© Hal Stoen

June, 2002

Runways and Taxiways

Ok, a possible boring subject. But knowingwhat all of those painted lines, signs and various other markingson 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. Inthis tutorial we'll confine the discussion to the concrete andasphalt versions.

A Word (or more) About Sod

If you have never operated out of a sod/grassairport you should give it a try some day. There are some stinkersout there that are riddled with gullies and gopher holes, buta well maintained sod strip is a thing of beauty to operate on.Generally speaking, your landing distance will be about the sameas on the hard surfaced variety, with brake effectiveness similarunless you apply hard braking and skid. Be aware that your accelerate/stopdistance will be longer, and that wet grass, from morning dewor rain, will severly limit braking abilities.

When landing at a sod field that youare not familiar with, pay close attention to the condition ofthe field as you fly the pattern. If the surface wind is blowingthe grass in a wavy pattern it's a definate sign that the grassis perhaps too long for safe operation. Try to avoid hard brakingturns so that you don't damage the field. Most sod field operatorspride themselves on their distinctivness, and keep their airportsin 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). (Notethat 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 centerlineat the end of the runway.

Magnetic runway heading A whole number, to the nearest one-tenth ofMagnetic 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 youaim for. Meant as a visual cue, it is generally 1,000 feet fromthe threshold.

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

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

Displaced threshold

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

Chevrons

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

Closed runway

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

Distance to go markers

Usually found only at military facilities, but becoming increasinglypopular at civilian airports too. The number denotes the distanceremaining, in thousands of feet.

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

Runway designator signs

Show the runway that you are approaching. In this case, the departureend of runway 9 is to your left and the departure end of runway27 is to your right.

Runway holding position

As you approach the runway you will find this marking. You maynot cross this line on an active runway unless you have the permissionof the tower, or at an uncontrolled field until you verify thatthe runway is clear. If you are crossing a non-active runway inthe act of taxing to an active runway, you do not need authorizationto 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 aviationis simple. But this pretty well covers those that you are likelyto see.

This tutorial is available on aCD

This tutorial, along with additional content, is availableon a CD. Click here formore information.

Fly safely.

©Hal Stoen

June, 2002

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