Runway Markings


Runway Designator

Runway designators are determined from the approach direction, are provided at the threshold of a paved runway and adhere to the following set of requirements:

  • The runway designation marking consists of a solid two-digit number and on parallel runways is supplemented with a solid letter. The letters, differentiate between left (L), right (R), or center (C) parallel runways, as applicable.
  • The runway number is the whole number nearest one‐tenth the magnetic azimuth of the centerline of the runway, measured clockwise from the magnetic north. When the result would generate a single-digit number, it is preceded by a zero. For example, where the magnetic azimuth is 90° the runway designator would be 09.
  • In cases of aerodromes located within the boundaries of Northern Domestic Airspace (NDA), true azimuth rather than magnetic azimuth is used.

The runway number is the whole number nearest one‐tenth the magnetic azimuth of the centerline of the runway, measured clockwise from the magnetic or true north. 

Threshold Markings

A threshold marking helps identify the beginning of the runway that is available for landing. Runway threshold markings come in two configurations. They either consist of eight longitudinal stripes of uniform dimensions disposed symmetrically about the runway centerline or the number of stripes is related to the runway width as indicated in the table below.

Runway WidthNumber of Stripes
60 feet (18 m)4
75 feet (23 m)6
100 feet (30 m)8
150 feet (45 m)12
200 feet (60)16

Displaced Threshold Markings

On some occasions, natural and human-made obstacles penetrate the obstacle limitation surface of the approach paths to runways. To ensure that a safe clearance from these obstacles is maintained, it is sometimes necessary to displace the threshold upwind from the adjacent runway end where the approach slope cannot be raised. The portion of runway behind a displaced threshold is available for takeoffs in either direction and landings from the opposite direction. A ten feet wide white threshold bar is located across the width of the runway at the displaced threshold. White arrows are located along the centerline in the area between the beginning of the runway and displaced threshold. In the case of a temporary displacement white arrow heads are located across the width of the runway just prior to the threshold bar, as shown below.

On some occasions, natural and human-made obstacles penetrate the obstacle limitation surface of the approach paths to runways. To ensure that a safe clearance from these obstacles is maintained, it is sometimes necessary to displace the threshold upwind from the adjacent runway end where the approach slope cannot be raised. The portion of runway behind a displaced threshold is available for takeoffs in either direction and landings from the opposite direction. A ten feet wide white threshold bar is located across the width of the runway at the displaced threshold. White arrows are located along the centerline in the area between the beginning of the runway and displaced threshold. In the case of a temporary displacement white arrow heads are located across the width of the runway just prior to the threshold bar, as shown below.

Permanent Displaced Threshold Marking

Temporary Displaced Threshold Marking

Aiming Point Markings

The aiming point marking serves as a visual aiming point for a landing aircraft. These two rectangular markings consist of a broad white stripe located on each side of the runway centerline and approximately 1,000 feet from the landing threshold. Where an aiming point marking is provided:

  • It is white and located at a specific distance from the threshold as per the table below.
  • Takes precedence over touchdown zone markings, therefore, a pair of touchdown zone markings is omitted if it would otherwise fall within 50 metres of the aiming point marking.

Touchdown Zone Markings

The touchdown zone is the first 3,000 feet of the runway or the first third of the runway, whichever is less, measured from the threshold in the direction of landing. The touchdown zone markings identify the touchdown zone for landing operations and are coded to provide distance information in 500 feet (150m) increments. These markings consist of groups of one, two, and three rectangular bars symmetrically arranged in pairs about the runway centerline, as shown below.

Declared Landing Distance AvailableLocation of Aiming Point Marking Distance From Threshold
less than 800 m 150 m
800 m up to but not including 1,200 m250 m
1,200 m up to but not including 2,400 m300 m
2,400 m or more400 m

Blast Pads and Clearways

A blast pad is:

  • An area before the threshold that is prepared to resist erosion arising from jet exhaust or propeller wash
  • Not designed to support the weight of an aircraft
  • Marked with yellow chevrons when over 60 metres in length

A stopway is:

  • A rectangular area on the ground at the end of the takeoff run and prepared as a suitable area in which an aeroplane can be stopped in the case of a rejected takeoff.
  • Marked over its entire length with yellow chevrons when its length exceeds 60 metres.
  • Lit with red edge and end lights in the take-off direction.
  • Included in the accelerate-stop distance available (ASDA) declared for the runway.

Although they may appear similar, stopways can support the full weight of an aircraft and are designated for use during a rejected takeoff, while blast pads are not designed to support aircraft weight.

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