Temporary Closure Marker Buying Checklist
What is a temporary closure marker?
The FAA has specific requirements for nearly every aspect of an airport and for aviation experts. The identifiers used to mark closed runways under construction are no exception. Newly laid runways, ones needing renovation, or those under repair all require clear temporary airfield closure markers to indicate that they are closed.
The most basic requirement is that the marker is a giant “X” shape, and large (or lit up) enough to be seen from the sky miles away. There are two main types of closure markers on the market, and we’ll discuss the differences between the two and what questions purchasers should ask before deciding on one.
Don’t “X” that checklist: here’s what you should be asking about airfield closure markers before buying.
You may know much of the following information, but here’s a refresher on the up-to-date regulations required by the FAA, and the questions that should help make your choice that much easier when making the best choice for your application.
Does it comply with FAA advisory circulars?
While there are multiple FAA requirements regarding runway closures and the details about how to properly mark them, the three main Advisory Circulars (ACs) that highlight these details are as follows:
Advisory Circular No: 150/5370-2G mentions in Section 2.18.3.2 that, if available, a lighted X is the preferred form of airfield closure marker to be used for temporarily closed runways and runways not yet open. A lighted X must be illuminated at all times when it is on a runway.
Advisory Circular No: 150/5340-1M discusses the proper way to mark and light permanently closed runways (Chapter 5, Section 6) as well as how to temporarily close runways (Chapter 5, Section 7). Permanently retired runways are to be marked/painted with yellow “X”s at each end and at every 1000-foot interval. There are two options for temporary markers, one being a raised, lighted X and the other an “easily removed material such as plywood or fabric, rather than painted on the runway”.
Advisory Circular No: 150/5390-2C (page 147) requires that a closed heliport’s markings be obliterated, or, in the case that is impractical, to thoroughly mark the closed landing pad with a yellow “X” that is large enough to “ensure early pilot recognition that the heliport is closed”.
If an airfield closure marker does not match up with what is laid out in the FAA’s Advisory Circulars, then it likely isn’t compliant. The OTW Lighted X and Vinyl X, though? Fully FAA-approved and ready to help you make your closed runways safer!
Is the X Marker yellow?
This is FAA-required. As mentioned in multiple ACs, yellow is the color of choice for an airfield closure marker in the US. If it’s not yellow, it’s not approved!
Do I need the closure marker for a runway or a taxiway?
Airfield closure markers are used differently on temporarily closed runways versus ones closed permanently. For a temporary closure, markers are to be placed at each end of the runways or taxiway. For permanently closed runways, markers should be placed every thousand feet. Permanently closed runways can also be marked with painted “X”s at the same intervals.
Depending on the situation, markers are available in different sizes. Heliport markers are sized to fit directly over the landing pad, while runway markers are chosen based on whether they are for a runway (most commonly 10’x60’) or a taxiway (most commonly 5’x’30’). While Lighted X’s are smaller than a Vinyl X, their LED bulbs give off the appropriate amount of light to be compliant on either taxiways or runways. The final choice is going to be dependent on the number of closed runways or taxiways and the airport’s budget.
Will this closure marker be used in a high-wind environment?
Most airports experience high winds in some capacity, often due to jet-blast. In this kind of environment, it is crucial to ensure that any sort of marker used is firmly secured so that it doesn’t become FOD. A lighted X will remain secure thanks to its heavy-duty construction and weight, but a vinyl X needs to be anchored to the ground with sandbags, grommets, or stakes. If the Vinyl X is the best choice for your application, ensure that you have plenty of secure fasteners on hand.
For runway closures in extreme weather environments, we suggest the Lighted X runway closure marker due to its durability, design, and low maintenance. No securing necessary!
Will this product be used at night?
This is a simple one! If the marker needs to be visible at night, we suggest an LED runways closure marker light like the Lighted X, as it is highly visible in low-light environments. If this isn’t a requirement for your application, you could consider the Vinyl X instead.
No bad choices here, just excellent airfield closure markers and increased airfield safety.
We stand behind both of our closure markers and will always help you choose the best fit for your application. Whether our Vinyl X closure marker is the perfect match for your runways and taxiways, or if the Lighted X will suit your needs better, we’re ready to help you make it a reality.
Contact our experts for a quote today!
