FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)Airspace and AirportsHard
A pilot taxiing on a runway that has been permanently closed to traffic notices a large yellow marking painted across the runway surface. What does this marking depict, and how should the pilot respond?
- AA yellow arrow, indicating the pilot should follow it to an alternate active runway
- BA yellow chevron pattern, indicating the pilot may use the surface for taxiing only
- CA yellow X, indicating the runway is closed and must not be used for any purpose
- DA yellow circle, indicating the runway is temporarily closed for maintenance work only
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. A yellow X, indicating the runway is closed and must not be used for any purpose
A large yellow X painted at each end of the runway (and sometimes in the middle) indicates the runway is closed and unsafe for use. Pilots should avoid using it for landing, takeoff, or taxi operations.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Arrows are used for taxiway direction guidance, not to indicate runway closures.
- B. Chevron markings indicate unusable pavement adjacent to a runway, such as blast pads, not closed runways.
- D. Closed runway markings are X-shaped, not circular, and the closure duration is not conveyed by the marking's shape.
Closed Runway Marking
A yellow X placed at each end of a runway (or displayed at both ends and mid-runway for extended closures) signifies the runway is closed and must not be used.
- Marking is a large yellow X painted on the runway surface
- Indicates runway unusable for landing, takeoff, or taxi
- Also published via NOTAM to alert pilots before flight
Memory trick: 'X marks the spot you should NOT drop'