Who sets standards for airfield markings?

• A. FAA/ICAO
• B. Local city ordinance
• C. Airline policy manual
• D. Military guidance

Answer: (A)

Standards for airfield markings come from international and national aviation authorities to ensure consistent, safe visibility and interpretation by pilots and ground crews worldwide. The international body, ICAO, sets the global requirements for aerodrome markings in documents such as Annex 14. In the United States, the FAA adopts those ICAO standards and adds its own national guidance and detailed criteria through publications like the AC series and related manuals. This combination ensures that markings on any civil airport meet a uniform set of rules, so pilots don’t have to relearn signage when they land in different countries. Local city ordinances or airline manuals aren’t sufficient for universal standardization, and military guidance governs military airfields rather than civilian airports.