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.
Research Notes
AIM 2-3-1 introduces Airport Marking and Signs — the painted markings and signs that guide ground movement.
Marking categories:
- Runway markings: centerline, threshold, aiming points, touchdown zone, runway edges, displaced threshold
- Taxiway markings: centerline (yellow), edge markings, hold-short markings
- Apron markings: parking spots, lead-in lines, no-entry zones
Sign categories:
- Mandatory instruction (WHITE on RED): Hold-short, no-entry. Always require ATC clearance to pass.
- Location (YELLOW on BLACK): Identifies the taxiway you ARE on
- Direction (BLACK on YELLOW with arrow): Identifies taxiways you can turn onto
- Destination (BLACK on YELLOW): Identifies destinations (FBO, ramp, fuel)
Reference: AC 150/5340-1L (Standards for Airport Markings); AIM 2-3.