Edition 10—04/2016, 403004

RUNWAY SAFETY
FLASHCARDS
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Taxiway Direction Sign
(Collocated with Taxiway Location Sign)

In many cases, taxiway direction signs

are placed next to taxiway location signs.
The black sign tells you which taxiway
you’re on, while the yellow sign identifies
an upcoming taxiway.

Ref. AIM Para. 2-3-9/10

Multiple Taxiway Direction Signs
(Collocated with Taxiway Location Sign)

Usually located next to or in an array

with a taxiway location sign, these
yellow signs indicate the name and
direction of intersecting taxiways.

Ref. AIM Para. 2-3-9/10

Direction Sign for Runway Exit

Indicates a taxiway exit from a runway.

Located just prior to the intersection on the
same side of the runway as the taxiway exit.

Ref. AIM Para. 2-3-10

Different Taxi Routes to Multiple
Destinations

When a sign shows two or more

destinations that are reached by
different routes, the destinations are
separated by a vertical black bar, and
each has its own arrow. In many cases
the destinations are runways, but the
same type of sign can be used for
other destinations.

Ref. AIM Para. 2-3-11

Common Taxi Route to
Multiple Destinations

When a sign shows a common taxi

route to two or more destinations,
it includes an arrow and a “dot”
between the individual destinations.
In many cases the destinations are
runways, but the same type of sign
can be used for other destinations.

Ref. AIM Para. 2-3-11

Destination Sign

Indicates the direction of a taxi route

to a runway(s) or other location.

Ref. AIM Para. 2-3-11

Taxiway Location Sign

Indicates the taxiway on which the

aircraft is located. At larger airports,
some taxiways have alphanumeric
identifiers (e.g., A3, A4) and some have
double-same designators (e.g., AA, BB).

Ref. AIM Para. 2-3-9-a-1

Runway Holding Position Sign
at Takeoff End

Where a taxiway meets a runway at its

takeoff end, only that runway is identified
on the sign (i.e., the reciprocal runway
isn’t named). However, both runways
(e.g., 3-21) would be identified on the sign
whenever a taxiway crosses the runway at
the runway end.

Ref. AIM Para. 2-3-8-b-1-(a)

Runway Holding Position Sign (Collocated
with Taxiway Location Sign)

Located next to the yellow holding position

surface marking on taxiways for taxiway/
runway intersections. This sign is often
collocated with a taxiway location. In this
example, the threshold for Runway 21 is to the
left and the threshold for Runway 3 is to the
right. Aircraft may not move beyond this sign/
marking unless instructed by ATC at towered
airports, or by ensuring adequate separation
of aircraft at non-towered airports.

Ref. AIM Para. 2-3-8-b-2

Runway Approach Area Holding
Position Sign

Located next to the yellow holding

position surface markings. Taxiing past
this sign may interfere with arriving or
departing aircraft. Hold short of this
location when instructed by ATC.

Ref. AIM Para. 2-3-8-b-2; 4-3-18-a-8

Taxiway Holding Position at the
Intersection of Two Runways

At some airports, two runways intersect—

and then a taxiway intersects that
intersection. In these cases, there will
be two signs: each one including a set
of runway identifiers, and each one with
arrows that indicate the alignment of
the runways and the direction to their
respective thresholds.

Ref. AIM Para. 2-3-8-b-1-(b)

ILS Critical Area Holding Position Sign

Located next to the yellow surface-painted

ILS critical area marking. Aircraft taxiing
beyond this point may interfere with the
ILS signal. Hold short of this location when
instructed by ATC.

Ref. AIM Para. 2-3-8-b-3; 4-3-18-a-8

No Entry Sign

Prohibits an aircraft from entering an area,

such as a one-way taxiway or the intersection
of a road intended for vehicles.

Ref. AIM Para. 2-3-8-b-4

Runway Location Sign

Identifies the runway on which the

aircraft is located.

Ref. AIM Para. 2-3-9-a-2

Runway Distance Remaining Sign

Indicates the distance of runway remaining

in thousands of feet. In this example, 3,000
feet remain on the landing runway. These
are usually seen at larger airports.

Ref. AIM Para. 2-3-13

ALL WHITE MARKINGS
Runway Markings

Runway markings vary with the size and

type of runway, but they are always white.

Ref. AIM Para. 2-3-3

Displaced Threshold

A displaced threshold designates where the

runway’s landing area starts. White arrows along
the centerline of the runway indicate the portion
between the beginning of the runway and the
displaced threshold. This portion is available for
takeoffs in both directions and landings from
the opposite direction.

*Unless declared distances are in effect. Consult the FAA U.S.

Chart Supplements (formerly, Airport/Facility Directory (A/FD))
to confirm available landing distances in each direction.

Ref. AIM Para. 2-3-3-h-2

Chevron Markings

Indicate areas of pavement aligned with

the runway that are unusable for taxi,
takeoff, or landing. Chevrons cover blast
pads or stopways, which are constructed
to protect areas from erosion caused by
jet blast and to provide extra stopping
distance for aircraft (stopways).

Ref. AIM Para. 2-3-3-i-1

Holding Position Marking for ILS

Typically collocated with the red and

white ILS Critical Area Holding Position
sign, this surface marking indicates the
boundary of the ILS critical area. Aircraft
taxiing beyond this point may interfere
with the ILS signal. Hold short of this
location when instructed by ATC.

Ref. AIM Para. 2-3-5-b

Nonmovement Area Boundary Markings

These markings can be seen at towered

airports where hangar or apron areas are
located adjacent to a taxiway. The dashed
side indicates the movement area, which
is under ATC control, and the solid line
indicates the nonmovement area (e.g.,
FBO ramps and hangar areas), which is
not under ATC control.

Ref. AIM Para. 2-3-6-c

Runway Holding Position Markings
on Taxiways (Runway Perspective)

The dashed lines of the holding

position marking are always on the
runway side. Aircraft exiting the
runway are not considered “clear”
until they’re across the entire marking.
From the runway perspective, the
pavement markings are mirrored by a
runway boundary sign with the same
symbol as the pavement markings.

Ref. AIM Para. 2-3-5-a-1

Runway Holding Position Markings on
Taxiways (Taxiway Perspective)

A yellow surface-painted marking on a

taxiway, typically collocated with a red and
white runway holding position sign, indicates
that an aircraft or vehicle must stop at the
double solid lines until cleared to cross by
ATC. This marking may also be seen on a
runway, or with a taxiway approach hold sign,
in which case ATC will provide appropriate
hold short instructions.

Ref. AIM Para. 2-3-5-a-1

Taxiway Markings

Specific marking styles vary

somewhat, but taxiway markings
are always yellow.

Ref. AIM Para. 2-3-4

Enhanced Taxiway Centerline Markings
These markings indicate that the aircraft
is approaching a runway. Prior to a runway
holding position marking, the taxiway
centerline will be “enhanced” to include a
set of yellow dashed lines. Installed at more
than 500 airports throughout the U.S.,
these dashed yellow markings extend 150
feet from the runway holding position on
either side of taxiway centerlines.

Ref. AIM Para. 2-3-4-b-2

Surface Painted Holding Position Sign
A single surface-painted holding
position sign that is centered on the
taxiway centerline is used on taxiways
that are 35 feet wide or less, one or
two signs are used for taxiways wider
than 35 feet, and repetitive signs
(placed on both sides of the taxiway
centerline) are used only on taxiways
that are wider than 200 feet.

Ref. AIM Para. 2-3-5-3-d, AC 150/5340

ILS Critical Area Boundary Sign
Positioned in conjunction with the ILS
holding position markings, but seen only
when taxiing or driving away from the
runway. Aircraft or vehicles exiting the
runway are clear of the ILS critical area
when they move entirely beyond the
holding position marking.

Ref. AIM Para. 2-3-9-a-4

Runway Boundary Sign
This sign faces the runway and is
visible to pilots exiting the runway. It
is located next to the yellow holding
position markings painted on the
taxiway pavement. Taxi past this to
be sure you are clear of the runway.

Ref. AIM Para. 2-3-9-a-3

Closed Runway and Taxiway Marking
Indicates a closed runway or taxiway.

Ref. AIM Para. 2-3-6-d

Holding Position Markings for
Taxiway/Taxiway Intersections
Extending across the width of a
taxiway, this yellow dashed line
indicates where an aircraft should
stop if instructed to do so by ATC.
When the marking is not present,
stop the aircraft to provide adequate
clearance from an aircraft on the
intersecting taxiway.

Ref. AIM Para. 2-3-5-c

Runway Edge Lights
On runways without instrument approaches,
all of the edge lights are white. On instrument
runways, however, yellow replaces white on
the last 2,000 feet, or half the runway length,
whichever is less.

Ref. AIM Para. 2-1-4

Taxiway Edge Lights
Taxiway lights are blue to clearly distinguish
them from runway lights.

Ref. AIM Para. 2-1-11

Stop Bar Lights
Normally seen at larger airports, these
consist of red in-pavement lights across
the taxiway at the runway holding
position, along with elevated red lights
on either side. Never cross an illuminated
red stop bar, even when ATC has given a
clearance. When it’s safe to proceed, the
lights will be turned off.

Ref. AIM Para. 2-1-11-e

Clearance Bar Lights
At larger airports, three steady
yellow lights are sometimes installed
in the pavement at taxiway holding
positions (i.e., where taxiways
intersect other taxiways).

Ref. AIM Para. 2-1-11-c

Runway Guard Lights
Installed at taxiway/runway intersections
(usually at larger airports), these lights help
pilots identify intersections in low-visibility
conditions. They consist of a pair of elevated,
flashing yellow lights on either side of
the taxiway, though sometimes yellow in-
pavement lights are used. Pilots sometimes
refer to these as “wig-wag” lights.

Ref. AIM Para. 2-1-11-d

Runway Entrance Lights (REL)
These flush-mounted, in-pavement, unidirectional
red lights run parallel to the taxiway centerline and
are directed toward the pilot at the hold line. Stop
at the hold line when the lights are illuminated,
which means there is traffic on the runway or final
approach within the activation area.

Contact ATC if your clearance to proceed onto the

runway conflicts with the lights. If they become
illuminated when you’re already on the runway,
proceed according to your best judgment knowing
that the runway is unsafe to enter or cross. Contact
ATC at the earliest possible opportunity.

Ref. AIM Para. 2-1-6-b

Takeoff Hold Lights (THL)
These flush-mounted, in-pavement, unidirectional red lights are in a
double row aligned with either side of the runway centerline lighting,
and are directed toward the arrival end of the runway at the “line up
and wait" point where aircraft are in position for takeoff or rolling,
and extend for about 1,500 feet in front of the holding aircraft.

Illuminated lights provide a signal to aircraft in position that it’s

unsafe to takeoff because the runway is occupied or about to
be occupied by another aircraft or vehicle. For aircraft already on
the takeoff roll, it may be impractical to stop for safety reasons.
In this case proceed according to your best judgment while
knowing that the runway is unsafe. Contact ATC at the earliest
possible opportunity.

Extinguished lights are not a clearance to begin a takeoff roll. All

takeoff clearances will be issued by ATC.

Ref. AIM Para. 2-1-6-c

Runway Intersection Lights (RIL)
These flush-mounted, in­-pavement, unidirectional red lights are in a double row
aligned with either side of the runway centerline lighting—and similar to the
"Takeoff Hold Lights," they are directed toward the arrival end of the runway
at the "line up and wait" point where aircraft are in position for takeoff or
rolling. These lights, however, extend for 3,000 feet in front of an aircraft that is
approaching an intersecting runway. The lights end at the land-and-hold-short
operation (LAHSO) light bar or the hold short line for the intersecting runway.

The lights will illuminate when aircraft are departing, in position to depart, or
doing a landing rollout when there is high-speed traffic on the intersecting
runway. When the lights are illuminated, pilots departing or arriving should
stop before the LAHSO stop bar or the hold line for the intersecting runway.

For aircraft already on the takeoff roll, it may be impractical to stop for safety
reasons. In this case proceed according to your best judgment while knowing
that the runway is unsafe. Contact ATC at the earliest possible opportunity.

Ref. AIM Para. 2-1-6-d

Runway End Identifier Lights (REIL)
REILs are installed at many airports to
help provide positive identification of the
approach end of a particular runway. These
synchronized flashing lights are located on
each side of the runway threshold.

Ref. AIM Para. 2-1-3

Runway Centerline Lighting System (RCLS)
These lights are installed on some precision approach
runways to facilitate landing under low-visibility conditions.
They are located along the runway centerline at 50-foot
intervals. When viewed from the landing threshold, the
runway centerline lights are white until the last 3,000 feet
of the runway. The white lights begin to alternate with red
for the next 2,000 feet, and for the last 1,000 feet of the
runway, all centerline lights are red.

Ref. AIM Para. 2-1-5-a

Touchdown Zone Lights (TDZL)
These lights are installed on some precision
approach runways to indicate the touchdown zone
when landing in low-visibility conditions. They
consist of two rows of white light bars that are
aligned parallel to the runway centerline, and start
100 feet beyond the landing threshold and extend
to 3,000 feet beyond the landing threshold or to
the midpoint of the runway, whichever is less.

Ref. AIM Para. 2-1-5-b

Taxiway Centerline Lead-On Lights 
These bidirectional lead-on lights provide visual
guidance to aircraft entering the runway. They are
color-coded the same as lead-off lights to warn
pilots and vehicle drivers that they are within the
runway environment or instrument landing system
(ILS) critical area, whichever is more conservative.
One side of the light emits light for the lead-on
function while the other side emits light for the
lead-off function. Any fixture that emits yellow
light for the lead-off function must also emit
yellow light for the lead-on function. 

Ref. AIM Para. 2-1-5-d

Land and Hold Short Lights
These lights are used to indicate the
hold short point on certain runways that
are approved for Land and Hold Short
Operations (LAHSO). Land and hold short
lights consist of a row of pulsing white
lights installed across the runway at the
hold short point, and are collocated with
hold short markings and signage. Where
installed, the lights will be on anytime
LAHSO is in effect. These lights will be off
when LAHSO is not in effect.

Ref. AIM Para. 2-1-5-d

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OF THE RUNWAY SAFETY FLASHCARDS
Courtesy of the AOPA Air Safety Institute, and made possible by
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Protection Services

Technical editing courtesy of the FAA Runway Safety Group

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