PA.II.E.K3FAA-S-ACS-6C · Nov 2023Knowledge
Airport/seaplane base markings, signs, and lights.
Airport/seaplane base markings, signs, and lights.
Bottom line
Airport markings and signs provide directions and assist pilots in airport operations, and pilots need to know the meanings of the signs, markings, and lights used on airports as surface navigational aids. All airport markings are painted on the surface, whereas some signs are vertical and some are painted on the surface. Know and use all of the visual aids available at the airport, such as the signs, markings, and lighting, as well as ground and/or tower ATC, to follow the taxi route.
Key numbers
| Number | What it means |
|---|---|
| approximately 1,000 feet from the landing threshold | Aiming point |
| coded in 500 feet (150m) increments | Touchdown zone |
| white until the last 3,000 feet of the runway, viewed from the landing threshold | Centerline lights |
| single continuous yellow line, 6 inches (15 cm) to 12 inches (30 cm) in width | Taxiway centerline |
FAA references
- PHAK ch. 14 (p. 14-5) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
- AC 91-73, para. 7d — AC No: 91-73B
- AIM 2-3-3 (Runway Markings) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
- AFH Glossary (p. G-13) — FAA-H-8083-3C
- AIM 2-3-4 (Taxiway Markings) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
- SEA ch. 1 (p. 1-2) — FAA-H-8083-23
- AC 91-73, para. 7g — AC No: 91-73B
- PHAK ch. 14 (p. 14-12) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
- AC 91-73 Appendix 1 — AC No: 91-73B
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