Runway Holding Position Sign:

This sign is located at the holding position on taxiways that intersect a runway or on runways that intersect
other runways and contains the designation of the intersecting runway [ Figure 31]
Runway numbers are arranged to correspond to the respective runway threshold
Example: "15-33" indicates that the threshold for Runway 15 is to the left and the threshold for
Runway 33 is to the right
On taxiways that intersect the
beginning of the takeoff runway, only
the designation of the takeoff runway
may appear on the sign [Figure 32]
If the sign is located on a taxiway that
intersects the intersection of two
runways, the designations for both
runways will be shown on the sign
along with arrows showing the
approximate alignment of each runway
Figure 32: Holding Position Sign at Beginning of Takeoff Runway
[Figure 33]
In addition to showing the
approximate runway alignment, the arrow indicates the direction to the threshold of the runway
whose designation is immediately next to the arrow
A runway holding position sign on a taxiway will be installed adjacent to holding position markings on the
taxiway pavement
On runways, holding position markings will be located only on the runway pavement adjacent to the sign, if
the runway is normally used by air traffic control for "Land, Hold Short" operations or as a taxiway
Runway
Approach
Area
Holding
Position
Sign:
At
Figure 33: Holding Position Sign for a Taxiway that Intersects the Intersection of Two Runways
some
airports, it is necessary to hold an aircraft on a taxiway located in the approach or departure area for a
runway so that the aircraft does not interfere with operations on that runway [ Figure 34]
In these situations, a sign with the designation of the approach end of the runway followed by a "dash" (-)
and letters "APCH" will be located at the holding position on the taxiway
Holding position markings will be located on the taxiway pavement
ILS Critical Area Holding Position Sign:

At some airports, when the instrument landing system is being used, it is necessary to hold an aircraft on a
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taxiway at a location other than the holding

position
In these situations the holding position sign
for these operations will have the
inscription "ILS" and be located adjacent to
the holding position marking on the
taxiway [Figure 35]
No Entry Sign:
Figure 34: Holding Position Sign for a Runway Approach Area

Prohibits an aircraft from entering an area
typically, located on a taxiway intended to
be used in only one direction or at the intersection of vehicle roadways with runways, taxiways or aprons
where the roadway may be mistaken as a taxiway or other aircraft movement surface [ Figure 36]
Figure 35: Holding Position Sign for ILS Critical Area
Figure 36: Sign Prohibiting Aircraft Entry into an Area
Location Signs:
Identify either the taxiway or runway where your aircraft is located
Other location signs provide a visual cue to pilots to assist them in determining when they are entering/exiting an
area
Taxiway Location Sign:

Has a black background with a yellow inscription and yellow border [ Figure 36]
The inscription is the designation of the taxiway on which the aircraft is located
These signs are installed along taxiways either by themselves or in conjunction with direction signs or
runway holding position signs [Figure 37/40]
Runway Location Sign:

Utilizes a black background with a yellow inscription and yellow border
as shown in [Figure 38]
The inscription is the designation of the runway on which the aircraft is
located
These signs are intended to complement the information available to
pilots through their magnetic compass and typically are installed where
the proximity of two or more runways to one another could cause pilots
to be confused as to which runway they are on
Runway Boundary Sign:
The sign has a yellow background with a black inscription with a graphic Figure 36: Taxiway Location Sign
depicting the pavement holding position marking as shown in [ Figure
38]
This sign, which faces the runway and is visible to the pilot exiting the runway, is located adjacent to the
holding position marking on the pavement
The sign is intended to provide pilots with another visual cue which they can use as a guide in deciding
when they are "clear of the runway"
ILS Critical Area

Boundary Sign:
The sign has a yellow
background with a
black inscription with a
graphic depicting the
ILS pavement holding
position marking as
Figure 37: Taxiway Location Sign Collocated with Runway Holding Position Sign
shown in [Figure 39]
The sign is located adjacent to the ILS holding position marking on the pavement and can be seen by pilots
leaving the critical area
The sign is intended to provide pilots with a visual cue ensure "clear of the ILS critical area"
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Figure 38:
Runway Boundary Sign
Figure 39:
ILS Critical Area Boundary Sign
Direction Signs:
Direction signs have a yellow
background with a black
inscription
The inscription identifies the
designation(s) of the intersecting
taxiway(s) leading out of the
intersection that a pilot would
normally be expected to turn
onto or hold short of
Each designation is accompanied
by an arrow indicating the
direction of the turn
When more than one taxiway
designation is shown on the sign
each designation and its
associated arrow is separated
from the other taxiway
designations by either a vertical
Figure 40: Direction Sign Array with Location Sign on Far Side of Intersection
message divider or a taxiway
location sign [Figure 40]
Direction signs are normally located on the left prior to the intersection
When used on a runway to indicate an exit, the sign is located on the same side of the runway as the exit
[Figure 40]
The taxiway designations and their associated arrows on the sign are arranged clockwise starting from the first
taxiway on the pilot's left [Figure 40]
If a location sign is located with the direction signs, it is placed so that the designations for all turns to the left will
be to the left of the location sign; the designations for continuing straight ahead or for all turns to the right would
be located to the right of the location sign [ Figure 40]
When the intersection is comprised of only one crossing taxiway, it is permissible to have two arrows associated
with the crossing taxiway [Figure 42]
Destination Signs:
Destination signs also have a yellow background with a black inscription indicating a destination on the airport
These signs always have an arrow showing the direction of the taxiing route to that destination [ Figure 43]
When the arrow on the destination sign indicates a turn, the sign is located prior to the intersection
Destinations commonly shown on these types of signs include runways, aprons, terminals, military areas, civil
aviation areas, cargo areas, international areas, and fixed base operators
An abbreviation may be used as the inscription on the sign for some of these destinations
When the inscription for two or more destinations having a common taxiing route are placed on a sign, the
destinations are separated by a "dot" () and one arrow is used as shown in [ Figure 44]
When the inscription on a sign contains two or more destinations having different taxiing routes, each destination
will be accompanied by an arrow and will be separated from the other destinations on the sign with a vertical
black message divider as shown in [Figure 45]
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Figure
Figure
44:
45:
Figure
Destination Destination
43:
Sign for
Sign for
Destination
Common Different
Sign for
41: Direction Sign for Runway Exit
TaxiingFigure
Taxiing
Military
Route to Routes to
Area
Two
Two
Runways Runways
Information Signs:
Information signs have a yellow background with a black Figure 42: Direction Sign Array for Simple Intersection
inscription
Advise pilots of information such as areas that cannot be seen from the control tower, applicable radio
frequencies, and procedures
It is the airport manager who decides the necessity for information signs
Runway Distance Remaining Signs:

Provide distance information during takeoff and landing operations in thousands of feet
The last sign, i.e., the sign with the numeral 1, will be located at least 950 feet from the runway end
Black background with white numeral inscription installed along one or both sides of the runway
Use of Runway Half-way Signs at

Unimproved Airports:
When installed, runway half-way signs provide the pilot with a reference
point to judge takeoff acceleration trends
Assuming that the runway length is appropriate for takeoff (considering
runway condition and slope, elevation, aircraft weight, wind, and
Figure 46: Distance Remaining Sign
temperature), typical takeoff acceleration should allow the airplane to reach
70% of lift-off airspeed by the midpoint of the runway
The "rule of thumb" is that should airplane acceleration not allow the airspeed to reach this value by the midpoint,
the takeoff should be aborted, as it may not be possible to liftoff in the remaining runway
Several points are important when considering using this "rule of thumb":
Airspeed indicators in small airplanes are not required to be evaluated at speeds below stalling, and may
not be usable at 70% of liftoff airspeed
Based on a uniform surface condition
Puddles, soft spots, areas of tall and/or wet grass, loose gravel, upslope, winds etc., may impede
acceleration or even cause deceleration
Even if the airplane achieves 70% of liftoff airspeed by the midpoint, the condition of the remainder
of the runway may not allow further acceleration
The entire length of the runway should be inspected prior to takeoff to ensure a usable surface
Applies only to runway required for actual liftoff
In the event that obstacles affect the takeoff climb path, appropriate distance must be available
after liftoff to accelerate to best angle of climb speed and to clear the obstacles
Does not alleviate the pilot's responsibility to comply with applicable Federal Aviation Regulations, the
limitations and performance data provided in the FAA approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM), or, in the
absence of an FAA approved AFM, other data provided by the aircraft manufacturer
In addition to their use during takeoff, runway half-way signs offer the pilot increased awareness of his or
her position along the runway during landing operations
NOTE:
There is no standardized symbology for a runway halfway sign
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Figure 47: Airport Signs
Arresting Systems:
Certain military aircraft that are properly equipped can be rapidly stopped on a runway
Done with cables supported by rubber donuts
Solid yellow circles (10' diameter) 30' on center show location of cables
Engineered materials arresting systems (EMAS) constructed of high energy absorbing materials
Crush under the weight of commercial aircraft to slow them
More can be found here
Security Identification Display Areas (SIDA):

SIDAs are limited access areas that require a badge issued in accordance with procedures in CFR 49 Part 1542
Movement through or into these areas is prohibited without proper identification being displayed
If you are unsure of the location of a SIDA, contact the airport authority for additional information
Airports that have a SIDA must have the following information available:
1. A description and map detailing boundaries and pertinent features;
2. Measures used to perform the access control functions required under CFR 49 Part 1542.201(b)(1);
3. Procedures to control movement within the secured area, including identification media required under CFR
49 Part 1542.201(b)(3); and
4. A description of the notification signs required under CFR 49 Part 1542.201(b)(6)
Pilots or passengers without proper identification that are observed entering a SIDA (ramp area) may be reported
to TSA or airport security
Pilots are advised to brief passengers accordingly
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Conclusion:
Ineffective, incorrect, or confusing markings should be reported in at least one of three ways:
To the airport operator;
To the FAA regional airport division, and/or;
Entered into the Aviation Safety Reporting Program
All taxiways should have centerline markings and runway holding position markings whenever they intersect a
runway
Taxiway edge markings are present whenever there is a need to separate the taxiway from a pavement
that is not intended for aircraft use or to delineate the edge of the taxiway
Taxiways may also have shoulder markings and holding position markings for Instrument Landing System
(ILS) critical areas, and taxiway/taxiway intersection markings
There are six types of signs installed on airfields:
Mandatory instruction signs, location signs, direction signs, destination signs, information signs, and runway
distance remaining signs
References:
Advisory Circular (150/5340-1) Standards for Airport Markings
Advisory Circular (150/5300-13) Airport Design
Advisory Circular (150/5340-18) Standards for Airport Sign Systems
Aeronautical Information Manual (2-3-1) General
Aeronautical Information Manual (2-3-2) Airport Pavement Markings
Aeronautical Information Manual (2-3-3) Runway Markings
Aeronautical Information Manual (2-3-4) Taxiway Markings
Aeronautical Information Manual (2-3-5) Holding Position Markings
Aeronautical Information Manual (2-3-6) Other Markings
Aeronautical Information Manual (2-3-7) Airport Signs
Aeronautical Information Manual (2-3-8) Mandatory Instruction Signs
Aeronautical Information Manual (2-3-9) Location Signs
Aeronautical Information Manual (2-3-10) Direction Signs
Aeronautical Information Manual (2-3-11) Destination Signs
Aeronautical Information Manual (2-3-12) Information Signs
Aeronautical Information Manual (2-3-13) Runway Distance Remaining Signs
Aeronautical Information Manual (2-3-14) Aircraft Arresting Systems
Aeronautical Information Manual (2-3-15) Security Identifications Display Area (Airport Ramp Area)
Aeronautical Information Manual (4-3-6) Use of Runways/Declared Distances
Aeronautical Information Manual (4-3-20) Exiting the Runway After Landing
Aeronautical Information Manual (7-5-7) Use of Runway Half-way Signs at Unimproved Airports
CFI Notebook.net - Airport/Facility Directory (A/FD)
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CFI Notebook.net - Airspeed Indicator

CFI Notebook.net - Aircraft Arresing Systems
CFI Notebook.net - Air Traffic Control (ATC)
CFI Notebook.net - Aviation Safety Reporting Program
CFI Notebook.net - Distance Measuring Equipment (DME)
CFI Notebook.net - Federal Aviation Regulations
CFI Notebook.net - Instrument Landing System (ILS)
CFI Notebook.net - Land and Hold Short operations (LAHSO)
CFI Notebook.net - Notice to Airmen (NOTAMs)
CFI Notebook.net - Pilot Information Manual
CFI Notebook.net - Radar Approaches
CFI Notebook.net - Very High Omni-Directional Range (VOR)
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
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Airport Markings & Signs PDF

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Airport Markings & Signs

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Figure 1: Airport Markings and Signs