UA.V.B.K3: Runway markings and signage.

ACS Area V — Operations Task B: Airport Operations References: ACAdvisory CircularCloseFAA guidance that explains acceptable ways to comply with rules or understand FAA procedures. 107-2, 150/5200-32; AIMAeronautical Information ManualCloseFAA operational guidance and glossary material used to understand aviation procedures and terminology.; FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.-H-8083-25; FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.-G-8082-22

Key Concepts

Runway Markings: Identification and Purpose

Understanding runway markings is essential for safe airport operations, particularly for remote pilots operating in controlled areas or near airports. A standard set of painted markings provides visual guidance for takeoff, landing, and taxiing aircraft, reinforcing common procedures and minimizing confusion.

• Runway Centerline Marking: This consists of a line of evenly spaced white stripes and gaps, running along the length of the runway to help pilots align the aircraft during takeoff and landing operations^[1].
• Aiming Point Marking: Broad rectangular white stripes placed approximately 1,000 feet from the runway threshold mark the optimal touchdown zone for landing. These twin rectangles serve as a visual aim for landing aircraft^[1].
• Touchdown Zone Markings: These rectangular blocks, arranged symmetrically about the centerline, identify the touchdown zone and provide distance information in 500-foot increments. More bars appear for longer touchdown zones, and their presence assists pilots in gauging their landing distance^[1].
• Runway Side Stripe Marking: Continuous white stripes along both edges of the runway show the usable runway width and provide contrast with adjacent surfaces^[1].
• Shoulder Markings: Yellow stripes, sometimes added alongside the edge markings, indicate paved areas that are not intended for aircraft use—helping to prevent accidental taxiing or use of non-load-bearing surfaces^[1].
• Threshold Bar and Displaced Thresholds: A ten-foot-wide white threshold bar marks the actual beginning of the landing portion of the runway. If the threshold is displaced, it will be marked with white arrows on the centerline, and pilots should only land beyond this point. The area before a displaced threshold may be used for takeoff or rollout from the opposite direction^[7].
• Relocated Thresholds: When a threshold is temporarily relocated farther down a runway, the closed portion is not available for takeoff or landing but can be used for taxi. Yellow arrowheads precede the relocated threshold bar, indicating the closure^[7].

Holding Position Markings and Runway Safety

Maintaining proper clearance from runways and their surrounding safety zones is crucial for both manned and unmanned aircraft operations:

• Runway Holding Position Markings: Located where taxiways intersect runways, these markings consist of four yellow lines—two solid and two dashed. The solid lines are always on the side where a pilot (or vehicle) must stop to prevent an incursion. These markings are a mandatory stop point unless cleared by Air Traffic Control (ATCAir Traffic ControlCloseThe system that manages controlled airspace, traffic flow, and aircraft separation services.)^[3].
• Runway Safety Area (RSA): The RSARunway Safety AreaCloseProtected area around a runway intended to reduce risk if an aircraft leaves the runway. is a defined area surrounding the runway, prepared to reduce risk in the event of an overrun, undershoot, or aircraft excursion. Its lateral boundaries are often indicated by holding position signs and markings on adjacent taxiways^[7]. Remote pilots should be aware that operations near RSAs—and certainly never within them—require special attention to prevent runway incursions.
• Geographic Position Markings: Used along designated low-visibility taxi routes, these circular pavement markings assist with situational awareness in poor visibility conditions, ensuring all vehicles and aircraft can be identified by ground control^[3].

Runway Overrun Protection and Safety Systems

For additional safety, engineering measures are sometimes implemented beyond runway ends:

• Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS): When physical constraints prevent a full RSARunway Safety AreaCloseProtected area around a runway intended to reduce risk if an aircraft leaves the runway. (typically 500 feet wide and 1,000 feet beyond each runway end at most commercial airports), an EMASEngineered Materials Arresting SystemCloseCrushable runway safety material designed to help stop aircraft overruns. consisting of crushable concrete can be installed. This system is designed to stop or decelerate an overrunning aircraft safely, minimizing the likelihood of injury and damage^[8].
• Importance for Remote Pilots: While drones will not engage landing or takeoff from runways, understanding these safety systems and the areas they protect ensures pilots can interpret airport diagrams, signage, and communicate effectively with ATCAir Traffic ControlCloseThe system that manages controlled airspace, traffic flow, and aircraft separation services. if authorized operations near these areas occur.