1、FAA Guide toGround VehicleOperationsA Comprehensive Guideto Safe Driving on theAirport Surface1TC11-0020FAA Guide to Ground Vehicle OperationsIntroductionTraffic levels rise, airports expand, surface routes change, and you, the vehicle driver, are expected to understand how to safely move about the

2、airport. Besides learning about the different movement areas on the airport, the added combination of changes in weather, time of day and amount of aircraft traffic makes the risk of error higher than ever.Runway incursions are a serious safety concern and significantly impact safe operations at any

3、 airport. Incursions, whichalso can occur on taxiways although not considered runway incursions, have involved air carrier aircraft, military planes, general aviation aircraft, air traffic controllers, ground vehicles and pedestrians.A Runway Incursion (RI) is defined as any occurrence at an aerodro

4、me involving the incorrect presence of an aircraft, vehicle or person on the protected area of a surface designated for the landing and takeoff of aircraft. There are three types of RIs: Operational Errors (OE), Pilot Deviations (PD) and Vehicle/Pedestrian Deviations (V/PD).Operational Errors involv

5、e air traffic control (ATC) and Pilot Deviations typically involve an airmans mistake. A V/PD occurs when a vehicle or pedestrian has entered the runway safety area without authorization from air traffic control. Annually, V/PDs comprise approximately 20% of total runway incursions.The information p

6、resented in this brochure is focused on helping to inform and educate vehicle drivers about the various signs, lights, markings, phraseology and other procedures utilized in an airport environment. Listed below are some basic things to remember and practice before operating a vehicle on the airport:

7、FAA Guide to Ground Vehicle OperationsIntroductionQ Review and understand airfield signage and markings.Q Review the most up-to-date airport diagram prior to moving the vehicle. Have the airport diagram out and available for immediate reference while driving in the operational area.Q Review current

8、airfield information for any taxiway closures, runway closures, construction activity or other surface risks.Q Ensure appropriate vehicle lights (high beams, flashers, beacons and strobes) are operational prior to driving on the airport surface. Flashers and beacons help ATC, aircrews and other oper

9、ators see vehicles in the movement area, especially during periods of reduced visibility and at night.Q Use service roads whenever possible to minimize time spent on taxiways and runways.Q During radio transmissions, use proper aviation phraseology and speak in a clear, concise manner.Q Copy your cl

10、earance and review the assigned route. Read back all clearances.Q If you do not understand an instruction, clarify with ATC before proceeding.Q While driving, refrain from using cell phone, texting or engaging in unnecessary conversation.Q Get as familiar as possible with the airports roads, taxiway

11、s and runways before driving solo on the airfield. If possible, have someone who is very familiar with the airport accompany you until you are proficient at operating on the movement area.23FAA Guide to Ground Vehicle OperationsIntroductionThe FAA Guide to Ground Vehicle Operations was created for y

12、ou, the driver of a tug, fuel truck, baggage cart or other airport vehicle. This guide is not intended to provide comprehensive coverage of everything there is to know about surface safety. Rather, it focuses on five areas that are most important, as well as containing additional information and a c

13、hance for you to test your overall comprehension with a quiz.Airport BasicsAirfield Signs, Markings and LightingTowered AirportsNon-Towered AirportsAviation PhraseologyAdditional InformationSelf-AssessmentFAA Guide to Ground Vehicle OperationsIntroductionEach section identifies safety measures and i

14、nformation that will help you maintain situational awareness while on the airfield. “Situational awareness” is defined as being aware of your location on the airfield and how that location relates to your destination, other vehicles and aircraft. It can be maintained consistently by:Q Understanding

15、and following Air Traffic Control (ATC) instructions and clearances.Q Using an airport diagram.Q Knowing the meaning of the visual aids available on the airport, such as airfield markings, signs and lights.Maintaining situational awareness will help you avoid errors that lead to runway incursions. R

16、unway incursions are a serious safety concern and it doesnt take much to be involved in one. Incursions and collisions have included all types of commercial, military and private aircraft as well as GROUND VEHICLES. Some have resulted in fatalities. All employees who operate vehicles or motorized eq

17、uipment on airports have key responsibilities in these safety efforts, as this guide outlines.45FAA Guide to Ground Vehicle OperationsAirport BasicsAIRPORT BASICSThis section outlines the basic features of any airport. There may be important unique aspects to the airport on which you drive, such as

18、dedicated vehicle lanes, areas not visible to controllers or nonstandard airport traffic patterns. Be aware and know the rules of your airport.Runway Safety AreaThe Runway Safety Area (RSA) is an area surrounding the runway, and is measured from the runway ends and centerline. Much like the shoulder

19、 area on a highway, the runway safety area is intended for use by aircraft in emergency situations, i.e., landing short of, veering off of, or overshooting the runway, and always should be free of vehicles, equipment and pedestrians any time aircraft are taxiing, taking off or landing. When the towe

20、r is in operation, vehicles and pedestrians are required to have clearance to access these areas. During periods when the tower is not operating or at a non-towered airport, extreme caution should be used.The RSA can be identified by a hold line, also known as a holding position marking, which is pa

21、inted in yellow on taxiway surfaces and collocated with a holding position sign. The holding position sign has a red background with white characters. The actual dimensions of the RSA will vary depending on the tail height and wing span of the largest aircraft authorized to utilize the airport. Itsd

22、istance from the runway centerline may extend up to280 feet across andas much as 1,000 feet beyond the runway ends.FAA Guide to Ground Vehicle OperationsAirport BasicsAprons/RampsAprons, also called ramps, are the areas where aircraft park, load and unload. Your work may require you to drive on an a

23、pron. In addition to watching for moving aircraft on the apron, be careful to maintain a safe distance when working aroundparked aircraft. Aside from nicks and dents that are expensive to repair and can affect the airworthiness of the aircraft, you could get hurt and your vehicle damaged when an air

24、craft starts its engine. This hazard is calledjet blast or prop wash. There have been several cases where vehicles have been overturned by jet blast. Drivers should be aware of the rotating red beacon(s) located on the aircrafts tail, and sometimes on its underside. The beacon is typically illuminat

25、ed in conjunction with imminent engine start.Runway Markings are WHITERunways have white numbers on each end, centerline stripes down the middle and may have white lines along the edges. Runways that are served by an instrument approach will have more elaborate markings such as those shown in Figure

26、 1.1.ThresholdMarkingsAiming PointCenterlineDesignation MarkingsMarkingThresholdRSA - mayextendupto280oneithersideofrunwaycenterline20Touchdown500 Foot IncrementZoneDistance MarkingsMarkingsFigure 1.1 Runway Markings (not to scale).67FAA Guide to Ground Vehicle OperationsAirport BasicsTaxiway Markin

27、gs are YellowTaxiways are areas used by aircraft to get to and from the apron/ramp and the runway. Taxiways look similar to runways, but are usually not as wide. Instead of numbers, taxiways use letters or letter/number combinations for designators. See Fig-ure 1.1BEST PRACTICES FOR SAFE DRIVINGOn t

28、he Movement AreasQ Together, runways and taxiways are known as the MOVEMENT AREAS of the airfield.Q Airport diagrams provide the layout and designations of runways and taxiways, show the location of major facilities and are essential to navigating the airfield surface. Always have a current airport

29、diagram in your vehicle.Q If you are required to drive on or work in areas adjacent to runways, be aware that aircraft wings and engines may extend over these areas. ATC approval is typically required to operate in these areas.Q If you become uncertain of your location on the airport movement area,

30、STOP and immediately contact ATC for help.EXPLICIT RUNWAY CROSSING CLEARANCES: Never cross a holding position marking including hold lines for inactive or closed runways without explicit ATC instructions. Instructions to cross a runway will be issued one at a time. An aircraft or vehicle must have c

31、rossed the previous runway before another runway crossing is issued.FAA Guide to Ground Vehicle OperationsAirport BasicsQ Know your airfield markings, signs and lighting (as outlined in the next section). Be careful not to hit taxiway edge lights.Around AircraftQ Aircraft cockpit windows have a limi

32、ted viewing area. It can be difficult or impossible for pilots to see vehicles and pedestrians, particularly behind the wings or under the nose of the aircraft.Q Always yield the right-of-way to moving aircraft. Do not assume the pilot will see you, especially in busy areas like aprons/ramps where p

33、ilots are busy with preflight checks.Q If a pilot is about to start the engine or the engine is running, the aircrafts red rotating beacon(s) should be turned on as well.While Communicating with Air Traffic Control (ATC)Q Avoid distractions and focus on where other vehicles and/or aircraft are on th

34、e airfield, especially on your intended route.Q Always use standard aviation phraseology and proper communications procedures when contacting ATC in order to facilitate clear and concise communications.Q Write down taxi instructions, especially instructions that are complex. This can help reduce you

35、r vulnerability of forgetting part of the instruction.Q When in doubt, STOP and ask for help or clarification from ATC.89FAA Guide to Ground Vehicle OperationsAirport BasicsDuring ConstructionQ Extra vigilance is necessary when driving on an airport during construction. Normal driving routes may be

36、altered, runways and taxiways may be closed, runway thresholds may be displaced or relocated and hot spots may be identified. Therefore, remember to review your expected driving route against areas of construction, especially if you are operating a rescue vehicle.Hot SpotsQ ICAO defines a hot spot a

37、s a location on an aerodrome movement area with a history or potential risk of collision or runway incursion, and where heightened attention by pilots and drivers is necessary.FAA Guide to Ground Vehicle OperationsAirfield Signs, Markings and LightingSIGNS AND MARKINGSAs a driver, it is important th

38、at you know the meanings of the signs and markings used on airports as navigational aids. Sometimes the information on the sign is also painted on the airport pavement.An overview of some of the most common signs and markings is described on the following pages. For more detailed information, see th

39、e FAA Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM).Runway Holding Position MarkingPainted yellow on the taxiway pavement and collocated with the holding position sign, this is an airport version of a stop sign. As you approach the runway, you will see two solid yellow linesQ A hot spot is a runway safety r

40、elated problem typicallyat a complex or confusing taxiway/taxiway or taxiway/ runway intersection. Asa vehicle driver, it is your responsibility to be familiar with these areas and use extreme caution when driving in, or near them. The airport diagram will usually, but not always point out designate

41、d hot spots. Be certain to use the most up-to-date diagram as hot spots will remain charted until such timethe increased risk has been reduced or eliminated.13CONTROLNORT4LEV.TOWERRAMP91410024912X105NORTHWESTHS-2RAMP150X2640632.3AHANGARSD SOUTHRAMP.3WEST2RAMPB HANGARSGENERALAVIATIOMAINTENANCETERMINA

42、HS-1with two dashed lines. Prior toreaching the solid lines, it isimperative that you STOP anddo not cross the lines until you have clearance from ATC. When the tower is closed or you are operating at a non-towered airport, you may cross only when the runway is clear of aircraft, and then cross with

43、 extreme caution. Always look both ways before you cross any runway!When exiting a runway, you will see these same markings, except your vehicle will be approaching the dashed lines. Your vehicle must completely cross both the dashed and the solid lines to be clear of the runway.Runway Holding Posit

44、ion SignMay be seen as a sign and/or painted on the pavement, it has white characters on a redFor more information on hot spots, refer to the Airport Diagrams chapter in the Airport Facility Directory (AFD). Also visit: /airports/runway_safety/hotspots/hotspots_listbackground. This sign/m

45、arking is collocated with the surface painted holding position markings on taxiway and runway intersections.1011FAA Guide to Ground Vehicle OperationsAirfield Signs, Markings and LightingDo not drive past this sign or marking without a clearance from ATC. Doing so without clearance from the tower po

46、ses a hazard to yourself and others. When the tower is closed or you are operating at a non-towered airport, you may cross only when the runway is clear of aircraft, and then you should proceed with extreme caution.Location Signs and Markings Blackbackground with yellow letters and/or numbers. These

47、 signs and surface-RunwayTaxiwaypainted markings indicate your location.REMEMBER: BLACK SQUARE, YOURE THERE. (See Figure 2.1)Taxiway Direction Signs and Markings These signs and markings with a yellow background and black characters indicate the direction toward a different taxiway leading off a run

48、way or out of an intersection. YELLOW ARRAY, LEADS THE WAY. (See Figures 2.1 and 2.2)ILS Critical Area Holding Position Signs and MarkingsMay be seen as a sign (as shown here), and/or as a painted surface marking. These are utilized to show the boundary of the runways ILS critical area. Hold short o

49、f this area when instructed to by ATC.Surface paintedAlternative array ofsigns when locationlocation signsign not installed.for Taxiway ASurface painteddirection signAFigure 2.1 Surface paintedFigure 2.2 Examples of taxiwaylocation and direction markings.sign arrays with and without currentlocation

50、on Taxiway Alpha.FAA Guide to Ground Vehicle OperationsAirfield Signs, Markings and LightingHolding position markings for ILS critical areas appear on the pavement as a yellow horizontal ladder and extend across the widthof the taxiway. An ILS holding position sign with white characters on a red bac

51、kground is typically situated adjacent to these ILS holding position markings. Hold short of this area when instructed to by ATC.ILS Boundary Sign This sign identifies the boundary of the ILS critical area for pilots and vehicle operatorsexiting the runway. Pilots and vehicle operators must proceed

52、beyond this sign to clear the ILS critical area when instructed to do so by ATC.Non-Movement Area Boundary MarkingsA single solid line along with single dashed yellow lines, this marking divides the movement and non-movement areas on the airfield. When you are positioned on the solid line side of th

53、e marking, or the non-movement area, ATC clearance is required for you todrive across into the movement area.Runway Safety Area Boundary Sign Yellow sign with black markings. Visible only when exiting the runway. The sign is typically used on towered airports where a controller commonly requests a p

54、ilot to report clear of a runway, which occurs when this sign is passed.1213FAA Guide to Ground Vehicle OperationsAirfield Signs, Markings and LightingGeographic Position Markings Pink with black and white. Some large airports use these markings in low visibility conditions as position points on the taxiway.Helicopter Landing Area Marking Some airports have a designated helicopter landing pad. This area is depicted with an “H” inside of a square. Be especially careful