The Rules of the Air Regulations 2007

SECTION 9AERODROME SIGNALS AND MARKINGS—VISUAL AND AURAL SIGNALS

General

56.—(1) Within the United Kingdom any signal or marking which is specified in this Section and which is given or displayed—

(a)by any person in an aircraft; or

(b)at an aerodrome; or

(c)at any other place which is being used by aircraft for landing or take-off,

shall have the meaning assigned to it in this Section.

(2) Apart from those referred to in rule 60(6) and the distances at which markings must be placed, all dimensions of signals or markings specified in this Section of these Rules shall be subject to a tolerance of 10 per cent, plus or minus.

Signals in the Signals Area

57.—(1) Whenever any signal specified in this rule is displayed it shall be placed in a signals area, which shall be a square visible from all directions bordered by a white strip 30 centimetres wide and with the internal sides measuring 12 metres.

(2) A white landing T, as illustrated in this paragraph,

signifies that aeroplanes and gliders taking off or landing shall do so in a direction parallel with the shaft of the T and towards the cross arm, unless otherwise authorised by the appropriate air traffic control unit.

(3) A white disc 60 centimetres in diameter displayed alongside the cross arm of the T and in line with the shaft of the T, as illustrated in this paragraph,

signifies that the direction of landing and take off do not necessarily coincide.

(4) A white dumb-bell, as illustrated in this paragraph,

signifies that movements of aeroplanes and gliders on the ground shall be confined to paved, metalled or similar hard surfaces.

A white dumb-bell, as described in paragraph (4), but with a black strip 60 centimetres wide across each disc at right angles to the shaft of the dumb-bell, as illustrated in this paragraph,

signifies that aeroplanes and gliders taking off or landing shall do so on a runway but that movement on the ground is not confined to paved, metalled or similar hard surfaces.

(5) A red and yellow striped arrow, as illustrated in this paragraph,

the shaft of which is one metre wide and which is placed along the whole or a total of 11 metres of two adjacent sides of the signals area, and pointing in a clockwise direction, signifies that a right-hand circuit is in force.

(6) A red panel 3 metres square with a yellow strip along one diagonal 50 centimetres wide, as illustrated in this paragraph,

signifies that the state of the manoeuvring area is poor and pilots must exercise special care when landing.

(7) A red panel 3 metres square with a yellow strip 50 centimetres wide along each diagonal, as illustrated in this paragraph,

signifies that the aerodrome is unsafe for the movement of aircraft and that landing on the aerodrome is prohibited.

(8) A white letter H, as illustrated in this paragraph,

signifies that helicopters shall take off and land only within the area designated by the marking specified in rule 59(7) .

(9) A red letter L displayed on the dumb-bell specified in paragraphs (4) and (5), as illustrated in this paragraph,

signifies that light aircraft are permitted to take off and land either on a runway or on the area designated by the marking specified in rule 59(8).

(10) A white double cross, as illustrated in this paragraph,

signifies that glider flying is in progress.

Markings for paved runways and taxiways

58.—(1) Two or more white crosses, as illustrated in this paragraph,

displayed on a runway or taxiway, with each arm of each cross at an angle of 45° to the centre line of the runway, at intervals of not more than 300 metres signify that the section of the runway or taxiway marked by them is unfit for the movement of aircraft.

(2) Subject to paragraph (3), two yellow broken lines and two continuous lines, as illustrated

in this paragraph, signify the designated visual holding position associated with a runway beyond which no part of a flying machine or vehicle shall project in the direction of the runway without permission from the air traffic control unit at the aerodrome during the notified hours of watch of that unit.

(3) Outside the notified hours of watch of that unit or where there is no air traffic control unit at the aerodrome the markings referred to in paragraph (2) signify the position closest to the runway beyond which no part of a flying machine or vehicle shall project in the direction of the runway when the flying machine or vehicle is required by virtue of rule 42(3) to give way to aircraft which are taking off from or landing on that runway.

Subject to paragraph (5), a yellow marking, as illustrated in this paragraph,

signifies a holding position other than that closest to the runway beyond which no part of a flying machine or vehicle shall project in the direction of the runway without permission from the air traffic control unit at the aerodrome during the notified hours of watch of that unit.

(4) Outside the notified hours of watch of that unit or where there is no air traffic control unit at the aerodrome the marking referred to in paragraph (4) may be disregarded.

(5) Orange and white markers, as illustrated in this paragraph,

spaced no more than 15 metres apart, signify the boundary of that part of a paved runway, taxiway or apron which is unfit for the movement of aircraft.

Markings on unpaved manoeuvring areas

59.—(1) Markers with orange and white stripes of an equal width of 50 centimetres, with an orange stripe at each end, alternating with flags 60 centimetres square showing equal orange and white triangular areas, spaced not more than 90 metres apart as illustrated in this paragraph,

indicate the boundary of an area unfit for the movement of aircraft.

(2) One or more white crosses, as specified in rule 58(1), also indicate such an area as is referred to in paragraph (1).

(3) Striped markers, as specified in paragraph (1), spaced not more than 45 metres apart, indicate the boundary of an aerodrome.

(4) On structures markers with orange and white vertical stripes, of an equal width of 50 centimetres, with an orange stripe at each end, spaced not more than 45 metres apart, as illustrated in this paragraph.

indicate the boundary of an aerodrome.

(5) The pattern of the marker referred to in paragraph (4) shall be visible from inside and outside the aerodrome and the marker shall be affixed not more than 15 centimetres from the top of the structure.

(6) White, flat, rectangular markers 3 metres long and 1 metre wide, at intervals not exceeding 90 metres, flush with the surface of an unpaved runway or stopway, indicate the boundary of the unpaved runway or stopway.

(7) A white letter H, as illustrated in this paragraph,

indicates an area which shall be used only for the taking off and landing of helicopters.

(8) A white letter L, as illustrated in this paragraph,

indicates a part of the manoeuvring area which shall be used only for the taking off and landing of light aircraft.

(9) A yellow cross with two arms each 6 metres long by 1 metre wide at right angles, indicates that tow ropes, banners and similar articles towed by aircraft shall only be picked up and dropped in the area in which the cross is placed.

(10) A white double cross, as illustrated in this paragraph,

indicates an area which shall be used only for the taking off and landing of gliders.

(11) Subject to paragraph (12) a white landing T, as specified in rule 57(2), placed at the left-hand side of the runway (when viewed from the direction of landing) indicates the runway to be used for take-off and landing.

(12) The white landing T referred to in paragraph (11), when placed at an aerodrome with no runway, indicates the direction for take-off and landing.

Signals visible from the ground

60.—(1) A black ball, 60 centimetres in diameter, suspended from a mast signifies that the directions of take off and landing are not necessarily the same.

(2) A chequered flag or board, 1.2 metres by 90 centimetres, containing 12 equal squares, 4 horizontally and 3 vertically, coloured red and yellow alternately, signifies that aircraft may move on the manoeuvring area and apron only in accordance with the permission of the air traffic control unit at the aerodrome.

(3) Two red balls, 60 centimetres in diameter, positioned vertically one above the other, 60 centimetres apart and suspended from a mast, signify that glider flying is in progress at the aerodrome.

(4) Black, Arabic numerals in two-figure groups and, where parallel runways are provided, the letter or letters L (left), LC (left centre), C (centre), RC (right centre) and R (right), placed against a yellow background, indicate the direction for take-off or the runway in use.

(5) A black letter C against a yellow background, as illustrated in this paragraph,

indicates the position at which a pilot can report to the air traffic control unit or to the person in charge of the aerodrome.

(6) A rectangular green flag of not less than 60 centimetres square and not more than 66 centimetres square, flown from a mast, indicates that a right-hand circuit is in force.

Lights and pyrotechnic signals for control of aerodrome traffic

61.  Each signal described in column 1 of Table 4 shall have the meanings respectively appearing in columns 2, 3 and 4 of the Table in the circumstances specified in the second row of the Table.

Marshalling signals (from a marshaller to an aircraft)

62.—(1) Each of the signals for the guidance of aircraft manoeuvring on or off the ground, described in column 1 of Table 5 and as illustrated in column 3, when given by a marshaller to an aircraft, shall have the meanings specified in column 2 of the Table.

(2) By day any such signals shall be given by hand or by circular bats and by night shall be given by torches or by illuminated wands.

Table 5—Meaning of Marshalling Signals (from a marshaller to an aircraft)

Column 1	Column 2	Column 3
Description of Signal	Meaning of signal	Illustration of signal
1.  Raise right hand above head level with wand pointing up; move left-hand wand pointing down toward body.	Wingwalker/guide —This signal provides an indication by a person positioned at the aircraft wing tip, to the pilot/marshaller/ push-back operator, that the aircraft movement on/off a parking position would be unobstructed.
2.  Raise fully extended arms straight above head with wands pointing up	Identify gate
3.  Point both arms upward, move and extend arms outward to sides of body and point with wands to direction of next signalman or taxi area.	Proceed to next signalman or as directed by tower/ground control
4.  Bend extended arms at elbows and move wands up and down from chest height to head.	Straight ahead
5(a)  With right arm and wand extended at a 90-degree angle to body, make “come ahead” signal with left hand. The rate of signal motion indicates to pilot the rate of aircraft turn.	Turn left (from pilot’s point of view)
5(b)  With left arm and wand extended at a 90-degree angle to body, make “come ahead” signal with right hand. The rate of signal motion indicates to pilot the rate of aircraft turn.	Turn right (from pilot’s point of view)
6(a)  Fully extend arms and wands at a 90-degree angle to sides and slowly move to above head until wands cross.	Normal stop
6(b)  Abruptly extend arms and wands to top of head, crossing wands.	Emergency stop
7(a)  Raise hand just above shoulder height with open palm. Ensuring eye contact with flight crew, close hand into a fist. Do Not move until receipt of “thumbs up” acknowledgement from flight crew.	Set brakes
7(b)  Raise hand just above shoulder height with hand closed in a fist. Ensuring eye contact with flight crew, open palm. Do not move until receipt of “thumbs up” acknowledgement from crew.	Release brakes
8(a)  With arms and wands fully extending above head, move wands inwards in a “jabbing” motion until wands touch. Ensure acknowledgement is received from flight crew.	Chocks inserted
8(b)  With arms and wands fully extended above head, move wands outward in “jabbing” motion. Do not remove chocks until authorised by crew.	Chocks removed
9.  Raise right arm to head level with wand pointing up and start a circular motion with hand; at the same time, with left arm raised above head level, point to engine to be started.	Start engine(s)
10.  Extend arm with wand forward of body at shoulder level; move hand and want to top of left shoulder and draw wand to top of right shoulder in a slicing motion across throat.		Cut engine(s)
11.  Move extended arms downwards in a “patting” gesture, moving wands up and down from waist to knees.		Slow down
12.  With arms down and wands toward ground, wave either right or left wand up and down indicating engine(s) on left or right side respectively should be slowed down.		Slow down engine(s) on indicated side
13.  With arms in front of body at waist height, rotate arms in a forward motion. To stop rearward movement, use signal 6(a) or 6(b).		Move Back
14(a)  Point left arm with wand down and bring right arm from overhead vertical position to horizontal forward position, repeating right-arm movement.		Turns while backing (for tail to starboard)
14(b)  Point right arm with wand down and bring left arm from overhead vertical position to horizontal position, repeating left-arm movement.		Turns while backing (for tail to port)
15.  Raise right arm to head level with wand pointing up or display hand with “thumbs up”; left arm remains at side by knee.		Affirmative/all clear—This signal is also used as a technical/servicing communication signal.
16.  Fully extend arms and wands at a 90-degree angle to sides.		Hover
17.  Fully extend arms and wands at a 90-degree angle to sides and, with palms turned up, move hands upwards. Speed of movement indicates rate of ascent.		Move upwards
18.  Fully extend arms and wands at a 90-degree angle to sides and, with palms turned down, move hands downwards. Speed of movement indicates rate of descent.		Move downwards
19(a)  Extend arm horizontally at a 90-degree angle to right side of body. Move other arm in same direction in a sweeping motion.		Move horizontally left (from pilot’s point of view)
19(b)  Extend arm horizontally at a 90-degree angle to left side of body. Move other arm in same direction in a sweeping motion.		Move horizontally right (from pilot’s point of view)
20.  Cross arms with wands downwards and in front of body.		Land
21.  Move right-hand wand in a “fanning” motion from shoulder to knee, while at the same time pointing with left-hand wand to area of fire.		Fire
22.  Fully extend arms and wands downwards at a 45-degree angle to sides. Hold position until aircraft is clear for next manoeuvre.		Hold position/stand by
23.  Perform a standard salute with right hand and/or wand to dispatch the aircraft. Maintain eye contact with flight crew until aircraft has begun to taxi.		Dispatch aircraft
24.  Extend right arm fully above head and close fist or hold wand in horizontal position; left arm remains at side by knee.		Do not touch controls (technical/servicing communication signal)
25.  Hold arms fully extended above head, open left hand horizontally and move finger tips of right hand into a touch open palm of left hand (forming a “T”). At night, illuminated wands can also be used to form the “T” above head.		Connect ground power (technical/servicing communication signal)
26.  Hold arms fully extended above head with finger tips of right hand touching open horizontal palm of left hand (forming a “T”); then move right hand away from the left. Do not disconnect power until authorised by flight crew. At night illuminated wands can also be used to form the “T” above head.		Disconnect power (technical/servicing communication signal)
27.  Hold right arm straight out at 90 degrees from shoulder and point wand down to ground or display hand with “thumbs down”; left hand remains at side by knee.		Negative (technical/servicing communication signal)
28.  Extend both arms at 90 degrees from body and move hands to cup both ears.		Establish communication via interphone (technical/servicing communication signal)
29.  With right arm at side and left arm raised above head at a 45-degree angle, move right arm in a sweeping motion towards top of left shoulder.		Open/close stairs (technical/servicing communication signal)—This signal is intended mainly for aircraft with the set of integral stairs at the front

Marshalling signals (from a pilot of an aircraft to a marshaller)

63.  Each of the signals described in column 1 of Table 6, when made by a pilot in an aircraft to a marshaller on the ground, shall have the meanings specified in column 2 of the Table:

Distress, urgency and safety signals

64.—(1) The following signals, given either together or separately before the sending of a message, signify that an aircraft is threatened by grave and imminent danger and requests immediate assistance—

(a)by radiotelephony—

the spoken word ‘MAYDAY’;

(b)by visual signalling—

(i)the signal SOS (… --- …);

(ii)a succession of pyrotechnic lights fired at short intervals each showing a single red light;

(iii)a parachute flare showing a red light;

(c)by sound signalling other than radiotelephony—

(i)the signal SOS (… --- …);

(ii)a continuous sounding with any sound apparatus.

(2) The following signals, given either together or separately, before the sending of a message, signify that the commander of the aircraft wishes to give notice of difficulties which compel it to land but that he does not require immediate assistance—

(a)a succession of white pyrotechnic lights;

(b)the repeated switching on and off of the aircraft landing lights;

(c)the repeated switching on and off of its navigation lights, in such a manner as to be clearly distinguishable from the flashing navigation lights described in rule 49.

(3) The following signals, given either together or separately, indicate that the commander of the aircraft has an urgent message to transmit concerning the safety of a ship, aircraft, vehicle or other property or of a person on board or within sight of the aircraft from which the signal is given:

(a)by radiotelephony—

the repeated spoken word, ‘PAN PAN’;

(b)by visual signalling—

the signal XXX (- .. -- .. -- .. -);

(c)by sound signalling other than radiotelephony—

the signal XXX (- .. -- .. -- .. -).