Before you can understand airport signs, you need to know the different types of them. In this article, we’ll look at the most common signs, including those that show runway directions and exits, the Hold short sign, and the Mandatory instruction sign. You’ll also learn about the different types of informational signs, such as those that tell you when to refuel. So, what’s the best way to get the most out of airport signage?
Taxiway direction signs
Getting around the airport isn’t as hard as it looks if you know how to read the taxiway direction signs. The Airport Signs Canada are yellow with black letters and are used for a variety of purposes, including pointing you to the runway, FBO, or the RAMP. In some cases, they’re simply for informational purposes, like reminding you which runway to take, or letting you know where the pavement ends.
These signs are typically found at intersections of two or more different taxiways and identify the designation of the intersecting taxiway. If you’re unsure of which taxiway you’re on, look for arrows pointing to that direction. These signs will be on the left side of the intersection. If more than one taxiway intersects, the signs will be arranged clockwise, with each designation separated by a vertical black line.
Runway exit signs
When flying, learning how to read runway exit signs can help you avoid delays. While most airports feature these signs, others are a bit more confusing. To avoid confusion, try to learn how to interpret them as well as the signs at your destination airport. Read the following tips to learn how to read runway exit signs. There are several types of runway exit signs. Some are used on the approach end of the runway, while others are only used on the departure end.
Runway exit signs are always standalone signs and don’t combine with any other type of direction or location sign. Each sign displays a single designation of the runway and a corresponding directional arrow. Runway exit signs may also be separated from other signs at the airport, especially if there are cross-runways. Information signs, on the other hand, have yellow backgrounds and are primarily used to communicate information on noise abatement, radio frequencies, and other issues.
Hold short sign
Listed below are the steps on how to read Hold short airport signs. Hold short is a special marking on the ground that tells pilots that they must hold short on the runway after landing. The yellow sign has solid bars that pilots must follow. Pilots should hold short when they see dashed lines. They should then contact the controller immediately if they cannot accept the hold short clearance. You can also find hold short airport signs by following the directions above.
MLS stands for microwave landing system and has a wider critical area boundary than the ILS. A no entry sign means that the aircraft is not supposed to be in the area or has to turn around. No entry signs are often posted on single-direction taxiways, intersections of aircraft movement surfaces, and other areas. Pilots must heed these instructions and avoid flying into a hold-short zone. However, if they encounter an approach hold-short sign while landing, they should re-clear their clearance with the controller and land on the nearest taxiway.
Mandatory instruction signs
If you have ever flown in an airport, you probably know the importance of recognizing and reading the mandatory instruction signs. You should be able to identify the runway holding position signs, which are the most common of these. These signs are located at the intersection of a runway and a taxiway, or at the intersection of two runways. The sign depicts the designation of the intersecting runway, separated by a dash. The numbers on the sign indicate the direction to the threshold of the corresponding runway. The red background and white text of the sign will let you know if you are approaching a runway, a critical area, or a prohibited area.
If you’re flying through an airport, you might notice that many signs are labeled with colors that help you identify their purpose. For example, a mandatory instruction sign indicates an ILS critical area. An informational sign, on the other hand, tells pilots what to do or where to go once they’ve reached it. This means that you should hold the aircraft at the designated location, and verify that no conflicting air traffic is nearby before proceeding.