Mastering Airport Taxiway Signs and Markings
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Non-Movement Areas at Towered Airports
- Taxiway Boundaries and ATC Clearances
- Taxiway Direction Signs
- Surface Markings on Taxiways
- Taxiway Location Signs
- Approaching and Intersecting Taxiways
- Holding Position Markings
- Signs and Markings at Runway Intersections
- Conclusion
Non-Movement Areas at Towered Airports
When parked at the FBO or ramp at a towered airport, you'll likely be located at what is called a non-movement area. By definition, this is an area not controlled by ATC and allows you to taxi around as you'd like without an ATC clearance. The boundary of this area is identified with two yellow lines, one solid and one dashed. The parking side or non-movement area is on the solid line side. To taxi beyond the boundary of the non-movement area, you must call ATC and receive a taxi clearance. We'll cover how to do this in the ATC Communications segment later in the course.
Taxiway Boundaries and ATC Clearances
When transitioning from the parking area to the first assigned taxiway, look for a taxiway Direction sign. This sign will feature a black letter on a yellow background, identifying the taxiway name and an arrow pointing in the direction to get to the taxiway. For example, a sign indicating "Taxiway Alpha" leads out of the parking area. The surface markings on a taxiway are yellow and include a solid stripe to identify the center line and double solid lines to identify the taxiway edges.
Taxiway Location Signs
Taxiway location signs indicate the taxiway on which you are located and include yellow text on a black background. For instance, a black sign with the yellow letter A indicates you are currently located on taxiway Alpha. When approaching and intersecting taxiways, you'll see a combination of both the location and direction signs. Once again, the black sign with the yellow letter A indicates you're on taxiway Alpha, while the yellow sign with a black letter B indicates the upcoming intersection with taxiway Bravo.
Signs and Markings at Runway Intersections
The most critical part of any airport as it relates to runway safety is the point where a taxiway intersects a runway. For this reason, you will find the highest number of signs and markings at this key position to alert you about what's up ahead. First, there will be a yellow hold short marking painted on the taxiway surface, consisting of four yellow lines (two solid and two dashed) with the solid lines located on the taxiway side. You must receive a clearance from ATC before crossing the solid lines to cross or enter the runway.
At many airports, you'll also find an enhanced center line leading up to the hold short line designed to get your attention that an active runway is up ahead. This consists of yellow dashes on either side of the normal taxiway center line for a maximum of 150 feet prior to a runway holding position marking. To the left of the hold short line will be a red runway holding position sign. When at the end of the runway, this sign will display just the one runway number that you're approaching. You may also see a supplemental painted version of the red runway hold short sign on the pavement directly in front of the hold short line, displaying the same runway number identification.
Conclusion
Navigating taxiways and runway intersections at towered airports requires understanding the various signs and markings in place. From non-movement areas to taxiway boundaries, location signs, and hold short markings, each element serves a crucial role in ensuring runway safety. By familiarizing yourself with these signs and markings, you can confidently navigate airport environments and communicate effectively with ATC.
Highlights:
- Non-movement areas at towered airports provide the freedom to taxi without an ATC clearance.
- Taxiway direction signs help pilots navigate from parking areas to assigned taxiways.
- Surface markings on taxiways ensure clear identification of the center line and taxiway edges.
- Taxiway location signs indicate the current taxiway and upcoming intersections.
- Hold short markings serve as important indicators when approaching and crossing runways.
- Enhanced center lines and runway holding position signs provide additional guidance at runway intersections.
FAQ:
Q: What is a non-movement area?
A: A non-movement area is an area at a towered airport that is not controlled by ATC, allowing pilots to taxi without an ATC clearance.
Q: How do taxiway location signs work?
A: Taxiway location signs feature yellow text on a black background and indicate the current taxiway on which the aircraft is located.
Q: What are hold short markings?
A: Hold short markings consist of four yellow lines (two solid and two dashed) on the taxiway surface, indicating the point where pilots must stop before crossing a runway.
Q: What do enhanced center lines signify?
A: Enhanced center lines on taxiways are yellow dashes on either side of the normal taxiway center line, indicating the proximity to an active runway.
Q: What is the purpose of a runway holding position sign?
A: A runway holding position sign, typically displayed in red, indicates the approach to the end of a runway and displays the runway number for identification.
