SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-distance-remaining-sign

A runway sign shows a white 3 on a black background. What does it tell you?

3,000 feet of runway remaining.

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  1. Runway 3 is ahead
  2. 300 feet of runway remain
  3. 3,000 feet of runway remaining ✔

Why: Runway distance remaining signs are black with a white number. It shows the landing runway remaining in thousands of feet. The last sign, showing 1, is about 1,000 feet from the end.

Huh, didn't know that: These signs can be placed along one or both sides of the runway.

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Why did the runway sign count down? It was getting ready for liftoff.
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References

Answer: 3,000 feet of runway remaining. Runway distance remaining signs are black with a white number. It shows the landing runway remaining in thousands of feet. The last sign, showing 1, is about 1,000 feet from the end.

  1. PHAK FAA-H-8083-25C Chapter 14, Airport Operations www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/phak/16_phak_ch14.pdf
    The number on the signs indicates the distance, in thousands of feet, of landing runway remaining.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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