Airport Markings and Lighting Dr. A. A. Trani Associate Professor of Civil Engineering Associate Director of NEXTOR Virginia Tech Blacksburg, VA April 21, 1998 NEXTOR - National Center of Excellence for Aviation Operations Research 1 of 19
Outline of this Presentation A human factors problem How important are markings Why standardized markings Various marking schemes Lights Approach light types Signage NEXTOR - National Center of Excellence for Aviation Operations Research 2 of 19
A Human Factors Problem Cockpit visibility is an issue during approach and landing operations Aircraft usually fly a 3 degree approach slope but the actual fuselage deck angle might be 7-10 degrees with the horizontal Visibility Cone Flight Path Aircraft Runway NEXTOR - National Center of Excellence for Aviation Operations Research 3 of 19
Aircraft Approach Attitude Consider the aircraft attitude during the landing roll on why markings are important B727-200 Flare Touchdown Markings NEXTOR - National Center of Excellence for Aviation Operations Research 4 of 19
Taxiway Markings Taxiway markings provide guidance during good and bad weather conditions (note the yellow markings) Cessna 650 Holding Line Marks Taxiway Centerline Markings NEXTOR - National Center of Excellence for Aviation Operations Research 5 of 19
Runway Markings (FAA) There are three basic runway marking arrangements NEXTOR - National Center of Excellence for Aviation Operations Research 6 of 19
Runway Markings Threshold Marks Runway Identification Number Touchdown Marks (1000 ft.) Runway Edge Marks Runway Centerline Marks Runway Turnoff Runway Shoulder NEXTOR - National Center of Excellence for Aviation Operations Research 7 of 19
Runway Threshold Markings Runway CL Marks 150 ft Runway Number Threshold Markers NEXTOR - National Center of Excellence for Aviation Operations Research 8 of 19
More Runway/HS Exit Markings Precision runways require 5 types of markings (centerline, edge, touchdown, runway ID, and threshold) Runway CL Marks CL Taxiway NEXTOR - National Center of Excellence for Aviation Operations Research 9 of 19
HS Exit Markings HS exits deserve special attention because they are seldom used at the design speed by pilots REDIM 3520 Geometry 35 m/s Design Exit Speed 20 Degree Exit Angle NEXTOR - National Center of Excellence for Aviation Operations Research 10 of 19
Typical Approach Lights The approach lights provide roll guidance during landing (very important during low visibility operations) 2000 ft 3000 ft NEXTOR - National Center of Excellence for Aviation Operations Research 11 of 19
Sample View from the Cockpit Another sample of precision approach lights as viewed from 1000 ft (note the color of these lights) HS Exits Touchdown Lights Runway End Identififier Lights (REIL) NEXTOR - National Center of Excellence for Aviation Operations Research 12 of 19
Detail of High Speed Exit Lights HS exit lights are shown in more detail in this figure HS Exit Lights Touchdown Lights REIL NEXTOR - National Center of Excellence for Aviation Operations Research 13 of 19
Placement of Runway Touchdown Lights Runway lights are flushed on runways to avoid damage to the aircraft landing gear Mounting Support 26 inches 17 inch PCC Runway NEXTOR - National Center of Excellence for Aviation Operations Research 14 of 19
Runway Light Fixtures (RLF) RLF are frangible structures located near the runway or taxiway shoulders Shoulder Light Fixture NEXTOR - National Center of Excellence for Aviation Operations Research 15 of 19
Apron Lights Apron areas need to be properly lighted to help pilots guide aircraft under adverse weather conditions UPS Boeing 747 PW JT9D-7R Engine NEXTOR - National Center of Excellence for Aviation Operations Research 16 of 19
Apron Lights (Deicing Crane) Deicing sections near runways or aprons have to be properly lighted to avoid ground collisions Adjustable Deicing Crane at UPS Facility 245 ft NEXTOR - National Center of Excellence for Aviation Operations Research 17 of 19
Airport Signs Airport signs are very important to provide guidance on runways, taxiways and apron areas 36 inches NEXTOR - National Center of Excellence for Aviation Operations Research 18 of 19
Runway Length Markers Remaining runway markers are very critical to pilots during takeoff roll manuevers In this case the remaining runway is 6,000 ft long NEXTOR - National Center of Excellence for Aviation Operations Research 19 of 19