Which sign marks the exit boundary of the runway protection areas, i.e., the Runway Safety Area/Obstacle-Free Zone?

Which sign marks the exit boundary of the runway protection areas, i.e., the Runway Safety Area/Obstacle-Free Zone?

• A. ILS Critical Area Boundary
• B. Runway Safety Area/Obstacle-Free Zone Boundary
• C. Runway Location
• D. Taxiway Location

Answer: (B)

Understanding runway protection zones is the key. The Runway Safety Area and Obstacle-Free Zone are protected spaces immediately around and adjacent to the runway that must stay clear of vehicles and obstacles. Signs along taxiways indicate where you are in relation to those zones. The sign that marks the exit boundary of the RSA/OFZ tells you you’re leaving the protected area, so you’re transitioning from a highly protected zone to normal taxiway pavement. This boundary helps pilots and ground personnel avoid inadvertently entering the runway environment. By contrast, the ILS Critical Area Boundary sign marks the boundary of the ILS critical area, not the RSA/OFZ; Runway Location and Taxiway Location signs simply show where you are on the airfield, not boundary limits of protected zones.

Understanding runway protection zones is the key. The Runway Safety Area and Obstacle-Free Zone are protected spaces immediately around and adjacent to the runway that must stay clear of vehicles and obstacles. Signs along taxiways indicate where you are in relation to those zones. The sign that marks the exit boundary of the RSA/OFZ tells you you’re leaving the protected area, so you’re transitioning from a highly protected zone to normal taxiway pavement. This boundary helps pilots and ground personnel avoid inadvertently entering the runway environment. By contrast, the ILS Critical Area Boundary sign marks the boundary of the ILS critical area, not the RSA/OFZ; Runway Location and Taxiway Location signs simply show where you are on the airfield, not boundary limits of protected zones.