AIM Text
Information signs have a yellow background with a black inscription. They are used to provide the pilot with information on such things as areas that cannot be seen from the control tower, applicable radio frequencies, and noise abatement procedures. The airport operator determines the need, size, and location for these signs.
Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 2-3-12.
The short answer
This AIM section is FAA advisory guidance on information signs and the related runway distance remaining signs. Information signs have a yellow background with black inscription conveying items like radio frequencies and noise abatement. Runway distance remaining signs have a black background with white numerals showing thousands of feet of landing runway remaining.
Research Notes
Common Questions
What does a yellow sign with black lettering mean on an airport?
Per this AIM section, information signs have a yellow background with a black inscription. They provide pilots information on things such as areas that cannot be seen from the control tower, applicable radio frequencies, and noise abatement procedures. The airport operator determines need, size, and location.
What does the number on a runway distance remaining sign mean?
The AIM states runway distance remaining signs have a black background with a white numeral, indicating the distance in thousands of feet of landing runway remaining. So a “3” means 3,000 feet remaining. They may be installed along one or both sides of the runway.
Where is the last runway distance remaining sign located?
Per the AIM, the last sign—the one showing the numeral “1”—will be located at least 950 feet from the runway end. The numeral indicates 1,000 feet of landing runway remaining.