Even when modern flight deck equipment with moving maps is available, and even with multilateration1 and automatic dependent surveillance–broadcast out supporting air traffic control (ATC), safely navigating an aircraft on the ground is still a critical issue.
Airports are committed to providing sufficient navigation aids to maintain safety at the required level. In addition to lighting systems and the support of controllers, surface markings are of great importance, especially in adverse weather or critical lighting conditions.
Major efforts have been made over the years by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to develop standards for visual aids to improve safety for moving aircraft on the ground.
Requirements for visual aids such as lighting, markings and signs can be found in ICAO Annex 14, Aerodromes, and ICAO Doc 9157, Aerodrome Design Manual, Part 4 (Visual Aids). Those documents have detailed specific…
