+-------------+-------------------------------+-----------------------+
| ![](media/  |                               | **Advisory Circular** |
| image1.wmf) |                               |                       |
+-------------+-------------------------------+-----------------------+
| **U.S.      |                               |                       |
| D           |                               |                       |
| epartment** |                               |                       |
|             |                               |                       |
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| Aviation    |                               |                       |
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+-------------+-------------------------------+-----------------------+

+--------------------------------+-------------------+-----------------+
| **Subject:** SPECIFICATION FOR | **Date:**         | **AC No.:**     |
| L-853, Runway and taxiway      | 09/14/06          | 150/5345-39C    |
| retroreflective markers        |                   |                 |
|                                | **Initiated by:** | **Change:**     |
|                                | AAS-100           |                 |
+--------------------------------+-------------------+-----------------+

1.  **PURPOSE.** This Advisory Circular (AC) contains the Federal
    Aviation Administration (FAA) standards for retroreflective markers
    for airport runways and taxiways.

2.  **EFFECTIVE DATE.** Effective 6 months after the date of this
    circular, only that equipment qualified per this specification will
    be listed in AC 150/5345-53, *Airport Lighting Equipment
    Certification Program.*

3.  **CANCELLATION.** AC 150/5345-39B, *FAA Specification L-853, Runway
    and Taxiway Retroreflective Markers*, dated December 9, 1980, is
    cancelled.

4.  **APPLICATION.** The standards contained herein are recommended by
    the FAA in all applications involving airport development of this
    nature. The use of these standards is mandatory for airport projects
    receiving Federal funds under the airport grant assistance program
    and those using funds under the passenger facility charge (PFC)
    program.

5.  **PRINCIPAL CHANGES.**

    a.  Separated color strips (banding) on markers are no longer
        permitted.

    b.  The sheet retroreflector material is updated to ASTM 4956-05
        Type III and above.

    c.  Tethering of frangible elevated markers is required.

    d.  All applicable documents and document sources have been updated.

6.  **METRIC UNITS.** To promote an orderly transition to metric units,
    this AC contains both English and metric dimensions. The metric
    conversions may not be exact metric equivalents and, until there is
    an official changeover to the metric system, the English dimensions
    will govern.

7.  **COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS** for improvements to this AC should be
    sent to:

> Manager, Airport Engineering Division
>
> Federal Aviation Administration
>
> ATTN: AAS-100
>
> 800 Independence Avenue, S.W.
>
> Washington DC 20591

8.  **COPIES OF THIS AC.** The Office of Airport Safety and Standards is
    in the process of making ACs available to the public through the
    Internet. These ACs may be found through the Federal Aviation
    Administration (FAA) home page (www.faa.gov).

![](media/image2.png){width="2.5708333333333333in"
height="0.5923611111111111in"}

David L. Bennett

Director of Airport Safety and Standards

# CHAPTER 1. SCOPE AND CLASSIFICATION.

## 1.1 Scope. 

This specification covers the requirements for retroreflective markers
for airport runways and taxiways.

## 1.2 Classification.

Two types and two styles of retroreflective markers are covered by this
specification.

### 1.2.1 Types.

a.  Type I, Semiflush Marker for Centerline Marking.

b.  Type II, Elevated Marker for Edge Marking.

### 1.2.2 Styles.

The style designation applies to Type I markers only:

a.  Style I, Plowable Markers.

b.  Style II, Non-plowable Markers .

**Intentionally left blank.**

# CHAPTER 2. REFERENCED DOCUMENTS.

## 2.1 General.

The following is a listing of documents referenced in this AC:

### 2.1.1 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Publications.

#### 2.1.1.1 FAA Advisory Circulars (ACs). 

> AC 150/5345-53 *Airport Lighting Equipment Certification Program*

### 2.1.2 Military and Federal Publications.

#### 2.1.2.1 Military Standard.

> MIL-STD-810F *Environmental Engineering Considerations and Laboratory
> Tests*
>
> 1 January 2000

#### 2.1.2.2 Federal Specifications and Standards. 

> L-P-380 *Plastic Molding Material Methacrylate*

### 2.1.3 American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard.

> ASTM D 4280-04 *Standard Specification for Extended Life Type,
> Nonplowable, Raised Retroreflective Pavement Markers*
>
> ASTM D 4383-05 *Standard Specification for Plowable, Raised
> Retroreflective Pavement Markers.*
>
> ASTM D 4956-05 *Standard Specification for Retroreflective Sheeting
> for Traffic Control*

### 2.1.4 Document Sources.

FAA ACs may be obtained from:

> U.S. Department of Transportation
>
> Subsequent Distribution Office
>
> Ardmore East Business Center
>
> 3341 Q 75^th^ Ave.
>
> Landover, MD 20785
>
> Telephone: (301) 322-4961
>
> FAX: (301) 386-5394
>
> Website:
> www.faa.gov/airports_airtraffic/airports/resources/advisory_circulars/

Military standards and specifications publications may be obtained from:

> DAPS/DODSSP
>
> Building 4, Section D
>
> 700 Robbins Avenue
>
> Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094
>
> Telephone: (215)697-2179
>
> FAX: (215)697-1460
>
> Website: dodssp.daps.dla.mil

Federal specifications and standards may be obtained from:

> Federal Supply Services
>
> Specification Section
>
> 470 L\'Enfant Plaza East
>
> SW Suite 8100
>
> Washington, DC 20407
>
> Telephone: (202) 619-8925
>
> FAX: (202) 619-8985
>
> Website: [www.dsp.dla.mil](http://www.dsp.dla.mil/)

ASTM standards may be obtained from:

> ASTM International
>
> 100 Barr Harbor Drive
>
> P.O. Box C700
>
> West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959
>
> Telephone: (610) 832-9585
>
> FAX: (610) 832-9555
>
> Website: www.astm.org

# CHAPTER 3. REQUIREMENTS.

## 3.1 Retroreflective Material Requirements.

### 3.1.1 General.

#### 3.1.1.1 Construction. 

Retroreflective material is designed to reflect light at an oblique
angle back toward its source. Two types of retroreflective material are
in wide use:

a.  Sealed plastic lenses with a smooth face and a prismatic
    configuration on the back (referred to herein as lens
    retroreflectors).

b.  Flexible sheeting with a smooth face, embedded optical
    retroreflective elements, and an adhesive backing (referred to
    herein as sheet retroreflectors).

#### 3.1.1.2 Configuration. 

The configuration of the retroreflective material on a marker should be
designed to maximize its visibility. When the viewer is facing the
marker, it must be visible as a single color with a continuous unbroken
surface. Separated color strips (bands) of the same color or differing
colors laid out across the marker face must not be used. In the case of
a bidirectional marker, only a single color per side must be visible.

##### 3.1.1.2.1 Type I Lens Retroreflectors. 

The configuration of the Type I marker will be as follows:

a\. Runway centerline markers will be white in color.

b\. Taxiway centerline markers will be green in color.

##### 3.1.1.2.2 Type II Lens Retroreflectors. 

The configuration of the Type II marker will be as follows:

a.  Runway edge markers will be solid white in color.

b.  Taxiway edge markers will be solid blue in color.

c.  Runway threshold markers will be green in color.

d.  Runway end markers will be red in color.

e.  Runway threshold markers and runway end markers may be combined in
    one bidirectional marker.

##### 3.1.1.2.3 Type II Sheet Retroreflectors. 

a.  Runway edge markers will be solid white in color.

b.  Taxiway edge markers will be solid blue in color.

c.  Runway threshold markers will be green in color.

d.  Runway end markers will be red in color.

e.  Runway threshold markers and runway end markers may be combined in
    one bidirectional marker.

### 3.1.2 Sheet Retroreflector Requirements. 

a.  The sheet retroreflector material must be manufactured and perform
    per the requirements of ASTM D 4956-05, *Standard Specification for
    Retroreflective Sheeting for Traffic Control*. The manufacturer may
    use Class 1 through 4 adhesive backings.

b.  The sheet retroreflector material used must be Type III Sheeting or
    higher. See ASTM D 4956-05, Table 8 for the minimum reflection
    coefficients (R~A~) for colors white, green, red, and blue.

### 3.1.3 Lens Retroreflector Requirements.

#### Specific Intensity (SI). 

a.  Lens retroreflectors used in Type I markers must have the minimum SI
    per Table 1.

b.  Lens retroreflectors used in Type II markers must have the minimum
    specific intensities (SI) per Table 2.

c.  The values listed in both tables are for a clear (white) lens
    retroreflector. Red and green lens retroreflectors must be at least
    25 percent of this value and blue must be at least 8 percent of this
    value.

Table 1. Minimum SI for clear (white) Type I markers.

  ----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
  **Observation angle     **Entrance angle        **Specific intensity
  (degrees)**             (degrees)**             (candelas per
                                                  foot-candle)**

  0.2                     0                       3.0

  0.2                     20 Right                1.2

  0.2                     20 Left                 1.2
  ----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------

Table 2. Minimum SI per unit area for clear (white) Type II lens
retroreflectors.

  ----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
  **Observation angle     **Entrance angle        **Specified brightness
  (degrees)**             (degrees)**             (candelas per
                                                  foot-candle per square
                                                  inch)**

  0.1                     0                       14.0

  0.1                     20                      5.6

  0.167                   0                       10.0

  0.167                   20                      4.0

  0.33                    0                       7.0

  0.33                    20                      2.8
  ----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------

#### 3.1.3.2 Chromaticity. 

a.  For Type I markers, the approved colors are per paragraph 3.1.1.2.1.
    Style I markers must meet the color boundaries only (no other parts
    of the standard are applicable) per ASTM D4283-05, paragraph 6.2,
    *Color.* Style II markers must meet the color boundaries only (no
    other parts of the standard are applicable) per ASTM D4280-04,
    paragraph 6.2.4, *Color*.

b.  The colors approved for use on Type II lens retroreflector markers
    are per paragraph 3.1.1.2.2 and must meet the color boundaries only
    (no other parts of the standard are applicable) per ASTM D4280-04,
    paragraph 6.2.4, *Color*.

c.  The markers may be unidirectional, bi-directional with the same
    color, or bi-directional with two different colors. The particular
    color depends on the intended use.

#### 3.1.3.3 Fabrication. 

a.  The lens retroreflector must be one of the colors specified in
    paragraphs 3.1.1.2.1 and 3.1.1.2.2.

b.  The lens retroreflectors must consist of a transparent plastic face
    (the lens) and an opaque back fused to the lens (under heat and
    pressure) around the entire perimeter to form a homogeneous unit
    permanently sealed against dust, water, and water vapor.

c.  The lens retroreflector must consist of a smooth front surface free
    from projections or indentations other than for identification and a
    rear surface bearing a prismatic configuration so that it will
    effect total internal reflection of light.

d.  The manufacturer\'s trademark must be molded legibly into the face
    of the lens.

e.  The lens retroreflector shell material must conform to Federal
    Specification L‑P‑380, *Plastic Molding Material Methacrylate*, Type
    I, Class 3.

## 3.2 Environmental Requirements. 

All retroreflector markers must withstand the following environmental
conditions:

### 3.2.1 Temperature. 

Exposure to any temperature from -67° F to +149° F (-55° C to +65° C).

### 3.2.2 Wind. 

Exposure to wind speeds up to 100 mph (161 kilometers per hour (km/h))
from any direction.

### 3.2.3 Salt Fog.

Exposure to a salt-laden atmosphere.

### 3.2.4 Sunshine. 

Exposure to solar radiation.

### 3.2.5 Weather. 

Exposure to all normal operating environmental conditions.

### 3.2.6 Humidity.

Exposure to any relative humidity between 10 and 95 percent.

## 3.3 Type I Marker.

### 3.3.1 Design. 

a.  Style I markers must withstand the impact of a snowplow blade
    without damage or must be configured so that the blade passes over
    the marker.

b.  The base must have adequate area to dissipate the loading specified
    in paragraph 4.2.8 and provide for secure bonding to the pavement.

c.  The marker may be unidirectional or bi‑directional, depending on the
    user\'s requirements.

d.  The design of the marker must minimize scratching and abrasion of
    the retroreflective material.

### 3.3.2 Dimensions. 

a.  The Type I marker must not project more than 3/4 inch (20 mm) above
    the pavement surface.

b.  All corners and edges of the marker projecting above the pavement
    must be rounded to a minimum radius of 1/8 inch (3 mm).

c.  The minimum retroreflective area in each viewing direction must be
    1.5 in^2^ (9.7 cm^2^) for Style I markers and 3 in^2^ (19.3 cm^2^)
    for Style II markers.

### 3.3.3 Bonding. 

a.  Type I, Style I and II markers bonded to the pavement surface must
    have a clean, flat, hard, rough‑textured surface that will promote
    bonding.

b.  The bonding material must be specified or supplied by the
    manufacturer and must meet the requirements of paragraph 4.2.6.

## 3.4 Type II Marker.

### 3.4.1 Design. 

a.  There are three configurations of Type II markers:

> \(1\) Plane (flat) surface with lens retroreflectors attached;
>
> \(2\) Plane (flat) surface with sheet retroreflectors attached; or
>
> \(3\) Cylindrical surface with sheet retroreflectors attached.

b.  The marker must be as compact as practical while presenting the
    required retroreflective area.

c.  The retroreflective material must be at least 2 inches (5.1cm) above
    the ground when mounted or 3 inches (7.6 cm) if a frangible coupling
    is used.

### 3.4.2 Dimensions.

#### 3.4.2.1 Plane Markers. 

a.  For a plane surface Type II marker with lens retroreflectors, the
    retroreflector surface area must be at least 6.5 in^2^ (41.9 cm^2^).

b.  For a plane surface Type II marker with sheet retroreflector
    material, the retroreflector surface area must be at least 24 in^2^
    (155 cm^2^).

c.  If the plane markers are bidirectional, the surface areas in
    paragraphs 3.4.2.1a and b represent the required retroreflector
    surface area facing each direction.

#### 3.4.2.2 Cylindrical Markers. 

a.  For a cylindrical surface marker, at least 96 in^2^ (619) cm^2^) of
    sheet retroreflector material must be wrapped uniformly about the
    cylinder. The sheeting must extend up to the top of the cylinder.

b.  The minimum cylinder diameter is 2 inches (5.1 cm) and the maximum
    cylinder diameter is 8 inches (20.3 cm).

c.  The overall height of the marker must not be less than 14 inches
    (35.6 cm) above ground and not greater than 30 inches (76.2 cm) so
    as to present less of an obstruction to aircraft and a lower profile
    to the wind.

### 3.4.3 Construction.

#### 3.4.3.1 Mounting System. 

a.  The Type II marker is intended to delineate active aircraft areas.
    Therefore, it may be mounted on paved or unpaved surfaces.

b.  The manufacturer must provide a satisfactory mounting system for the
    appropriate type of surface.

c.  The mounting system must withstand the required wind loading and
    must be designed to prevent the marker or its components from being
    ingested by jet aircraft.

#### 3.4.3.2 Type II Marker Frangibility. 

a.  The Type II marker must be designed to be either flexible or mounted
    with a frangible fitting (with a breaking point no more than 3
    inches above grade) so that it will minimize damage to an aircraft
    if it strikes the marker.

b.  To utilize a non-frangible mounting, the Type II marker must readily
    bend or flex when struck so as to minimize damage to an aircraft or
    vehicle.

c.  Each Type II marker and mounting system must withstand a wind speed
    of 100 mph (161 km/h) without permanent deformation and must retain
    its original shape and position in winds up to 50 mph (80 km/h).

d.  A tether anchor hard point is required for Type II markers that are
    designed to break rather than bend or flex. The tether must be a
    weather and corrosion resisting material capable of securing the
    retroreflector when separated from its base or mounting stake and
    prevent a Foreign Object Debris (FOD) hazard.

#### 3.4.3.3 Materials. 

a.  Any metal used in the Type II marker or associated mounting hardware
    must be corrosion resisting, plated, or treated to resist corrosion.

b.  The Type II plane‑type (flat) markers and mounting hardware must be
    constructed so that the plane orientation will not change when the
    marker is subjected to the specified wind conditions.

c.  The sheet retroreflector material for all Type II markers must be
    securely fastened to the marker body so that it will not slip or
    loosen when exposed to the specified environmental conditions.

# 

# CHAPTER 4. EQUIPMENT QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS.

## **4.1 Qualification Procedures.** 

Procedures for qualifying equipment to be furnished under the Federal
grant assistance program for airports are contained in AC 150/5345-53,
*Airport Lighting Equipment Certification Program*.

## 4.2 Qualification Tests. 

The following tests must be performed on each unit submitted for
qualification, to demonstrate compliance with the specifications:

### 4.2.1 Retroreflector Material. 

a.  This section specifies tests for the retroreflector material
    component of the marker.

b.  For Type II markers using sheet retroreflector material, the
    manufacturer must submit the material to the third party
    certification body for testing. In lieu of testing, the manufacturer
    may provide a certificate of compliance (issued by the material
    supplier) to the third party certification body attesting that the
    material meets the standards in ASTM 4956-05.

c.  All Type I or Type II markers using lens retroreflectors must be
    tested by the third party certification body.

#### 4.2.1.1 Sheet Retroreflector Material. 

The sheet retroreflector material must pass the tests listed for Type
III or higher sheeting in ASTM Standard D 4956-05, Paragraph 7, *Test
Methods.*

#### 4.2.1.2 Lens Retroreflectors. 

a\. Type I, Style I lens retroreflectors must meet the requirements for
specific intensity and chromaticity in paragraph 3.1.3. See ASTM D
4383-05, Paragraph 10, *Test Methods* for test procedures.

b\. Type I, Style II lens retroreflectors must meet the requirements for
specific intensity and chromaticity in paragraph 3.1.3. See ASTM D
4980-04, Paragraph 9, *Test Methods*, for test procedures.

### 4.2.2 High Temperature Test. 

a.  Nonmetallic markers must be subjected to a temperature of +149° F
    ±3.6° (+65° C ±2.0°) for a period of not less than 7 hours.

b.  Any evidence of heat damage, such as deformation, blistering,
    cracking or crazing of plastic material, or deterioration of filler
    material, will be cause for rejection.

### 4.2.3 Low Temperature Test. 

a.  Nonmetallic Type I and II markers must be subjected to a temperature
    of -67° F ± 3.6 (‑55° C ±2.0°) for a period of 24 hours.

b.  Evidence of damage will be cause for rejection.

### 4.2.4 Salt Fog Test. 

a.  Markers with no ferrous metal are exempt from this test. The sample
    marker (with all accessory hardware) must be subjected to a salt fog
    test per MIL-STD-810F, Method 509.4, Salt Fog, paragraph 4.5.2,
    Procedure.

b.  The test duration must be 48 hours exposure and 48 hours drying.

c.  Analyze any corrosion for its immediate and potential long-term
    effects on the proper functioning and structural integrity of the
    test item.

### 4.2.5 Sunshine Test. 

a.  A sunshine test must be conducted per MIL-STD-810F, Method 505.4,
    Solar Radiation, and paragraph 4.4.3, Procedure II for all Type I
    and II markers with nonmetallic exterior parts.

b.  The markers must be subjected to a minimum of 56 cycles. Any
    evidence of deterioration will be cause for rejection.

### 4.2.6 Type I Marker Bond Test. 

a.  A 2 1/4‑in. ±1/4 in. (5.7 cm ± 0.6 cm) diameter steel fitting must
    be bonded to the bottom surface of the Type I marker with an
    adhesive material specified for use with the marker.

b.  After the adhesive material cures, the steel fitting must be pulled
    away from the marker at a force not greater than 2,500 pounds
    (1133.9 kg).

c.  The adhesive material and bottom surface of the marker is considered
    unsatisfactory if there is complete separation with a pull of less
    than 1,500 pounds (680.3 kg).

### 4.2.7 Type I Seal Test. 

a.  To demonstrate the integrity of the watertight gasket seal, Type I
    markers must be subjected to the immersion test described in
    MIL‑STD‑810F, Method 512.4, Immersion, paragraph 4.4.2, Procedure I.

b.  Any evidence of water or condensation in the marker housing is
    considered unsatisfactory performance.

### 4.2.8 Type I Marker Load Test. 

a.  This test must be the last test performed.

b.  The Type I marker must be bonded to a flat steel plate mounted in a
    standard testing machine.

c.  The load must be applied to the top part of the marker through a
    block of rubber, 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter, 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick
    with Shore A hardness of 55 to 70.

d.  A total of 10,000 pounds (4,536 kg) must be applied uniformly over
    the area of the rubber at a rate of not greater than 2,500 pounds
    (1,134 kg) per minute.

e.  The results will be considered unsatisfactory if there is any
    permanent deformation, cracking, or breaking of any materials used.

### 4.2.9 Type II Marker Wind Load Test. 

a.  The Type II marker and its mounting system must be subjected to wind
    load tests.

b.  Apply a wind load of 50 mph (80 km/h) for 10 minutes to a flexible
    marker to demonstrate that the marker remains upright at this wind
    speed.

c.  Apply a wind load of 100 mph (161 km/h) for 10 minutes to all Type
    II markers; the markers and mounting system must not show any signs
    of permanent distortion or failure.

d.  An equivalent static force calculated from the wind velocities in
    paragraphs 4.2.9b and c may be used to demonstrate the wind loading
    requirement. The equivalent force must be applied perpendicular to
    the vertical axis of the Type II marker.

#  

**Intentionally left blank.**

# CHAPTER 5. PRODUCTION TEST REQUIREMENTS.

## 5.1 Production Tests.

A visual examination must be performed on all components to verify
proper materials, dimensions, finish, and quality of workmanship.

## 5.2 Production Test Records.

Records showing actual test results of all tests required by paragraph
5.1 must be maintained for a period of three years by the manufacturer.

**Intentionally left blank.**