The FAA, in 2010, released what they call an Advisory Circular that outlined requirements for marking Airport Vehicles with both lighting and retro reflective tape. As of the date of this article, this circular is still in force. The approved lights, colors, and markings outlined in this regulation assure the conspicuity of vehicles operating in the AOA from both the ground and the air. The document below outlines how the FAA wants vehicles that operate on airport property to be marked. The basic requirements as far as retro reflective markings go are as follows –
4. VEHICLE MARKING.
a. Airport Emergency Vehicles.
(1) Ambulances. Ambulances are marked per the most current version of Federal Specification KKK-A-1822.
(2) ARFF Vehicles. Emergency rescue and fire fighting vehicles are marked with the letters “ARFF, “Fire,” or “Rescue” and in accordance with 4.c.(1)-(5) of this AC.
b. Airport Operations Vehicles. Airport operations vehicles may be marked as designated by the airport operator. Marking must be coordinated with the respective ATCT and identified in the tower letter of agreement.
c. Airfield Service Vehicles and Aircraft Support Vehicles.
(1) Airport operator owned vehicles must display an identification number on each side and on the roof (the hood should be used if the vehicle has no roof).
(2) Side numbers will be a minimum of 16 inches (410 mm) in height and conspicuously located.
(3) Roof numbers will be a minimum of 24 inches (610 mm) in height and affixed with their bases toward the front of the vehicle. The identification numbers should provide sharp color contrast to the vehicle color.
(4) In addition to the identification numbers, airport operator-owned vehicles must display either the name of the airport and/or the airport insignia.
(5) To further improve night-time recognition of vehicles, a minimum 8 inch (200 mm) wide horizontal band of high gloss white paint or white reflective tape (Retroreflective, ASTM-D 4956-09, Standard Specification for Retroreflective Sheeting for Traffic Control, Type III & above) must be used around the vehicle’s surface. Figures 1, 2, and 3 show suggested locations for the horizontal reflective band.
| SUMMARY – as far as reflective markings are concerned, the regulation below specifies a White 8″ Wide Band using an ASTM D4956 Type 3 material or above. Refer to our ASTM type category above to view all tapes type 3 or above. |
Steven Cole (Economics, MBA – University of West Florida , Business & Innovation – Stanford University) 25 years of experience in the reflective safety business. Specializing in vehicle accident and rear end collision reduction through increased visibility.