FAA Military Competency Practice Exam

Which sign assists pilots in identifying the boundary of a holding position?

1. Holding position sign

2. Runway exit sign

3. Runway holding sign

4. Location sign

The correct answer is: Holding position sign

The holding position sign is specifically designed to help pilots identify the boundaries of a holding position at an airport. This sign is generally characterized by its characteristics: it features a red background with white lettering, often indicating that a holding position is present, such as for a runway or a taxiway. In situations where precise positioning is critical, such as when preparing to enter a runway or taxiway, clear visual markers are essential for maintaining safety and operational efficiency. The holding position sign plays a key role in informing pilots that they must yield to any aircraft that may be on the runway or taxiway ahead, thus reducing the risk of incursions into active areas. Other signage types mentioned have different purposes: runway exit signs indicate where to exit the runway, runway holding signs specifically denote where pilots should stop before entering a runway, and location signs generally provide information about the taxiway or runway that a pilot is currently on. While all these signs are important for safe operations at airports, the holding position sign is uniquely focused on indicating the boundary of a specific holding area.