The handbook carries a clear mission: “to promote the greatest possible commonality of markings worldwide and the increasing acceptance and application of these practices, leading to a safer apron environment”. It supplements the provisions of ICAO Annex 14, Volume I, and the ICAO Aerodrome Design Manual, Part 4.
Painted behind parking stands to warn vehicles and pedestrians of areas susceptible to dangerous engine exhaust velocities. Ground Vehicle Roads and Pedestrian Pathways
For operators governed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and AC 150/5340-18 (Standards for Airport Sign Systems) provide granular blueprints. These documents translate broad international goals into specific legal mandates for US certified airports. EASA Certification Specifications (Europe)
: Standards for airport markings in the United States. EASA Rules : European Union aviation safety standards. If you want to customize this guide, let me know:
Apron markings are used to guide aircraft and vehicles on the apron area. The handbook provides detailed information on the following types of apron markings: Apron Markings Signs Handbook
Airports must establish strict Inspection and Maintenance Programs (IMP). Rubber deposits from aircraft tires, oil spills, and fading from sunlight degrade paint coefficient friction and visibility. Regular friction testing, power washing, and repainting schedules are required to maintain regulatory compliance and prevent audit failures. 7. Safety Protocols and Human Factors
The handbook provides detailed specifications for various markings, classified by their function. These markings are typically yellow, often with black borders for increased visibility on concrete surfaces. 1. Aircraft Parking Stand Markings
Destination signs identify directions to specific airport facilities, terminals, or runways. direct aircraft to general parking, servicing, and loading areas (identified as APRON signs). Outbound destination signs identify directions to takeoff runways, beginning at taxiway entrances from apron areas with inscriptions showing runway numbers plus directional arrows.
: Solid white lines define the road edge, and dashed white lines separate lanes, sometimes using a "zipper" pattern for added visibility. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) (.gov) Common Airport Signs The handbook and related FAA guides categorize signs by their background and text color: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) (.gov) Apron Markings and Signs Handbook 2017 | PDF - Scribd The handbook carries a clear mission: “to promote
Yellow lettering on a black background, often with a yellow border. These tell the operator exactly which apron or taxiway they are currently on.
When in doubt, look for the Red Mandatory Sign – it overrides all other markings.
: Maximizing the limited parking and maneuvering space at terminal gates.
: The definitive industry handbook for apron visual aids, available from the ACI store ($180 for members, $1,000 for non-members). Ground Vehicle Roads and Pedestrian Pathways For operators
Clear boundaries stop ground traffic from accidentally entering active taxiways or runways.
The FAA has sponsored research to determine if preformed thermoplastic is as effective as current paints in retroreflectivity, chromaticity, friction properties, and adherence to pavement surfaces, and if it can be added as an alternative material to FAA specifications.
The Apron Markings Signs Handbook is a comprehensive operational guide that standardizes the visual language used on airport ramps and aprons. Published and updated by international aviation governing bodies like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), this handbook dictates the exact dimensions, colors, placements, and meanings of every line, sign, and light found on an airport apron.