+-------------------------------------+----------------+--------------+
| ![](media/image1.wmf)               | **Advisory**   |              |
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| U.S. Department                     | **Circular**   |              |
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| of Transportation                   |                |              |
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| **Federal Aviation**                |                |              |
|                                     |                |              |
| **Administration**                  |                |              |
+-------------------------------------+----------------+--------------+
| **Subject:** STANDARDS FOR AIRPORT  | **Date:**      | **AC No:**   |
| MARKINGS                            | March 31, 2008 | 150/5340-1J  |
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|                                     | **Initiated    | **Change:**  |
|                                     | by:** AAS-300  | 1            |
+-------------------------------------+----------------+--------------+

**1. PURPOSE.** This advisory circular (AC) contains the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) standards for markings used on airport
runways, taxiways, and aprons.

**2. CANCELLATION.** AC 150/5340-1H, *Standards for Airport Markings*,
dated August 31, 1999, is canceled. This AC also cancels AC 150/5340-1I,
although it is substantially the same document and only changes the AC
version letter from I to J.

**3. EXPLANATION OF CHANGES.** The enhanced taxiway centerline has been
adopted as the standard for commercial service airports. For those
airports that have 1.5 million or more passenger enplanements in a
calendar year, the compliance date for installation is June 30, 2008.
For airports with less than 1.5 million annual passenger enplanements
but more than 370,000 annual passenger enplanements, the compliance date
is 1 year from the effective change of this AC. For all other airports
certificated under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter
I -- FAA, DOT, Part 139, Certification of Airports (14 CFR Part 139),
these same enhanced taxiway centerline markings will be adopted as part
of the taxiway centerline marking standard under 139.311(a)(2),
effective 2 years from the effective date of Change 1 of this AC.

In addition, for [all]{.underline} Part 139 certificated airports,
surface painted holding position signs installed in accordance with
paragraph 26 of this AC will become part of the standard signage under
139.311(b)(1)(ii), effective 2 years from the effective date of Change 1
to this AC. Surface painted holding position signs are required at all
runway/taxiway holding positions at an airport that has multiple runways
either converging, intersecting, or parallel (e.g., Runways 5-23 and
16-34). Surface painted holding position signs are required where the
width of the holding position on the taxiway is greater than 200 feet
(60 m). If a taxiway centerline is closer than 45 feet from the edge of
the taxiway and the mandatory hold sign is in clear view, the surface
painted holding position sign on that side of the taxiway may be
eliminated.

Similarly, the extension of the runway holding position markings onto
the paved shoulder has been adopted as the only acceptable means of
compliance with Part 139 for airports regularly served by aircraft in
Aircraft Design Groups 5 and 6, also effective June 30, 2008. The
standards for enhanced taxiway centerline, extension of the runway
holding position markings, and surface painted holding position signs
are optional for all other airports not holding a 14 CFR Part 139
Airport Operating Certificate.

**4. METRIC UNITS.** To promote an orderly transition to metric units,
the text and figures include both English and metric dimensions. The
metric conversions are based on operational significance and may not be
exact equivalents. The conversion procedure used throughout the AC
applies the relationship of 1 foot equals 0.3 meter, except for a few
instances where rounding was used in order for linear dimensions to sum
correctly. Until there is an official changeover to the metric system,
the English dimensions should be used.

**5. APPLICATION.** The FAA recommends the guidelines and standards
contained herein for the marking of airport runways, taxiways, and
aprons. These standards are the ***only*** method of complying with the
marking of runways and taxiways at airports certificated under 14 CFR
Part 139. These standards are also mandatory for airport projects
receiving Federal funds under the Airport Grant Assistance program or
funds received from the Passenger Facility Charge program. These
standards are to be used on all new projects that are under development
and are to be implemented at all Part 139 certificated airports as
specified in paragraph 3, Explanation of Changes.

**6. CHANGED TEXT.** Changed text is indicated by vertical bars in the
margins.

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![](media/image2.jpeg){width="1.9708333333333334in"
height="0.6694444444444444in"}

Kelvin L. Solco

Acting Director of Airport Safety and Standards

most demanding aircraft, the centerline markings follow the taxiway
curve, as shown in Figure 12b, to permit cockpit-over-centerline
steering.

**(2)** At taxiway intersections with runway ends, the taxiway
centerline is terminated at the runway edge except that the following
applies:

**(i)** Where there is a displaced threshold the centerline continues
into the displaced area of the runway.

**(ii)** The taxiway centerline continues across the runway when it is a
crossing route as designated by the local Air Traffic Facility.

**(3)** On all other taxiways, the taxiway centerline marking curves
onto the runway and extends parallel to the runway centerline marking
for a distance of 200 feet (60 m) beyond the point of tangency or
terminating at the threshold bar, which ever is less, and three feet
from the runway centerline measured near-edge to near-edge. See Figure
11, detail A. This lead-on or lead-off line (the taxiway centerline) is
interrupted for all runway markings.

**(4)** For taxiways crossing a runway, either straight across or offset
and normally used as a taxi route, the taxiway centerline marking may
continue across the runway but is normally interrupted for any runway
markings. For low visibility operations, when the runway visual range is
below 1200 feet (360 m), taxiway centerline markings continue across all
runway markings with the exception of the runway designation marking.

**c. Color.** Taxiway centerline markings are yellow.

**d. Characteristics.**

**(1) Width**. A width of 6 inches (15 cm) to 12 inches (30 cm) is
acceptable for a taxiway centerline. However, the width selected must be
uniform for the entire length of the taxiway unless:

**(i)** It involves a surface movement guidance and control system
(SMGCS) route. When a taxiway or part of a taxiway is designated as a
SMGCS route, the width of the taxiway centerline must be 12 inches (30
cm) wide and is outlined in black in light colored pavement. The
centerline width of the remaining part of a taxiway that is not a part
of a SMGCS route can change abruptly at the intersection with other
taxiway centerline markings, e.g. from 12 inches (30 cm) to 6 inches (15
cm).

**(ii)** There is a need to emphasize a preferred routing through a
confusing intersection.

**(2) Continuity**. The centerline is continuous in length except where
it intersects a holding position marking (see Figure 10) or a runway
designation (see paragraph 21b(4)).

**e. Enhanced Taxiway Centerline Marking.** The guidelines and standards
contained in this section for enhanced taxiway markings will be
considered the only acceptable means of compliance with Part 139 for
airports with annual passenger enplanements of 1,500,000 or more,
effective June 30, 2008. For airports with less than 1.5 million annual
passenger enplanements but more than 370,000 annual passenger
enplanements, the compliance date is one year from effective date of
Change 1 to this AC. At all remaining airports certificated under 14 CFR
Part 139, these same enhanced taxiway centerline markings will be the
standard effective 2 years from the effective date of Change 1 to this
AC. To minimize pilot confusion, if the enhanced centerline is used at
an airport, it must be applied to all runway holding positions on the
airport.

**(1) Location.** Taxiway centerlines are enhanced for 150 feet (45.7 m)
prior to a runway holding position marking, except in the situations
described in Paragraph e(3)(i) below. The taxiway centerline is not
enhanced between the runway holding position marking and the runway. The
following methods are commonly used to measure the 150-foot (45.7 m)
length on a curved taxiway from the runway holding position:

**(i)** With a measuring wheel, measure from the intersection of the
taxiway centerline at the runway holding position along the existing
taxiway centerline out to 150 feet (45.7 m).

**(ii)** With a 150-foot (45.7 m) tape measure, swing an arc from the
intersection of the taxiway centerline at the runway holding position
until it intersects the taxiway centerline.

**(2) Color.** Enhanced taxiway centerline markings are yellow and must
contain glass beads. In addition, the enhanced taxiway centerline
marking must be outlined in black paint on light-colored pavements.

**(3) Characteristics.** An enhanced taxiway centerline marking consists
of a parallel line of yellow dashes on either side of the existing
taxiway centerline. The first dashes start 6 to 12 inches (15--30 cm)
from the runway holding position marking, and the pattern is repeated
for a distance of 150 feet (45.7 m). The yellow dashes are 9 feet (2.74
m) in length and 6 inches (15 cm) wide and have a gap of 3 feet (1 m)
between them, as shown in Appendix 3, Figure C-1**.**

**(i)** If the taxiway centerline to be enhanced continues through a
taxiway/taxiway intersection that is located within 150 feet (45.7 m) of
a runway holding position marking, the taxiway centerline enhancement
must be terminated 5 feet (1.5 m) prior to the point where the other
taxiway centerline crosses the enhanced taxiway centerline (see Appendix
3, Figure C-10).

**(ii**) If the enhanced taxiway centerline intersects another runway
holding position marking that is located within 150 feet (45.7 m) of a
runway holding position marking, then the entire taxiway centerline
between the two runway holding position markings must be enhanced.
However, in no case should the taxiway centerline be enhanced between
the runway holding position marking and the runway (see Appendix 3,
Figure C-10).

**(iii)** Where two taxiway centerlines come together (converge) at or
before the runway holding position marking, there must be no partial
dashed lines less than 9-feet (2.74 m) at the point of convergence. The
first inside dashed lines must be aligned with the outside dashed
lines―starting and stopping with the dashed lines on the outside.
(Appendix 3, Figure C-2)

**(iv)** If an ILS holding position marking is within 150 feet of a
runway holding position marking, the enhanced taxiway centerline is
interrupted the same as it is for a regular centerline (i.e. 3 feet (0.9
m) on the runway side and 6 - 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) on the holding
side).

**22. TAXIWAY EDGE MARKING.**

**a. Purpose.** Taxiway edge markings are used to delineate the edge of
the taxiway. They are primarily used when the usable taxiway edge does
not correspond with the edge of the pavement. Two types of markings are
used depending upon whether the aircraft is supposed to cross the
taxiway edge. The outer edge of the stripe defines the edge of the
usable pavement.

**(1) Continuous Markings.** Continuous taxiway edge markings are used
to delineate the taxiway edge from the shoulder or some other contiguous
paved surface not intended for use by aircraft (see Figures 10 and B-3).
When an operational need exists, the continuous taxiway edge marking may
be used to delineate the edge of the taxiway from a contiguous non-paved
surface. Continuous taxiway edge markings are not to be used in
situations where aircraft would be required to cross them.

**(2) Dashed Markings.** Dashed taxiway edge markings are used when
there is an operational need to define the edge of a taxiway or taxilane
on a paved surface where the pavement contiguous to the taxiway edge is
intended for use by aircraft, e.g., an apron (see Figures 10 and B-4).
Where the taxiway is contiguous to an apron, the markings must be
installed at a distance equal to one-half the taxiway width from taxiway
centerline. Dashed edge stripes are not to be used to provide wing tip
clearances for parked aircraft on an apron. See taxiway/taxiway hold
lines Par. 25, or non-movement area boundary markings Par. 38, as
appropriate.

**b. Location.** Taxiway edge markings are located on the taxiway at its
defined edge, and are part of the usable taxiway pavement.

**c. Color.** Taxiway edge markings are yellow.

**d. Characteristics.** Continuous taxiway edge markings consist of a
continuous double yellow line, with each line being at least 6 inches
(15 cm) in width, spaced 6 inches (15 cm) apart (edge to edge). These
markings can also be used to designate islands that have been painted
green or striated with yellow markings. Dashed taxiway edge markings
consist of a broken double yellow line, with each line being at least 6
inches (15 cm) in width, spaced 6 inches (15 cm) apart (edge to edge).
The lines are 15 feet (4.5 m) in length with 25-foot (7.5 m) gaps (see
Figure 10). These markings are not to be used to designate islands
except for some very special conditions.

**23. RUNWAY HOLDING POSITION MARKINGS ON TAXIWAYS.**

**a. Purpose.** At airports with operating airport traffic control
towers, runway holding position markings identify the location on a
taxiway where a pilot is to stop when he/she does not have clearance to
proceed onto the runway. Holding position markings may be supplemented
with Geographic Position Markings (see Paragraph 32) as part of the
airport's SMGCS Plan. At airports without operating control towers these

**Table 5. Perpendicular Distances for Taxiway**

**Intersection Markings from Centerline of Crossing Taxiway.**

**Airplane design group ^1^**

  ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
  I           II          III         IV          V           VI

  44.5 feet   65.5 feet   93 feet     129.5 feet  160 feet    193 feet

  (13.5 m)    (20 m)      (28.5 m)    (39 m)      (48.5 m)    (59 m)
  ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------

^1^ See AC 150/5300-13, *Airport Design.*

**26. SURFACE PAINTED HOLDING POSITION SIGNS.**

**a. Purpose.** Surface painted holding position signs supplement the
signs located at the holding position (including ILS/POFZ holding
position markings) in accordance with current AC 150/5340‑18, *Standards
for Airport Sign Systems*. This marking is required at all
runway/taxiway holding positions at an airport that has multiple runways
either converging, intersecting, or parallel (e.g., Runways 5-23 and
16-34). This type of marking is required where the width of the holding
position on the taxiway is greater than 200 feet (60 m). If a taxiway
centerline is closer than 45 feet from the edge of the taxiway and the
mandatory hold sign is in clear view, the surface painted holding
position sign on that side of the taxiway may be eliminated.

**b. Location.** The surface painted holding position signs are located
both to the left and to the right of the taxiway centerline. It might
not be possible to install surface painted holding position signs on
both sides of the taxiway centerline, particularly where taxiway
centerlines converge just prior to the runway holding position marking.
In these cases, the surface painted holding position signs may be
omitted on one side. Additionally, surface painted hold position signs
are to be at least 2 feet from the edge of the inside taxiway edge
marking (or from the edge of the taxiway, if there are no taxiway edge
markings). Holding position signs must ***not*** be painted on runways.
Surface painted location signs may be located along with the surface
painted holding position signs when adequate pavement width exists. In
these cases, the surface painted signs will mimic the mandatory hold
position signs. If the collocated surface painted location sign and
mandatory sign serves two converging taxiways, then the surface painted
location sign should be located on the left of the surface painted
holding position sign. Surface painted taxiway direction signs are not
to be co-located with a surface painted holding position sign.

**(1)** The surface painted holding position signs may be located
parallel to the runway holding position marking:

**(i)** At a distance of 2 feet (.67m) to 4 feet (1.34m) prior to the
holding position marking to allow clearance of in-pavement runway guard
lights and/or stopbars (see Appendix 3, Figures C-4 and C-5), and

**(ii)** At a distance of 3 to 10 feet (1--3 m) from the center of the
taxiway centerline. If the holding position marking and the taxiway
centerline are not perpendicular to each other, then this distance
should be measured from the center of the taxiway centerline to the
nearest corner of the surface painted holding position sign (see
Appendix 3, Figure C-5).

**(2)** Alternately, surface painted holding position signs may be
located perpendicular to the taxiway centerline:

**(i)** At a distance of 3 --10 feet (1 -- 3 m) from the center of the
taxiway centerline

**(ii)** The distance measured from the runway holding position marking
to the nearest corner of one of the surface painted holding position
sign should be 2 -- 4 feet (0.6 -- 1.2 m).

**(3)** Surface painted holding position signs located between two
taxiway centerlines should be:

**(i)** Parallel to the runway holding position marking.

**(ii)** Approximately equidistant from both taxiway centerlines at a
distance of no less then 3 feet (1 m) or more than 15 feet (4.57 m) from
either taxiway centerline as measured from the center of the taxiway
centerlines to the nearest corner of the surface painted holding
position sign.

**(4)** If two or more taxiway centerlines intersect the runway holding
position marking or intersect each other within 15 feet (4.57 m) of the
runway holding position, there might not be enough space for two or more
surface painted holding position signs. These locations will require
individual assessment for applying surface painted holding position
signs that take into account such factors as taxi route usage rate and
space.

**c. Color.** The surface painted holding position sign has a red
background with a white inscription, and will be outlined in black on
light colored pavements. The black border around the white alphanumerics
required on the actual mandatory holding position sign is not necessary
on the surface painted holding position signs

**d. Characteristics.** The inscription is to have a height of 12 feet
(3.67m), however it may be reduced, as necessary to the minimum height
of 9 feet (3m). If it is necessary to reduce the height below 12 feet at
one location on the airport, the airport operator may want to reduce all
surface painted holding position signs on the airport to the same height
in order to avoid the need for multiple stencils. However, the height of
the surface painted holding position signs should be uniform for each
holding position. The width of the letters, numbers, and other symbols
used in the inscription must be proportional to the height in order to
conform in appearance to the letters, numbers, and other symbols in
Appendix 1. The background is rectangular and extends a minimum of 15
inches (38 cm) laterally and vertically beyond the extremities of the
inscription. The Surface Painted Holding Position Sign may be eliminated
if it would extend onto another taxiway.

**27. SURFACE PAINTED TAXIWAY DIRECTION SIGNS.**

**a. Purpose.** Surface painted taxiway direction signs will be provided
when it is not possible to provide taxiway direction signs at
intersections in accordance with AC 150/5340-18 or, when necessary, to
supplement such signs.

**b. Location.** Surface painted taxiway direction signs are 3 feet (1
m) from the centerline with signs indicating turns to the left being on
the left side of the taxiway centerline and signs indicating turns to
the right being on the right side of the centerline, as shown in Figure
13. Taxiway direction signs are [not]{.underline} painted on runways, or
between a runway holding position and a runway. For taxiways
intersecting at 90 degrees a surface painted taxiway direction sign is
combined with arrows to indicate directions and is located on the left
side of the taxiway centerline.

**(1)** When a direction sign is not installed along side of the
taxiway, the surface painted taxiway direction sign is located at the
same distance from the intersection as the distance specified in AC
150/5340-18.

**(2)** When a surface painted taxiway direction sign supplements a
direction sign installed along side of the taxiway, the surface painted
direction sign may be located at or anywhere between the distance
specified in subparagraph (1) above and the point of divergence of the
painted centerlines.

**c. Color.** Surface painted taxiway direction signs have a yellow
background with a black inscription.

**d. Characteristics**. The inscription is to have a height of 12 feet
(3.67m), however it may be reduced, as necessary to the minimum height
of 9 feet (3m). The width of the letters, numbers, and other symbols
used in the inscription must be proportional to the height in order to
conform in appearance to the letters, numbers, and other symbols in
Appendix 1. Each taxiway designation must be accompanied by an arrow
showing the general direction of turn. The background is rectangular and
extends a minimum of 15 inches (38 cm) laterally and vertically beyond
the extremities of the inscription. A 6-inch (15 cm) wide vertical black
stripe separates each taxiway designation when more than one designation
is included on either side of the centerline.

**28. SURFACE PAINTED TAXIWAY LOCATION SIGNS.**

**a. Purpose.** Surface painted taxiway location signs are used, when
necessary, to supplement the signs located along side the taxiway and
assist the pilot in confirming the designation of the taxiway on which
the aircraft is located.

**b. Location.** The surface painted taxiway location signs are normally
located on the right side