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Quizzes > Science

Airport Signs & Markings Quiz: Master Runway Safety

Quick, free airport markings quiz to test your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Craig LoganUpdated Aug 24, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for Airport Signs and Markings Quiz on a sky blue background

This quiz helps you learn airport signs and markings and sharpen runway safety. Practice reading hold-short lines, taxiway letters, direction and location signs, and lighting cues with quick scenarios. For broader prep, try our runway safety quiz, brush up with an airfield driving test, or add context with an atc quiz.

What color are runway edge lights?
Blue
Green
Red
White
Runway edge lights are white to clearly delineate the edges of the runway at night and during low visibility conditions. These lights help pilots maintain the runway centerline and edges when landing or taking off. Red lights are used at the end of the runway, green at the threshold, and blue for taxiway edges.
On taxiways, what color is used for centerline markings?
White
Red
Blue
Yellow
Taxiway centerline markings are painted in yellow to guide aircraft along taxiways and ensure they remain clear of taxiway edges. Yellow is chosen for its high contrast against the pavement. White markings are reserved for runways.
Which pattern represents a runway holding position marking on a taxiway?
A single yellow zigzag line perpendicular to movement
Alternating red and white bars across the taxiway
Two parallel white lines on the taxiway centerline
Four yellow lines, two solid nearest the runway and two dashed on the departure side
A runway holding position marking consists of four yellow lines: two solid lines on the side approaching the runway and two dashed lines on the side after crossing. Pilots must stop before the solid lines when cleared to hold.
What information does a runway distance remaining sign provide?
Width of the runway in meters
Remaining runway length in thousands of feet
Elevation change of the runway
Distance to the nearest taxiway exit
Runway distance remaining signs display the remaining runway length in thousands of feet using white numerals on a black background. They are spaced at 1,000-foot intervals down the runway to help pilots judge stopping distance.
What pattern is used for runway threshold markings?
Pairs of large white rectangles in the touchdown zone
Alternating red and white chevrons
Series of longitudinal white stripes parallel to the runway threshold
Series of transverse yellow bars across the runway
Runway threshold markings consist of longitudinal white stripes spaced evenly across the runway threshold, indicating the beginning of the landing area. The number of stripes depends on runway width.
What do runway aiming point markings look like?
A single yellow arrow pointing down the runway
A series of small red triangles along the edge
Two large rectangular white bars located symmetrically on each side of the centerline
Pairs of green lights embedded in the pavement
Runway aiming point markings are two large white rectangles placed symmetrically around the runway centerline to provide a visual aiming reference for landing aircraft. They are located approximately 1,000 feet from the threshold on precision instrument runways.
What does a displaced threshold marking indicate?
An intersection with a taxiway ahead
The runway is closed beyond that point
The beginning of a blast pad area
The threshold has been relocated farther down the runway
Displaced threshold markings show that the landing threshold has been moved down the runway, usually due to obstructions or noise abatement. Aircraft may still taxi or take off from the displaced area, but may not land on it.
What information is displayed on runway designation signs located at thresholds?
Remaining landing distance
Nearest taxiway name
Airport elevation
Runway identification number
Runway designation signs at thresholds show the runway identification number corresponding to its magnetic heading. They help pilots confirm they are lining up on the correct runway.
What color are taxiway edge lights?
Blue
Green
White
Red
Taxiway edge lights are blue to define the edges of the taxiway pavement. This helps pilots avoid veering off into unlit or non-paved areas at night.
What information does a runway location sign provide?
The maximum allowable aircraft weight
The distance to the next runway intersection
The direction to the terminal
The identifier of the runway or taxiway you are currently on
Runway location signs have a black background with a yellow border and text, indicating the runway or taxiway designation where the aircraft is positioned. They confirm the pilot's location during ground operations.
What are runway guard lights used for?
To alert pilots of an impending runway hold position
To outline the runway edge
To mark the touchdown zone
To guide taxiing aircraft into hangars
Runway guard lights are alternating yellow lights installed at taxiway/runway intersections to warn pilots they are approaching an active runway. They flash to grab attention and reduce runway incursion risks.
What do runway end identifier lights (REIL) appear as?
Steady red lights at the end of the runway
Green lights embedded in the runway surface
A pair of synchronized flashing white lights on each side of the threshold
Blue lights along the runway centerline
REIL consist of two synchronized white flashing lights installed laterally at runway thresholds to provide rapid and positive identification of the runway end. They are particularly useful in poor visibility.
How are taxiway direction signs depicted?
Red background with white letters
White background with green letters
Yellow background with a black arrow and black letters indicating the destination
Blue background with yellow letters
Taxiway direction signs use a yellow background with a black border and arrow to point toward runways, taxiways, or aprons. The letter or number indicates the designation of the destination.
What color are taxiway centerline lights?
Green
White
Blue
Red
Taxiway centerline lights are green to guide pilots along the taxiway path, especially under low visibility conditions. These lights are embedded in the pavement or mounted at its edge.
What do runway shoulder markings indicate?
Preferred rapid exit taxiway
Area adjacent to the runway that is unsuitable for aircraft operations
Designated passenger boarding area
Emergency vehicle access only
Runway shoulder markings use yellow chevrons or stripes to show areas adjacent to the runway not intended for aircraft operations. They protect pavements that cannot support aircraft weight or are used for erosion control.
What does a mandatory instruction sign look like on an airfield?
Red background with white inscriptions
Yellow background with black inscriptions
Green background with white inscriptions
Blue background with yellow inscriptions
Mandatory instruction signs have a red background with white inscriptions indicating restrictions such as runway holding positions. They require pilots to stop or obtain clearance before proceeding.
What is the standard spacing between runway centerline stripes?
75 feet (23 meters)
25 feet (7.5 meters)
50 feet (15 meters)
100 feet (30 meters)
Runway centerline stripes are spaced at 50-foot intervals to provide visual guidance along the runway. This consistent spacing aids in lateral alignment during takeoff and landing.
Which marking is only found on precision instrument runways?
Touchdown zone markings
Runway designation numbers
Threshold stripes
Centerline stripes
Touchdown zone markings consist of pairs of white bars and are only installed on precision instrument runways (runways with precision approach aids). They assist pilots in visualizing the touchdown zone during low-visibility operations.
What marking identifies the boundary of the ILS critical area?
Two solid yellow lines and two dashed yellow lines across the taxiway
A series of yellow chevrons
Double white lines parallel to the runway
Red and white checkered pattern
The ILS critical area boundary is marked by two solid yellow lines on the runway side and two dashed yellow lines on the taxiway side. Aircraft and vehicles must not enter this area when ILS operations are protected.
What is the maximum number of touchdown zone marking pairs a runway may have?
Nine pairs
Three pairs
Twelve pairs
Six pairs
A runway can have up to six pairs of touchdown zone markings, spaced at 500-foot intervals, based on runway length. This helps pilots gauge their landing point.
What is the primary function of runway aiming point markings?
To show taxiway intersections
To indicate runway exit locations
To provide a visual aiming reference for landing aircraft
To mark the runway threshold
Runway aiming point markings consist of two large white rectangles that serve as a visual aiming reference during the approach. They help pilots aim for the correct touchdown point, especially during instrument approaches.
What do chevron markings on a blast pad indicate?
A designated parking zone
An emergency evacuation route
The area is not suitable for aircraft operations
A preferred exit path
Chevron markings on a blast pad indicate an area unsuitable for landing, takeoff, or taxiing. They are often used to protect pavements used by engine blast or to accommodate overrun protection.
What does an 'X' marking on a runway indicate?
Temporary no-fly zone
Taxiway ahead
The runway is closed to aircraft operations
Emergency vehicles only
A large yellow 'X' placed at the runway ends or across the runway indicates it is closed to all aircraft operations. Pilots are prohibited from landing or taking off on a runway marked with an 'X'.
According to ICAO standards, what is the typical width of a runway threshold stripe?
1.8 meters
3.0 meters
1.0 meter
2.5 meters
ICAO Annex 14 specifies that runway threshold stripes are typically 1.8 meters wide to ensure visibility and consistency. This width balances visibility with the available pavement area.
Under FAA regulations, what is the allowable tolerance for runway marking dimensions from the specified standard?
±15%
±5%
±10%
±20%
FAA Advisory Circular 150/5340-1L allows a tolerance of ±10% for runway marking dimensions from the specified standards. This ensures practical field application while maintaining safety and consistency.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Core Runway Signs -

    Through the airport signs markings quiz, recognize and recall principal runway signs to ensure accurate taxiing and takeoff procedures.

  2. Interpret Airfield Markings -

    Analyze runway marking questions to accurately interpret pavement stripes, threshold markings, and centerlines for safe navigation.

  3. Apply Safety Procedures -

    Use runway safety quiz scenarios to practice standard taxiway crossings and runway entry protocols in real-world contexts.

  4. Distinguish Signage Variations -

    Differentiate among runway, taxiway, and holding position signs for enhanced situational awareness on the airfield.

  5. Assess Knowledge Gaps -

    Evaluate your performance in this airport runway signs test to pinpoint areas for targeted airfield markings practice.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Runway Designators & Threshold Markings -

    ICAO Annex 14 and FAA AC 150/5340-1L specify runways are labeled by their magnetic heading rounded to the nearest 10° (e.g., Runway 09 for headings between 085° - 094°). Threshold markings, known as "piano keys," use six bars on runways ≥2400 ft to indicate the landing zone start. Mnemonic: "Keys for a Clean Land" helps you recall the piano key pattern - handy for the airport signs markings quiz.

  2. Taxiway Markings & Holding Positions -

    Taxiway centerlines are continuous yellow lines, while holding position markings consist of four yellow stripes separated by gaps per FAA standard. These markings tell pilots where to stop before entering the runway for a safe runway safety quiz scenario. Try the phrase "Four and Four" to remember the four-bar holding line pattern every time.

  3. Runway Aiming Points & Touchdown Zone -

    Two thick rectangular bars painted about 1,000 ft from the threshold mark the aiming points for landing in accordance with FAA guidelines. Touchdown zone markings extend in pairs every 500 ft to assist pilots with distance judgment on final. Incorporate these into your runway marking questions study routine using the "1-2-3-4" sequence: 1 threshold, 2 aiming bars, 3 zones, 4-digit runway number.

  4. Sign Shapes, Colors & Placement -

    ICAO and FAA categorize signs by color and shape: mandatory runway holding signs are red with white text, informational signs are black on yellow, and directional signs appear yellow on black. Placement is standardized 25 ft from the edge of taxiways and runways for optimal visibility. Mastering these conventions will boost your confidence on the airport runway signs test.

  5. Lighting & Visual Aids -

    Runway edge lights are white until the last 2,000 ft, then alternate white/amber under FAA guidelines, and approach lighting systems (ALS) include bars and sequenced lights to guide the glide slope. The PAPI (Precision Approach Path Indicator) uses red/white lights to show correct descent - "Red over White, You're All Right; Two Reds, You're Dead" is a classic mnemonic. Regular airfield markings practice with these lighting cues sharpens real-world proficiency.

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