Airport Operations
Types of Airports
Towered (Controlled)
- Has an operating Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower
- Shown as blue on sectional charts
- Pilots must communicate with ATC
- Drone operations require authorization
Non-Towered (Uncontrolled)
- No control tower
- Shown as magenta on sectional charts
- Pilots self-announce on CTAF frequency
- Drone operations may still require authorization depending on airspace
Airport color on the chart tells you about the tower, not necessarily about the airspace. A magenta airport could still be in Class E surface area that requires authorization.
Runways are numbered based on their magnetic heading, rounded to the nearest 10 degrees:
- Runway 9 = magnetic heading approximately 090 degrees (east)
- Runway 27 = magnetic heading approximately 270 degrees (west)
- Runway 9 and Runway 27 are the same physical runway from opposite directions
The FAA tests runway numbering. If an aircraft is on final approach to Runway 9, it’s heading east (090 degrees). On final to Runway 27, it’s heading west (270 degrees).
Runway Markings
Basic Markings (Non-Towered Fields)
- Runway designation numbers at each end
- Centerline: dashed white line down the middle
- Threshold markings: stripes at the beginning of the runway
Precision Markings (Towered Fields)
- All basic markings plus:
- Touchdown zone markers: pairs of stripes at intervals
- Fixed distance markers: large rectangles 1,000 ft from threshold
- Taxiway markings: yellow lines (runway markings are white)
Airport Signs and Lighting
Signs
- Runway holding position sign: red with white text (e.g., “9-27”). This is a mandatory hold point.
- Taxiway direction sign: yellow with black text. Indicates taxiway designation.
- Location sign: yellow with black text and yellow border. Means “you are here.”
Red signs with white text are mandatory instructions. Do not proceed without ATC clearance. Yellow signs with black text are directional or informational.
Lighting
- Runway edge lights: white (may be yellow near approach end)
- Taxiway edge lights: blue
- Approach lights: different configurations at towered airports
- Beacon: rotating green and white for civilian land airports
Traffic Patterns
Manned aircraft fly standardized traffic patterns around airports:
- Upwind leg: flying parallel to runway in takeoff direction
- Crosswind leg: turning perpendicular after departure
- Downwind leg: flying parallel opposite to landing direction
- Base leg: turning perpendicular toward runway
- Final approach: aligned with runway, descending to land
Know traffic pattern altitudes (typically 1,000 ft AGL) and understand that manned aircraft follow this pattern. If operating near an airport, stay below the pattern altitude and away from approach and departure paths.
Chart Supplement
The Chart Supplement (formerly the Airport/Facility Directory) provides detailed information about each airport:
- Location (distance and direction from city)
- Field elevation
- Runway dimensions and surface type
- Traffic pattern altitude
- Frequencies (CTAF, tower, ground, ATIS)
- Services available (fuel, maintenance)
- Operating hours
- Remarks and special procedures
The Chart Supplement is your detailed reference for airport information. The sectional chart gives you the basics. The Chart Supplement gives you everything else.
Quick Check
Q: Runway 18 points in which direction? A: South (approximately 180 degrees magnetic heading).
Q: What color are taxiway edge lights? A: Blue.
Q: What does a red sign with white text indicate at an airport? A: Mandatory instruction. Do not proceed without ATC clearance.
What’s Next?
Now let’s learn about radio communications: frequencies, the phonetic alphabet, and how to communicate near airports.
This free course covers the essential knowledge, but if you want video walkthroughs, practice exams, and instructor support, Pilot Institute’s Part 107 course is the most comprehensive option available.