AIM Text
- General. For the purpose of this section, the airport pavement markings have been grouped into four areas:
- Runway Markings.
- Taxiway Markings.
- Holding Position Markings.
- Other Markings.
- Marking Colors. Markings for runways are white. Markings defining the landing area on a heliport are also white except for hospital heliports which use a red “H” on a white cross. Markings for taxiways, areas not intended for use by aircraft (closed and hazardous areas), and holding positions (even if they are on a runway) are yellow.
Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 2-3-2.
The short answer
AIM 2-3-2 is FAA advisory guidance grouping airport pavement markings into runway, taxiway, holding position, and other markings, and defining marking colors: white for runways, yellow for taxiways, closed/hazardous areas, and holding positions. With 2-3-3 through 2-3-5 it details runway, taxiway, and holding markings, supporting compliant ground movement under 14 CFR 91.129.
Research Notes
Common Questions
Why are runway markings white and taxiway markings yellow?
Per AIM 2-3-2, markings for runways are white, while markings for taxiways, areas not intended for aircraft use (closed and hazardous areas), and holding positions are yellow — even if the holding position is on a runway. Heliport landing-area markings are also white, except hospital heliports which use a red “H” on a white cross.
How is a runway number determined?
AIM 2-3-3 states runway numbers and letters are determined from the approach direction. The runway number is the whole number nearest one-tenth the magnetic azimuth of the centerline, measured clockwise from magnetic north. Letters differentiate left (L), right (R), or center (C) parallel runways — “L” “R” for two parallels and “L” “C” “R” for three.
What is the difference between a relocated and a displaced threshold?
Per AIM 2-3-3, a displaced threshold is located at a point on the runway other than its designated beginning, reducing landing length; the area behind it is available for takeoffs in either direction and landings from the opposite direction, marked with a 10-foot white threshold bar, centerline arrows, and arrowheads. A relocated threshold is moved toward the rollout end for construction or maintenance and a NOTAM should identify the closed portion (for example, 10/28 W 900 CLSD).