AIM ¶ 2-3-7 — Airport Signs

AIM 2-3-7 introduces the six types of airport signs you'll encounter on airfields. Knowing each category cold is essential for safe surface movement, runway incursion avoidance, and acing the taxi portion of your checkride.

The six sign types are:

• Mandatory Instruction Signs — red background with white letters; mark entrances to runways, critical areas, or prohibited areas.
• Location Signs — tell you where you currently are (taxiway or runway).
• Direction Signs — point the way to taxiways leading from an intersection.
• Destination Signs — guide you to specific destinations like runways, terminals, or aprons.
• Information Signs — provide operational information (frequencies, noise procedures, etc.).
• Runway Distance Remaining Signs — show remaining runway in 1,000-foot increments.

Detailed characteristics for each are covered in AIM 2-3-8 through 2-3-13. For full design standards, the AIM references AC 150/5340-18. Mastering these signs is a recommended practice that directly supports situational awareness and prevents runway incursions — a frequent DPE focus area.