1AEOE421 AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL

AND AIRPORT MANAGEMENT

UNIT – 5 NAVIGATION SERVICES

By
Mr. L. Oblisamy/Asst.Prof
Department of Aeronautical
ADCET
Visual aids for navigation Wind direction indicator – Landing direction
indicator – Location and characteristics of signal area – Markings,
general requirements – Various markings – Lights, general
requirements

UNIT – 5
NAVIGATION
SERVICES
 1. Identify the Various Navigation Services
2. Understand indirection indicator systems for air navigation

COURSE
OUTCOME
 • Airport Windsock (or Wind Cone, Wind Direction Indicator) is a

Wind device which helps pilots to identify the direction and speed of
the wind.

Direction • WDI is a conical tube made of textile and mounted on the stick
with appropriate height.

Indicators • Wind Cones are usually installed in the central part of the airfield
near a runway.
• A wind direction indicator shall be located so as to be visible from
aircraft in flight or on the movement area and in such a way as to
be free from the effects of air disturbances caused by nearby
objects.
• It is important for a pilot to know the direction of the wind. At
facilities with an operating control tower, this information is
provided by ATC.
• It should have a length of not less than 3.6 m and a diameter, at
the larger end, of not less than 0.9 m
• The colours should be so selected as to make the WDI clearly
visible and understandable from a height of at least 300 m.
• A single colour, preferably white or orange, should be used.
• A combination of two colours is required against changing backgrounds, they should preferably be
orange and white, red and white, or black and white.
• It should be arranged in five alternate bands, the first and last bands being the darker colour.
• The location of at least one wind direction indicator should be marked by a circular band 15 m in
diameter and 1.2 m wide.
• The band should be centred about the wind direction indicator support and should be in a colour chosen
to give adequate conspicuity (quality of being clear or bright), preferably white.
• Provision should be made for illuminating at least one wind indicator at an aerodrome intended for use
at night.
• The wind direction indicator can be a wind cone or wind sock, tetrahedron, or wind tee.
• These are usually located in a central location near the runway and may be placed in the center of a
segmented circle which identifies the traffic pattern direction.
• The wind sock is a good source of information since it not only indicates wind direction but allows the
pilot to estimate the wind velocity and/or gust factor.
• The wind sock extends out straighter in strong winds and tends to move back and forth when the wind
is gusting.
• Wind tees and tetrahedrons can swing freely and align themselves with the wind direction.
• Since a wind tee or tetrahedron can also be manually set to align with the runway in use, a pilot should
also look at the wind sock for wind information, if one is available.
• ILLUMINATED WIND DIRECTION INDICATOR
• At an aerodrome intended for night use, at least one wind direction indicator is to be lit.
• To provide surface wind information for pilots engaged in instrument straight-in approach and landing
operations, and such operations are to be conducted at night, then the wind direction indicator is to be
lit.
• The illumination of a wind direction indicator is to be achieved by providing floodlighting from above by
means of:
• Four 200W 240V tungsten filament general purpose lamps in either vertical elliptical industry reflectors,
or round deep bowl reflectors or eight 120W 240V PAR 38 flood lamps in reflectorless fittings.
• It should be between 1.8m and 2.2m above the midheight of the sleeve mounting, and between 1.7m and
1.9m radial distance from the axis of rotation of the wind sleeve
• The floodlighting is to be aimed and shielded so as to:
• (a) not cause any glare or distraction to pilots; and
• (b) uniformly illuminate the maximum swept area of the wind sleeve.
• Where more than one wind direction indicator can be lit, control of the lighting of each wind
direction indicator is to be incorporated in the runway lighting control for the operationally related
runway.
• Where a Pilot Activated Lighting (PAL) is installed the wind direction indicator lighting is to be
programmed in such a way that 10 minutes before the end of the aerodrome lighting ‘ON’ period,
the lights of the wind direction indicator will commence to flash, at approximately 50 cycles per
minute, and continue to flash until either:
• (a) the PAL system switches off, and all aerodrome lighting, including the wind direction indicators,
is extinguished; or
• (b) the PAL system has been reset for another ‘ON’ period, lights of the wind direction indicator are
to return to steady lighting.
• At aerodromes with more than one lit wind direction indicator, it is sufficient for only the primary
wind direction indicator to flash as part of the PAL system,
• So, that the flashing is clearly visible to pilots on all approaches to lit runways.
 Landing • Landing direction indicator. A device to indicate visually
the direction currently designated for landing and takeoff

direction (ICAO).
• Wind cones, windsocks, landing T, and tetrahedron are some

indicator of the devices used as landing direction indicators.

• The colour of the landing “T” shall be either white or orange,
the choice being dependent on the colour that contrasts best
with the background against which the indicator will be
viewed.
• Where required for use at night, the landing ―T shall either be
illuminated or outlined by white lights.
• Tetrahedron- A device normally located on airports and used
as a landing direction indicator. The small end of a
tetrahedron points in the direction of landing.
• The tetrahedron indicating wind direction by pointing into
the wind.
• The wind tee and tetrahedron be manually set to align with
the runway in use.
• 1. List the international airports operating in India
• 2. Collect Aerodrome data's of any 5 international airports operating in India and any 5 international airports
operating outside India, 5 Domestic airports operating in India, 5 Domestic Airports operating outside India..
• The following data's to be collected are
• A. Name of the Aerodrome
• B. Aerodrome code & Elevation
• C. Aerodrome Reference point
• D. Number of Runway
• E. Number of terminals
• F. Type of Runway approach
• G. Runway length
• H. Width of the runway
• I. Runway numbering
• J. Navigation facilities used (Landing aids)
• Choose any aerodromes of your choice, individually collect different aerodromes data. There should not be
repetition of data's of others.
Signalling 
Application
A signalling lamp shall be provided at a controlled
lamp aerodrome in the aerodrome control tower.
Characteristics
Recommendation.— A signalling lamp should be
capable of producing red, green and white signals, and of:
a) being aimed manually at any target as required
b) giving a signal in any one colour followed by a
signal in either of the two other colours; and
c) transmitting a message in any one of the three
colours by Morse Code up to a speed of at least four words
per minute.
d) The beam spread should be not less than 1° nor greater
than 3°, with negligible light beyond 3°
Light and Pyrotechnic signals
Signal
Steady red light to aircraft or vehicle as indicated. Red flare from tower or aircraft.
Meaning:
Do not land. Give way
continue circling.

Meaning:
Immediate assistance
required

Meaning: Stop
 Signal
Steady green light to aircraft.
Meaning:
Clear to land

Meaning: Clear to take–off

Signal
Steady or flashing green or green flare from aircraft.

Meaning:
By Night – may I land.
By Day – may I land in a
direction
different from that
indicated.
Signals

White flashes to aircraft or vehicle. Meaning:

Land here on receipt of
steady green and await
further instructions.

Meaning:
Return to starting point on
the aerodrome.
Signals

White flashes to aircraft or vehicle.

Meaning:
I am compelled to land.
 Signal panels and signal area

Location of signal area

Recommendation.— The signal area should be located so as to be visible for all angles of azimuth above
an angle of 10° above the horizontal when viewed from a height of 300 m.
Characteristics of signal area
The signal area shall be an even horizontal surface at least 9 m2.
Recommendation.— The colour of the signal area should be chosen to contrast with the colours of the
signal panels used, and it should be surrounded by a white border not less than 0.3 m wide.
A signal area need be provided only:
 when it is intended to use visual ground signals to communicate with aircraft in flight.

Visual ground signals may be needed/useful:

 when the aerodrome does not have an aerodrome control tower or an aerodrome flight information service
unit, or
 when the aerodrome is used by aeroplanes not equipped with radio.
 in the case of failure of two-way radio communication with aircraft.
 The type of information which may be conveyed by visual ground signals should normally be available. The
potential need for visual ground signals should therefore be evaluated before deciding to provide a signal
area
A white landing T 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 ATC unit.

A red panel square with yellow stripes along each

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

A white dumb-bell signifies that movements of

aeroplanes and gliders on the ground shall be
confined to paved, metalled or similar hard
surfaces.
 Markings • The runways of the conventional aircraft appears as long and
narrow strip with straight sides and free of obstacle.

general • Marked in such a way they can be easily distinguishable from

other areas.

requirement • The perspective view of the runways along with the landmarks
like horizon, runway edges, runway threshold and centreline
of the runway are the most important elements for pilot to
see.
• To enhance visual information land marks are painted in
standard formats using colour or by using lights.
• Avoids accidents during landing of aircraft
 Direct during landing

• Touch down points, lift off points etc are conveyed

• These are available in different forms of markings in the
airport and airfield
– Airport markings
– Airport lighting
– Signage
• Above are the 3 ways by which we can get the visual aids
• Markings are provided on any of the component of airport in different forms mentioned below
• Strips
• Patches
• Solid lines
• Hollow lines
• Cart lines
 Various • Airport markings can be divided into following groups
• Apron marking

markings • Runway marking

• Shoulder marking
• Taxiway marking
• Apron Marking
• Certain guidelines are marked on the apron to help the pilots in
maneuvering.
• Generally they are related to the path to be traversed during
parking in or out operation near terminal location.
• Yellow colour is used at such locations
• It should be fuel resistant as aprons are likely to be subjected to fuel
spillage.
• At what particular location it has to stop.
• Where there can be a loading and unloading
• Runway Marking:
• These are provided with different purposes like
• Runway center line marking
• Runway edge stripe
• Runway numbering
• Touch down or landing zone marking
• Threshold marking
• Runway Centerline marking
• It is represented by a broken strip running along the entire length of runway
• Length of strip should be 30m whichever is higher
• Length of strip plus gap shall not be less than 50m and more than 75m
• The width of strip shall not be less than 90cm on precision approach runway and 30cm to 45cm on non-
precision approach runway
• Runway Touch down markings
• It is provided in the touch down zone and consists of pair of rectangular markings placed symmetrically
about the runway center line
• These are 1.80m wide stripes spaced at 1.50m clear distance and are of 22.5m in length.
• Runway Threshold Markings
• Runway threshold markings consists of a pattern of longitudinal stripes of uniform dimensions placed
symmetrically about the centerline of a runway
• They extend laterally within 3m of the edge of the runway
• They are 1.80m/3.60m wide with a spacing of 1.80/0.90m between them and are 45m long.
• Usually provided to clear the obstructions in the flight path.
Runway width Number
of
stripes
18 m 4
23 m 6
30 m 8
45 m 12
60 m 16
• Runway numbering
• The end of runway is marked with a number that indicates magnetic azimuth
• Angle measured in clockwise direction from north
• East end of East-West runway will be marked 27 (for 270 degree) and the west end is marked 9 for 90 degree
• Shoulder Marking
• Markings are in the form of yellow stripes , 90cm wide and 30m apart (15m at turnings)
• The markings extend up to a maximum 1.5m from the outer edge of shoulders
• Runway shoulders are marked with diagonal lines (45 degrees angle), whereas taxiways and holding
apron shoulders are marked with stripes perpendicular to the direction of aircraft.
• Helps pilot in knowing whether they are moving towards runway or moving away from runway.
• Taxiway Marking
• Center line of taxiway consists of 15cm wide continuous stripe of yellow colour
• At intersection with runway end, the centerline of the taxiway is terminated at the edge of the runway
• At all other intersections with the runway, the centerline of the taxiway extends up to the centerline of
runway.
• For taxiway intersection where there is a need to hold the aircraft, a dashed yellow holding line is
placed perpendicular to and across the centreline of both taxiways
Taxiway intersection
• At the taxiway intersection, the centreline marking of the taxiway continue through the intersection
area.
• At the intersection of runway with an exit taxiway, the taxiway markings are extended on to the
runway parallel to the runway centreline, marking a distance of 60 meters beyond the point of
tangency
• For temporarily closed runways or taxiways, yellow crosses are placed at the two ends that defines it is
temporarily closed.
• If the runway is closed permanently yellow crosses are placed at both ends and also at 300m intervals,
then threshold markings provided are erased.
• Runway side stripe marking
• A runway side stripe marking shall be provided between the thresholds of a paved runway where there
is a lack of contrast between the runway edges and the shoulders or the surrounding terrain.
• A runway side stripe marking should be provided on a precision approach runway
• A runway side stripe marking should consist of two stripes, one placed along each edge of the runway.
• Where the runway is greater than 60 m in width, the stripes should be located 30 m from the runway centre
line. The thickness of stripes is normally 90cm
• Where a runway turn pad is provided, the runway side stripe marking should be continued between the
runway and the runway turn pad.
• Runway turn pad marking
• The runway turn pad marking should be curved from the runway centre line into the turn pad.
• The radius of the curve should be compatible with the manoeuvring capability and normal taxiing speeds of the
aeroplanes.
• The intersection angle of the runway turn pad marking with the runway centre line should not be greater than 30 degrees.
• The runway turn pad marking should be extended parallel to the runway centre line marking for a distance of at least 60 m
beyond the point of tangency where the code number is 3 or 4, for a distance of at least 30 m where the code number is 1
or 2.
Code letter Clearance
A 1.5 m
B 2.25 m
C 3 m if the turn pad is intended to be used by aeroplanes with
a wheel base less than 18 m;
4.5 m if the turn pad is intended to be used by aeroplanes
with a wheel base equal to or greater than 18 m.
D, E & F 4.5 m
• Aircraft stand markings
• Aircraft stand markings should be provided for designated parking positions on a paved apron.
Code letter Clearance
A&B 3m
C 4.5 m
D, E & F 7.5 m
• Aircraft stand markings should include such elements as :
 stand identification;
 lead-in line;
 turn bar;
 turning line;
 alignment bar;
 stop line ; and
 lead-out line
• Where two sets of aircraft stand markings are superimposed on each other in order to permit more flexible
use of the apron.
• Safety would be impaired if the wrong marking was followed.
• Apron safety lines
• A. Parking Clearance Line
• Parking clearance lines may be provided at an aircraft parking position to depict the area that must
remain free of personnel, vehicles and equipment when an aircraft is taxiing.
• Equipment Clearance Line
• used on congested aprons to assist service vehicles keep clear of manoeuvring aircraft.
• This marking must consist of red stripes, 1 m long and 0.15 m wide, separated by 1 m gaps
• C. Passenger Path Markings
• Where provided, passenger path markings are provided to assist the orderly movement of passenger.
• Passenger path markings must be provided in accordance with the pattern and colour of the relevant
State.
• D. Apron Service Road Markings
• Roads on apron areas must be marked to keep vehicle traffic clear of aircraft and taxiways, and to
minimise the risk of vehicle-to-vehicle accidents.
• The apron service road marking must consist of a continuous white painted line, 0.1 m wide.
AERODROME • During day/night time when the visibility is low a signal
light is used to convey information to pilot.

LIGHTING – • Existing installed lighting systems are to be operated and

maintained in accordance with existing procedures.
General • Aerodrome layout - This means the number of runways,
taxiways and aprons at an aerodrome provided with
Requirements lighting, and is divided into the following categories:
• Basic - an aerodrome with one runway, with one taxiway
to one apron area;
• Simple - an aerodrome with one runway, having more
than one taxiway to one or more apron areas;
• Complex - an aerodrome with more than one runway,
having many taxiways to one or more apron areas.
• Aerodrome traffic density - This means the number of aircraft movements in the mean busy hour, and is
divided into the following categories:
• Light – not greater than 15 movements per runway or typically less than 20 total aerodrome
movements;
• Medium – 16 to 25 movements per runway or typically between 20 to 35 total aerodrome movements;
• Heavy – 26 or more movements per runway or typically more than 35 aerodrome movements.
• Upgrade of a facility - A facility is deemed to be upgraded if the improvement of the facility allows it to:
• (a) accommodate aeroplanes from a higher reference code, such as from code 2 to code 3 or code 3 to
code 4;
• (b) be used by aeroplanes flying under different approach conditions, such as:
• (i) from non-instrument to non-precision instrument;
• (ii) from non-precision instrument to precision instrument;
• (iii) from precision category I to category II or III.
• LIGHTING IN THE VICINITY OF AN AERODROME
• An existing or proposed non-aeronautical ground light in the vicinity of an aerodrome which, by reason of
its intensity, configuration or colour, might endanger the safety of aircraft.
• In general, vicinity of the aerodrome can be taken as:
• (a) for a code 4 instrument runway – within a rectangular area the length of which extends at least 4500m
before each threshold and the width of which is at least 750m either side of the extended runway centreline;
• (b) for a code 2 or 3 instrument runway, an area with the same width as (a) with the length extending to at
least 3000m from the threshold;
• (c) for other cases, within the approach area.
• MINIMUM LIGHTING SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
• At an aerodrome opened for night operations, at least the following facilities are to be provided with
appropriate lighting:
• (a) runways, taxiways and aprons intended for night use;
• (b) at least one wind direction indicator;
• Where any approach end of a runway is intended to serve jet aeroplanes engaged in regular public
transport operations, that approach end is to be provided with an approved approach slope guidance
system.
• T-VASIS and PAPI are approved approach slope guidance systems.
• To avoid confusion, the same type of approach slope guidance system is to be used at each end of a
runway and, if there is more than one runway,
• A runway intended to serve Category I, II or III precision approach operations is to be provided with an
approach lighting system,
• Movement area guidance signs intended for use at night are to be illuminated in accordance with the
standards
• Additional lighting systems may be required such as aerodrome beacons, visual docking guidance
systems and runway threshold identification lights.
• An aerodrome lighting system is to be an electrically connected installation, with the primary power
supply (local electricity), Secondary power supply (generators, batteries) and standby power supply
(either secondary power or standby generators).
• To ensure uniformity of visual appearance, light fittings using different filter technology are not to be
mixed, e.g. dichroic filters, other absorption filters, light emitting diode (LED), etc.
• At an aerodrome with an air traffic service (ATS), the following lighting systems, if provided, are to be
equipped with an intensity control so that the ATS can select light output to suit ambient conditions
• • approach lighting system;
• • approach slope guidance system;
• • runway edge lights;
• • runway threshold lights;
• • runway end lights;
• • runway centreline lights;
• • runway touchdown zone lights;
• • taxiway lights.
• Intensity is to be varied in 5 or 6 stages, except that where a runway is equipped with medium intensity
• Intensity is to be reduced from each successive stage to an order of 25-33%.
• This is based on the fact that a change of that magnitude is required for the human eye to detect that a
change has occurred.