AIRPORT MARKING AND
LIGHTINGS
MARKING
• Airport pavement markings and signs provide
information that is useful to a pilot during
takeoff, landing, and taxiing.
• Uniformity in airport markings and signs from
one airport to another enhances safety and
improves efficiency.
• Pilots are encouraged to work with the operators
of the airports they use to achieve the marking
and sign standards described in this section.
Airport Pavement Markings
• The airport pavement markings have been
grouped into four areas:
Runway Markings
Taxiway Markings
Holding Position Markings
Other Markings.
Runway Markings
• There are three types of markings for runways:
visual, nonprecision instrument, and precision
instrument
Runway Designators
• Runway numbers and letters are determined from the
approach direction.
• The runway number is the whole number nearest
one‐tenth the magnetic azimuth of the centerline of
the runway, measured clockwise from the magnetic
north.
• The letters, differentiate between left (L), right (R),
or center (C) parallel runways, as applicable:
For two parallel runways “L” “R.”
For three parallel runways “L” “C” “R.”
• Runway Centerline Marking
The runway centerline identifies the center of the
runway and provides alignment guidance during
takeoff and landings. The centerline consists of a line
of uniformly spaced stripes and gaps.
• Runway Aiming Point Marking
The aiming point marking serves as a visual aiming
point for a landing aircraft.
These two rectangular markings consist of a broad
white stripe located on each side of the runway
centerline and approximately 1,000 feet from the
landing threshold.
Runway Designators
&
Centre line Marking
Aiming Point
Marking
Runway Touchdown Zone Markers
• The touchdown zone markings identify the touchdown
zone for landing operations and are coded to provide
distance information in 500 feet (150m) increments.
• These markings consist of groups of one, two, and three
rectangular bars symmetrically arranged in pairs about
the runway centerline.
• For runways having touchdown zone markings on both
ends, those pairs of markings which extend to within
900 feet (270 m) of the midpoint between the thresholds
are eliminated.
• Runway Side Stripe Marking
Runway side stripes delineate the edges of the runway. They
provide a visual contrast between runway and the abutting terrain
or shoulders. Side stripes consist of continuous white stripes
located on each side of the runway.
• Runway Shoulder Markings
Runway shoulder stripes may be used to supplement runway side
stripes to identify pavement areas contiguous to the runway sides
that are not intended for use by aircraft. Runway shoulder stripes
are yellow.
• 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. A threshold marking helps
identify the beginning of the runway that is available for landing.
Taxiway Markings
• Taxiway markings are standardized yellow lines
and symbols on airport taxiways that guide
aircraft and vehicles, ensuring safe movement and
preventing runway incursions.
1. Centerline Marking
2. Edge Markings
3. Taxiway Location Signs
4. Taxiway Direction Signs
1. Centerline Marking
• A continuous, solid yellow line indicates the center of the
taxiway, guiding pilots along the designated path.
• Enhanced centerline markings may be used at specific locations
like runway holding positions.
2. Edge Markings
• Continuous Edge Markings:
Double, solid yellow lines (each at least 6 inches wide, spaced
6 inches apart) define the edge of the taxiway, especially where
it transitions to a non-aircraft use area like a shoulder.
• Dashed Edge Markings:
Broken double yellow lines (same dimensions as continuous)
indicate the taxiway edge where the adjacent pavement is also
intended for aircraft use.
Holding Position Markings
• Holding position markings play a vital role in
keeping aircraft adequately separated at
intersections and other safety critical areas.
• There are five locations where holding position
markings may be found on airports.
Other markings
• Non-movement area boundary markings:
Solid yellow lines indicate the boundary of the
movement area (where aircraft operate).
• Surface painted holding position signs:
These signs are sometimes used in conjunction with
taxiway centerline markings to indicate holding
positions.
• ILS critical area markings:
These markings, found at ILS critical areas, consist
of two solid yellow lines and pairs of solid lines
extending across the taxiway.
AIRPORT SIGNS
