How does a temporarily closed runway differ from a permanently closed runway in terms of markings?

2-3-6. Other Markings
a. Vehicle Roadway Markings. The vehicle roadway markings are used when necessary to define a pathway
for vehicle operations on or crossing areas that are also intended for aircraft. These markings consist of a white
solid line to delineate each edge of the roadway and a dashed line to separate lanes within the edges of the
roadway. In lieu of the solid lines, zipper markings may be used to delineate the edges of the vehicle roadway.
(See FIG 2-3-18.) Details of the zipper markings are shown in FIG 2-3-19.
b. VOR Receiver Checkpoint Markings. The VOR receiver checkpoint marking allows the pilot to check
aircraft instruments with navigational aid signals. It consists of a painted circle with an arrow in the middle; the
arrow is aligned in the direction of the checkpoint azimuth. This marking, and an associated sign, is located on
Airport Marking Aids and Signs 2-3-19

 AIM 2/20/25
the airport apron or taxiway at a point selected for easy access by aircraft but where other airport traffic is not
to be unduly obstructed. (See FIG 2-3-20.)
NOTE-
The associated sign contains the VOR station identification letter and course selected (published) for the check, the words
"VOR check course," and DME data (when applicable). The color of the letters and numerals are black on a yellow
background.
EXAMPLE-
DCA 176-356
VOR check course
DME XXX
FIG 2-3-17
Holding Position Markings: Taxiway/Taxiway Intersections
TAXIWAY HOLDING
POSITION MARKINGS,
YELLOW, SEE
DETAIL 1
DETAIL 1
2-3-20 Airport Marking Aids and Signs

2/20/25 AIM
FIG 2-3-18
Vehicle Roadway Markings
Airport Marking Aids and Signs 2-3-21

AIM 2/20/25
FIG 2-3-19
Roadway Edge Stripes, White, Zipper Style
c. Nonmovement Area Boundary Markings. These markings delineate the movement area (i.e., area under
ATC). These markings are yellow and located on the boundary between the movement and nonmovement area.
The nonmovement area boundary markings consist of two yellow lines (one solid and one dashed) 6 inches
(15cm) in width. The solid line is located on the nonmovement area side, while the dashed yellow line is located
on the movement area side. The nonmovement boundary marking area is shown in FIG 2-3-21.
2-3-22 Airport Marking Aids and Signs

2/20/25 AIM
FIG 2-3-20
Ground Receiver Checkpoint Markings
1. WHITE
2. YELLOW
3. YELLOW ARROW ALIGNED TOWARD THE FACILITY
4. INTERIOR OF CIRCLE BLACK (CONCRETE SURFACE ONLY)
5. CIRCLE MAY BE BORDERED ON INSIDE AND OUTSIDE WITH
6" BLACK BAND IF NECESSARY FOR CONTRAST
1
4
2
3
5

2
FIG 2-3-21
Nonmovement Area Boundary Markings
DASHED LINE ON
MOVEMENT SIDE BOTH LINES
ARE YELLOW
SOLID LINE ON
NONMOVEMENT
SIDE
FIG 2-3-22
Closed or Temporarily Closed Runway and Taxiway Markings
X
d. Marking and Lighting of Permanently Closed Runways and Taxiways. For runways and taxiways
which are permanently closed, the lighting circuits will be disconnected. The runway threshold, runway
designation, and touchdown markings are obliterated and yellow crosses are placed at each end of the runway
and at 1,000 foot intervals. (See FIG 2-3-22.)
Airport Marking Aids and Signs 2-3-23

AIM 2/20/25
FIG 2-3-23
Helicopter Landing Areas
e. Temporarily Closed Runways and Taxiways. To provide a visual indication to pilots that a runway is
temporarily closed, crosses are placed on the runway only at each end of the runway. The crosses are yellow in
color.  (See FIG 2-3-22.)
1. A raised lighted yellow cross may be placed on each runway end in lieu of the markings described in
Subparagraph e,Temporarily Closed Runways and Taxiways, to indicate the runway is closed.
2. A visual indication may not be present depending on the reason for the closure, duration of the closure,
airfield configuration, and the existence and the hours of operation of an airport traffic control tower. Pilots
should check NOTAMs and the Automated Terminal Information System (ATIS) for local runway and taxiway
closure information.
3. Temporarily closed taxiways are usually treated as hazardous areas, in which no part of an aircraft may
enter, and are blocked with barricades. However, as an alternative, a yellow cross may be installed at each
entrance to the taxiway.
f. Helicopter Landing Areas. The markings illustrated in FIG 2-3-23 are used to identify the landing and
takeoff area at a public use heliport and hospital heliport. The letter "H" in the markings is oriented to align with
the intended direction of approach. FIG 2-3-23 also depicts the markings for a closed airport.