Taxi/Run-way Signs, Markings and lights

Nick Kraynyk

Objective:
The student will be able to operate in the airport environment using signs and markings as
reference.
Elements/Schedule:
a. Identification and proper interpretation of airport/seaplane base, runway and taxiway signs
and markings with emphasis on runway incursion avoidance- 15 minutes.
b. Identification and proper interpretation of airport/seaplane base, runway and taxiway lighting with
emphasis on runway incursion avoidance- 10 minutes.
Total time= 25-30 minutes.
Equipment: PHAK, FAR/AIM, White board and markers,
Student Actions:
Take notes respond to any questions and ask questions when confused.
Instructor Actions:
The instructor should present all the info listed below and be able to explain the uses and colors
of different airport signs and markings.
Purpose:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Signs/Markings keep traffic organized.

Prevents getting lost.
Prevents runway incursion.
More important for complex airports.
You must comply with signs and lighting.

Signs and markings: PHAK Chap 13 (13-5).

1. Runway incursion, Stop signs/Traffic lights.
2. How to identify a runway
3. Displaced threshold take-off/taxi only.
4. Taxi-way- continuous yellow center line.
5. Holding lines- two dashed two solid yellow lines.
a. a. Do not crashed solid line without clearance.
6. Non-movement areas- singe solid, single dashed.
7. Vehicle Roadway lines.
6 important signs
8. Mandatory instruction signs- red background white inscription, entrance to runway or
prohibited area.
9. Location signs- black background yellow inscription, identify a your location, taxiway/runway.
10. Direction Sign- Yellow background black inscription, designation of taxiways in an
intersection.
11. Destination Signs- Yellow background black inscription, used to locate terminals, runways etc.
12. Information Signs- Yellow background black inscription, information in areas not visible to
control tower such as frequency changes, noise abatement etc.

13. Runway Distance Remaining- black background white numbers.

Lights:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Airport beacon- flashing white and green for civilian land airport.
VASI/PAPI.
Approach Light system.
How to activate lights.
Runway end identifier lights- flashing lights at end of runway.
Runway Center line lights- white until last 3,000ft of runway, slowly turn red at last
1,000ft.
7. Taxiway lights- Blue edge lights, may contain green center line lights.
8. Obstruction lights.
Questions:
What does a hold short line look like/What can I do at a hold short line?
How do you identify if you are on a taxiway or a runway?
What are some signs you will see on taxi at your airport?
What does the movement area line mean?
Completion Standards:
The student will be able to identify 4/6 airport signs and explain their uses. The student will also
will be able to operate an aircraft during taxi using signs and markings.
CFI PTS:
Exhibits instructional knowledge of the elements of airport/ seaplane base runway and taxiway
signs, markings, and lighting by describing: a. Identification and proper interpretation of
airport/seaplane base, runway and taxiway signs and markings with emphasis on runway incursion
avoidance. b. Identification and proper interpretation of airport/seaplane base, runway and taxiway
lighting with emphasis on runway incursion avoidance. FAA-S-8081-6D 52
2. Exhibits instructional knowledge of common errors related to airport/seaplane base, runway and
taxiway signs, markings, and lighting by describing: a. Failure to comply with airport/seaplane base,
runway and taxiway signs and markings. b. Failure to comply with airport/seaplane base, runway and
taxiway lighting. c. Failure to use proper runway incursion avoidance procedures.
3. Demonstrates and simultaneously explains airport/seaplane base, runway and taxiway signs,
markings, and lighting from an instructional standpoint.
4. Analyzes and corrects simulated common errors related to airport/seaplane base, runway and taxiway
signs, markings, and lighting
Commercial PTS:
1. Exhibits satisfactory knowledge of the elements related to airport/seaplane base, runway,
and taxiway operations with emphasis on runway incursion avoidance.
2. 2. Properly identifies and interprets airport/seaplane base, runway, and taxiway signs,
markings, and lighting, with emphasis on runway incursion avoidance.
Private PTS:
1. Exhibits satisfactory knowledge of the elements related to airport/seaplane base, runway,
and taxiway operations with emphasis on runway incursion avoidance.
2. 2. Properly identifies and interprets airport/seaplane base, runway, and taxiway signs,
markings, and lighting, with emphasis on runway incursion avoidance.