As you know, there are various types of signs and pavement markings painted on roads to make traffic flow safe. Similarly, airports use special symbols and markings to guide planes & ground vehicles.
Today, we will discuss airport signs and markings’ meaning plus their design. This information will be useful for you to reduce mistakes on a busy airfield.
Airport Guide Sign Meaning
Airport guide signs are signs that are installed to make the movement safe at the airport. They show you directions, important areas, restrictions and where you will find different places.
You can see these signs on taxiways, runways, airfield intersections and near terminals. The signs use colors and letters to give you clear information. With these signs, you can quickly know where to go. They also assist pilots, drivers, passengers and airport staff to work safely.
Airport Guide Sign Color
Airport signs use different colors to give you clear instructions. Each color has a specific meaning.
- Green shows you different terminals, runway points, gates and arrivals.
- Yellow color signs give you directions to runways and taxiways.
- Blue color is used to show traveler services and information.
- Red tells you where you can stop.
- Black Letters on White or Yellow usually indicate your current location in the airfield.
Types of Airport Signs
At the airport, you will see various types of traffic signs. These all signs have a special purpose.
Airport No Entry Sign
The airport no entry sign shows you areas where you are not allowed to go. Their major purpose is to keep you away from restricted or dangerous zones. You will see these signs near runways, taxiways, closed taxiways and service areas.
The sign usually has a red circle with a white bar symbol. When you follow no entry sign in the airfield zone, you can stay safe and avoid accidents. Below are some subtypes of this sign.
- Standard No Entry Sign
- Runway No Entry Sign
- Taxiway No Entry Sign
- Service Area No Entry Sign
Taxiway Location Sign
These types of signs are useful for you to know the name or code of the taxiway you are on. Further, it tells pilots and drivers their current spot on the airport path. The sign has yellow letters on a black background.
You will also notice a letter with a number such as “A” or “B1”. In this way, you can get the information of the taxiway’s correct location. Some examples include: alphanumeric taxiway signs and parallel taxiway signs.
Runway Boundary Sign
The runway boundary sign guides you about where the runway starts or ends. Also, they tell pilots the safe area for takeoff and landing. These signs are painted with a yellow background and black letters. Pilots must stop here if they do not have permission to enter the runway.
Runway Taxi-Holding Position
When you spot this sign at airports, it shows you the spot where planes must stop before entering the runway. Basically, it is a safety point to prevent accidents. You will find taxi holding position signs where taxiways meet runways. The sign shows runway numbers, like 27- 9 with red background and white text. Sometimes it also has a letter like “L” or “R”.
ILS Critical Area Holding Position Sign
ILS stands for instrument landing system. So, the critical area holding signs are installed to indicate pilots where planes must stop near the runway’s ILS. In this way, you can keep the whole system accurate and safe. On these sign boards, you will notice the letters “ILS”.
Intermediate Taxi-Holding Position
Airport authorities installed intermediate taxi holding position signs to guide pilots where to stop between taxiways and runways. Their major role is to control traffic and reduce accidents risk. You will see white letters on a red background. When you see this sign, you must wait as an aircraft operator until you get clearance to move forward.
Airport Direction Signs
These are directional signs which provide you way toward airport terminals, gates, parking zones and runways. Mostly, the background of these boards are yellow with black characters painted on it. You should follow them to reach your destination in a fast way and avoid confusion.
Runway Distance Remaining Signs
Runway distance remaining signs are informational signs. They are installed to tell pilots how much runway is left for takeoff or landing. These signs show you black background with white numbers. Moreover, each number provides a distance remaining in thousands of feet. For example, if you spot a sign with “3”, it means 3000 feet of runway remain.
Mandatory Instruction Signs
Mandatory instruction signs are red with white letters. They tell pilots what they must do. For example, a sign may say “STOP” or “HOLD SHORT”. When you see these signs, you have to follow them at any cost to stay safe on runways. Otherwise, you may face dangerous accidents.
Apron Stand Guidance Signs
These signs are used to assist pilots to park aircraft at the correct gate or stand. They show you the stand number and sometimes direction. These signs make it easier for you to align the aircraft safely. So, you can avoid hitting other planes or equipment on the apron.
What Are Runway Markings or Airport Markings?
Runway markings are lines, symbols or numbers painted on airports and taxiways. These lines give you guidance about different locations such as runway center, edges, holding points and other important areas.
Edge Markings
You may spot solid white lines along the sides of a runway, these are called edge markings. Their purpose is to show you where the runway zone ends. During the landing or takeoff, pilots can get directions by these markings to stay on the runway. They painted in different styles.
- Continuous Edge Lines
- Dashed Edge Markings
- Taxiway Edge Lines
Information Markings
Information markings share important details with pilots and ground drivers. Generally, they show you directions, parking areas, taxiways and special instructions. You can see them in yellow or white paint on taxiways or aprons.
The colors and letters follow standard rules. For example: yellow lines indicate directions and black show locations. These markings guide everyone to move safely and follow airport rules.
Runway Aiming Point Marking
These markings are painted on pavement to direct pilots about where they can touchdown when landing aircraft. It is one of the most important visual guides you will find on a runway. You can easily spot it as two large white rectangular blocks painted on both sides of the runway’s centerline.
You can find these blocks about 1000 feet from where the landing strip starts. These lines have a major role to align aircraft correctly and safely at the right location (especially during night operations).
Runway Touchdown Zone Markers
Touchdown zone markings are three parallel white lines painted on each side of the centerline. They are usually placed every 500 feet to show you safe areas where planes should land on the strip.
In this way, pilots can land smoothly and safely at the correct point. You will notice these markings just after the aiming point markings. With them you can judge distance and alignment when landing a plane.
Side Stripe Marking
Side strip markings provide you information about accurate width of the runway. These lines are marked at the edge of the landing area. So that pilots can see the boundaries clearly. Mostly, you will find them as unbroken solid white markings which are very useful when the visibility is very poor.
Runway Shoulder Markings
Runway shoulder lines indicate the edge of the main landing surface. So, pilots can see where the usable area ends. They are made of yellow stripes painted along the sides of the runway.
Furthermore, these markings tell you that the shoulder area is not strong enough for planes to use. They are also effective when you can’t see properly due to low visibility. Because, they clearly separate the safe landing path from the shoulder area.
Runway Threshold Bar
A runway threshold bar shows the starting point of the landing area which you can use for takeoff or landing. It looks like a broad white line painted across the width of the runway. Hence, you can easily spot it before the threshold markings.
With these lines, you can make sure planes land at the correct point on the strip. Usually, the width of the runway threshold strips is 5.75 feet and has length approx.150 feet. The threshold bar is 10 feet wide and painted across the entire runway width.
Runway Threshold Markings
They appear as several white stripes painted across the width of the surface. These lines are placed right after the threshold bar. Basically, the number of stripes are painted according to the width of the runway.
These markings guide you about the start of the usable part of the landing strip and guide planes to touch down at the right spot.
Airport Marking Colors
To guide pilots and ground drivers, various types of airport marking colors are used. Every color you will see has its unique meaning and purpose around the airfield. In each country, airfield markings are painted according to strict global rules. These standards are made by groups like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
- White: This color markings are used to indicate runways for landing and takeoff areas.
- Yellow: You will find yellow markings on taxiways and apron areas where they show you directions and boundaries.
- Red: This color is used to give you warning about restricted zones or areas where you are not allowed to enter.
- Black: Well, this color is used under other markings (like yellow) to make them more visible to you.
Importance of Airport Markings
Airport markings have a major role to keep airfield operations safe and smooth. For example: they guide you to move, park, land and take off correctly. Plus, these markings direct pilots to stay on the right path (even in fog, rain or at night).
They also provide instructions to ground staff and vehicles about safe routes to move. Without clear markings, you may face confusion or accidents on the airfield. That’s why every airport follows strict rules to keep these markings visible and well-maintained.
Military Aircraft Markings
Military aircraft markings are special signs and symbols. They are used to identify and separate military planes from civilian aircraft. These markings show the country, serial number, branch or unit the aircraft belongs to.
Usually, you will see roundels, flags, numbers or tail codes painted on the body or wings. In this way, you can make quick recognition during operations. This also improves safety and coordination in both air and ground activities.
Are Airport Signs and Markings the Same Worldwide?
Airport signs and markings are mostly the same worldwide because they follow international aviation rules. As we mentioned, organizations like the International Civil Aviation Organization and Federal Aviation Administration regulate these standards.
This means when you visit any country airport, you will see similar colors, symbols and meanings for signs and markings. However, some small differences may exist based on local rules or airport size.
How Can Pilots Avoid Violations?
Pilots should carefully follow signs and markings at all times. You must listen to ATC instructions. Moreover, aircraft operators can use different types of airport lights for better visibility. The airfield grown crew must use aircraft marshaling wands to promote safety. Below are some examples of lights, which you can use.
How To Paint Airfield Markings
Firstly, you must choose high quality marking paint to make lines bright and clear. To mark lines and paint evenly, you can use robotic marking machines or stripers. These machines can work automatically and you will get perfect lines.
To Conclude
Airport signs and markings is an organized system to keep airfield operations risk free for passengers, controllers and pilots. This setup allows airports to manage thousands of movements safely every day.
In case you don’t follow them, it can lead to accidents and penalties for the responsible person.
We Have Answered Your Common Questions
Which Marking Means the Runway or Taxiway is Closed?
A yellow cross (X) marking on the airfield surface indicates to you that the runway or taxiway is closed and you are not allowed to use it.
What is the Mandatory Instruction Sign on the Airfield?
A mandatory instruction sign tells you where you must stop or get clearance before going ahead. It usually has a red background with white letters to warn you about runways or no-entry areas.
What Materials Are Used For Airport Markings?
Airport markings are painted with durable and reflective paints which can handle heavy use and weather. For example: you can use thermoplastic, epoxy, reflective glass beads or water-based paints.
