Markings, signs and ground signals

Visual ground information

A wind indicator, landing indicator and signal area have different jobs.

Indicators and signals

An aerodrome has wind-direction indicator(s) visible from aircraft in flight and on the movement area, free from local airflow disturbance as far as practicable. The windsock indicates surface wind direction and an approximate wind speed; it is not a calibrated replacement for an official report. A landing T indicates the landing/take-off direction along the shaft toward the crossbar.

A signalling lamp must produce the required red, green and white signals for aircraft/vehicles as applicable. A signal area, when provided, is a conspicuous area where standard ground signals are displayed. A red square with yellow diagonals prohibits landing; a single yellow diagonal calls for special precautions. A white dumbbell indicates use of runways/taxiways; the modified black-striped dumbbell has the specified runway-only take-off/landing meaning with other ground movement permitted as indicated.

Read the full message

A right-hand arrow indicates right-hand traffic circuits. A white cross indicates an unserviceable area as prescribed; a double white cross indicates glider flying in progress. Other standard signals, including ATC reporting and landing-direction indications, are defined in SERA Appendix 1. The same shape used as a runway closure marking must be read in its proper surface/colour context.

The viewer pairs original drawings with meanings and the pilot’s decision. It avoids teaching an isolated colour without its shape, location and operational context.

Runway, taxiway and holding markings

White generally identifies runway markings; yellow generally identifies taxiway guidance.

Recognise the surface

Runway designation numbers use the nearest ten degrees of magnetic bearing, with L/C/R suffixes for parallel runways. White markings include centreline, threshold stripes, touchdown-zone pairs and side stripes as applicable. Taxiway centrelines and holding-position markings are yellow. Stand markings guide parking, and apron safety lines identify protected clearances using the prescribed conspicuous colour distinct from the stand marking.

Pattern A runway holding marking has two solid and two dashed yellow lines: stop approaching from the solid side until authorised. Pattern B’s ladder-like marking protects the relevant precision approach critical/sensitive area. An intermediate holding marking is a single broken line. Mandatory instruction surface markings use white inscriptions on red; information surface markings use the prescribed yellow/black contrasting combinations.

Markers and non-paved surfaces

Markers must be low/frangible as appropriate near aircraft paths. Unpaved runway edges, stopway edges, taxiway edges/centres and aerodrome boundaries use the prescribed marker shapes and colours: taxiway edge markers are blue and taxiway centreline markers green; unpaved runway edge markers contrast with the background and identify the usable limit.

A marking supplements the clearance and signs; it does not override a lit stop bar or authorise an area not cleared for the flight. On an unfamiliar apron use the chart and follow-me/marshalling service when needed rather than inferring load-bearing pavement from its colour.

Mandatory, location and direction signs

A black-on-yellow arrow is not a clearance.

Colour and inscription

Mandatory instruction signs use white inscriptions on red; red in movement-area signs is reserved for mandatory instruction. They include runway designation, CAT I/II/III holding, runway holding and NO ENTRY signs. A Pattern A position is supplemented by the runway designation sign; a Pattern B position by the appropriate category holding sign.

Location signs use yellow inscription on black, with the prescribed border; direction/destination/information signs generally use black on yellow. A runway designation sign at a taxiway intersection identifies the runway concerned and is located at the holding position on the prescribed side(s). NO ENTRY signs identify an area that must not be entered. Category holding signs protect areas where an aircraft could infringe obstacle surfaces or navigation-aid critical/sensitive areas.

Visibility and roads

Signs must be illuminated where required for night or low-visibility operations and readable in the expected conditions. Stand identification signs identify the parking position and support the docking system; they do not assign a stand independently of apron instructions. Road holding signs give vehicles a mandatory stop/clearance requirement at access points, using the applicable local road system and placement.

Use inscription and location together: a sign saying A on black identifies the current taxiway; an arrow and A on yellow directs toward it. A red runway sign warns of a mandatory boundary. The interaction requires deciding whether to hold, identify location or follow a cleared direction.

Can you apply the rules?

Four original questions. Choose from the facts, then review the explanation.