Common Airport Signs and Markings

Sheffield School of Aeronautics knows how important it is to have a thorough aircraft dispatcher education, which is why we offer extensive training and resources to prepare you to be a successful aircraft dispatcher. There are many components to becoming a flight dispatcher such as Federal Aviation Administration approved aircraft dispatchers curriculum and examinations as well as a complete understanding of weather, computer software usage, and if applicable mastering of the Advanced International Flight Planning and ETOPS Certification.

Being responsible for aircraft flight plans is a complicated and stressful task, and has many components that you must always keep in mind. Sheffield is the oldest and most recognized aircraft dispatcher school that trains individuals to become confident and knowledgeable aircraft dispatchers. One aspect of flight dispatching is being able to identify and understand airport signs and markings. Sheffield briefly covers some of the more common airport signs.

  • ILS cirtical area holding position sign: When the ILS is in use ATC may hold you short of this signal so the aircraft does not interfere with the sign.
  • Runway approach are holding position sign: You must hold at this sign until an aircraft dispatcher clears you to cross the runway to avoid interference with runway opetrations.
  • Taxiway location sign: This sign indicates which taxiway you are located on. It may be posted nex tot direction or holding postion signs.
  • Runway holg position sign: Until you are cleared onto the runway the aircraft must hold at this sign.
  • Destination signs and location signs: This sign indicates current position and direction to other taxiways.
  • Outbound destination sign: The sign will indate the direction common taxi routes. The dot in the middle seperestes destinations identified on the sign.
  • Inbound destination sign: The sign will direct pilots to destinations on the airport.
  • Runway bounday sign: The sign faces the runway and is visible to pilots exiting the runway. Taxi past this signt o be sure you are clear of the runway.
  • Taxiway ending marker: This sign indicates the termination of taxiway. It is located at the far end of the intersection.
  • Closed runway and taxiway marking: Located at both ends of permanently closed runways and at 1,000 ft. intervals. It is also placed at taxiway entrances if they are permanently closed.
  • Direction sign for runway exit: This sign will indicate the approaching taxiway while on the runway as well as which side it will be approaching signified by an arrow.
  • ILS critical are boundary sign: Indicates when you are safely clear of the ILS critical area. It is located directly beside the ILS holding position markings. While ILS approaches are in use, taxi pas the sign before stopping on the taxiway.
  • Holding position and location signs: These signs signify which taxiway you are on and the direction of runways that intersect with that taxiway.
  • Runway location sign: This sign identifies the runway on which your aircraft is located.

Due to Sheffield’s quality of training, we are contracted to be the sole aircraft dispatching trainer for various major airlines. We provide training from the smallest to largest airlines, giving Sheffield a wider variety of experience than any other flight dispatcher school in the world. If you are interested in enrolling in our flight dispatcher courses, visit Sheffield School of Aeronautics today!

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