AIM 8/15/19  Section 3. Airport Marking Aids and Signs 2 − 3 − 2. Airport Pavement Markings 2 − 3 − 1. General a. Airport pavement markings and signs provide information that is useful to a pilot during takeoff, landing, and taxiing. b. Uniformity in airport markings and signs from one airport to another enhances safety and improves efficiency. Pilots are encouraged to work with the operators of the airports they use to achieve the marking and sign standards described in this section. c. Pilots who encounter ineffective, incorrect, or confusing markings or signs on an airport should make the operator of the airport aware of the problem. These situations may also be reported under the Aviation Safety Reporting Program as described in Paragraph 7 − 7 − 1, Aviation Safety Reporting Pro- gram. Pilots may also report these situations to the FAA regional airports division. d. The markings and signs described in this section of the AIM reflect the current FAA recommended standards. AC 150/5340 − 1, Standards for Airport Markings. AC 150/5340 18, Standards for Airport Sign Systems. a. General. There are three types of markings for runways: visual, nonprecision instrument, and precision instrument. TBL 2 − 3 − 1 identifies the marking elements for each type of runway and TBL 2 − 3 − 2 identifies runway threshold markings. b. Marking Colors. Markings for runways are white. Markings defining the landing area on a heliport are also white except for hospital heliports which use a red “H” on a white cross. Markings for taxiways, areas not intended for use by aircraft (closed and hazardous areas), and holding positions (even if they are on a runway) are yellow. 1 On runways used, or intended to be used, by international commercial transports. 2 On runways 4,000 feet (1200 m) or longer used by jet aircraft. 2 − 3 − 1 Airport Marking Aids and Signs TBL 2 − 3 − 1 Runway Marking Elements 2 − 3 − 3. Runway Markings REFERENCE − a. General. For the purpose of this section, the airport pavement markings have been grouped into four areas: 1. Runway Markings. 2. Taxiway Markings. 3. Holding Position Markings. 4. Other Markings. Marking Element Visual Runway Nonprecision Instrument Runway Precision Instrument Runway Designation X X X Centerline X X X Threshold X 1 X X Aiming Point X 2 X X Touchdown Zone X Side Stripes X