Los Angeles World Airports

Aircraft Surface
Movement Program

Anthony Laughlin
Superintendent of Operations
Los Angeles International Airport
(310) 646-4265
alaughlin@lawa.org
Introduction To
Aircraft Surface Movement
Program
Any person who taxis, tows,
communicates on aviation VHF
frequencies, or is otherwise
involved in the movement of
aircraft at LAX must
successfully complete the
Aircraft Surface Movement
Program.
Class length: 3 hours
Test: 30 question multiple choice
minimum passing score is 90%
All persons who successfully complete this
program will be rebadged. The replacement
badge will include the Aircraft Movement
Icon.
Introduction To
Aircraft Surface Movement
Program
Introduction To
Aircraft Surface Movement
UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE:
LAWA AIRFIELD OPERATIONS ESCORT IS
REQUIRED FOR ALL AIRCRAFT SURFACE
MOVEMENT OPERATIONS BY NON-FLIGHT
CREW PERSONNEL, INVOLVING THE
CROSSING OF ANY RUNWAY AT LAX
Training Goals
1. To prevent incursions on
movement areas
2. To provide familiarization with
airfield layout, signs, markings,
and lighting
3. To help standardize radio
communication and Air Traffic
Control procedures
Aircraft Surface Movement
Program
SECTION 1: LAX Airfield Familiarization
SECTION 2: Airfield Signs, Surface
Markings, and Lighting
SECTION 3: Air Traffic Control Procedures,
Instructions, and Radio
Phraseology
Any occurrence at an airport
involving an aircraft, vehicle,
person, or object on the ground
that creates a collision hazard
or results in loss of separation
with an aircraft taking off or
intending to takeoff, landing or
intending to land.

Runway Incursions
The FAA defines a Runway Incursion as:
LAX Airfield Familiarization
Movement Areas consist of
runways, taxiways, taxilanes and
other areas of an airport which
are used for taxiing, takeoff, and
landing of aircraft.
Section 1
LAX Airfield Familiarization
Rectangular-shaped, paved
surfaces on an airport, designed
for the landing or takeoff of
airplanes.
Runways
Runway Designations
Based on a runways
magnetic heading, using
the 360 degree compass
system
Runways may be used in
two opposite directions

All runways have TWO
runway designations

Runway Designations
The pictured runway
is oriented in the
north-south direction

The pictured runway
would be designated
Runway 18/36
Runway Designations
What is the magnetic
alignment of the
pictured runway?

What is the runway
designation?
Runway Designations
What is the magnetic
alignment of the
pictured runway?

What is the runway
designation?
LAX Runway Layout
Parallel Runway Configuration
South Complex

Runway 25R/7L
Runway 25L/7R
LAX Runway Layout
North Complex
Runway 24R/6L
Runway 24L/6R
Taxiways
A paved surface designed
for the movement of
aircraft from one part of
the airport to another
Taxiways
Taxiway Designation
Letters
Letters and Numbers
Types of Taxiways
Parallel Taxiways
North-South Taxiways
Connector Taxiways
Taxilanes
Bi-pass Taxiways
LAX Taxiway Configuration
Five Parallel Taxiways


A
B
C
D
E
LAX Taxiway Configuration
Three North-South Taxiways


AA
S
Q
Connector taxiways are used
by aircraft to taxi from one
movement area to another.
LAX Taxiway Configuration
To Review, LAX has Four Runways
Five Parallel Taxiways
Three North-South Taxiways
A paved surface used for access
between taxiways and
Ramp (gate) areas
Taxilanes (Alleys/Alleyways)
Taxilanes (Alleys/Alleyways)
Methodology of Taxilane Designations
A1
A2
C6
C7
C8
C9
C10
D10
D9
D8
D7
C1
B1
C2
C3
C4
C5
Ramp/Apron Areas
Ramp/Apron Areas consist of the
following:
Maintenance Areas
Terminal Gates
Cargo/Freight Parking Gates
Ramp/Apron Areas
Ramps and Aprons are aircraft parking
areas designed for the purpose of
loading/unloading or servicing of
aircraft
Ramps and Aprons are non-movement
areas
Ramp/Apron areas are not controlled
by FAA Air Traffic Control
Ramp/Apron Areas
Gate areas of terminal buildings are
an example of a Ramp/Apron Area
Wing Clearance Lines
Runway Surface
Markings And Lighting
Runway surface markings are white

Section 2
Runway Surface
Markings And Lighting
The runway centerline is a broken white stripe which
indicates the center of the runway and provides
alignment guidance for aircraft.
Runway Surface
Markings And Lighting
The runway edge-line is an unbroken white stripe
indicating the edges of the runway, and the edges
of the full-strength pavement.

Runway Surface
Markings And Lighting
Runway threshold markings identify the beginning
of the runway which is available for landing.

Runway Lighting
Runway lighting is white in color


Elevated edge-lights identify the runway edges during
adverse visibility conditions
Runway edge-lights identify the sides of the runway
Runway lighting is white in color


Runway Surface
Markings And Lighting
Runway lighting is white in color
In-pavement Runway Centerline Lights identify the
runway centerline during adverse visibility conditions


Runway Surface
Markings And Lighting
Runway lighting is white in color
Touchdown Zone Lights indicate the first 3,000 feet
of the runway, beginning at the threshold
Taxiway Surface Markings
ALL taxiway surface markings are yellow.
Taxiway centerline markings indicate the
center of the taxiway.

Taxiway Surface Markings
ALL taxiway surface markings are yellow.
Double yellow taxiway edge-lines indicate the
edges of the taxiway as well as the edge of full-
strength pavement

Taxiway Surface Markings
ALL taxiway surface markings are yellow.

Taxiway Shoulder Markings consist of transverse
stripes extending from the taxiway edge markings
into paved areas which are not intended for
aircraft use

Note: At LAX, paved areas
which are unsuitable for
aircraft may be painted green.

Taxiway Surface Markings
Hold Lines are located on taxiways
which intersect runways
All aircraft and vehicles must
hold short of the runway at
the hold line.
Hold Lines are located at the intersection of a taxiway
and a runway.
Aircraft/vehicles must hold on the solid
side of the hold line.
Taxiway Surface Markings
Taxiway Lighting
Taxiway edge-lights are
blue in color
Taxiway edge lighting
identifies the edge of a
taxiway during periods of
darkness or reduced
visibility.


Taxiway Lighting
In-pavement Taxiway centerline lights are green
in color


Taxiway Lighting
In-pavement taxiway centerline lights identify the
taxiway centerline during periods of darkness or
reduced visibility
Taxiway Lighting
Elevated Runway Guard Lights consist
of two alternating, flashing yellow lights
Two Types: Elevated and In-Pavement
Runway Guard Lights
Taxiway Lighting
In-pavement Runway Guard Lights
consist of flashing yellow lights, which
extend across the taxiway, parallel to the
hold line
Runway Guard Lights
Taxiway Lighting
In-pavement Runway Guard Lights
Extend across hold line

Taxilane Surface Markings
Taxilanes have either solid white or yellow
lead-in lines

Ramp/Apron Area Surface
Markings
Wing-clearance lines are white or red.

Taxilane Surface Markings
Miscellaneous Taxiway markings

Five types of airfield signage:
Airfield Signs and Surface
Markings
Mandatory Instruction Sign

Location Sign
Direction Sign
B
25L-7R
A
Checkpoint 3
MIL
Information Sign
Destination Sign
Airfield Signs and Surface
Markings
Surface painted signs correspond to mounted signs


Airfield Signs and Surface
Markings
It Is MANDATORY That You
Receive INSTRUCTIONS From
FAA Air Traffic Control, Before
Passing ANY Mandatory Instruction
Sign

Mandatory Instruction Signs are
usually co-located with Taxiway
Location Signs
Airfield Signs and Surface
Markings
Mandatory Instruction Signs
Runway 7R-25L
Review of Runway 7R/25L
Mandatory Signs
East End of Runway Midfield Locations West End of Runway
Airfield Signs and Surface
Markings
Mandatory Instruction
Signs Runway 7L-25R
Review of Runway 25R/7L
Mandatory Signs
East End of Runway Midfield Locations West End of Runway
Airfield Signs and Surface
Markings
Mandatory Instruction
Signs Runway 6R-24L
Instrument Landing System (ILS) Critical Area
Mandatory Instruction Signs
Airfield Signs and Surface
Markings


Failure to comply with
these procedures may
result in a Runway
Incursion, aircraft
collision and/or loss
of airfield driving
privileges
Taxiway Location Signs have a black background
with yellow inscriptions

Airfield Signs and Surface
Markings
Airfield Signs and Surface
Markings
Taxiway Direction Signs have a yellow background with black
inscriptions and arrows.

Airfield Signs and Surface
Markings
Taxiway Location Signs are often co-located with Taxiway
Direction Signs.


Airfield Signs and Surface
Markings
Airfield Signs and Surface
Markings
Information signs have a yellow background with black
inscriptions. This type of sign displays advisory
information.
Airfield Signs and
Surface Markings
Destination Signs have a yellow background with black
inscriptions and arrows pointing in the general direction of a
specific location on the airfield.
Airfield Signs and Surface
Markings
Taxiway hold markings are located where
two taxiways intersect.
Restricted/Closed Areas
Certain types of operations or aircraft
may not use a Restricted Area.

No aircraft operations may be conducted
in a Closed Area.


Restricted/Closed Areas
Restricted/Closed Areas are marked
with orange cones, delineators, and/or
standing red lights placed along the
perimeter of the area.
Restricted/Closed Areas
Aircraft inadvertently proceeding into a closed
or restricted area may result in loss of life and
substantial property damage.
Review of Taxiway/Runway Intersection
Markings, Signs and Lighting
Air Traffic Control Procedures,
Instructions, and Phraseology
Transmitting on Aviation VHF Radio
Section 3
1. Verify correct frequency
2. Briefly monitor to make sure frequency is clear
3. Check position of transmitter selector
Air Traffic Control Procedures,
Instructions, and Phraseology
Section 3
Who you are

Aircraft type wing span

Where you are on the airport

What you are requesting, or intending to do

How youre going to do it

4. Communicate clearly and concisely:
Phraseology
Use correct aviation phraseology
to transmit messages which are
clear and concise
Acknowledge - Let me know that you
have received my message
Advise Intentions - Tell me what you
plan to do
Affirmative - Yes
Phraseology
Confirm - My version is is that correct?
Correction - An error has been made in
the transmission and the correct
version follows
Go Ahead - Proceed with your message.
Not to be used for any other purpose.
Hold - Stop where you are
Hold Short Of - Proceed to, but stop
before reaching a specific point
Phraseology
Negative - No, or Permission not
granted, or That is not correct
Proceed - You are authorized to begin
or continue moving
Read Back - Repeat my message back
to me
Roger - I have received all of your last
transmission. (It should not be used to
answer a question requiring a yes or
no answer)
Phraseology
Say Again - Used to request a repeat
of the last transmission. Usually
specifies transmission or portion
thereof not understood or received
Stand By - Means the controller or pilot
must pause for a few seconds, usually to
attend to other duties of a higher priority.
If the delay is lengthy, the
caller should reestablish contact.
Phraseology
Taxi To - Taxi to an airport location. This
instruction is not a clearance to taxi on
or across the referenced airport location.
Unable - Indicates inability to comply with
a specific instruction, request or clearance
Verify - Request confirmation of information,
for example, Verify cleared to cross
runway two five right.
Wilco - I have received your message,
understand it,and will comply with it
Phonetic Alphabet

A standardized aviation phonetic alphabet has
been adopted by the International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO) and is used by Air Traffic
Controllers worldwide.


Phonetic Alphabet
A Alfa (AL-fah) N November (No-vem-ber)
B Bravo (Brah-vo) O Oscar (Oss-cah)
C Charlie (Char-lee) P Papa (Pah-pah)
D Delta (Dell-tah) Q Quebec (Keh-beck)
E Echo (Eck-oh) R Romeo (Row-me-oh)
F Foxtrot (Foks-trot) S Sierra (See-air-ah)
G Golf (Golf) T Tango (Tang-oh)
H Hotel (Hoh-tell) U Uniform (You-nee-form)
I India (In-dee-ah) V Victor (Vik-tah)
J Juliett (Jew-lee-ett) W Whiskey (Wiss-key)
K Kilo (Key-loh) X X-ray (Ecks-ray)
L Lima (Lee-mah) Y Yankee (Yang-key)
M Mike (Mike) Z Zulu (Zoo-loo)
Crossing Runways
1. Initial call to Ground Control
2. When holding at specified taxi
position, ground control instructs
aircraft to contact Tower
3. Tower Control Instructions
Hold short
Cross both runways
Cross one, hold short of the
other
LAX Air Traffic Control VHF Radio Frequencies
Automatic Terminal Information Service 133.80
Ground Control- North Complex 121.65
Ground Control- South Complex 121.75
Tower- North Complex 133.90
Tower- South Complex 120.95
Metering 120.35

LAX Airline Operated Ramp Tower VHF Radio
Frequencies
Alaska Ramp Tower (Taxilane D-10) 130.85
American Ramp Tower (Taxilane C-10) 129.32
Delta Ramp Tower (Taxilanes C-8 and C-9) 131.45
United Ramp Tower (Taxilane C-7) 129.40
United Ramp Tower (Taxilane C-6) 129.50

LAX VHF Radio Frequencies
LAX Standard Taxi Routes
North Route
Route Ident Routing via
NORTH Taxi via Charlie (C) towards taxiway Quebec (Q), taxi northbound on
taxiway Quebec (Q), and at Check-point-1 contact Ground Control on
frequency 121.65, hold short of taxiway Delta (D). When advised by the
north Ground Control, the North Route continues on taxiway Echo (E) to
Runway 24L or the gate, whichever applies.
South Route
Route Ident Routing via
SOUTH If the aircraft is west of taxiway Sierra (S), taxi eastbound on taxiway Echo
(E) and turn right on taxiway Sierra (S), if the aircraft is east of taxiway
Sierra (S), taxi westbound on taxiway Delta (D) and turn left on taxiway
Sierra (S). And at Check-point-2, contact Ground Control on frequency
121.75, hold short of taxiway Charlie (C). When advised by south Ground
Control, the South Route continues on taxiway Bravo (B) to Runway 25R or
the gate whichever applies.
West Route
Route Ident Routing via
WEST Taxi via taxiway Charlie (C) westbound, hold short of taxiway Alpha Alpha
(AA), contact Ground on frequency 121.65 when number one approaching
taxiway Alpha Alpha (AA).
Bridge Route
Route Ident Routing via
BRIDGE Taxi via taxiway Echo (E) then south on taxiway Alpha Alpha (A), hold
short of taxiway Charlie (C) contact Ground on frequency 121.75 when
number one approaching Charlie (C).
Proper Radio Procedures
Push back
1. Name of facility being contacted
2. Aircraft call sign
3. Aircraft position
4. Requested operation

Taxi
1. Advise ramp tower, if applicable, when ready to
move forward
2. Contact ground control when ready to tow or taxi
3. Read back all hold short instructions
Preventing Runway Incursions

1. Review all pertinent information prior to conducting an
aircraft surface movement operation
2. Use correct communication techniques
3. Maintain a sterile cockpit
4. If you are unsure of your position on the airfield, stop
and ask for assistance
5. Continuously monitor the appropriate VHF frequency
6. If you are unsure of any issued instructions, ask for
clarification
7. Report any deteriorating/confusing airfield signs,
surface markings or lighting to LAX Airfield Operations,
or FAA at an appropriate time.
Conclusion
Use Safe, Accepted Procedures

Follow Standard Guidelines

Forethought, Proper Planning And
Application Of Established
Procedures Lead To Safety
Review/Questions
Please forward questions, comments
or other input to:

Anthony Laughlin
Superintendent of Operations
Los Angeles International Airport
(310) 646-4265
alaughlin@lawa.org