U.S. airports have varying standards for apron/ramp markings, and the industry lacks comprehensive guidelines on both the design of markings and a consistent terminology to describe them, according to a report from the National Academy of Sciences.1
“In general, airports appear to be working with their stakeholders (e.g., airlines, ground crews and others) to develop unique marking schemes and practices to meet their operational needs in the absence of comprehensive industry guidelines,” said the 153-page report, developed as part of the Academy’s Airport Cooperative Research Program.
However, different airports and different airlines have different requirements and preferences for the layout of apron markings at the terminal gate, and markings vary, not only in terminal gate areas but also in taxi lanes, deicing pads, airside roadways and other locations in the non-movement area, the report added.
Although airports work with their local stak…
