AIM ¶ 2-3-7 — Airport Signs
AIM 2-3-7 explains the six types of airport signs pilots must recognize for safe taxi and runway operations. Study guide for checkride prep.
In Plain English
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.
AIM Source Text
FAA AIM ¶ 2-3-72-3-7. 2-3-7. Airport Signs
There are six types of signs installed on airfields: mandatory instruction signs, location signs, direction signs, destination signs, information signs, and runway distance remaining signs. The characteristics and use of these signs are discussed in paragraph 2-3-8 , Mandatory Instruction Signs, through paragraph 2-3-13 , Runway Distance Remaining Signs. REFERENCE- AC150/5340-18, Standards for Airport Sign Systems for Detailed Information on Airport Signs. FIG 2-3-24 Runway Holding Position Sign FIG 2-3-25 Holding Position Sign at Beginning of Takeoff Runway
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1How many types of airport signs are installed on airfields, and what are they?
Per AIM 2-3-7, there are six types: mandatory instruction signs, location signs, direction signs, destination signs, information signs, and runway distance remaining signs.
Q2Where can you find detailed standards for airport sign systems?
Per AIM 2-3-7, the reference is Advisory Circular AC 150/5340-18, Standards for Airport Sign Systems, which provides detailed information on airport signs.
Q3Where in the AIM would you look for the specific characteristics and use of each sign type?
Per AIM 2-3-7, the characteristics and use of each sign type are discussed in paragraphs 2-3-8 (Mandatory Instruction Signs) through 2-3-13 (Runway Distance Remaining Signs).
Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 2