Runway Safety

Awareness Guide
Incorporating Airside Driving Authority Category 3 & 4

July 2017

Runway Safety Awareness Guide a

b Runway Safety Awareness Guide
Contents
Introduction2
Aerodrome Hazards 3
Applying for a Category 3 or 4 ADA 4
Rules specific for Category 3 and 4 ADA holders 4
Planning your aerodrome operation 6
Towing Operations 7
ATC Procedures 7
Communications and Radio Procedures 8
Commonly Used Phrases 12
Light Signals from ATC 13
Radio Failure procedures 13
Vehicle unserviceability 13
Aerodrome Markings 14
Aerodrome Signage 18
Aerodrome Lighting  19
Definitions and Acronyms 20
References21

Runway Safety Awareness Guide 1

Introduction
Perth Airport’s Runway Safety Handbook has been created to promote safe driving practices
for holders of Category 3 and 4 Airside Driving Authority (ADA). A significant risk at Perth
Airport involves runway incursions and the content of this handbook aims to provide drivers
with the tools necessary to avoid a runway incursion and generally promote the principles of
runway and manoeuvring area safety.
The handbook includes:
• Rules specific to Category 3 and 4 ADA holders
• Planning your aerodrome operation
• Signage and markings
• Air Traffic Control (ATC) procedures
• Communications
The handbook is designed to be read in conjunction with the
• Perth Airport Airside Safety Awareness Guide
• Perth Airport Airside Vehicle Control Handbook
The above documents are available from the Perth Airport, Airport Services Office or via the
Perth Airport Extranet:
Perthairport.com.au/Extranet
User name: member
Password: perthairport
Copies of this handbook are available from the Perth Airport, Airport Services Office, located
on the ground floor of Hkew Alpha, 2 George Wiencke Drive, Perth Airport and the Perth
Airport Extranet.

2 Runway Safety Awareness Guide

Aerodrome Hazards
Note: General aerodrome hazards are covered in the Perth Airport Airside Safety
Awareness Guide. The below hazards are key hazards relating to operations on
the aerodrome manoeuvring area.

Runway Incursion
Runway incursions represent one of the most significant aviation hazards, and involve a
vehicle (or aircraft) entering a runway when it has not received a clearance to do so. Several
major aircraft accidents have occurred following runway incursion incidents and have
resulted in multiple fatalities. Human factors failures are a primary cause of runway incursion
incidents. This guide aims to reduce the risk of you being involved in a runway incursion
incident through promoting:
• Sound knowledge of the aerodrome manoeuvring area layout
• Understanding of key phrases and terminology
• Importance of planning your aerodrome operation to prevent unexpected situations
• Radio communication procedures

Foreign Object Debris (FOD)

Foreign object damage occurs when loose material and debris on the movement/manoeuvring
area causes damage to aircraft. FOD incidents are a significant hazard to airlines and result in
millions of dollars of damage and lost productivity through aircraft downtime each year. Any
FOD detected on the aerodrome manoeuvring area must be immediately reported to the Perth
Airport Control Centre on 9478 8572 so that it can be recovered by Airfield Operations staff.

Jet Blast
Jet blast is the blast caused by aircraft engines and can be particularly hazardous. The effects
of jet blast can kill or cause serious injury. In order to prevent being exposed to the hazard
from jet blast, always keep well clear of aircraft whilst operating on the manoeuvring area.

Runway Safety Awareness Guide 3

Applying for a Category 3 or 4 ADA
Application for an Authority to Drive Airside (ADA) must be made in strict accordance with the
Perth Airport Airside Vehicle Control Handbook (AVCH).
Applicants seeking to apply for a Category 3 and Category 4 ADA must have successfully attained
a Category 2 ADA and have operated under that Category for a minimum period of 8 weeks.
Category 3 ADA holders are permitted to operate in accordance with a Category 2 ADA plus
taxiways and taxilanes for the repositioning of aircraft and/or servicing of facilities.
Category 4 ADA holders are permitted to operate in accordance with a Category 3 ADA
plus runways.

Rules specific for Category 3

and 4 ADA holders
Drivers must comply with all safety rules as documented in the Perth Airport Airside
Safety Awareness Guide and Perth Airport Airside Vehicle Control Handbook. Important
requirements relating to driving rules for Category 3 and 4 ADA holders are outlined below:

Beacons
All vehicles operating on the movement area must have and operate at all times an amber
rotating beacon. The beacon must be visible from 360 degrees.

VeeLo
All vehicles operating on the Perth Airport Manoeuvring Area
(runways and taxiways) must be equipped with a serviceable
Veelo unit, which, when mounted to a vehicle transmits a
signal to the ATC, enabling identification of the vehicle. Any
vehicle note equipped with a Veelo unit will not be permitted
to enter the Manoeuvring Area unless under escort by a Perth
Airport Operations vehicle.

Call sign
Each vehicle is allocated a call sign which is directly linked to the unique code assigned to the
VeeLo unit fitted to the vehicle. Know your vehicle call-sign.

Driving – speed limits

While Airside, you must obey all signs and, unless indicated otherwise, adhere to the speed
limits as documented in the Airside Vehicle Control Handbook. Drivers must operate their
vehicle in accordance with the conditions.

4 Runway Safety Awareness Guide

Incidents
If you see a hazard and/or an incident you must report it to
• In an emergency situation Perth Airport Control Centre Emergency line - 9478 8500
• Any other occurrence – Perth Airport Control Centre - 9478 8572

Familiarity
Drivers operating on the Manoeuvring Area must be familiar with:
• The designations of the Runways and Taxiways
• Aviation radio procedures
• The meaning of ATC light signals
• Signs and markings used on the manoeuvring area
• Content of the Perth Airport Airside Safety Awareness Guide and Airside Vehicle
Control Handbook
Under no circumstances are vehicles, other than Airfield Operations vehicles and emergency services
vehicles in an emergency, permitted on the Manoeuvring Area during Low Visibility conditions.
Drivers must be aware of the hazard that can be created by jet blast and propeller wash when
operating a vehicle in the vicinity of the manoeuvring area.
Drivers should not drive from unsealed areas directly onto paved aircraft surfaces to avoid FOD.
You must maintain a listening watch for other vehicles, aircraft and radio transmissions at all
times while operating on the manoeuvring area.

Runway Safety Awareness Guide 5

Planning your aerodrome operation
A thorough knowledge of the manoeuvring area physical characteristics is essential for safe
driving. Take a moment to think about where you need to go and how you are going to get
there. Listed below are important points of interest to consider BEFORE driving on Perth
Airport’s runways and taxiways:
• You should only enter the manoeuvring area when you have an operational need to do so.
• Have a current Perth Airport plan of the manoeuvring area available to use. Current
manoeuvring area plan is available from the Perth Airport Airfield Operations office.
• Listen to the ATIS to determine the runway/s in use.
• Check NOTAMs to determine any areas of the aerodrome that may be restricted due to
unserviceability or aerodrome works.
• Plan the tasks to be completed whilst you are on the manoeuvring area, and avoid any
tendency to rush tasks.
• Ensure your vehicle is serviceable, and any loose items that could become FOD are removed
and/or secured
• Check the proposed route against the manoeuvring area plan and pay special attention to
any complex intersections.
• Always be aware of where you are and what is around your vehicle – especially when
operating close to a runway.
• If in doubt of your current location on the manoeuvring area, STOP and request ATC
assistance. Someone will come to assist you. If possible, move off the taxiway or runway
to a safe position.
• Know the light signals to be observed by ATC in the event of radio failure as outlined in
this guide.
• Conduct a briefing with passengers to ensure they are familiar with ‘sterile’ environment
techniques to avoid introducing any distractions within the vehicle.
Situational awareness is key to avoiding a runway incursion incident. Take note of the following:
• Maintain a ‘sterile environment’ in the vehicle by switching OFF unnecessary distractions
such as external radios and mobile phones.
• Avoid conversations with passengers that may distract you from responding to ATC
clearances/instructions or may contribute to you becoming unfamiliar with your location.
• Minimise ‘head down’ activities whilst the vehicle is moving.

6 Runway Safety Awareness Guide

Towing Operations
If you are conducting aircraft towing activities on the manoeuvring area, then you must be
mindful of the following:
• Direct line of communication between the tug and the aircraft must be available at all
times during the tow.
• The aircraft’s anti-collision beacon MUST be activated.
• All persons involved in the tow operation are aware of their roles and responsibilities and
must be familiar with the specific company towing procedures.
• Where a PAPL Airfield Operations escort is being provided, follow all instructions of the
Airfield Operations Officer in charge of the escort.

ATC Procedures
Drivers of vehicles must obtain an ATC clearance and instructions before entering the
manoeuvring area.
Once receiving an ATC clearance or instruction you should:
• Ensure that you understand the instruction and ask for clarification if unsure.
• Read back the clearance or instruction including your vehicle call-sign
• Monitor ATC clearances/instructions issued to other vehicles and aircraft to help you achieve
an awareness of what is happening around you.
• Be cautious of similar sounding call-signs of other aircraft and vehicles. Call-sign confusion
is a common causal factor of runway incursion incidents.
• Avoid over-transmitting other aircraft or vehicles when reading back an ATC clearance –
over-transmitting can contribute to a runway incursion incident. If you are unsure that ATC
has received your read back then you should ask for clarification.
• Listen carefully to avoid responding to a clearance/instruction intended for someone else.
• Advise ATC if you anticipate a delay, or are unable to comply with their instructions.
• Look for light signals from the tower if you suspect radio problems.

Remember an ATC instruction to operate on taxiways or other areas of the aerodrome is

NOT a clearance to cross a runway holding position, or to enter or operate on a runway.
Only the words CROSS or ENTER authorise a vehicle to operate on a runway.

Runway Safety Awareness Guide 7

Communications and Radio Procedures
Effective driver/ATC controller communications are vital to safe aerodrome operations.
You can help enhance the controllers understanding by responding (read back procedures)
appropriately and using standard phraseology.
Guidelines for clear and accurate communications:
• Use standard phraseology when contacting ATC to ensure clear and concise communication.
Your initial transmission should contain these elements:
- Who you are calling
- Your call-sign
- Where you are located
- A concise description of what you want to do
• State your position whenever making initial contact with any tower or ground controller,
regardless of whether you have previously stated your position to a different controller.
• Focus on what ATC is instructing you to do. Do not perform any non-essential tasks while
communicating with ATC.
• Keep your communications concise and to the point.
• Acknowledge all clearances - read back all required elements of the clearance and end your
transmission with your call-sign. Remember, keep transmissions clear and concise.
• Read back the holding position specified in a clearance or instruction and any clearance or
instruction to:
- Hold short of a runway
- Enter a runway
- Cross a runway
• Include the runway designator in all read backs
• Clarify any misunderstanding or confusion concerning ATC instructions or clearances

Conditional Instruction
A conditional instruction or clearance means the tower may give approval to undertake a task
or action and include a condition as part of the approval.
Note: If your request is complex, you should consider contacting ATC by phone to discuss
any special procedures that may be required prior to the first radio transmission.

Entering the Manoeuvring Area

Before you request to enter the manoeuvring area you must give consideration to the following:
• The communications equipment is in good working order (radio check should be considered
to check equipment)
• Be sure you are on the correct frequency
• Ensure the squelch is set correctly if manually adjustable
• Volume is set to an acceptable level
• Ensure the frequency is clear by listening prior to transmitting (i.e. there are no other
communications in progress – this also allows you to gain an awareness of other traffic and
current RWY availability)
• If transmitting from an open vehicle, a headset and wind protected boom mike should
be considered
• All other communications equipment that may be a distraction must be switched OFF.
8 Runway Safety Awareness Guide
The below is an example of a radio transmission between a vehicle and Perth Ground.
Identify who you are calling
“PERTH GROUND”
Tell Ground who you are -
“TUG TWENTY TWO WITH VH-ABC.”
Tell Ground where you are -
“ON BAY ONE EIGHT.”
Tell Perth Ground what you wish to do -
“REQUEST TO PUSH BACK AND TOW TO BAY SEVEN ZERO THREE.”
YOUR TRANSMISSION
“GROUND TUG TWENTY TWO WITH VH-ABC ON BAY ONE EIGHT REQUEST PERMISSION TO
PUSH BACK AND TOW TO BAY SEVEN ZERO THREE.”
PERTH GROUND RESPONDS
“TUG TWENTY TWO, PUSH BACK AND TOW VIA THE APRON, TAXIWAY BRAVO AND THE
SEVEN ZERO ZERO - LANE TO BAY SEVEN ZERO THREE.”
YOUR TRANSMISSION
“PUSH BACK AND TOW APPROVED VIA THE APRON, TAXIWAY BRAVO AND THE SEVEN
ZERO ZERO LANE TO BAY SEVEN ZERO THREE - TUG TWENTY TWO.”

All instructions from ATC must be carried out promptly and safely – if you are not 100%
sure of an instruction or clearance, DO NOT MOVE. Confirm the instruction or clearance
and if you hear a conflicting transmission on either frequency, advise ATC immediately!

If you have been given a clearance to cross or enter a runway, you must monitor
transmissions for that runway. If you detect a landing or takeoff clearance on the
runway you are operating on, confirm your clearance immediately, conduct a visual
check and if you are in any doubt vacate the runway without delay.

Anyone using a radio (VHF to communicate with ATC) is required to hold an Aeronautical
Radio Operator Certificate (AROC). All instructions by ATC must be responded to immediately.
Unauthorised transmissions on an ATC registered frequency may lead to prosecution.

Radio Frequencies
Radio frequencies (MHz) currently in use at Perth Airport are as follows:
120.5 Perth Tower Aerodrome Controller
121.7 Surface Movement Controller (West)
122.2 Surface Movement Controller (East)
123.8 Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS)

Runway Safety Awareness Guide 9

Transmission Techniques
The efficient use of two way radio depends on microphone technique, the method of speaking
and the choice of words used by the operator.
You should make use of the following principles:
• Think before you transmit
• Be concise
• Speak clearly
• Speak plainly and end each word clearly to prevent consecutive words running together
• Avoid the tendency to shout
• Avoid hesitant sounds such as ‘er’ and ‘um’.
• Maintain a business-like manner and do not use colloquialisms, first names or be unduly
familiar with others
• If improvisation is required, make it brief and unambiguous.

Signal Strength
Readability of radio signals (i.e. how well a transmission is able to be heard)
1. Unreadable
2. Readable now and again
3. Readable but with difficulty
4. Readable
5. Perfectly readable

10 Runway Safety Awareness Guide

Phonetic Alphabet
The International Phonetic Alphabet is used to assist in voice transmission of call signs,
Runway/Taxiway designators and the spelling of proper names and unusual words.
The phonetic alphabet is made up of particular words to denote the letters. When used, the
pronunciations as shown are to apply:

A ALPHA Al-fa N NOVEMBER No-VEM-ber

B BRAVO BRAH-voh O OSCAR OSS-cah
C CHARLIE CHAR-lee P PAPA Pah-PAH
D DELTA DEL-tah Q QUEBEC Key-BECK
E ECHO ECK-oh R ROMEO ROH-me-OH
F FOXTROT FOKS-trot S SIERRA See-AIR-rah
G GOLF Golf T TANGO TANG-go
H HOTEL hoh-TELL U UNIFORM YOU-nee-form
I INDIA IN-dee-ah V VICTOR VIC-tah
J JULIET JEW-lee-ETT W WHISKEY WISS-key
K KILO KEE-low X X-RAY ECKS-RAY
L LIMA LEE-mah Y YANKEE YANG-key
M MIKE Mike Z ZULU ZOO-loo

Numbers are to be transmitted using the following pronunciations:

1 WUN THOUSAND THOUSAND

2 TOO 10 ONE ZERO
3 TREE or THREE 75 SEVEN FIVE
4 FOW-er 100 ONE ZERO ZERO
5 FIFE 583 FIVE EIGHT THREE
6 SIX 5000 FIVE THOUSAND
7 SEV-en 11000 ONE ONE THOUSAND
8 AIT 24000 TWO FOUR THOUSAND
9 NIN-er 38143 THREE EIGHT ONE FOUR THREE
DECIMAL DAY-SEE-MAL

In general, numbers except whole thousands are to be transmitted by pronouncing each

digit separately.

Runway Safety Awareness Guide 11

Commonly Used Phrases
AFFIRMATIVE Yes.

APPROVED Permission for proposed action granted.

CONFIRM Have I correctly received the following?

CORRECTION An error has been made in this message, the correct message is “…..”

DISREGARD Ignore previous transmission.

GO AHEAD Proceed with your message (normally only after stand by –

THIS IS NOT A CLEARANCE TO ENTER OR CROSS)

HOLD POSITION Stop - Do not proceed until advised.

HOLD SHORT OF Stop before a specified location (For a Runway this is at Runway strip
edge and for a Taxiway it is at the Taxiway intersection line).

HOW DO YOU READ What is the readability of my transmission (or how well can you hear my
transmission normally radio check is used).

NEGATIVE No, or permission not granted, or that is not correct.

RADIO CHECK I wish to know how well you can hear me. Please advise your readability
of my transmission.

REQUEST Request permission to, or I would like to know.

ROGER I have received your last message.

SAY AGAIN Repeat all, or the following part of your last message (say again after “…..”).

STAND BY Wait and I will call you back.

VACATE Move off the Runway/Taxiway area immediately.

VACATED I have vacated Runway/Taxiway area.

WILCO I (fully) understand your message/instruction and will comply.

12 Runway Safety Awareness Guide

Light Signals from ATC
Where communications with ATC are lost, ATC may attract your attention through visual
signals. If you receive signals from the Tower, you should respond immediately. The meaning
of these signals must be displayed on the vehicle within easy sight of the driver.
The signals are as follows:
FLASHING RUNWAY OR Vacate the manoeuvring area and observe the Control Tower for
TAXIWAY LIGHTING light signal.

STEADY RED Stop immediately.

RED FLASHES Move off Runway or Taxiway and watch out for aircraft.

GREEN FLASHES Permission to cross Runway or to move to a Taxiway.

WHITE FLASHES Vacate Manoeuvring Area in accordance with local instructions.

Radio Failure procedures

Should you experience a radio failure adopt the appropriate following procedure:
For Vehicles (excluding Tugs)
a. If on a Runway, vacate the Runway immediately;
b. Vacate the manoeuvring area using the safest direct route available;
c. Upon vacating the manoeuvring area, establish contact with the Tower using another radio
or by mobile telephone and advise that you are clear of the area;
d. Do not re-enter the manoeuvring area until the radio has been replaced/repaired.

Vehicle unserviceability
If your vehicle becomes unserviceable at any time on the manoeuvring area, contact ATC
immediately to advise them of your location, and then remain with the vehicle. A PAPL
Airport Operations Officer (AOO) will co-ordinate with ATC for assistance.

Runway Safety Awareness Guide 13

Aerodrome Markings
Aerodrome markings are designed to assist you in navigating around the aerodrome.
Ensure that you understand the following principles of Aerodrome markings:

Colour
• Runway markings are primarily white
• Taxiway markings are primarily yellow
Examples of common markings are outlined below:

Runway strip markers

White gable markers show the edge of the Runway Strip
Graded Portion. Vehicles are not permitted to enter the
Runway Strip Graded Portion without specific clearance from
ATC. At Perth Airport, the strip is defined by the gables at a
distance of 75 metres from the runway centreline giving an
overall width of the strip as 150 metres. The declared strip
width is an area that also includes the fly over areas of the
runway strip out to a width of 150 metres from the runway
centreline, marked by the herbicide line.

ILS Critical Area markers

These identify restricted areas
that require ATC approval to
enter as they are sensitive
areas and vehicle entry
could cause interference to
navigation aids.

The main landing aids at

Glide Path Localiser
Perth Airport consist of the
Localizer and Glide Path. The
signals transmitted from this
equipment assist aircraft to set
up the approach for landing.
Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI)
Visual aids such as PAPI are also used by aircraft to set up an
approach for landing along with other radio navigational aids.
It is important to ensure you do not park directly in front of,
behind or adjacent to these structures.

14 Runway Safety Awareness Guide

Other Markers
Red and white unserviceability cones
Mark the areas restricted for access due to unserviceability.
Entry to these areas is restricted unless authorised by PAPL.
Marked at night with red lights.

Runway centreline and edge surface markings

These markings indicate the centre and edge of a Runway. The centre line is a white broken line
and the edge is a continuous white line. You must not tow or drive heavy vehicles outside the
defined sidelines of the runway. All runways at Perth Airport are 45 metres wide.

Centreline runway markings Runway edge markings Aiming point markings

Runway Threshold and end markings

The runway threshold is marked by a series of markings
commonly known as the Piano Keys. A set distance for the
touchdown area is marked by the aiming point markings and
touchdown markers. The Threshold is lit by a series of green
lights as viewed from an aircraft on approach. These are
collocated with red lights opposite at the end of the runway
identifying the runway end to an aircraft taking off in the
opposite direction.
Taxiway strips
The taxiway strips at Perth Airport are not defined by
markers. The majority of taxiways are defined as 23 metre
taxiways (operational pavement width).
To ensure appropriate clearance to taxiing aircraft, the
following minimum distances from the centreline of the
taxiway must be maintained by vehicles and personnel
operating adjacent to taxiways.

Runway Safety Awareness Guide 15

Runway Holding Position
These markings indicate the holding positions for aircraft and
vehicles prior to entering a Runway. You must not cross in the
direction of the solid lines without an approval from ATC.
When instructed to ‘Hold short’ always stop prior to the first
solid line of the runway holding point marking.
As a Cat 3 Driver you must never pass Runway Holding
Position markings at ANY TIME.
Intermediate Holding Position Markings
Intermediate Holding Position Markings are provided where
Taxiways join or intersect another Taxiway. The markings,
including 3 amber lights, provide visual reference to show
where to stop if required by ATC.
Taxiway Edge Markings
These markings indicate the edge of a Taxiway or Apron
surface. The edge is a continuous double yellow line. The
double yellow line also indicates low strength pavement from
the outside edge. You must not tow or drive heavy vehicles
outside the defined taxiway edge markings.
Taxiway Centreline
The Taxiway Centreline marking is a solid yellow line that is
located centrally along the Taxiway. At night, the centreline is
marked by green centreline lights. When vacating a Runway
at night, the centreline lights alternate in colour (green /
yellow) from the runway to beyond the runway strip on the
exiting taxiway. Aircraft under tow must position the nose
gear of the aircraft to follow the centreline.

16 Runway Safety Awareness Guide

 Runway Safety Awareness Guide 17
Aerodrome Signage
Movement Area Guidance Signs
Along with aerodrome markings and lights, aerodrome signs are designed to assist you in
navigating the aerodrome. The types of signs are outlined below:

1. Mandatory Instruction Signs

Mandatory Instruction signs identify the entrance to a
runway or critical area, and areas prohibited for use by
aircraft and vehicles. It has a white inscription on a red
background. Remember: RED and WHITE RUNWAY in SIGHT.
Remember: As a Cat 3 Driver you must never pass
runway guard Mandatory Instruction Signs at ANY TIME.
2. Runway Holding Position sign
This is a Mandatory Instruction sign located at the entrance
to a runway, adjacent to the yellow painted runway holding
position marking.
This example indicates that you are on Taxiway Alpha 9
holding short of Runway 21/03. The Runway 03 threshold
is to your right; the Runway 21 threshold is to your left.
Remember: RED and WHITE RUNWAY in SIGHT.
3. Location Sign
Identifies the taxiway you are currently located on. It has
a yellow inscription on a black background. This example
shows a location sign, co-located with a direction sign.
This sign indicates you are on Taxiway Alpha, and Taxiway
Alpha 9 is located ahead and to the left.
Remember: Black square, you’re there
4. Direction sign
Identifies the designation of taxiways leading out of
an intersection along with an arrow indicating the
approximate direction of turn needed to align with
that taxiway. They are located prior to the intersection,
normally on the left side and usually with a location sign.
It has a black inscription on a yellow background. You can
use these signs to confirm your location. This example
sign confirms your location on Taxiway bravo, the
apron is ahead, Taxiway Hotel 3 is on your left and
Taxiway Hotel 4 is on your right.

18 Runway Safety Awareness Guide

Aerodrome Lighting
Runway Guard Lights
Runway Guard Lights are located at Runway Holding Positions on each Taxiway.
At Perth Airport, Runway Guard Lights are installed in the following configurations:

Elevated
Yellow lamps flashing alternate either side of the runway
holding point.

Inset
Taxiway November/Charlie runway guard lights are inset due to
the width and complexity of the taxiway. Runway guard lights
are inset into the Taxiway surface at 3 meter intervals across
the intersection with alternate yellow lamps flashing.
As a Cat 3 Driver you must never pass runway guard lights
at ANY TIME.

Runway Edge and Centreline Lights

Runway Edge Lights (60m spacing) and Runway Centreline
lights to be commissioned on transition from Category 1 AGL
to Category 3 AGL (due in 2017) are white, and within 600m of
the end of the runway the edge lights are yellow.

Taxiway Centreline Lights

Taxiway centreline lights are green. In some locations around
apron areas, taxilane edge lights are installed and these are blue.
When vacating a Runway at night, the centreline lights alternate
in colour (green / yellow) from the runway to beyond the runway
strip on the exiting taxiway. Aircraft under tow must position
the nose gear of the aircraft to follow the centreline.

Taxiway Edge Lights

In the event of a taxiway centreline light unserviceability,
blue edge lights may be positioned on the edges of a taxiway
or portion of taxiway. Operators must remain central to the
edge lights.

Runway Safety Awareness Guide 19

Definitions and Acronyms
Term Definition

Airside That part of the Airport designated as Airside and to which

the general public does not have free access.

AIP Procedural information pertaining to the operational

(Aeronautical Information requirements at Australian Aerodromes produced and published
Publications) by Airservices Australia.

Apron That part of an Airport used for the purpose of enabling

passengers to board or disembark from aircraft; for loading
cargo onto or unloading cargo from aircraft; and/or for
refuelling, parking or carrying out light maintenance on aircraft.

Advanced – Surface A system providing routing, guidance and surveillance for

Movement Guidance and the control of aircraft and vehicles in order to maintain the
Control System (A-SMGCS) declared surface movement rate under all weather conditions
within the aerodrome visibility operational limit while
maintaining the required level of safety (ICAO definition).

ATC Air Traffic Control – A branch within Airservices Australia

(AsA) that controls the movements of aircraft at a controlled
aerodrome.

Surface Movement Controller A position of ATC that controls all aircraft and vehicle
(SMC–Perth Ground) movements on the manoeuvring area.

Aerodrome Controller A position within Airservices Australia that controls the

(ADC-Perth Tower) movement of aircraft and vehicles on the runways of an
aerodrome. This position provides take-off and landing
clearance to aircraft.

Authority to Drive Airside An ADA issued in accordance with Commonwealth

(ADA) Regulations (also called, Airside driver’s license).

Airside Vehicle Control The regulatory document under which an airport operator on
Handbook. (AVCH) Federally Leased land controls the access of vehicles on an
aerodrome.

20 Runway Safety Awareness Guide

Term Definition

Low Visibility Conditions Conditions where visibility at the aerodrome has reduced
below 800m horizontally.

NOTAM Publication produced by Airservices Australia via the NOTAM

(Notice To Air Men) Office advising changes to physical and operating standards of
the aerodrome.

Manoeuvring Area That part of the Airport used for the takeoff, landing and
taxiing of aircraft, excluding Aprons (e.g. Taxiways and
Runways).

Movement Area That part of the Airport that is used for the surface movement
of aircraft including manoeuvring areas and aprons.

Runway Strip A specific area on each side of the Runway designed to reduce
the risk of damage to an aircraft should it run off the Runway.

Taxiway Strip A declared area on each side of the Taxiway designed to

ensure an obstacle free area for the safe taxiing of aircraft.

VeeLo Electronic surveillance equipment fitted to a vehicle in order for

that vehicle to be permitted to operate on the Manoeuvring
Area. Electronic surveillance equipment must meet the
technical standards defined in MOS Part 139 Section 10.9.4

References
Airports Council International ACI Runway Safety Handbook, First Edition, 2014
Airservices Australia Airside driver’s guide to runway safety, 3rd edition – June 2012

Runway Safety Awareness Guide 21

Perth Airport Pty Ltd
Level 2, 2 George Wiencke Drive
Perth Airport WA 6105

PO Box 6, Cloverdale WA 6985

T: +61 8 9478 8888

F: +61 8 9478 8889
W: perthairport.com.au

COPYRIGHT
© Copyright – 2017 Perth Airport Pty Ltd

Copyright in this document vests in Perth Airport Pty Ltd. No person may reproduce any part of this
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