ICAO Standards Airfield Information Signs ICAO Annex 14, 4th Edition Aerodrome Design and Operations Federal Aviation Administration U.S. Department of Transportation February 2004
ICAO Standards This PowerPoint presentation reviews ICAO Annex 14 standards for airfield information signs. This presentation is a companion part to ICAO Standards for Holding Position Markings and Mandatory Instruction Signs.
ICAO Standards The Topics addressed in this PowerPoint presentation include: Information Signs Information Marking Related FAA Standards Taxiway Designation System Sign Plans This presentation can be printed and used as a reference on ICAO standards.
ICAO Standards Sample The ICAO standards are in orange text blocks. ICAO 3.12.3 A runway-holding position shall be established on a taxiway if the location or alignment of the taxiway is such that a taxiing aircraft or vehicle can infringe an obstacle limitation surface or interfere with the operation of radio navigation aids. Sample Additional comments are in yellow text blocks. The FAA requires that all runway-holding position markings be double size to increase conspicuity of the runway-holding position.
Table 1.1. Airport Reference Code International airports will generally be Code number 3 or 4. Students need to be aware of the Aerodrome Reference Code. ICAO standards reference the code number for slightly different requirements based on the length of the runway.
Information Signs ICAO 5.4.3.1 An information sign shall be provided where there is an operational need to identify by a sign, a specific location, or routing (direction or destination) information. Figure 5-29 Note. See Figure 5-29 for pictorial representations of information signs.
Information Signs ICAO 5.4.3.2 Information signs shall include: direction signs, location signs, destination signs, runway exit signs, runway vacated signs and intersection take-off signs. 32L A B1 APRON Direction sign Location sign Destination signs B Runway exit sign Runway vacated sign 2550 m Intersection Take-off sign ICAO 5.4.3.25 An information sign other than a location sign shall consist of an inscription in black on a yellow background.
Direction Signs Information Signs Direction signs identify the taxiway(s) you are approaching at the next intersection. A B1 B6 C1 A A A Location sign is normally collocated with direction signs ICAO 5.4.3.7 A combined location and direction sign shall be provided when it is intended to indicate routing information prior to a taxiway intersection. ICAO 5.4.3.31 The inscription on a direction sign shall comprise an alpha or alphanumerical message identifying the taxiway(s) plus an arrow or arrows appropriately oriented as shown in Figure 5-29.
Direction Signs Information Signs B G A4 B ICAO 5.4.3.34 Where a location sign and direction sign are used in combination: a) all direction signs related to left turns shall be placed on the left side of the location sign and all direction signs related to right turns shall be placed on the right side of the location sign, except that where the junction consists of one intersecting taxiway, the location sign may alternatively be placed on the left hand side; G B Example of sign where the junction consists of one intersecting taxiway and the location sign is placed on the left side
Direction Signs Information Signs B G A4 B ICAO 5.4.3.34 Where a location sign and direction sign are used in combination: d) adjacent direction signs shall be delineated by a vertical black line as shown in Figure 5-29.
Direction Signs Information Signs ICAO 5.4.3.14 Except as specified in 5.4.3.16 (runway exit sign) and 5.4.3.24 (barricade at T intersection) information signs shall, whenever practical, be located on the left-hand side of the taxiway in accordance with Table 5-4.
Taxiway Bravo G B Taxiway Golf Example of taxiway direction sign installed on the left side prior to the intersection for a T intersection.
ICAO 5.4.3.24 Recommendation. - A direction sign, barricade and/or other appropriate visual aid used to identify a T intersection should be located on the opposite side of the intersection facing the taxiway. B Taxiway Bravo G Taxiway Golf Alternate location for a taxiway direction sign when used as a barricade at a T intersection.
FAA Standard Taxiway Ending Marker The FAA has a standard for a taxiway ending marker that can be used as a barricade at a T intersection.
FAA Standard Taxiway Ending Marker Taxiway ending markers in the U.S. can be retroreflective panels.
B G A4 B Example of taxiway direction signs installed on the left side prior to the intersection. ICAO 5.4.3.15 At a taxiway intersection, information signs shall be located prior to the intersection and in line with the taxiway intersection marking. Where there is no taxiway intersection marking, the signs shall be installed at least 60 m from the centre line of the intersecting taxiway where the code number is 3 or 4 (more than 1200 m runway) and at least 40 m where the code number is 1 or 2.
Direction Signs Information Signs Example of taxiway direction signs with a location sign.
This is the location of the sign. The direction sign B2 is not included on this sign because Taxiway B2 is primarily an exit off the runway. From Taxiway Kilo, aircraft do not normally make a right turn on Taxiway B2, so the sign is omitted.
Location Signs Information Signs Location signs identify the taxiway or runway you are located on. A B1 B6 A1 C1 A A 33L A location sign does not have a yellow border when collocated with other signs. A1 13 A stand-alone location sign has a yellow border. ICAO 5.4.3.26 A location sign shall consist of an inscription in yellow on a black background and where it is a stand-alone sign shall have a yellow border.
Location Signs Information Signs ICAO 5.4.3.32 The inscription on a location sign shall comprise the designation of the location taxiway, runway or other pavement the aircraft is on or is entering and shall not contain arrows.
Location Signs Information Signs Example of stand-alone taxiway location signs with a yellow border.
Location Signs Information Signs A yellow border makes a location sign more visible at night when it is a stand-alone location sign.
FAA Standard Location Signs FAA standards require a yellow border on all location signs.
Location Signs Information Signs Example of a location sign in combination with direction signs. Note that for ICAO signs, a yellow border is not used on the location sign when collocated with other signs.
Location Signs Information Signs ICAO 5.4.3.10 A location sign shall be provided in conjunction with a runway designation sign, except at a runway/runway intersection. Location Sign Location Sign B1 15R - 33L 15R - 33L B1 ICAO 5.4.3.21 A taxiway location sign installed in conjunction with a runway designation sign shall be positioned outboard of the runway designation sign.
Location Signs Information Signs Example of a runway location sign.
Location Signs Information Signs A runway location sign is typically used where two runways originate from the same location to reduce the potential for a pilot to take-off on the wrong runway. Otherwise, they are not normally used in the U.S.
Location Signs Information Signs G B G Location signs on the far side of an intersection can be installed on the back of another sign. G B ICAO 5.4.3.15. Note. A location sign installed beyond a taxiway intersection may be installed on either side of a taxiway.
B Taxiway Bravo G B Taxiway Golf B G G Apron ICAO 5.4.3.12 Recommendation. Where necessary, a location sign should be provided to identify taxiways exiting an apron or taxiways beyond an intersection.
Runway Exit Signs Information Signs B B ICAO 5.4.3.3 - A runway exit sign shall be provided where there is an operational need to identify a runway exit. ICAO 5.4.3.27 - The inscription on a runway exit sign shall consist of the designator of the exit taxiway and an arrow indicating the direction to follow.
Runway Exit Signs Information Signs B Taxiway B Taxiway B 60 m B B ICAO 5.4.3.16 - A runway exit sign shall be located on the same side of the runway as the exit is located (i.e. left or right) and positioned in accordance with Table 5-4. ICAO 5.4.3.17 - A runway exit sign shall be located prior to the runway exit point in line with a position at least 60 m prior to the point of tangency where the code number is 3 or 4, and at least 30 m where the code number is 1 or 2.
Destination Signs Information Signs ICAO 5.4.3.6 Recommendation. Where necessary, a destination sign should be provided to indicate the direction to a specific destination on the aerodrome, such as cargo areas, general aviation, etc. APRON CARGO 33 ICAO 5.4.3.30 The inscription on a destination sign shall comprise an alpha, alphanumerical or numerical message identifying the destination plus an arrow indicating the direction to proceed as shown in Figure 5-29.
Destination Signs Information Signs ICAO 5.4.3.22 Recommendation. A destination sign should not normally be collocated with a location or direction sign.
Destination Signs Information Signs Collocating destination signs with other signs can result in very long signs such as this sign. This sign has too much information for pilots to discern as they are taxiing by.
Destination Signs Information Signs When several runways are included on the destination sign, a vertical black line is used to separate the destinations when two or more arrows are used. When multiple runways are located in the same direction, dots are used between the runway designations. (Not addressed by ICAO)
Destination Signs Information Signs When destination signs are installed near direction signs, the location of the taxiway direction sign has first priority. Destination signs are usually located prior to the taxiway direction sign but not so close as to block or obstruct the taxiway direction sign.
Destination Signs Information Signs P G9 E4 G10 11 m MIL CIVIL 21 m The destination sign can also be installed at the maximum distance from the edge of the taxiway listed in Annex 14, Table 5-4, to farther reduce the potential to block or obstruct the direction signs.
Information Signs Intersection Take-off Signs ICAO 5.4.3.5 Recommendation An intersection take-off sign should be provided when there is an operational need to indicate the remaining take-off run available (TORA) for intersection take-offs. 2550 m 2550 m
Information Signs Intersection Take-off Signs ICAO 5.4.3.29 The inscription on an intersection take-off sign shall consist of a numerical message indicating the remaining take-off run available in metres plus an arrow, appropriately located and oriented, indicating the direction of the take-off as shown in Figure 5-29.
Example of the use of Intersection Take-off Sign on Rapid Exit Taxiway B2 at Incheon International Airport, Republic of Korea. Intersection take-offs are conducted on Runway 33L from Taxiway B2.
The intersection take-off sign is installed separately at not less than 60 m from the runway centre line. This sign can also be placed more than 60 m from runway centre line if necessary to clear obstacles such as drains. This criteria will place the intersection take-off sign ahead of the runway designation sign. 60 m ICAO 5.4.3.20 An intersection take-off sign shall be located at the left-hand side of the entry taxiway. The distance between the sign and the center line of the runway shall not be less than 60 m where the code number is 3 or 4 and not less than 45 m where the code is 1 or 2.
Intersection Take-off Signs Distance to runway centerline is not less than 60 m. 2550 m Distance to runway centerline in accordance with Table 3.2 B2 15R-33L 15R-33L B2 Location of intersection take-off sign in relation to runway-holding position on a rapid exit taxiway.
FAA Standards Intersection Take-off Signs The FAA does not have any standards for intersection takeoff signs and they are not used at U.S. airports.
Runway Vacated Signs Information Signs ICAO 5.4.3.4 A runway vacated sign shall be provided where the exit taxiway is not provided with taxiway centre line lights and there is a need to indicate to a pilot leaving a runway, the perimeter of the ILS/MLS critical/sensitive area or the lower edge of the inner transitional surface, whichever is farther from the runway centre line.
Runway Vacated Signs Information Signs ICAO 5.4.3.18 A runway vacated sign shall be located at least on one side of the taxiway. The distance between the sign and the centre line of the runway shall be not less than the greater of the following: a) the distance between the centre line of the runway and the perimeter of the ILS/MLS critical/sensitive area; or b) the distance between the centre line of the runway and the lower edge of the inner transitional surface.
Runway Vacated Signs Information Signs ICAO 5.4.3.28 The inscription on a runway vacated sign shall depict the pattern A runway-holding position marking as shown in Figure 5-29.
C1 32R - 14L 32R - 14L C1 ICAO 5.4.3.19 Where provided in conjunction with a runway vacated sign, the taxiway location sign shall be positioned outboard of the runway vacated sign.
FAA Standards Boundary Signs In the U.S., boundary signs (runway vacated signs) are installed on the back of the runway designation signs or ILS critical area signs. The boundary signs are only installed at airports with an ATCT at locations where air traffic controllers routinely instruct pilots to report clear of the runway. The boundary signs provide an additional visual aid to pilots when the runway-holding position marking may be obscured by snow.
FAA Standards Boundary Signs In the U.S., the inscription on boundary signs for an ILS critical area depicts the pattern B holding position marking. The ILS boundary signs in the U.S. are installed on the back of the ILS critical area holding position sign.
FAA Standards Runway Distance Remaining Signs FAA sign standards also include Runway Distance Remaining signs. These signs are installed along one or both sides of the runway at 1000 foot (305 m) distances to show pilots the distance remaining to the end of the runway. The sign above indicates that 2000 feet (610 m) of runway is remaining.
FAA Standards Information Signs FAA sign standards include information signs for general information to pilots. Signs for special noise abatement procedures are typical information signs. Noise abatement signs are installed near the takeoff end of the runway for which they apply.
FAA Standards Information Signs VOR check signs are considered information signs in the U.S.
Information Marking ICAO 5.2.17.1 Where an information sign would normally be installed and it is physically impossible to install a sign, an information marking shall be displayed on the surface of the pavement. ICAO 5.2.17.2 Recommendation. Where operationally required an information sign should be supplemented by an information marking. A location where an information marking would be operationally required, would be an intersection where there is a history of pilot confusion and an information marking would help identify an assigned taxi route. ICAO 5.2.17.3 Recommendation. An information (location/direction) marking should be displayed prior to and following complex taxiway intersections and where operational experience has indicated the addition of a taxiway location marking could assist flight crew ground navigation.
Information Marking ICAO 5.2.17.4 Recommendation. An information (location) marking should be displayed on the pavement surface at regular intervals along taxiways of great length. ICAO 5.2.17.5 Recommendation. The information marking should be displayed across the surface of the taxiway or apron where necessary and positioned so as to be legible from the cockpit of an approaching aircraft.
Information Marking ICAO 5.2.17.6 An information marking shall consist of: a) an inscription in yellow, when it replaces or supplements a location sign; and b) an inscription in black, when it replaces or supplements direction or destination sign. ICAO 5.2.17.7 Where there is insufficient contrast between the marking and the pavement surface, the marking shall include: a) a black background where the inscriptions are yellow; and b) a yellow background where the inscriptions are in black. ICAO 5.2.17.8 Recommendation. The character height should be 4 m. The inscriptions should be in the form and proportions shown in Appendix 3.
Information Marking The characters shown in Appendix 3 are elongated for viewing from the pilots perspective in the cockpit.
Information Marking FAA AC 150/5340-1H Chg 2, Figure 13. FAA standards refer to information markings as surface painted direction and location signs.
Information Marking This is an example of where an information marking would installed in accordance with ICAO 5.2.17.1, because it is physically impossible to install a sign due to the large area of pavement. A A
Information Marking This is a photo of the information direction markings for Taxiway Alpha at the location shown on the previous slide. FAA Non-movement Area Boundary Marking
Information Marking This is an example of a location where an information marking would be operationally required by ICAO 5.2.17.2, because there is a history of pilots missing the right turn to the takeoff end of Runway 14R. The taxiway straight ahead is a dead-end at a postal apron.
Information Marking This is an example of a location where information direction markings would be operationally required by ICAO 5.2.17.2 to supplement information signs, because there is a history of pilot confusion at this intersection.
Information Marking Example of an information location marking to inform pilots that they are on Taxiway Alpha.
Review of Information Signs
What type of sign is this? Answer: Direction Sign for Taxiway Charlie Direction signs identify the taxiway(s) you are approaching at the next intersection.
What type of sign is this? Answer: Taxiway location sign for Taxiway Charlie Location signs identify the taxiway or runway you are located on or are about to enter.
Remember that direction signs and a location sign are normally used in combination.
What type of sign is this? Answer: Outbound destination sign. Outbound destination signs identify the direction to the takeoff end of runways.
Is this sign Correct? Answer: No. A double arrow direction sign can only be used when the intersecting taxiway is straight. A E When the intersecting taxiway changes direction at the intersection, separate sign panels with a single arrow are used.
A E Not Correct A E Correct A E Correct A E Correct
Not Correct A E Correct arrangement of sign panels
Taxiway Bravo A B B G G B B Answer: Either sign can be used at this intersection. Taxiway Golf Which sign is appropriate for this intersection? A or B?
Are the sign panels arranged correctly on this sign? Answer: No. The E panel should be between the A and D panels.
Correct arrangement of sign panels. D A D E Sign panels are arranged in a clockwise manner around the location sign with left turn arrows on the left side of the location sign and straight & right turn arrows on the right side of the location sign.
Is this sign correct? Answer: Yes
Is this sign correct? Answer: No
This is the way the sign panels on this sign should be arranged in accordance with ICAO standards in 5.4.3.34. B A5 B1 B ICAO 5.4.3.34 Where a location sign and direction sign are used in combination: a) all direction signs related to left turns shall be placed on the left side of the location sign and all direction signs related to right turns shall be placed on the right side of the location sign, except that where the junction consists of one intersecting taxiway, the location sign may alternatively be placed on the left hand side; A6 B
Is this the correct arrangement for a runway exit sign? Answer: No Taxiway B Taxiway B 60 m B
Runway exit signs only have one arrow. B Taxiway B Taxiway B 60 m B B ICAO 5.4.3.16 - A runway exit sign shall be located on the same side of the runway as the exit is located (i.e. left or right) and positioned in accordance with Table 5-4.
Which of these signs are correct? Answer: None of these signs are correct. ICAO 5.4.3.22 Recommendation. A destination sign should not normally be collocated with a location or direction sign.
ICAO 5.4.3.22 is a recommendation. The Taxiway Charlie location sign collocated with the Runway 12 destination sign in this situation would not cause pilot confusion and could be considered acceptable. ICAO 5.4.3.22 Recommendation. A destination sign should not normally be collocated with a location or direction sign.
This sign with inbound destination signs collocated with several information signs has too much information for pilots to decipher as they are taxiing by. This sign arrangement could cause pilot confusion and should not be acceptable.
Is this taxiway direction sign correct? Answer: No. A vertical black line is missing at two locations on the sign. In addition, the black joint piece can appear like a vertical black line at night and should be replaced with a yellow joint piece.
Is this taxiway direction sign correct? Answer: No. It is not known if the next right turn is P6 or N1.
P6 N1 This is the location of the P6 N1 sign. The sign is on the right side because the D3 intersection on the left does not allow a P6 sign to be installed on the left side.
N1 P6 This would be the correct arrangement of signs for the P6 and N1 taxiways.
N1 N1 Information Marking P6 If pilots have problems observing the N1 sign on the left because of the width of Taxiway P6, an information marking can be painted on Taxiway P6 to supplement the sign.
Which of these signs are correct? Answer: None of these signs are correct.
S D A A B D A D E P4 P
Is there a problem with these signs? Answer: Replacement sign panels did not match the color of the old panels which were faded. When a sign panel is replaced, the entire sign panel should be replaced. Otherwise, the different shades of color can appear to separate a message element.
Identify the problem with these signs?? F1 A
Is there a problem with this sign? Answer: Yes. The 14 and the L portions of this Runway 14L destination sign are too far apart. The L of this sign appears to be on a separate sign panel and could cause a pilot to think that Taxiway Lima is straight ahead. A black joint piece between the two panels also gives the appearance that there are two separate sign panels.
Corrected Sign
The legends on this sign are too close, which makes it more difficult for pilots to read and decipher the message element from a distance. ICAO Annex 14, Appendix 4, Table A41 specifies a space between characters of 57 mm for a 300 mm letter height and 76 mm spacing for a 400 mm letter height.
Sign Plans Sign Plans are necessary at airports to determine a sign system needed to identify the taxi routes on the airport.
Sign Plans To develop a Sign Plan, a committee needs to be organized which includes at least the following representatives: a) Air Traffic Control Tower b) Airport Operations c) Airport Maintenance d) Airport Engineering or Airport Consultant e) The National Civil Aviation Authority f) Local pilots if available A Draft Sign Plan should be developed first before the initial Sign Committee meeting.
Sign Plans The first step in formulating a Sign Plan should be a review of the taxiway designation system. If the taxiway designation system is confusing, the best time to change the taxiway designations is during the sign project. Changes to the taxiway designation system will need to be coordinated with the office responsible for updating airport charts so the airport diagram used by pilots will have the new taxiway designations about the same time as the signs are installed. In some situations it may be best to cover the new signs being installed until the effective date of the new taxiway designations. NOTAMS should also be issued as appropriate.
Sign Plans ICAO has very little guidance on taxiway designation systems. The following is FAA guidance on designating taxiways: a) Taxiways should be designated by letters of the alphabet. Ideally, the designations should start at one end of the airport and continue in order to the opposite end. b) Stub taxiways are short taxiways between the runway and parallel taxiway or between the taxiway and apron. It is permissible to designate stub taxiways with an alphanumeric designation, e.g., A1, A2, A3, based on the designation of the parallel taxiway. c) The numbering of stub taxiways should be consecutive and be in the same direction, however, it is permissible to reserve a alphanumeric designation for a planned stub taxiway. d) The letters I, O and X should not be used (ICAO 5.4.3.36) to avoid confusion with runway designations and closed pavement marking.
The use of X to designate a taxiway may be confused for a closed taxiway marker.
Sign Plans Pilots taxiing out to Runway 32L must cross Runway 32R from Taxiway B2 to Taxiway B1. This taxiway should be identified as one taxiway, such as Taxiway B. When a taxiway crosses a runway, it is difficult to install signs to identify a change in taxiway designations. In addition, use of alphanumeric designations in this situation is not appropriate.
Sign Plans The red taxiway designations are a better way of identifying the taxiways at this airport. However, other taxiway designation systems can also be used. A 14L G 14R G1 F E E A A6 A5 D2 A4 D D1 C2 C J A3 C1 A A2 B B 32L A1 A 32R The letter I should not be used.
Sign Plans It works best to use a larger size airport layout drawing for the Sign Plan. Ideally, the sign legends should be depicted on the Sign Plan in the actual orientation and location of the sign at the intersection.
Sign Plans Example of a Sign Plan in color.
End of ICAO Standards for Information Signs