FAA Military Competency Practice Exam

Which sign would you expect to see leading up to a runway intersection?

1. Taxiway designation sign

2. Runway hold position sign

3. Multiple taxiway signs

4. Runway distance sign

The correct answer is: Runway hold position sign

The runway hold position sign is critical for ensuring safety at runway intersections. This sign specifically indicates to pilots that they must stop and hold their position before entering the runway. It is strategically placed at taxiway intersections and provides a clear visual cue to prevent unauthorized or unsafe entry onto the runway, which is crucial in maintaining operational safety at airports. The presence of a hold position sign is vital, as it helps manage the flow of air traffic and minimizes the risk of runway incursions, which can lead to dangerous situations. It is designed to be easily recognizable, often featuring a red background with white letters, allowing pilots to quickly understand the need to halt their movement. In contrast, the other signs mentioned do not serve this same critical function at runway intersections. While taxiway designation signs provide information about the specific taxiway and multiple taxiway signs guide pilots on their path, they do not indicate requirement to stop. Runway distance signs are used to inform pilots about how far they are from a specific point on the runway, but they do not communicate the necessity to hold before entering the runway. Thus, the runway hold position sign is the appropriate indicator leading up to a runway intersection, ensuring pilots maintain safe operations.