Airport Signage and Its Importance for Pilots
Importance of Airport Signage
- Assists pilots in navigating unfamiliar airports
- Enhances safety by identifying crucial intersections and crossing runways
- Functions like roadway signs to prevent traffic conflicts
Types of Airport Signs
There are six main types of airport signs:
- Mandatory Instruction Signs
- Location Signs
- Direction Signs
- Destination Signs
- Information Signs
- Runway Distance Remaining Signs
1. Mandatory Instruction Signs
- Appearance: Red background with white text
- Function: Indicate runway entrances, critical areas, or restricted zones
- Prominent Uses:
- Runway holding position signs
- Indicating runway environment start
- Arranged numbers to indicate runway directions (e.g., 1533)
- Example:
- Runway 15 to the left, Runway 33 to the right
- Does not indicate turn direction to take off
- Additional Context:
- Signs may exist on intersecting runways
- Arrows used if intersection is not at 90 degrees
- Special Cases:
- ILS critical area (sign includes 'ILS')
- Prohibiting entry (for one-way traffic/taxiway distinction)
2. Location Signs
- Appearance: Black background with yellow text and border
- Function: Identify the current runway or taxiway
- Content: Runway or taxiway name
3. Direction Signs
- Appearance: Yellow background with black text and an arrow
- Placement: Just before intersections
- Function: Inform pilots of intersecting taxiway names
- Example:
- On taxiway Alpha: Taxiway Echo at 90 degrees left or right, Foxtrot at 45 degrees left, Tango at 45 degrees right
4. Destination Signs
- Similarity to Direction Signs: Same appearance
- Function: Guide pilots to specific locations (e.g., FBOs, terminals, customs)
5. Information Signs
- Appearance: Black text on yellow background
- Function: Provide info on radio frequencies, noise abatement
6. Runway Distance Remaining Signs
- Appearance: White text on black background
- Function: Indicate remaining runway distance in thousands of feet
- Example: Number 3 indicates 3,000 feet remaining
Conclusion
- Proper understanding and recognition of these signs are crucial for safe and efficient airport navigation by pilots.