U.S. Department 

of Transportation 

Federal Aviation 

Administration

Subject: OPERATIONAL SAFETY ON AIRPORTS 

DURING CONSTRUCTION

Date: 1/17/03 

Initiated by: AAS-300 

AC No: 150/5370-2E

Change:

1. THE PURPOSE OF THIS ADVISORY 

CIRCULAR (AC). 

Aviation safety is the primary consideration at airports, 

especially during construction. This AC sets forth 

guidelines for operational safety on airports during 

construction. It contains major changes to the following 

areas: “Runway Safety Area,” paragraph 3-2; “Taxiway 

Safety Areas/Object-Free Areas,” paragraph 3-3; 

“Overview,” paragraph 3-4; “Marking Guidelines for 

Temporary Threshold,” paragraph 3-5; and “Hazard 

Marking and Lighting,” paragraph 3-9. 

2. WHAT THIS AC CANCELS. 

This AC cancels AC 150/5370-2D, Operational Safety 

on Airports During Construction, dated May 31, 2002. 

3. READING MATERIAL RELATED TO THIS 

AC. 

Appendix 1 contains a list of reading materials on 

airport construction, design, and potential safety 

hazards during construction, as well as instructions for 

ordering these documents. Many of them, including 

this AC, are available on the Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA) Web site. 

4. WHO THIS AC AFFECTS. 

This AC assists airport operators in complying with 14 

Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), part 139, 

Certification and Operation: Land Airports Serving 

Certain Air Carriers, and with the requirements of 

airport construction projects receiving funds under the 

Airport Improvement Program or from the Passenger 

Facility Charge Program. While the FAA does not 

require noncertificated airports without grant 

agreements to adhere to these guidelines, we 

recommend that they do so as it will help these airports 

maintain a desirable level of operational safety during 

construction. 

5. ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND 

INFORMATION. 

Appendix 2 contains definitions of terms used in this 

AC. Appendix 3 provides airport operators with 

boilerplate format and language for developing a safety 

plan for an airport construction project. Appendix 4 is 

a sample Notice to Airmen form. 

6. HAZARD LIGHTING IMPLEMENTATION 

TIME LINE. 

Supplemental hazard lighting must be red in color by 

October 1, 2004. See paragraph 3-9 for more 

information.

DAVID L. BENNETT 

Director, Office of Airport Safety and Standards 

1/17/03 AC 150/5370-2E 

iii

CONTENTS 

Paragraph Page

CHAPTER 1. GENERAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES ................................................. 1

1-1. Overview. .................................................................................................................................................................1

1-2. Who Is Responsible for Safety During Construction. ..............................................................................................1

CHAPTER 2. SAFETY PLANS ................................................................................................................................ 3

Section 1. Basic Safety Plan Considerations....................................................................................................... 3

2-1. Overview. .................................................................................................................................................................3

2-2. Safety Plan Checklist................................................................................................................................................3

Section 2. Safety and Security Measures............................................................................................................. 4

2-3. Overview. .................................................................................................................................................................4

2-4. Vehicle Operation and Marking and Pedestrian Control..........................................................................................4

2-5. Construction Employee Parking Areas.....................................................................................................................5

2-6. Construction Vehicle Equipment Parking. ...............................................................................................................5

2-7. Radio Communication Training. ..............................................................................................................................5

2-8. Fencing and Gates. ...................................................................................................................................................5

Section 3. Notification of Construction Activities ................................................................................................ 5

2-9. General. ....................................................................................................................................................................5

2-10. Assuring Prompt Notifications. ................................................................................................................................6

2-11. Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs).................................................................................................................................6

2-12. Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Notification...........................................................................................6

2-13. Notification to the FAA............................................................................................................................................6

2-14. Work Scheduling and Accomplishment. ..................................................................................................................6

CHAPTER 3. SAFETY STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES...................................................................................... 7

Section 1. Runway and Taxiway Safety Areas, Obstacle-Free Zones, and Object-Free Areas ...................... 7

3-1. Overview. .................................................................................................................................................................7

3-2. Runway Safety Area (RSA)/Obstacle-Free Zone (OFZ)..........................................................................................7

3-3. Taxiway Safety Areas/Object-Free Areas. ...............................................................................................................7

Section 2. Temporary Runway Thresholds .......................................................................................................... 8

3-4. Overview. .................................................................................................................................................................8

3-5. Marking Guidelines for Temporary Threshold.........................................................................................................8

3-6. Lighting Guidelines for Temporary Threshold.........................................................................................................9

Section 3. Other Construction Marking and Lighting Activities ...................................................................... 10

3-7. Overview. ...............................................................................................................................................................10

3-8. Closed Runway and Taxiway Marking and Lighting. ............................................................................................10

3-9. Hazard Marking and Lighting ................................................................................................................................10

3-10. Construction Near Navigational Aids (NAVAIDs)................................................................................................11

3-11. Construction Site Access and Haul Roads..............................................................................................................11

3-12. Construction Material Stockpiling..........................................................................................................................11

3-13. Other Limitations on Construction. ........................................................................................................................11

3-14. Foreign Object Debris (FOD) Management. ..........................................................................................................12

Section 4. Safety Hazards and Impacts .............................................................................................................. 12

3-15. Overview. ...............................................................................................................................................................12
AC 150/5370-2E 1/17/03 

iv 

Appendices 

APPENDIX 1. RELATED READING MATERIAL................................................................................................... A-1

APPENDIX 2. DEFINITIONS OF TERMS USED IN THE AC.................................................................................. A-2

APPENDIX 3. AIRPORT CONSTRUCTION SAFETY PLANNING GUIDE.............................................................. A-3

APPENDIX 4. SAMPLE NOTAM............................................................................................................................ A-7
1/17/03 AC 150/5370-2E 

1

CHAPTER 1. GENERAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1-1. OVERVIEW. 

Hazardous practices and marginal conditions created by 

construction activities can decrease or jeopardize 

operational safety on airports. To minimize disruption of 

normal aircraft operations and to avoid situations that 

compromise the airport’s operational safety, the airport 

operator must carefully plan, schedule, and coordinate 

construction activities. While the guidance in this AC is 

primarily used for construction operations, some of the 

methods and procedures described may also enhance dayto-day maintenance operations. 

1-2. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR SAFETY 

DURING CONSTRUCTION. 

An airport operator has overall responsibility for 

construction activities on an airport. This includes the 

predesign, design, preconstruction, construction, and 

inspection phases. Additional information on these 

responsibilities can be found throughout this AC. 

a. Airport operator’s responsibilities— 

(1) Develop internally or approve a 

construction safety plan developed by an outside 

consultant/contractor that complies with the safety 

guidelines in Chapter 2, “Safety Plans,” and Appendix 3, 

“Airport Construction Safety Planning Guide,” of this 

AC. 

(2) Require contractors to submit plans 

indicating how they intend to comply with the safety 

requirements of the project. 

(3) Convene a meeting with the construction 

contractor, consultant, airport employees, and, if 

appropriate, tenant sponsor to review and discuss project 

safety before beginning construction activity. 

(4) Ensure contact information is accurate for 

each representative/point of contact identified in the 

safety plan. 

(5) Hold weekly or, if necessary, daily safety 

meetings to coordinate activities. 

(6) Notify users, especially aircraft rescue and 

fire fighting (ARFF) personnel, of construction activity 

and conditions that may adversely affect the operational 

safety of the airport via Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) or 

other methods, as appropriate. Convene a meeting for 

review and discussion if necessary. 

(7) Ensure that construction personnel know 

of any applicable airport procedures and of changes to 

those procedures that may affect their work. 

(8) Ensure that construction contractors and 

subcontractors undergo training required by the safety 

plan. 

(9) Develop and/or coordinate a construction 

vehicle plan with airport tenants, the airport traffic control 

tower (ATCT), and construction contractors. Include the 

vehicle plan in the safety plan. See Chapter 2, section 2, 

of this AC for additional information. 

(10) Ensure tenants and contractors comply 

with standards and procedures for vehicle lighting, 

marking, access, operation, and communication. 

(11) At certificated airports, ensure that each 

tenant’s construction safety plan is consistent with 14 

CFR part 139, Certification and Operations: Land 

Airports Serving Certain Air Carriers. 

(12) Conduct frequent inspections to ensure 

construction contractors and tenants comply with the 

safety plan and that altered construction activities do not 

create potential safety hazards. 

(13) Resolve safety deficiencies immediately. 

(14) Ensure construction access complies with 

the security requirements of 49 CFR part 1542, Airport 

Security. 

(15) Notify appropriate parties when 

conditions exist that invoke provisions of the safety plan 

(e.g., implementation of low-visibility operations). 

b. Construction contractor’s responsibilities— 

(1) Submit plans to the airport operator on 

how to comply with the safety requirements of the 

project. 

(2) Have available a copy of the project safety 

plan. 

(3) Comply with the safety plan associated 

with the construction project and ensure that construction 

personnel are familiar with safety procedures and 

regulations on the airport. 

(4) Provide a point of contact who will 

coordinate an immediate response to correct any 

construction-related activity that may adversely affect the 

operational safety of the airport. 

(5) Provide a safety officer/construction 

inspector familiar with airport safety to monitor 

construction activities. 

(6) Restrict movement of construction 

vehicles to construction areas by flagging and barricading, 

erecting temporary fencing, or providing escorts, as 

appropriate. 
AC 150/5370-2E 1/17/03 

2 

(7) Ensure that no construction employees, 

employees of subcontractors or suppliers, or other persons 

enter any part of the air operations areas (AOAs) from the 

construction site unless authorized. 

c. Tenant’s responsibilities if planning 

construction activities on leased property—

(1) Develop a safety plan, and submit it to the 

airport operator for approval prior to issuance of a Notice 

to Proceed. 

(2) Provide a point of contact who will 

coordinate an immediate response to correct any 

construction-related activity that may adversely affect the 

operational safety of the airport. 

(3) Ensure that no tenant or construction 

employees, employees of subcontractors or suppliers, or 

any other persons enter any part of the AOA from the 

construction site unless authorized. 

(4) Restrict movement of construction 

vehicles to construction areas by flagging and barricading 

or erecting temporary fencing. 
1/17/03 AC 150/5370-2E 

3

CHAPTER 2. SAFETY PLANS 

Section 1. Basic Safety Plan Considerations 

2-1. OVERVIEW. 

Airport operators should coordinate safety issues with the 

air carriers, FAA Airway Facilities, and other airport 

tenants before the design phase of the project. The airport 

operator should identify project safety concerns, 

requirements, and impacts before making arrangements 

with contractors and other personnel to perform work on 

an airport. These safety concerns will serve as the 

foundation for the construction safety plan and help 

maintain a high level of aviation safety during the project. 

The airport operator should determine the level of 

complexity of the safety plan that is necessary for each 

construction project and its phases. The safety plan may 

be detailed in the specifications included in the invitation 

for bids, or the invitation for bid may specify that the 

contractor develop the safety plan and the airport operator 

approve it. In the latter case, the invitation for bid should 

contain sufficient information to allow the contractor to 

develop and determine the costs associated with the safety 

plan. In either case, safety plan costs should be 

incorporated into the total cost of the project. The airport 

operator has final approval authority and responsibility 

for all safety plans. 

Coordination will vary from formal predesign conferences 

to informal contacts throughout the duration of the 

construction project. 

Details of a specified safety plan, or requirements for a 

contractor-developed safety plan, should be discussed at 

the predesign and preconstruction conferences and should 

include the following, as appropriate: 

a. Actions necessary before starting construction, 

including defining and assigning responsibilities. 

b. Basic responsibilities and procedures for 

disseminating instructions about airport procedures to the 

contractor’s personnel. 

c. Means of separating construction areas from 

aeronautical-use areas. 

d. Navigational aid (NAVAID) requirements and 

weather. 

e. Marking and lighting plan illustrations. 

f. Methods of coordinating significant changes in 

airport operations with all the appropriate parties. 

2-2. SAFETY PLAN CHECKLIST. 

To the extent applicable, the safety plan should address 

the following: 

a. Scope of work to be performed, including 

proposed duration of work. 

b. Runway and taxiway marking and lighting. 

c. Procedures for protecting all runway and taxiway 

safety areas, obstacle-free zones (OFZs), object-free areas 

(OFAs), and threshold citing criteria outlined in AC 

150/5300-13, Airport Design, and as described in this AC. 

This includes limitations on equipment height and 

stockpiled material. 

d. Areas and operations affected by the 

construction activity, including possible safety problems. 

e. NAVAIDs that could be affected, especially 

critical area boundaries. 

f. Methods of separating vehicle and pedestrian 

construction traffic from the airport movement areas. 

This may include fencing off construction areas to keep 

equipment operators in restricted areas in which they are 

authorized to operate. Fencing, or some other form of 

restrictive barrier, is an operational necessity in some 

cases. 

g. Procedures and equipment, such as barricades 

(identify type), to delineate closed construction areas from 

the airport operational areas, as necessary. 

h. Limitations on construction. 

i. Required compliance of contractor personnel 

with all airport safety and security measures. 

j. Location of stockpiled construction materials,

construction site parking, and access and haul roads. 

k. Radio communications. 

l. Vehicle identification. 

m. Trenches and excavations and cover 

requirements. 
AC 150/5370-2E 1/17/03 

4 

n. Procedures for notifying ARFF personnel if 

water lines or fire hydrants must be deactivated or if 

emergency access routes must be rerouted or blocked. 

o. Emergency notification procedures for medical 

and police response. 

p. Use of temporary visual aids. 

q. Wildlife management. 

r. Foreign object debris (FOD) control provisions. 

s. Hazardous materials (HAZMAT) management. 

t. NOTAM issuance. 

u. Inspection requirements. 

v. Procedures for locating and protecting existing 

underground utilities, cables, wires, pipelines, and other 

underground facilities in excavation areas. 

w. Procedures for contacting responsible 

representatives/points of contact for all involved parties. 

This should include off-duty contact information so an 

immediate response may be coordinated to correct any 

construction-related activity that could adversely affect 

the operational safety of the airport. Particular care 

should be taken to ensure that appropriate Airways 

Facilities personnel are identified in the event that an 

unanticipated utility outage or cable cut occurs that 

impacts FAA NAVAIDs. 

x. Vehicle operator training. 

y. Penalty provisions for noncompliance with 

airport rules and regulations and the safety plan (e.g., if a 

vehicle is involved in a runway incursion). 

z. Any special conditions that affect the operation 

of the airport and will require a portion of the safety plan 

to be activated (e.g., low-visibility operations, snow 

removal). 

Section 2. Safety and Security Measures 

2-3. OVERVIEW. 

Airport operators are responsible for closely monitoring 

tenant and construction contractor activity during the 

construction project to ensure continual compliance with 

all safety and security requirements. Airports subject to 

49 CFR part 1542, Airport Security, must meet standards 

for access control, movement of ground vehicles, and 

identification of construction contractor and tenant 

personnel. In addition, airport operators should use safety 

program standards, as described in Chapter 3 of this AC, 

to develop specific safety measures to which tenants and 

construction contractors must adhere throughout the 

duration of construction activities. 

General safety provisions are contained in AC 

150/5370-10, Standards for Specifying Construction of 

Airports, paragraphs 40-05, “Maintenance of Traffic”; 

70-08, “Barricades, Warning Signs, and Hazard 

Markings”; and 80-04, “Limitation of Operations.” At any 

time during construction, aircraft operations, weather, 

security, or local airport rules may dictate more stringent 

safety measures. The airport operator should ensure that 

both general and specific safety requirements are 

coordinated with airport tenants and ATCT personnel. 

The airport operator should also include these parties in 

the coordination of all bid documents, construction plans, 

and specifications for on-airport construction projects. 

2-4. VEHICLE OPERATION AND MARKING 

AND PEDESTRIAN CONTROL. 

Vehicle and pedestrian access routes for airport 

construction projects must be controlled to prevent 

inadvertent or unauthorized entry of persons, vehicles, or 

animals onto the AOA. This includes aircraft movement 

and nonmovement areas. The airport operator should 

develop and coordinate a construction vehicle plan with 

airport tenants, contractors, and the ATCT. The safety 

plan or invitation for bid should include specific vehicle 

and pedestrian requirements. 

The vehicle plan should contain the following items: 

a. Airport operator’s rules and regulations for 

vehicle marking, lighting, and operation. 

b. Requirements for marking and identifying 

vehicles in accordance with AC 150/5210-5, Painting, 

Marking, and Lighting of Vehicles Used on an Airport.

c. Description of proper vehicle operations on 

movement and nonmovement areas under normal, lost 

communications, and emergency conditions. 

d. Penalties for noncompliance with driving rules 

and regulations. 

e. Training requirements for vehicle drivers to 

ensure compliance with the airport operator’s vehicle 

rules and regulations. 

f. Provisions for radio communication training for 

construction contractor personnel engaged in construction 

activities around aircraft movement areas. Some drivers, 
1/17/03 AC 150/5370-2E 

5

such as construction drivers under escort, may not require 

this training. 

g. Escort procedures for construction vehicles 

requiring access to aircraft movement areas. A vehicle in 

the movement area must have a working aviation-band, 

two-way radio unless it is under escort. Vehicles can be 

in closed areas without a radio if the closed area is 

properly marked and lighted to prevent incursions and a 

NOTAM regarding the closure is issued. 

h. Monitoring procedures to ensure that vehicle 

drivers are in compliance with the construction vehicle 

plan. 

i. Procedures for, if appropriate, personnel to 

control access through gates and fencing or across aircraft 

movement areas. 

2-5. CONSTRUCTION EMPLOYEE PARKING 

AREAS. 

Designate in advance vehicle parking areas for contractor 

employees to prevent any unauthorized entry of persons 

or vehicles onto the airport movement area. These areas 

should provide reasonable contractor employee access to 

the job site. 

2-6. CONSTRUCTION VEHICLE EQUIPMENT 

PARKING. 

Construction employees must park and service all 

construction vehicles in an area designated by the airport 

operator outside the runway safety areas and OFZs and 

never on a closed taxiway or runway. Employees should 

also park construction vehicles outside the OFA when not 

in use by construction personnel (e.g., overnight, on 

weekends, or during other periods when construction is 

not active). Parking areas must not obstruct the clear line 

of sight by the ATCT to any taxiways or runways under 

air traffic control nor obstruct any runway visual aids, 

signs, or navigational aids. The FAA must also study 

those areas to determine effects on 14 CFR part 77, 

Objects Affecting Navigable Airspace, surfaces (see 

paragraph 2-13 for further information). 

2-7. RADIO COMMUNICATION TRAINING. 

The airport operator must ensure that tenant and 

construction contractor personnel engaged in activities 

involving unescorted operation on aircraft movement 

areas observe the proper procedures for communications, 

including using appropriate radio frequencies at airports 

with and without ATCTs. Training of contractors on 

proper communication procedures is essential for 

maintaining airport operational safety. When operating 

vehicles on or near open runways or taxiways, 

construction personnel must understand the critical 

importance of maintaining radio contact with airport 

operations, ATCT, or the Common Traffic Advisory 

Frequency, which may include UNICOM, MULTICOM, 

or one of the FAA Flight Service Stations (FSS), as 

directed by airport management. 

Vehicular traffic crossing active movement areas must be 

controlled either by two-way radio with the ATCT, escort, 

flagman, signal light, or other means appropriate for the 

particular airport. Vehicle drivers must confirm by 

personal observation that no aircraft is approaching their 

position when given clearance to cross a runway. In 

addition, it is the responsibility of the escort vehicle driver 

to verify the movement/position of all escorted vehicles at 

any given time. 

Even though radio communication is maintained, escort 

vehicle drivers must also familiarize themselves with 

ATCT light gun signals in the event of radio failure (see 

the FAA safety placard “Ground Vehicle Guide to Airport 

Signs and Markings”). This safety placard may be 

ordered through the Runway Safety Program Web site at 

http://www.faarsp.org or obtained from the Regional 

Airports Division Office. 

2-8. FENCING AND GATES. 

Airport operators and contractors must take care to 

maintain a high level of safety and security during 

construction when access points are created in the security 

fencing to permit the passage of construction vehicles or 

personnel. Temporary gates should be equipped so they 

can be securely closed and locked to prevent access by 

animals and people (especially minors). Procedures 

should be in place to ensure that only authorized persons 

and vehicles have access to the AOA and to prohibit 

“piggybacking” behind another person or vehicle. The 

Department of Transportation (DOT) document 

DOT/FAA/AR-00/52, Recommended Security Guidelines 

for Airport Planning and Construction, provides more 

specific information on fencing. A copy of this document 

can be obtained from the Airport Consultants Council, 

Airports Council International, or American Association 

of Airport Executives.

Section 3. Notification of Construction Activities 

2-9. GENERAL. 

In order to maintain the desired levels of operational 

safety on airports during construction activities, the safety 

plan should contain the notification actions described 

below. 
AC 150/5370-2E 1/17/03 

6 

2-10. ENSURING PROMPT NOTIFICATIONS. 

The airport operator should establish and follow 

procedures for the immediate notification of airport users 

and the FAA of any conditions adversely affecting the 

operational safety of an airport. 

2-11. NOTICES TO AIRMEN (NOTAMS). 

The airport operator must provide information on closed 

or hazardous conditions on airport movement areas to the 

FSS so it can issue a NOTAM. The airport operator must 

coordinate the issuance, maintenance, and cancellation of 

NOTAMs about airport conditions resulting from 

construction activities with tenants and the local air traffic 

facility (control tower, approach control, or air traffic 

control center. Refer to AC 150/5200-28, Notices to 

Airmen (NOTAMs) for Airport Operators, and Appendix 

4 in this AC for a sample NOTAM form. Only the FAA 

may issue or cancel NOTAMs on shutdown or irregular 

operation of FAA-owned facilities. Only the airport 

operator or an authorized representative may issue or 

cancel NOTAMs on airport conditions. (The airport 

owner/operator is the only entity that can close or open a 

runway.) The airport operator must file and maintain this 

list of authorized representatives with the FSS. Any 

person having reason to believe that a NOTAM is 

missing, incomplete, or inaccurate must notify the airport 

operator. 

2-12. AIRCRAFT RESCUE AND FIRE 

FIGHTING (ARFF) NOTIFICATION. 

The safety plan must provide procedures for notifying 

ARFF personnel, mutual aid providers, and other 

emergency services if construction requires shutting off or 

otherwise disrupting any water line or fire hydrant on the 

airport or adjoining areas and if contractors work with 

hazardous material on the airfield. Notification 

procedures must also be developed for notifying ARFF 

and all other emergency personnel when the work 

performed will close or affect any emergency routes. 

Likewise, the procedures must address appropriate 

notifications when services are restored. 

2-13. NOTIFICATION TO THE FAA. 

For certain airport projects, 14 CFR part 77 requires 

notification to the FAA. In addition to applications made 

for Federally funded construction, 14 CFR part 157, 

Notice of Construction, Alteration, Activation, and 

Deactivation of Airports, requires that the airport operator 

notify the FAA in writing whenever a non-Federally 

funded project involves the construction of a new airport; 

the construction, realigning, altering, activating, or 

abandoning of a runway, landing strip, or associated 

taxiway; or the deactivation or abandoning of an entire 

airport. Notification involves submitting FAA Form 

7480-1, Notice of Landing Area Proposal, to the nearest 

FAA Regional Airports Division Office or Airports 

District Office. 

Also, any person proposing any kind of construction or 

alteration of objects that affect navigable airspace, as 

defined in 14 CFR part 77 must notify the FAA. This 

includes construction equipment and proposed parking 

areas for this equipment (i.e., cranes, graders, etc.). FAA 

Form 7460-1, Notice of Proposed Construction or 

Alteration, can be used for this purpose and submitted to 

the FAA Regional Airports Division Office or Airports 

District Office. (See AC 70/7460-2, Proposed 

Construction or Alteration of Objects that May Affect the 

Navigable Airspace.) 

If construction operations require a shutdown of an airport 

owned NAVAID from service for more than 24 hours or 

in excess of 4 hours daily on consecutive days, we 

recommend a 45-day minimum notice prior to facility 

shutdown. Coordinate work for a FAA owned NAVAID 

shutdown with the local FAA Airways Facilities Office. 

In addition, procedures that address unanticipated utility 

outages and cable cuts that could impact FAA NAVAIDs 

must be addressed. 

2-14. WORK SCHEDULING AND 

ACCOMPLISHMENT. 

Airport operators—or tenants having construction on their 

leased properties—should use predesign, prebid, and 

preconstruction conferences to introduce the subject of 

airport operational safety during construction (see AC 

150/5300-9, Predesign, Prebid, and Preconstruction 

Conferences for Airport Grant Projects). The airport 

operator, tenants, and construction contractors should 

integrate operational safety requirements into their 

planning and work schedules as early as practical. 

Operational safety should be a standing agenda item for 

discussion during progress meetings throughout the 

project. The contractor and airport operator should carry 

out onsite inspections throughout the project and 

immediately remedy any deficiencies, whether caused by 

negligence, oversight, or project scope change. 
1/17/03 AC 150/5370-2E 

7

CHAPTER 3. SAFETY STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 

Section 1. Runway and Taxiway Safety Areas, Obstacle-Free Zones, and Object-Free Areas 

3-1. OVERVIEW. 

Airport operators must use these safety guidelines when 

preparing plans and specifications for construction 

activities in areas that may interfere with aircraft 

operations. The safety plan should recognize and address 

these standards for each airport construction project. 

However, the safety plan must reflect the specific needs 

of a particular project, and for this reason, these safety 

guidelines should not be incorporated verbatim into 

project specifications. For additional guidance on 

meeting safety and security requirements, refer to the 

planning guide template included in Appendix 3 of this 

AC. 

3-2. RUNWAY SAFETY AREA (RSA)/ 

OBSTACLE-FREE ZONE (OFZ). 

A runway safety area is the defined surface surrounding 

the runway prepared or suitable for reducing the risk of 

damage to airplanes in the event of an undershoot, 

overshoot, or excursion from the runway (see AC 

150/5300-13, Airport Design). Construction activities 

within the standard RSA are subject to the following 

conditions: 

a. Runway edges. 

(1) No construction may occur closer than 

200 feet (60m) from the runway centerline unless the 

runway is closed or restricted to aircraft operations, 

requiring an RSA that is equal to the RSA width available 

during construction, or 400 feet, whichever is less (see 

AC 150/5300-13, Tables 3-1 through 3-3). 

(2) Personnel, material, and/or equipment 

must not penetrate the OFZ, as defined in AC 150/5300-

13.

(3) The airport operator must coordinate the 

construction activity in the RSA as permitted above with 

the ATCT and the FAA Regional Airports Division 

Office or appropriate Airports District Office and issue a 

local NOTAM. 

b. Runway ends. 

(1) An RSA must be maintained of such 

dimensions that it extends beyond the end of the runway a 

distance equal to that which existed before construction 

activity, unless the runway is closed or restricted to 

aircraft operations for which the reduced RSA is adequate 

(see AC 150/5300-13). The temporary use of declared 

distances and/or partial runway closures may help provide 

the necessary RSA. 

In addition, all personnel, materials, and/or equipment 

must remain clear of the applicable threshold siting 

surfaces, as defined in Appendix 2, “Threshold Siting 

Requirements,” of AC 150/5300-13.1

 Consult with the 

appropriate FAA Regional Airports Division Office or 

Airports District Office to determine the appropriate 

approach surface required. 

(2) Personnel, material, and/or equipment 

must not penetrate the OFZ, as defined in AC 150/5300-

13. 

(3) The safety plan must provide procedures 

for ensuring adequate distance for blast protection, if 

required by operational considerations. 

(4) The airport operator must coordinate 

construction activity in this portion of the RSA with the 

ATCT and the FAA Regional Airports Division Office or 

appropriate Airports District Office and issue a local 

NOTAM. 

c. Excavations. 

(1) Construction contractors must 

prominently mark open trenches and excavations at the 

construction site with red or orange flags, as approved by 

the airport operator, and light them with red lights during 

hours of restricted visibility or darkness.

(2) Open trenches or excavations are not 

permitted within 200 feet (60m) of the runway centerline 

and at least the existing RSA distance from the runway 

threshold while the runway is open. If the runway must 

be opened before excavations are backfilled, cover the 

excavations appropriately. Coverings for open trenches 

or excavations must be of sufficient strength to support 

the weight of the heaviest aircraft operating on the 

runway.

3-3. TAXIWAY SAFETY AREAS/OBJECTFREE AREAS. 

a. Unrestricted construction activity is permissible 

adjacent to taxiways when the taxiway is restricted to 

aircraft such that the available taxiway safety area is equal 

 

1

If a full safety area cannot be obtained through declared 

distances and partial closures, or other methods such as alternate 

runway use, construction activity may operate in the RSA as 

long as conditions cited in paragraph 3-1b(2) thru (4) are met. In 

addition, various surfaces outlined in AC 150/5300-13 and 

Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS) must be protected 

through an aeronautical study. 
AC 150/5370-2E 1/17/03 

8 

to at least 1⁄2 of the widest wingspan of the aircraft 

expected to use the taxiway and the available taxiway 

object-free area is equal to at least .7 times the widest 

wingspan plus 10 feet. (See AC 150/5300-13 for 

guidance on taxiway safety and object-free areas.) 

Construction activity may be accomplished closer to a 

taxiway, subject to the following restrictions: 

(1) The activity is first coordinated with the 

airport operator. 

(2) Appropriate NOTAMs are issued. 

(3) Marking and lighting meeting the 

provisions of paragraph 3-9 are implemented. 

(4) Adequate clearance is maintained between 

equipment and materials and any part of an aircraft. If 

such clearance can only be maintained if an aircraft does 

not have full use of the entire taxiway width (with its 

main landing gear at the edge of the pavement), then it 

will be necessary to move personnel and equipment for 

each passing aircraft. In these situations, flag persons will 

be used to direct construction equipment, and wing 

walkers may be necessary to guide aircraft. Wing walkers 

should be airline/aviation personnel rather than 

construction workers. 

b. Construction contractors must prominently mark 

open trenches and excavations at the construction site, as 

approved by the airport operator, and light them with red 

lights during hours of restricted visibility or darkness 

c. Excavations and open trenches may be permitted 

up to the edge of a structural taxiway and apron pavement 

provided the dropoff is marked and lighted per paragraph 

3-9, “Hazard Marking and Lighting.” 

Section 2. Temporary Runway Thresholds 

3-4. OVERVIEW. 

Construction activity in a runway approach area may 

result in the need to partially close a runway or displace 

the existing runway threshold. In either case, locate the 

threshold in accordance with Appendix 2 of AC 

150/5300-13, Airport Design. Objects that do not 

penetrate these surfaces may still be obstructions to air 

navigation and may affect standard instrument approach 

procedures. Coordinate these objects with the FAA’s 

Regional Airports Office or appropriate Airports District 

Office, as necessary. Refer to the current edition of AC 

150/5300-13 for guidance on threshold siting 

requirements. The partial runway closure, the 

displacement of the runway threshold, as well as closures 

of the complete runway and other portions of the 

movement area also requires coordination with 

appropriate ATCT personnel and airport users. 

Caution regarding partial runway closures: When 

filing a NOTAM for a partial runway closure, clearly state 

to FSS personnel that the portion of pavement located 

prior to the threshold is not available for landing and 

departing traffic. In this case, the threshold has been 

moved for both landing and takeoff purposes (this is 

different than a displaced threshold). 

Example NOTAM: “North 1,000 feet of Runway 18/36 is 

closed; 7,000 feet remain available on Runway 18 and 

Runway 36 for arrivals and departures.” There may be 

situations where the portion of closed runway is available 

for taxiing only. If so, the NOTAM must reflect this 

condition. 

Caution regarding displaced thresholds:

Implementation of a displaced threshold affects runway 

length available for aircraft landing over the 

displacement. Depending on the reason for the 

displacement (to provide obstruction clearance or RSA), 

such a displacement may also require an adjustment in the 

landing distance available and accelerate-stop distance 

available in the opposite direction. If project scope 

includes personnel, equipment, excavation, etc. within the 

RSA of any usable runway end, we do not recommend a 

displaced threshold unless arrivals and departures toward 

the construction activity are prohibited. Instead, 

implement a partial closure. 

3-5. MARKING GUIDELINES FOR 

TEMPORARY THRESHOLD. 

Ensure that markings for temporary displaced thresholds 

are clearly visible to pilots approaching the airport to 

land. When construction personnel and equipment are 

located close to any threshold, a temporary visual 

NAVAID, such as runway end identifier lights (REIL), 

may be required (even on unlighted runways) to define 

the new beginning of the runway clearly. A visual 

vertical guidance device, such as a visual approach slope 

indicator (VASI), pulse light approach slope indicator 

(PLASI), or precision approach path indicator (PAPI), 

may be necessary to assure landing clearance over 

personnel, vehicles, equipment, and/or above-grade 

stockpiled materials. If such devices are installed, ensure 

an appropriate descriptive NOTAM is issued to inform 

pilots of these conditions. The current edition of AC 

150/5340-1, Standards for Airport Markings, describes 

standard marking colors and layouts. In addition, we 

recommend that a temporary runway threshold be marked 

using the following guidelines: 

a. Airport markings must be clearly visible to 

pilots; not misleading, confusing, or deceptive; secured in 

place to prevent movement by prop wash, jet blast, wing 

vortices, or other wind currents; and constructed of 
1/17/03 AC 150/5370-2E 

9

materials that would minimize damage to an aircraft in 

the event of inadvertent contact. 

(1) Pavement markings for temporary closed 

portions of the runway should consist of yellow chevrons 

to identify pavement areas that are unsuitable for 

takeoff/landing (see AC 150/5340-1). If unable to paint 

the markings on the pavement, construct them from any 

of the following materials: double-layered painted snow 

fence, colored plastic, painted sheets of plywood, or 

similar materials. They must be properly configured and 

secured to prevent movement by prop wash, jet blast, or 

other wind currents. 

(2) It may be necessary to remove or cover 

runway markings, such as runway designation markings 

and aiming point markings, depending on the length of 

construction and type of activity at the airport. 

(3) When threshold markings are needed to 

identify the temporary beginning of the runway that is 

available for landing, use a white threshold bar of the 

dimensions specified in AC 150/5340-1. 

(4) If temporary outboard elevated or flush 

threshold bars are used, locate them outside of the runway 

pavement surface, one on each side of the runway. They 

should be at least 10 feet (3m) in width and extend 

outboard from each side of the runway so they are clearly 

visible to landing and departing aircraft. These threshold 

bars are white. If the white threshold bars are not 

discernable on grass or snow, apply a black background 

with appropriate material over the ground to ensure the 

markings are clearly visible. 

(5) A temporary threshold may also be 

marked with the use of retroreflective, elevated markers. 

One side of such markers is green to denote the approach 

end of the runway; the side that is seen by pilots on 

rollout is red. See AC 150/5345-39, FAA Specification L853, Runway and Taxiway Retroreflective Markers. 

(6) At 14 CFR part 139 certificated airports, 

temporary elevated threshold markers must be mounted 

with a frangible fitting (see 14 CFR part 139.309). 

However, at noncertificated airports, the temporary 

elevated threshold markings may either be mounted with 

a frangible fitting or be flexible. See AC 150/5345-39. 

b. The application rate of the paint to mark a shortterm temporary runway threshold may deviate from the 

standard (see Item P-620, “Runway and Taxiway 

Painting,” in AC 150/5370-10, Standards for Specifying 

Construction of Airports), but the dimensions must meet 

the existing standards, unless coordinated with the 

appropriate offices. 

c. When a runway is partially closed, the distance 

remaining signs for aircraft landing in the opposite 

direction should be covered or removed during the 

construction. 

3-6. LIGHTING GUIDELINES FOR 

TEMPORARY THRESHOLD. 

A temporary runway threshold must be lighted if the 

runway is lighted and it is the intended threshold for night 

landings or instrument meteorological conditions. We 

recommend that temporary threshold lights and related 

visual NAVAIDs be installed outboard of the edges of the 

full-strength pavement with bases at grade level or as low 

as possible, but not to exceed 3 inches (7.6cm) above 

ground. When any portion of a base is above grade, place 

properly compacted fill around the base to minimize the 

rate of gradient change so aircraft can, in an emergency, 

cross at normal landing or takeoff speeds without 

incurring significant damage (see AC 150/5370-10). We 

recommend that the following be observed when using 

temporary runway threshold lighting: 

a. Maintain threshold and edge lighting color and 

spacing standards as described in AC 150/5340-24, 

Runway and Taxiway Edge Lighting System. 

Battery-powered, solar, or portable lights that meet the 

criteria in AC 150/5345-50, Specification for Portable 

Runway Lights, may be used. These systems are intended 

primarily for visual flight rules (VFR) aircraft operation 

but may be used for instrument flight rules (IFR) aircraft 

operations, upon individual approval from the Flight 

Standards Division of the applicable FAA Regional 

Office. 

b. When the runway has been partially closed, 

disconnect edge and threshold lights with associated 

isolation transformers on that part of the runway at and 

behind the threshold (i.e., the portion of the runway that is 

closed). Alternately, cover the light fixture in such a way 

as to prevent light leakage. Avoid removing the lamp 

from energized fixtures because an excessive number of 

isolation transformers with open secondaries may damage 

the regulators and/or increase the current above its normal 

value. 

c. Secure, identify, and place any temporary 

exposed wiring in conduit to prevent electrocution and 

fire ignition sources. 

d. Reconfigure yellow lenses (caution zone), as 

necessary. If the runway has centerline lights, reconfigure 

the red lenses, as necessary, or place the centerline lights 

out of service. 

e. Relocate the visual glide slope indicator (VGSI), 

such as VASI and PAPI; other airport lights, such as 

REIL; and approach lights to identify the temporary 

threshold. Another option is to disable the VGSI or any 

equipment that would give misleading indications to 

pilots as to the new threshold location. Installation of 

temporary visual aids may be necessary to provide 

adequate guidance to pilots on approach to the affected 

runway. If the FAA owns and operates the VGSI, 
AC 150/5370-2E 1/17/03 

10 

coordinate its installation or disabling with the local 

Airway Facilities Systems Management Office. 

f. Issue a NOTAM to inform pilots of temporary 

lighting conditions.

Section 3. Other Construction Marking and Lighting Activities 

3-7. OVERVIEW. 

Ensure that construction areas, including closed runways, 

are clearly and visibly separated from movement areas 

and that hazards, facilities, cables, and power lines are 

identified prominently for construction contractors. 

Throughout the duration of the construction project, 

verify that these areas remain clearly marked and visible 

at all times and that marking and lighting aids remain in 

place and operational. Routine inspections must be made 

of temporary construction lighting, especially batterypowered lighting since weather conditions can limit 

battery life. 

3-8. CLOSED RUNWAY AND TAXIWAY 

MARKING AND LIGHTING. 

Closed runway markings consist of a yellow “X” in 

compliance with the standards of AC 150/5340-1, 

Standards for Airport Markings. A very effective and 

preferable visual aid to depict temporary closure is the 

lighted “X” signal placed on or near the runway 

designation numbers. This device is much more 

discernible to approaching aircraft than the other 

materials described. If the lighted “X” is not available, 

construct the marking of any of the following materials: 

double-layered painted snow fence, colored plastic, 

painted sheets of plywood, or similar materials. They 

must be properly configured and secured to prevent 

movement by prop wash, jet blast, or other wind currents. 

In addition, the airport operator may install barricades, 

traffic cones, activate stop bars, or other acceptable visual 

devices at major entrances to the runways to prevent 

aircraft from entering a closed portion of runway. The 

placement of even a single reflective barricade with a “do 

not enter” sign on a taxiway centerline can prevent an 

aircraft from continuing onto a closed runway. If the 

taxiway must remain open for aircraft crossings, 

barricades or markings, as described above or in 

paragraph 3-9, should be placed on the runway. 

a. Permanently closed runways. 

For runways and taxiways that have been permanently 

closed, disconnect the lighting circuits. For runways, 

obliterate the threshold marking, runway designation 

marking, and touchdown zone markings, and place “X’s” at 

each end and at 1,000-foot (300-m) intervals. For taxiways, 

place an “X” at the entrance of the closed taxiway. 

b. Temporarily closed runway and taxiways. 

For runways that have been temporarily closed, place an 

“X” at the each end of the runway. With taxiways, place 

an “X” at the entrance of the closed taxiway.

c. Temporarily closed airport. 

When the airport is closed temporarily, mark the runways 

as closed and turn off the airport beacon.

d. Permanently closed airports 

When the airport is closed permanently, mark the 

runways as permanently closed, disconnect the airport 

beacon, and place an “X” in the segmented circle or at a 

central location if no segmented circle exists. 

3-9. HAZARD MARKING AND LIGHTING. 

Provide prominent, comprehensible warning indicators 

for any area affected by construction that is normally 

accessible to aircraft, personnel, or vehicles. Using 

appropriate hazard marking and lighting may prevent 

damage, injury, traffic delays, and/or facility closures. 

Hazard marking and lighting must restrict access and 

make specific hazards obvious to pilots, vehicle drivers, 

and other personnel. Barricades, traffic cones (weighted 

or sturdily attached to the surface), or flashers are 

acceptable methods used to identify and define the limits 

of construction and hazardous areas on airports. 

Provide temporary hazard marking and lighting to prevent 

aircraft from taxiing onto a closed runway for takeoff and 

to identify open manholes, small areas under repair, 

stockpiled material, and waste areas. Also consider less 

obvious construction-related hazards and include 

markings to identify FAA, airport, and National Weather 

Service facilities cables and power lines; instrument 

landing system (ILS) critical areas; airport surfaces, such 

as RSA, OFA, and OFZ; and other sensitive areas to make 

it easier for contractor personnel to avoid these areas. 

The construction specifications must include a provision 

requiring the contractor to have a person on call 24 hours 

a day for emergency maintenance of airport hazard 

lighting and barricades. The contractor must file the 

contact person’s information with the airport. 

a. Nonmovement areas. 

Indicate construction locations on nonmovement areas in 

which no part of an aircraft may enter by using barricades 

that are marked with diagonal, alternating orange and white 

stripes. Barricades may be supplemented with alternating 
1/17/03 AC 150/5370-2E 

11

orange and white flags at least 20 by 20 inches (50 by 50 

cm) square and made and installed so they are always in an 

extended position, properly oriented, and securely fastened 

to eliminate jet engine ingestion. Such barricades may be 

many different shapes and made from various materials, 

including railroad ties, sawhorses, jersey barriers, or 

barrels. During reduced visibility or night hours, 

supplement the barricades with red lights, either flashing or 

steady-burning, which should meet the luminance 

requirements of the State Highway Department (yellow 

lights are not acceptable after October 1, 2004). The 

intensity of the lights and spacing for barricade flags and 

lights must adequately and without ambiguity delineate the 

hazardous area. 

b. Movement areas. 

Use orange traffic cones; red lights, either flashing or 

steady-burning, which should meet the luminance 

requirements of the State Highway Department (yellow 

lights are not acceptable after October 1, 2004); 

collapsible barricades marked with diagonal, alternating 

orange and white stripes; and/or signs to separate all 

construction/maintenance areas from the movement area. 

All barricades, temporary markers, and other objects 

placed and left in safety areas associated with any open 

runway, taxiway, or taxilane must be as low as possible to 

the ground; of low mass; easily collapsible upon contact 

with an aircraft or any of its components; and weighted or 

sturdily attached to the surface to prevent displacement 

from prop wash, jet blast, wing vortex, or other surface 

wind currents. If affixed to the surface, they must be 

frangible at grade level or as low as possible, but not to 

exceed 3 inches (7.6cm) above the ground. Do not use 

nonfrangible hazard markings, such as concrete barriers 

and/or metal-drum-type barricades, in aircraft movement 

areas. Do not use railroad ties on runways. 

Use highly reflective barriers with flashing or steadyburning red lights to barricade taxiways leading to closed 

runways. Evaluate all operating factors when determining 

how to mark temporary closures that can last from 10 to 

15 minutes to a much longer period of time. However, 

we strongly recommend that, even for closures of 

relatively short duration, major taxiway/runway 

intersections be identified with barricades spaced no 

greater than 20 feet (6m) apart. Mark the barricades with 

a flashing or steady-burning red light. At a minimum, use 

a single barricade placed on the taxiway centerline. 

3-10. CONSTRUCTION NEAR NAVIGATIONAL 

AIDS (NAVAIDS). 

Construction activities, materials/equipment storage, and 

vehicle parking near electronic NAVAIDs require special 

consideration since they may interfere with signals 

essential to air navigation. Evaluate the effect of 

construction activity and the required distance and 

direction from the NAVAID for each construction project. 

Pay particular attention to stockpiling material, as well as 

to movement and parking of equipment that may interfere 

with line of sight from the ATCT or with electronic 

emissions. Interference from construction may require 

NAVAID shutdown or adjustment of instrument approach 

minimums for IFR. This condition requires that a 

NOTAM be filed. Construction activities and 

materials/equipment storage near a NAVAID may also 

obstruct access to the equipment and instruments for 

maintenance. Before commencing construction activity, 

parking vehicles, or storing construction equipment and 

materials near a NAVAID, consult with the nearest FAA 

Airway Facilities Office. 

3-11. CONSTRUCTION SITE ACCESS AND 

HAUL ROADS. 

Determine the construction contractor’s access to the 

construction sites and haul roads. Do not permit the 

construction contractor to use any access or haul roads 

other than those approved. Construction contractors must 

submit specific proposed routes associated with 

construction activities to the airport operator for 

evaluation and approval as part of the safety plan before 

beginning construction activities. These proposed routes 

must also provide specifications to prevent inadvertent 

entry to movement areas. Pay special attention to ensure 

that ARFF right of way on access and haul roads is not 

impeded at any time and that construction traffic on haul 

roads does not interfere with NAVAIDs or approach 

surfaces of operational runways.

3-12. CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL 

STOCKPILING. 

Stockpiled materials and equipment storage are not 

permitted within the RSA and OFZ of an operational 

runway. The airport operator must ensure that stockpiled 

materials and equipment adjacent to these areas are 

prominently marked and lighted during hours of restricted 

visibility or darkness. This includes determining and 

verifying that materials are stored at an approved location 

to prevent foreign object damage and attraction of wildlife. 

3-13. OTHER LIMITATIONS ON 

CONSTRUCTION. 

Contractors may not use open-flame welding or torches 

unless adequate fire safety precautions are provided and 

the airport operator has approved their use. Under no 

circumstances should flare pots be used within the AOA 

at any time. The use of electrical blasting caps must not 

be permitted on or within 1,000 feet (300m) of the airport 

property (see AC 150/5370-10, Standards for Specifying 

Construction of Airports). 
AC 150/5370-2E 1/17/03 

12 

3-14. FOREIGN OBJECT DEBRIS (FOD) 

MANAGEMENT. 

Waste and loose materials, commonly referred to as FOD, 

are capable of causing damage to aircraft landing gears, 

propellers, and jet engines. Construction contractors must 

not leave or place FOD on or near active aircraft 

movement areas. Materials tracked onto these areas must 

be continuously removed during the construction project. 

We also recommend that airport operators and 

construction contractors carefully control and 

continuously remove waste or loose materials that might 

attract wildlife. 

Section 4. Safety Hazards and Impacts

3-15. OVERVIEW. 

The situations identified below are potentially hazardous 

conditions that may occur during airport construction 

projects. Safety area encroachments, unauthorized and 

improper ground vehicle operations, and unmarked or 

uncovered holes and trenches near aircraft operating 

surfaces pose the most prevalent threats to airport 

operational safety during airport construction projects. 

Airport operators and contractors should consider the 

following when performing inspections of construction 

activity: 

a. Excavation adjacent to runways, taxiways, and 

aprons. 

b. Mounds of earth, construction materials, 

temporary structures, and other obstacles near any open 

runway, taxiway, or taxilane; in the related object-free 

area and aircraft approach or departure areas/zones; or 

obstructing any sign or marking. 

c. Runway resurfacing projects resulting in lips 

exceeding 3 inches (7.6cm) from pavement edges and 

ends. 

d. Heavy equipment (stationary or mobile) 

operating or idle near AOAs, in runway approaches and 

departures areas, or in OFZs. 

e. Equipment or material near NAVAIDs that may 

degrade or impair radiated signals and/or the monitoring 

of navigational and visual aids. Unauthorized or 

improper vehicle operations in localizer or glide slope 

critical areas, resulting in electronic interference and/or 

facility shutdown. 

f. Tall and especially relatively low-visibility units 

(i.e., equipment with slim profiles)—cranes, drills, and 

similar objects—located in critical areas, such as OFZs 

and approach zones. 

g. Improperly positioned or malfunctioning lights 

or unlighted airport hazards, such as holes or excavations, 

on any apron, open taxiway, or open taxilane or in a 

related safety, approach, or departure area. 

h. Obstacles, loose pavement, trash, and other 

debris on or near AOAs. Construction debris (gravel, 

sand, mud, paving materials, etc.) on airport pavements 

may result in aircraft propeller, turbine engine, or tire 

damage. Also, loose materials may blow about, 

potentially causing personal injury or equipment damage. 

i. Inappropriate or poorly maintained fencing 

during construction intended to deter human and animal 

intrusions into the AOA. Fencing and other markings that 

are inadequate to separate construction areas from open 

AOAs create aviation hazards. 

j. Improper or inadequate marking or lighting of 

runways (especially thresholds that have been displaced 

or runways that have been closed) and taxiways that could 

cause pilot confusion and provide a potential for a runway 

incursion. Inadequate or improper methods of marking, 

barricading, and lighting of temporarily closed portions of 

AOAs create aviation hazards. 

k. Wildlife attractants—such as trash (food scraps 

not collected from construction personnel activity), grass 

seeds, or ponded water—on or near airports. 

l. Obliterated or faded markings on active 

operational areas. 

m. Misleading or malfunctioning obstruction lights. 

Unlighted or unmarked obstructions in the approach to 

any open runway pose aviation hazards. 

n. Failure to issue, update, or cancel NOTAMs 

about airport or runway closures or other 

construction-related airport conditions. 

o. Failure to mark and identify utilities or power 

cables. Damage to utilities and power cables during 

construction activity can result in the loss of 

runway/taxiway lighting; loss of navigational, visual, or 

approach aids; disruption of weather reporting services; 

and/or loss of communications. 

p. Restrictions on ARFF access from fire stations to 

the runway-taxiway system or airport buildings. 

q. Lack of radio communications with construction 

vehicles in airport movement areas. 

r. Objects, regardless of whether they are marked 

or flagged, or activities anywhere on or near an airport 
1/17/03 AC 150/5370-2E 

13

that could be distracting, confusing, or alarming to pilots 

during aircraft operations. 

s. Water, snow, dirt, debris, or other contaminants 

that temporarily obscure or derogate the visibility of 

runway/taxiway marking, lighting, and pavement edges. 

Any condition or factor that obscures or diminishes the 

visibility of areas under construction. 

t. Spillage from vehicles (gasoline, diesel fuel, oil, 

etc.) on active pavement areas, such as runways, 

taxiways, ramps, and airport roadways. 

u. Failure to maintain drainage system integrity 

during construction (e.g., no temporary drainage provided 

when working on a drainage system). 

v. Failure to provide for proper electrical lockout 

and tagging procedures. At larger airports with multiple 

maintenance shifts/workers, construction contractors 

should make provisions for coordinating work on circuits. 

w. Failure to control dust. Consider limiting the 

amount of area from which the contractor is allowed to 

strip turf. 

x. Exposed wiring that creates an electrocution or 

fire ignition hazard. Identify and secure wiring, and place 

it in conduit or bury it. 

y. Site burning, which can cause possible 

obscuration. 

z. Construction work taking place outside of 

designated work areas and out of phase. 

1/17/03 AC 150/5370-2E 

A-1

APPENDIX 1. RELATED READING MATERIAL 

1. Obtain the latest version of the following free 

publications from the FAA on its Web site at 

http://www.faa.gov/arp/. In addition, these ACs are 

available by contacting the U.S. Department of 

Transportation, Subsequent Distribution Office, SVC121.23, Ardmore East Business Center, 3341 Q 75th 

Avenue, Landover, MD 20785. 

a. AC 150/5200-28, Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) 

for Airport Operators. Provides guidance for the use of 

the NOTAM System in airport reporting. 

b. AC 150/5200-30, Airport Winter Safety and 

Operations. Provides guidance to airport 

owners/operators on the development of an acceptable 

airport snow and ice control program and on appropriate 

field condition reporting procedures. 

c. AC 150/5200-33, Hazardous Wildlife Attractants 

On or Near Airports. Provides guidance on locating 

certain land uses having the potential to attract hazardous 

wildlife to public-use airports. 

d. AC 150/5210-5, Painting, Marking, and Lighting 

of Vehicles Used on an Airport. Provides guidance, 

specifications, and standards for painting, marking, and 

lighting vehicles operating in the airport air operations 

areas. 

e. AC 150/5220-4, Water Supply Systems for 

Aircraft Fire and Rescue Protection. Provides guidance 

for the selection of a water source and standards for the 

design of a distribution system to support aircraft rescue 

and fire fighting service operations on airports. 

f. AC 150/5340-1, Standards for Airport Markings. 

Contains FAA standards for markings used on airport 

runways, taxiways, and aprons. 

g. AC 150/5340-14B, Economy Approach Lighting 

Aids. Describes standards for the design, selection, siting, 

and maintenance of economy approach lighting aids. 

h. AC 150/5340-18, Standards for Airport Sign 

Systems. Contains FAA standards for the siting and 

installation of signs on airport runways and taxiways. 

i. AC 150/5345-28, Precision Approach Path 

Indicator (PAPI) Systems. Contains the FAA standards 

for PAPI systems, which provide pilots with visual glide 

slope guidance during approach for landing. 

j. AC 150/5380-5, Debris Hazards at Civil 

Airports. Discusses problems at airports, gives 

information on foreign objects, and explains how to 

eliminate such objects from operational areas. 

k. AC 70/7460-2, Proposed Construction or 

Alteration of Objects that May Affect the Navigable 

Airspace. Provides information to persons proposing to 

erect or alter an object that may affect navigable airspace 

and explains the need to notify the FAA before 

construction begins and the FAA’s response to those 

notices, as required by 14 CFR part 77. 

2. Obtain copies of the following publications from the 

Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing 

Office, Washington, DC 20402. Send a check or money 

order made payable to the Superintendent of Documents 

in the amount stated with your request. The Government 

Printing Office does not accept C.O.D. orders. In 

addition, the FAA makes these ACs available at no charge 

on the Web site at http://www.faa.gov/arp/. 

a. AC 150/5300-13, Airport Design. Contains 

FAA standards and recommendations for airport design, 

establishes approach visibility minimums as an airport 

design parameter, and contains the object-free area and 

the obstacle free-zone criteria. ($26. Supt. Docs.) 

SN050-007-01208-0. 

b. AC 150/5370-10, Standards for Specifying 

Construction of Airports. Provides standards for 

construction of airports. Items covered include 

earthwork, drainage, paving, turfing, lighting, and 

incidental construction. ($18. Supt. Docs.) SN050-007-

0821-0.
AC 150/5370-2E 1/17/03 

A-2 

APPENDIX 2. DEFINITIONS OF TERMS USED IN THE AC 

1. AIR OPERATIONS AREA (AOA). Any area of 

the airport used or intended to be used for the landing, 

takeoff, or surface maneuvering of aircraft. An air 

operations area includes such paved or unpaved areas that 

are used or intended to be used for the unobstructed 

movement of aircraft in addition to its associated 

runways, taxiways, or aprons. 

2. CONSTRUCTION. The presence and movement of 

construction-related personnel, equipment, and materials 

in any location that could infringe upon the movement of 

aircraft. 

3. CERTIFICATED AIRPORT. An airport that has 

been issued an Airport Operating Certificate by the FAA 

under the authority of 14 CFR part 139, Certification and 

Operation: Land Airports Serving Certain Air Carriers, or 

its subsequent revisions. 

4. FAA FORM 7460-1, NOTICE OF PROPOSED 

CONSTRUCTION OR ALTERATION. The form 

submitted to the FAA Regional Air Traffic or Airports 

Division Office as formal written notification of any kind 

of construction or alteration of objects that affect 

navigable airspace, as defined in 14 CFR part 77, Objects 

Affecting Navigable Airspace (see AC 70/7460-2, 

Proposed Construction or Alteration of Objects that May 

Affect the Navigable Airspace, found at 

http://www.faa.gov/arp/). 

5. FAA FORM 7480-1, NOTICE OF LANDING 

AREA PROPOSAL. Form submitted to the FAA 

Airports Regional Division Office or Airports District 

Office as formal written notification whenever a project 

without an airport layout plan on file with the FAA 

involves the construction of a new airport; the 

construction, realigning, altering, activating, or 

abandoning of a runway, landing strip, or associated 

taxiway; or the deactivation or abandoning of an entire 

airport (found at http://www.faa.gov/arp/). 

6. MOVEMENT AREA. The runways, taxiways, and 

other areas of an airport that are used for taxiing or hover 

taxiing, air taxiing, takeoff, and landing of aircraft, 

exclusive of loading ramps and aircraft parking areas 

(reference 14 CFR part 139). 

7. OBSTRUCTION. Any object/obstacle exceeding 

the obstruction standards specified by 14 CFR part 77, 

subpart C. 

8. OBJECT-FREE AREA (OFA). An area on the 

ground centered on the runway, taxiway, or taxilane 

centerline provided to enhance safety of aircraft 

operations by having the area free of objects except for 

those objects that need to be located in the OFA for air 

navigation or aircraft ground maneuvering purposes (see 

AC 150/5300-13, Airport Design, for additional guidance 

on OFA standards and wingtip clearance criteria). 

9. OBSTACLE-FREE ZONE (OFZ). The airspace 

below 150 feet (45m) above the established airport 

elevation and along the runway and extended runway 

centerline that is required to be clear of all objects, except 

for frangible visual NAVAIDs that need to be located in 

the OFZ because of their function, in order to provide 

clearance protection for aircraft landing or taking off from 

the runway and for missed approaches (refer to AC 

150/5300-13 for guidance on OFZs).

10. RUNWAY SAFETY AREA (RSA). A defined 

surface surrounding the runway prepared or suitable for 

reducing the risk of damage to airplanes in the event of an 

undershoot, overshoot, or excursion from the runway, in 

accordance with AC 150/5300-13. 

11. TAXIWAY SAFETY AREA. A defined surface 

alongside the taxiway prepared or suitable for reducing 

the risk of damage to an airplane unintentionally 

departing the taxiway, in accordance with AC 150/5300-

13. 

12. THRESHOLD. The beginning of that portion of the 

runway available for landing. In some instances, the 

landing threshold may be displaced. 

13. DISPLACED THRESHOLD. The portion of 

pavement behind a displaced threshold that may be 

available for takeoffs in either direction or landing from 

the opposite direction. 

14. VISUAL GLIDE SLOPE INDICATOR (VGSI). 

This device provides a visual glide slope indicator to 

landing pilots. These systems include precision approach 

path indicators (PAPIs), visual approach slope indicators 

(VASIs), and pulse light approach slope indicators 

(PLASIs). 
1/17/03 AC 150/5370-2E 

A-3

APPENDIX 3. AIRPORT CONSTRUCTION SAFETY PLANNING GUIDE 

Aviation Safety Requirements During Construction 

PURPOSE. This appendix provides airport operators 

with boilerplate format and language for developing a 

safety plan for an airport construction project. Adapt this 

appendix, as applicable, to specific conditions found on 

the airport for which the plan is being developed. 

Consider including a copy of this safety plan in the 

construction drawings for easy access by contractor 

personnel. Plans should contain the following: 

1. GENERAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS. 

Throughout the construction project, the following safety 

and operational practices should be observed: 

Operational safety should be a standing agenda 

item during progress meetings throughout the 

construction project. 

The contractor and airport operator must perform 

onsite inspections throughout the project, with 

immediate remedy of any deficiencies, whether 

caused by negligence, oversight, or project scope 

change. 

Airport runways and taxiways should remain in 

use by aircraft to the maximum extent possible. 

Aircraft use of areas near the contractor’s work 

should be controlled to minimize disturbance to 

the contractor’s operation. 

Contractor, subcontractor, and supplier 

employees or any unauthorized persons must be 

restricted from entering an airport area that 

would be hazardous. 

Construction that is within the safety area of an 

active runway, taxiway, or apron that is 

performed under normal operational conditions 

must be performed when the runway, taxiway, or 

apron is closed or use-restricted and initiated 

only with prior permission from the airport 

operator. 

The contracting officer, airport operator, or other 

designated airport representative may order the 

contractor to suspend operations; move 

personnel, equipment, and materials to a safe 

location; and stand by until aircraft use is 

completed. 

2. CONSTRUCTION MAINTENANCE AND 

FACILITIES MAINTENANCE. 

Before beginning any construction activity, the contractor 

must, through the airport operator, give notice [using the 

Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) System] of proposed 

location, time, and date of commencement of 

construction. Upon completion of work and return of all 

such areas to standard conditions, the contractor must, 

through the airport operator, verify the cancellation of all 

notices issued via the NOTAM System. Throughout the 

duration of the construction project, the contractor must— 

a. Be aware of and understand the safety problems 

and hazards described in AC 150/5370-2, Operational 

Safety on Airports During Construction. 

b. Conduct activities so as not to violate any safety 

standards contained in AC 150/5370-2 or any of the 

references therein. 

c. Inspect all construction and storage areas as 

often as necessary to be aware of conditions. 

d. Promptly take all actions necessary to prevent or 

remedy any unsafe or potentially unsafe conditions as 

soon as they are discovered. 

3. APPROACH CLEARANCE TO RUNWAYS. 

Runway thresholds must provide an unobstructed 

approach surface over equipment and materials. (Refer to 

Appendix 2 in AC 150/5300-13, Airport Design, for 

guidance in this area.) 

4. RUNWAY AND TAXIWAY SAFETY AREA 

(RSA AND TSA). 

Limit construction to outside of the approved RSA, as 

shown on the approved airport layout plan—unless the 

runway is closed or restricted to aircraft operations, 

requiring a lesser standard RSA that is equal to the RSA 

available during construction (see AC 150/5370-2 for 

exceptions). Construction activity within the TSA is 

permissible when the taxiway is open to aircraft traffic if 

adequate wingtip clearance exists between the aircraft and 

equipment/material; evacuations, trenches, or other 

conditions are conspicuously marked and lighted; and 

local NOTAMs are in effect for the activity (see AC 

150/5300-13 for wingtip clearance requirements). The 

NOTAM should state that, “personnel and equipment are 

working adjacent to Taxiway____.” 

a. Procedures for protecting runway edges. 

Limit construction to no closer than 200 feet 

(60m) from the runway centerline—unless 

the runway is closed or restricted to aircraft 

operations, requiring a lesser standard RSA 
AC 150/5370-2E 1/17/03 

A-4 

that is equal to the RSA available during 

construction. 

Prevent personnel, material, and/or 

equipment, as defined in AC 150/5300-13, 

Paragraph 306, “Obstacle Free Zone 

(OFZ),” from penetrating the OFZ. 

Coordinate construction activity with the 

Airport Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) and 

FAA Regional Airports Division Office or 

Airports District Office, and through the 

airport operator, issue an appropriate 

NOTAM.

 Complete the following chart to determine the area that must be protected along the runway edges: 

Runway Aircraft Approach 

Category* 

A, B, C, or D 

Airplane 

Design Group* 

I, II, III, or IV 

RSA Width in Feet Divided by 2* 

_________ _________ _________ _________ 

_________ _________ _________ _________ 

_________ _________ _________ _________ 

_________ _________ _________ _________ 

*See AC 150/5300-13, Airport Design, to complete the chart for a specific runway. 

b. Procedures for protecting runway ends. 

Maintain the RSA from the runway 

threshold to a point at least the distance from 

the runway threshold as existed before 

construction activity—unless the runway is 

closed or restricted to aircraft operations, 

requiring an RSA that is equal to the RSA 

length available during construction in 

accordance with AC 150/5300-13. This 

may involve the use of declared distances 

and partial runway closures (see AC 

150/5370-2 for exceptions).

Ensure all personnel, materials, and/or 

equipment are clear of the applicable 

threshold siting criteria surface, as defined 

in Appendix 2, “Threshold Siting 

Requirements,” of AC 150/5300-13.

Prevent personnel, material, and/or equipment, 

as defined in AC 150/5300-13, from penetrating 

the obstacle-free zone. 

Ensure adequate distance for blast protection is 

provided, as needed. 

Coordinate construction activity with the ATCT 

and FAA Regional Airports Division Office or 

Airports District Office, and through the airport 

operator, issue an appropriate NOTAM. 

Provide a drawing showing the profile of the 

appropriate surfaces of each runway end where 

construction will take place. Where operations 

by turbojet aircraft are anticipated, review 

takeoff procedures and jet blast characteristics of 

aircraft and incorporate safety measures for 

construction workers in the contract documents. 
1/17/03 AC 150/5370-2E 

A-5

 Complete the following chart to determine the area that must be protected before the runway threshold: 

*See AC 150/5300-13, Airport Design, to complete the chart for a specific runway. 

5. MARKING AND LIGHTING FOR 

TEMPORARY THRESHOLDS. 

Marking and lighting for a temporary threshold is____/is 

not____ required. The airport owner or contractor, as 

specified in the contract, will furnish and maintain 

markings for temporary thresholds. Precision approach 

path indicators (PAPIs) or runway end identification 

lights (REIL) are____/are not____ required. The airport 

owner or contractor, as specified in the contract, will 

furnish and install all temporary lighting. Include 

appropriate items per AC 150/5370-2, Chapter 3, “Safety 

Standards and Guidelines.” If marking and lighting for 

the temporary threshold is not required, delete this 

section of the safety plan. If visual aids and/or markings 

are necessary, provide details. (Include applicable 14 

CFR part 77 surfaces in the contract documents.) 

6. CLOSED RUNWAY MARKINGS AND 

LIGHTING. 

The following must be specified for closed runways. 

Closed runway marking are ____/are not____ required. 

Closed runway markings will be as shown on the 

plans____/as furnished by the airport 

owner____/other____ (specify). Barricades, flagging, 

and flashers are____/are not____required at Taxiway____ 

and Runway____and will be supplied by the airport 

____/other____(specify). 

7. HAZARDOUS AREA MARKING AND 

LIGHTING. 

Hazardous areas on the movement area will be marked 

with barricades, traffic cones, flags, or flashers (specify). 

These markings restrict access and make hazards obvious 

to aircraft, personnel, and vehicles. During periods of low 

visibility and at night, identify hazardous areas with red 

flashing or steady-burning lights (specify). The 

hazardous area marking and lighting will be supplied by 

the airport operator/contractor, as specified in the 

contract, and will be depicted on the plans. 

8. TEMPORARY LIGHTING AND MARKING. 

Airport markings, lighting, and/or signs will be altered in 

the following manner (specify) during the period from 

_____ to ______. The alterations are depicted on the 

plans. 

9. VEHICLE OPERATION MARKING AND 

CONTROL. 

Include the following provisions in the construction 

contract, and address them in the safety plans: 

a. When any vehicle, other than one that has prior 

approval from the airport operator, must travel over any 

portion of an aircraft movement area, it will be escorted 

and properly identified. To operate in those areas during 

daylight hours, the vehicle must have a flag or beacon 

attached to it. Any vehicle operating on the movement 

areas during hours of darkness or reduced visibility must 

be equipped with a flashing dome-type light, the color of 

which is in accordance with local or state codes. 

b. It may be desirable to clearly identify the 

vehicles for control purposes by either assigned initials or 

numbers that are prominently displayed on each side of 

the vehicle. The identification symbols should be at 

minimum 8-inch (20-cm) block-type characters of a 

contrasting color and easy to read. They may be applied 

either by using tape or a water-soluble paint to facilitate 

removal. Magnetic signs are also acceptable. In addition, 

vehicles must display identification media, as specified in 

the approved security plan. (This section should be 

revised to conform to the airport operator’s 

requirements.)

Runway End 

Number 

Airplane 

Design Group* 

I, II, III, or IV 

Aircraft 

Approach 

Category* 

A, B, C, or D 

Minimum Safety Area 

Prior to the Threshold* 

Minimum Unobstructed 

Approach Slope 

_______ _________ _________ ______: FEET ____: 1 to (threshold) 

_______ _________ _________ ______: FEET ____: 1 to (threshold) 

_______ _________ _________ ______: FEET ____: 1 to (threshold) 

_______ _________ _________ ______: FEET ____: 1 to (threshold) 
AC 150/5370-2E 1/17/03 

A-6 

c. Employee parking shall be 

___________________________________ (specify 

location), as designated by the airport manager_____/ 

project engineer______/other______ (specify). 

d. Access to the job site shall be via___________ 

(specify route), as shown on the plans______/designated 

by the engineer______/designated by the 

superintendent______/designated by the airport 

manager______/other______ (specify).

e. At 14 CFR part 139 certificated and towered 

airports, all vehicle operators having access to the 

movement area must be familiar with airport procedures 

for the operation of ground vehicles and the consequences 

of noncompliance. 

f. If the airport is certificated and/or has a security 

plan, the airport operator should check for guidance on 

the additional identification and control of construction 

equipment. 

10. NAVIGATIONAL AIDS. 

The contractor must not conduct any construction activity 

within navigational aid restricted areas without prior 

approval from the local FAA Airway Facilities sector 

representative. Navigational aids include instrument 

landing system components and very high-frequency 

omnidirectional range, airport surveillance radar. Such 

restricted areas are depicted on construction plans. 

11. LIMITATIONS ON CONSTRUCTION. 

Additional limitations on construction include— 

a. Prohibiting open-flame welding or torch cutting 

operations unless adequate fire safety precautions are 

provided and these operations have been authorized by 

the airport operator (as tailored to conform to local 

requirements and restrictions). 

b. Prominently marking open trenches, excavations, 

and stockpiled materials at the construction and lighting 

these obstacles during hours of restricted visibility and 

darkness. 

c. Marking and lighting closed, deceptive, and 

hazardous areas on airports, as appropriate. 

d. Constraining stockpiled material to prevent its 

movement as a result of the maximum anticipated aircraft 

blast and forecast wind conditions. 

12. RADIO COMMUNICATIONS. 

Vehicular traffic located in or crossing an active 

movement area must have a working two-way radio in 

contact with the control tower or be escorted by a person 

in radio contact with the tower. The driver, through 

personal observation, should confirm that no aircraft is 

approaching the vehicle position. Construction personnel 

may operate in a movement area without two-way radio 

communication provided a NOTAM is issued closing the 

area and the area is properly marked to prevent 

incursions. Two-way radio communications are ____/are 

not____required between contractors and the Airport 

Traffic Control Tower______/FAA Flight Service 

Station_____/Airport Aeronautical Advisory Stations 

(UNICOM/CTAF)______. Radio contact is _______/is 

not_____ required between the hours of ____and _____. 

Continuous monitoring is required _____/or is required 

only when equipment movement is necessary in certain 

areas_____. (This section may be tailored to suit the 

specific vehicle and safety requirements of the airport 

sponsor.)

13. DEBRIS. 

Waste and loose material must not be placed in active 

movement areas. Materials tracked onto these areas must 

be removed continuously during the work project. 
1/17/03 AC 150/5370-2E 

A-7

APPENDIX 4. SAMPLE NOTAM 

_______________ AIRPORT 

FAA NOTAM # __________________________________ DATE: _____________________ 

AIRPORT I.D. # __________________________________ TIME: ______________________ 

NOTAM TEXT: 

NOTIFICATON: 

# # # # TOWER _____________ ____________ _____________ _____________ 

 PHONE # INITIALS TIME CALLED IN BY 

# # # # FSS _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ 

 PHONE # INITIALS TIME CALLED IN BY 

AIRLINES 

____________________ _____________________ 

____________________ _____________________ 

____________________ _____________________ 

CANCELLED: 

NOTIFICATON: 

# # # # TOWER _____________ ____________ _____________ _____________ 

 PHONE # INITIALS TIME CALLED IN BY 

# # # # FSS _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ 

 PHONE # INITIALS TIME CALLED IN BY 

AIRLINES 

____________________ _____________________ 

____________________ _____________________ 

____________________ _____________________