Skip to content
PilotSchool Knowledge Base

Aerodrome Markings and Their Purposes

This section explores aerodrome markings essential for pilots preparing for the CASA RPL (Recreational Pilot Licence) theory exam. Understanding these markings ensures pilots can navigate and operate effectively and safely within aerodromes. We’ll cover various aerodrome markings and their significance as related to runways, taxiways, helipads, and movement areas.

Key Aerodrome Markings

Horizontal White Dumbbell

The horizontal white dumbbell indicates to pilots that aircraft movements should be restricted to paved or strengthened areas. It is a visual cue that highlights where the aircraft should operate to avoid damage or operational hazards.

Double White Cross Adjacent to Primary Wind Indicator

A double white cross signifies that the runway or landing area indicated is closed to aircraft operations. This marking is crucial as it ensures safety by preventing landings or take-offs on non-operational or hazardous areas.

Runway Threshold Markings

Runway threshold markings consist of several white stripes that span across the runway, indicating the beginning of the runway available for landing. They provide essential information to pilots during takeoff and landing phases to identify the usable portion of the runway.

Taxiway Markings

Taxiway markings guide aircraft to and from the runway. They typically consist of a continuous yellow centerline and edge lines delineating the taxiway edge. These markings ensure efficient and safe aircraft movement on the aerodrome surface.

Movement Area Markings

Movement areas include runways, taxiways, and other surfaces used for taxiing, takeoff, and landing. These markings guide pilots through controlled areas of the aerodrome.

HLS (Helicopter Landing Site) Markings

These include an “H” enclosed within a circle, indicating designated landing areas for helicopters. HLS markings are critical for ensuring that helicopters operate in areas free from fixed-wing aircraft traffic and obstructions.

Holding Points/Bays

Holding points are marked with a holding line indicating where aircraft must stop and await further clearance to continue movement. These points prevent unauthorized entry onto active runways.

Runway End Markings

These markings indicate the end of the runway and consist of white stripes extending the width of the runway. They help in defining the end limits of runway pavement available for landing and takeoff maneuvers.

Cone and Gable Markers

These indicate boundaries or specific areas on an aerodrome, aiding pilots in understanding areas to avoid or where operations may be limited.

Runway Markings

Include various types such as centerlines, edge lines, threshold markings, and aiming points. Together, these markings provide pilots with guidance for safe landing, takeoff, and ground maneuvers.

Diagram Analysis: Significance of Aerodrome Markings

To fully understand aerodrome layout and markings, let’s analyze common diagrams to identify the purpose and significance of each element.

Runway

Runways are marked for both guidance and safety. Essential runway markings include:

  • Centerline: A white dashed line assists pilot alignment during takeoff and landing.
  • Threshold: Indicates the start of the runway available for landing.
  • End Markings: Defines the usable area limit of the runway.

Taxiway

Taxiways are marked primarily to guide aircraft to and from runways. Key features include:

  • Centerline: A solid yellow line guides aircraft along the taxi path.
  • Edge Lines: Define the taxiway boundaries and prevent aircraft from veering off course.

Helipad

Helipad markings convey the operational space for helicopters:

  • “H” Marking: Indicates the landing point for helicopters.

Movement Areas

These are locations within an aerodrome reserved for aircraft operations like taxiing and landing. Markings provide limits for movement boundaries ensuring safe navigation on the airfield.

White Cross on Movement Area

A large white cross on the movement area signals a permanently closed runway or taxiway. This marking communicates to pilots that the area is no longer in service and ensures that flights avoid it, maintaining operational safety.

This section synthesizes information from multiple sources, ensuring that all critical aspects of aerodrome markings are covered. For up-to-date and precise information, refer to resources such as the Aeronautical Information Package (AIP) - Airservices.