© Hal Stoen

June, 2002

Runways and Taxiways

Ok, a possible boring subject. But knowing what all of those painted lines, signs and various other markings on the airport's surface mean is important for safe aircraft operation. And, as the graphics on flight simulators continue to improve, more and more detail on the airport surface is being displayed.

Surface

There are a variety of runway surfaces: dirt, gravel, sod, concrete, asphalt and water among them. In this tutorial we'll confine the discussion to the concrete and asphalt versions.

A Word (or more) About Sod

If you have never operated out of a sod/grass airport you should give it a try some day. There are some stinkers out there that are riddled with gullies and gopher holes, but a well maintained sod strip is a thing of beauty to operate on. Generally speaking, your landing distance will be about the same as on the hard surfaced variety, with brake effectiveness similar unless you apply hard braking and skid. Be aware that your accelerate/stop distance will be longer, and that wet grass, from morning dew or rain, will severly limit braking abilities.

When landing at a sod field that you are not familiar with, pay close attention to the condition of the field as you fly the pattern. If the surface wind is blowing the grass in a wavy pattern it's a definate sign that the grass is perhaps too long for safe operation. Try to avoid hard braking turns so that you don't damage the field. Most sod field operators pride themselves on their distinctivness, and keep their airports in excellent condition.

The Hard Stuff

Basically, there are two types of runways: Visual, and Instrument. It makes no never mind to your airplane, but it does to the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration). (Note that these, and other markings, are recommend by the FAA. Variations can, and do, appear at some fields.)

This is how a "Visual runway" is marked:

This is how a "Instrument runway" is marked:

Threshold markings Four stripes on either side of the centerline at the end of the runway.

Magnetic runway heading A whole number, to the nearest one-tenth of Magnetic North. Additional parallel runways are labeled "L" (left). "R" (right), and "C" (center).

Landing aiming point Yep, you guessed it- this is the spot that you aim for. Meant as a visual cue, it is generally 1,000 feet from the threshold.

Side stripes (Not shown) These are white stripes running along each side of the runway.

Touchdown zone markers Meant to help define the touchdown zone, they show distance information in 500 foot increments. (The above drawing is illustrative only, and not to scale.)

Displaced threshold

This is used when the landing threshold is other than the end of the runway. Usually it is because of obstructions in the approach path, however it may also be there to increase the height of landing aircraft over noise sensitive areas, among other reasons. The area between the end of the runway and the Displaced Threshold may be used for landing rollouts from the opposite direction, and for takeoff operations.

Chevrons

Chevrons are used on pavement areas that are alligned with the runway, but the surface is unuseable for aircraft operations- don't go there.

Closed runway

The yellow "X" denotes that the runway is closed to all operations: landing, takeoff and taxing. Be advised that this symbol is usually only used for long-term situations, and that runways may be closed to activity without an "X" being displayed. Always check NOTAMs. (NOtices To AirMen.)

Distance to go markers

Usually found only at military facilities, but becoming increasingly popular at civilian airports too. The number denotes the distance remaining, in thousands of feet.

In this case, there is 5,000 feet of remaining runway. The last sign ("1"- one thousand feet to go), will be no less than 950 feet from the end of the runway.

Runway designator signs

Show the runway that you are approaching. In this case, the departure end of runway 9 is to your left and the departure end of runway 27 is to your right.

Runway holding position

As you approach the runway you will find this marking. You may not cross this line on an active runway unless you have the permission of the tower, or at an uncontrolled field until you verify that the runway is clear. If you are crossing a non-active runway in the act of taxing to an active runway, you do not need authorization to proceed through this marking- it only applies to active runways.

Helicopter landing areas

Designated civilian helicopter landing area.

Designated hospital helicopter landing area.

And lastlly

There are more markings, nothing in aviation is simple. But this pretty well covers those that you are likely to see.

This tutorial is available on a CD

This tutorial, along with additional content, is available on a CD. Click here for more information.

Fly safely.

©Hal Stoen

June, 2002

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