Airfield markings: A visual aid

Abstract

Visual aids on airfields comprise three separate, but complementary, disciplines: lights, signs and markings. Lights and signs are over-achievers, being more expensive and overtly obvious when they require maintenance. By comparison, markings are taken for granted, seldom effective during darkness and subjective in terms of maintenance requirements. Globally, the industry agrees upon the importance of an effective marking system as a vital component of safe navigation; however, the methods with which they are applied largely determine whether the markings will be effective. In 2006, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) commissioned the Innovative Pavement Research Foundation to administer a research project to produce a best practices airfield marking handbook. Sightline was the primary author, joined on the research team by other industry professionals. The handbook was published in 2008 and is now the course material for Sightline's airfield marking symposiums.