7 ms·

Chevrons do not "mark the direction of a given strip". Imagine chevrons pointed toward grass and rock instead of the runway - what sane pilot would follow that

Chevrons do not "mark the direction of a given strip". Imagine chevrons pointed toward grass and rock instead of the runway - what sane pilot would follow that instead of the pavement? Chevrons "are used to show pavement areas aligned with the runway that are unusable for landing, takeoff, and taxiing." [1] In other words, the pavement is too soft to bear a heavy load. [1] https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim/aim0203.html#aim0203.html.1 https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim/aim0...

omegant 12y ago
As a side note, sometimes they are painted to move forward the runway beginning. The runway itself it´s still hard and usable, but they want you to land and takeoff further ahead from the real beginning, to reduce the noise at the proximity of the airport and the approach route (the planes flight higher at a given point if you move forward the runway)
- cjrp 12y ago
  That would be a displaced threshold, marked with arrows rather than chevrons. Can be used for takeoff but not for landing (usually to ensure obstruction clearance on the approach).
  - sokoloff 12y ago
    Correct. In the article's photo of Logan, you can see both on 22L. The chevrons mark an area not usable for either takeoff or landing on 22L. Then, the section marked with a series of 5 long arrows is usable for taking off from 22L, leading to the displaced threshold, beyond which the runway surface is usable for landing (and takeoff, of course). The displaced thresholds on 22L and 22R at Logan are to ensure adequate clearance over boats in the channel north of the field. More info for the curious, from the FAA Airmen's Information Manual: http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim/aim0203.html http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim/aim02...
mnw21cam 12y ago
The area may be an Engineered Material Arresting System. That is, an area of specially designed softness that slows an aircraft down really quickly without too much damage. http://www.airportsinternational.com/2011/01/arresting-system-saves-aircraft-lives/4295 http://www.airportsinternational.com/2011/01/arresting-syste... It also would be an blast pad - an area of pavement that is kept clean to prevent aircraft engines blowing dust and stones around when taking off.

omegant 12y ago

As a side note, sometimes they are painted to move forward the runway beginning. The runway itself it´s still hard and usable, but they want you to land and takeoff further ahead from the real beginning, to reduce the noise at the proximity of the airport and the approach route (the planes flight higher at a given point if you move forward the runway)

cjrp 12y ago
That would be a displaced threshold, marked with arrows rather than chevrons. Can be used for takeoff but not for landing (usually to ensure obstruction clearance on the approach).
- sokoloff 12y ago
  Correct. In the article's photo of Logan, you can see both on 22L. The chevrons mark an area not usable for either takeoff or landing on 22L. Then, the section marked with a series of 5 long arrows is usable for taking off from 22L, leading to the displaced threshold, beyond which the runway surface is usable for landing (and takeoff, of course). The displaced thresholds on 22L and 22R at Logan are to ensure adequate clearance over boats in the channel north of the field. More info for the curious, from the FAA Airmen's Information Manual: http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim/aim0203.html http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim/aim02...

mnw21cam 12y ago

The area may be an Engineered Material Arresting System. That is, an area of specially designed softness that slows an aircraft down really quickly without too much damage. http://www.airportsinternational.com/2011/01/arresting-system-saves-aircraft-lives/4295 http://www.airportsinternational.com/2011/01/arresting-syste... It also would be an blast pad - an area of pavement that is kept clean to prevent aircraft engines blowing dust and stones around when taking off.