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Runway Distance Remaining Signs

AIM ¶ 2-3-13 — Runway Distance Remaining Signs

AIM 2-3-13 explains runway distance remaining signs: black background, white numerals showing thousands of feet of landing runway left. Study guide for pilots.

In Plain English

Runway distance remaining signs tell you how much landing runway you have left — critical information during landing rollout, rejected takeoffs, and aborted takeoff decisions.

Key identifying features per AIM 2-3-13:

  • Black background with white numeral inscription
  • May be installed on one or both sides of the runway
  • The number indicates remaining runway in thousands of feet (e.g., a "3" means 3,000 feet remaining)
  • The last sign ("1") is located at least 950 feet from the runway end

Why this matters operationally: during a high-speed rollout or a rejected takeoff, glancing at these signs gives you an instant read on whether you have enough pavement left to stop or continue. They're also useful for planning intersection departures and confirming runway available against your performance calculations. Note that AIM guidance is informational, but the signs themselves are standardized airport markings you should recognize on every checkride.

AIM Source Text
FAA AIM ¶ 2-3-13
2-3-13. 2-3-13. Runway Distance Remaining Signs Runway distance remaining signs have a black background with a white numeral inscription and may be installed along one or both side(s) of the runway. The number on the signs indicates the distance (in thousands of feet) of landing runway remaining. The last sign (i.e., the sign with the numeral “1”) will be located at least 950 feet from the runway end. FIG 2-3-41 shows an example of a runway distance remaining sign. FIG 2-3-41 Runway Distance Remaining Sign Indicating 3,000 feet of Runway Remaining
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1What does a runway distance remaining sign look like, and what does the number mean?
Per AIM 2-3-13, the sign has a black background with a white numeral. The number indicates the distance of landing runway remaining in thousands of feet.
Q2How far from the runway end is the last ("1") runway distance remaining sign located?
Per AIM 2-3-13, the last sign — the one with the numeral "1" — is located at least 950 feet from the runway end.
Q3Where on the airport are runway distance remaining signs installed?
Per AIM 2-3-13, they may be installed along one or both sides of the runway.
Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 2
2-3-1
Airport Markings and Signs
2-3-10
Airport Direction Signs
2-3-11
Destination Signs
2-3-12
Information Signs
2-3-14
Aircraft Arresting Systems
2-3-15
SIDA Security Areas
2-3-2
Airport Pavement Markings
2-3-3
Runway Markings
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AIM 2-3-13 — Runway Distance Remaining Signs