Aerodrome markings (memorise)

Aerodrome Markings

Learning objective: You can identify every runway marking of ICAO Annex 14 Vol I, Ch. 5.2 on approach and while taxiing, derive runway width from the stripe count, and state which surfaces must not be used for touchdown.

Runway markings are the runway's language: they tell you where the runway begins, how wide it is, where to aim, and where you must not land — all without a single radio call. ICAO Annex 14, Vol I, Chapter 5.2 standardises them worldwide, and the exam expects you to recognise every one of them. The single most important rule: all runway markings are white (taxiway markings, by contrast, are yellow).

Schwellenmarkierung — threshold marking

The threshold marking is a group of longitudinal stripes ("piano keys") beginning 6 m beyond the threshold. The number of stripes encodes the runway width — a useful gross-error check on final:

Worked example: on final you count 8 piano keys. From the table, the runway is 30 m wide. If you expected 23 m (6 stripes) but are tracking towards 8 stripes, you are very likely lined up with the wrong runway — or the wrong aerodrome.

The number of piano keys says nothing about the landing distance available (LDA). Only the width is encoded. Length comes from the AIP and the aerodrome chart — not from the threshold.

Pistenkennzahl-Markierung — runway designation marking

The two-digit number (plus L/C/R for parallel runways) painted at each threshold — see the lesson on runway designators for how it is derived.

Mittellinienmarkierung — runway centre line marking

A dashed white line along the runway centre. Stripe plus gap together measure at least 50 m, each stripe at least 30 m.

Zielpunktmarkierung — aiming point marking

Two broad longitudinal stripes either side of the centre line, beginning 150–400 m beyond the threshold depending on runway length. This is your visual aiming point for a normal approach.

In the cockpit: you aim at the aiming point marking and then touch down within the touchdown zone — the aiming point is where you look on approach, the touchdown zone is where the wheels meet the runway.

Aufsetzzonenmarkierung — touchdown zone marking

Symmetrical pairs of rectangular marks either side of the centre line through the touchdown zone. The number of pairs depends on the landing distance available: 1, 2, 3, 4 or 6 pairs — the longer the runway, the more pairs.

Pistenrandmarkierung — runway side stripe marking

Continuous white lines along both runway edges, marking the boundary between runway and shoulder — valuable where the runway does not contrast well with its surroundings.

Verschobene Schwelle — displaced threshold

When the threshold is displaced (e.g. because of obstacles in the approach), white arrows on the pavement point towards the displaced threshold. The area before the threshold may be used for take-off and rollout after landing, but not for touchdown.

The pavement before a displaced threshold is not closed — it is usable for take-off and for rollout after landing. Touchdown happens only beyond the displaced threshold. Reading the arrows as "closed area" costs marks in the exam and options in practice.

Sperrmarkierung — closed marking

A cross marks a surface as unusable — do not land, take off or taxi there. The colour follows the surface:

"A white or yellow cross on a runway" is wrong. On a runway the closed marking is white; on a taxiway it is yellow — consistent with the basic rule: runway markings white, taxiway markings yellow.

Europe (EASA / EU)

The ICAO standard applies EU-wide via Regulation (EU) No 139/2014 (Aerodromes — Part-ADR) and CS-ADR-DSN. Certified aerodromes must comply with these dimensions; non-certified and unpaved aerodromes may use alternative markings, published nationally.

Germany (national)

Applied as under EASA. Grass runways without paved markings commonly show white threshold rectangles at both ends and boundary markers (e.g. cones or tyres) along the edges — details in the AIP VFR and the aerodrome's local procedures.

Check yourself

1. On final you count 12 piano keys — how wide is the runway, and what do you know about the landing distance available?
2. You see a yellow cross on a surface ahead. What kind of surface is it on, and what does it mean?

Exam essentials

• All runway markings are white; taxiway markings are yellow.
• The threshold marking starts 6 m beyond the threshold, and its number of stripes encodes runway width: 18 m → 4, 23 m → 6, 30 m → 8, 45 m → 12, 60 m → 16 stripes.
• The aiming point marking consists of two broad stripes beginning 150–400 m beyond the threshold.
• The touchdown zone marking has 1, 2, 3, 4 or 6 pairs of rectangular marks depending on the landing distance available.
• White arrows before a displaced threshold mean: usable for take-off and rollout, but not for touchdown.
• The closed marking is white on a runway and yellow on a taxiway.
• The centre line marking is a dashed line with stripe plus gap of at least 50 m and stripes of at least 30 m.