A Guide to Runway Markings
For those on the ground, a runway might look like a simple stretch of pavement. But for pilots, that asphalt is a canvas painted with critical symbols that communicate vital information. These markings aren’t just lines — they form the visual language of safety and precision, ensuring smooth takeoffs and landings at airports worldwide.
Runway markings are standardized globally under ICAO Annex 14 and FAA Part 139, designed to provide uniformity and safety across all airports. While layouts may vary depending on airport category and type of operation, their meaning remains consistent.
Understanding runway markings is fundamental to aviation safety. Let’s break down the essential components of runway symbology.
📏 The Threshold
The Runway Threshold marks the start of the portion of the runway that is usable for landing.
- Threshold Markings: These are parallel white stripes, usually 10 to 16 feet long, painted perpendicular to the centerline. The number of stripes corresponds to runway width:
- 4 stripes → 60 ft wide
- 6 stripes → 75 ft wide
- 8 stripes → 100 ft wide
- 12 stripes → 150 ft wide
- 16 stripes → 200 ft wide
- Displaced Threshold Sometimes the actual landing point is moved further down the runway. This is indicated by 10-foot-wide white arrows pointing toward the usable landing area, often preceded by a white chevron pattern. The pavement before a displaced threshold can be used for taxiing and takeoff, but not for landing.
🔢 Runway Designation
The large numbers and letters painted at each runway end are known as Runway Designators.
- Numbers: Each runway is numbered based on its magnetic heading, rounded to the nearest 10 degrees, with the trailing zero dropped. Example: a runway aligned at 234° magnetic is designated “23.” The opposite end, 180° apart, would be “05.”
- Letters: When airports have parallel runways, a letter identifies each:
- L – Left
- C – Center
- R – Right
🎯 Aiming Point: The Touchdown Zone
About 1,000 feet from the threshold are two thick white rectangles known as the Aiming Point (or 1,000-foot markers).
They give pilots a visual target for touchdown. Landing within this zone ensures adequate remaining runway for deceleration and rollout — especially important for heavy aircraft and wet runway operations.
🧭 Centerline and Side Stripes
- Runway Centerline: The most critical navigational marking. It consists of 120-foot-long white stripes separated by 60-foot gaps, guiding pilots during takeoff and landing.
- Runway Side Stripes: Continuous white edge lines define the lateral limits of the runway surface, improving visibility in low-light or low-visibility conditions.
🛑 Holding Position Markings
Where a taxiway meets a runway, yellow holding position markings indicate where an aircraft must stop until cleared by Air Traffic Control (ATC).
These consist of two solid lines and two dashed lines across the taxiway. Aircraft must hold short on the side with the solid lines, and may only proceed when ATC gives clearance.
🧩 Conclusion
Runway markings are more than just paint — they are a universal code of safety, consistency, and precision. Each line, number, and stripe plays a vital role in guiding aircraft safely during the most critical phases of flight.
So next time you’re near a runway, you’ll know that every mark under the tires carries meaning written in the language of aviation.
📚 Sources
- ICAO Annex 14 – Aerodromes, Volume I
- FAA Advisory Circular 150/5340-1M – Standards for Airport Markings
- Skybrary Aviation Safety – Runway Markings Overview
Published by Aviation2Day – Your daily source for aviation insights and industry updates.
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