AIM Text
- 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.
- Pilots who encounter ineffective, incorrect, or confusing markings or signs on an airport should make the operator of the airport aware of the problem. These situations may also be reported under the Aviation Safety Reporting Program as described in paragraph 7-7-1, Aviation Safety Reporting Program. Pilots may also report these situations to the FAA regional airports division.
- The markings and signs described in this section of the AIM reflect the current FAA recommended standards.
Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 2-3-1.
The short answer
This AIM section is FAA advisory guidance introducing airport pavement markings and signs, which provide information useful to pilots during takeoff, landing, and taxiing. It explains that uniformity across airports enhances safety, encourages pilots to work with airport operators toward the standards, and reflects current FAA recommended standards rather than regulation.
Research Notes
Common Questions
Are AIM airport markings and signs standards mandatory?
No. The markings and signs described in this section of the AIM reflect the current FAA recommended standards, which is advisory guidance. Pilots are encouraged to work with the operators of the airports they use to achieve the marking and sign standards described.
What should a pilot do about confusing or incorrect airport markings?
Pilots who encounter ineffective, incorrect, or confusing markings or signs should make the airport operator aware of the problem. These situations may also be reported under the Aviation Safety Reporting Program described in paragraph 7-7-1, or reported to the FAA regional airports division.
Why does the FAA want uniform airport markings and signs?
Uniformity in airport markings and signs from one airport to another enhances safety and improves efficiency. Because the information is useful during takeoff, landing, and taxiing, consistent standards help pilots interpret markings the same way at every airport they use.