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What would yellow circles about 10 feet in diameter painted across the runway indicate to a pilot? |
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Hey Sean, this is a fascinating question! I believe it indicates the presence of arresting wires for military aircraft. You can spot if a runway has arresting wires by checking the AF/D and the airport diagram, if a runway has an arresting wire there will be a zig-zag arrow marked on the diagram. Here's an example at KCHS in Charleston, SC http://204.108.4.16/d-tpp/1005/00076AD.PDF I don't know how many public airports in the country have these, but they are something to watch out for: I was stationed at Beale AFB, CA, which had arresting gear for the KC-135's and B-52's. No yellow circles, and I flew out of there as an aero club member a lot! Since Sean C. mentions MCAS Miramar, I wonder if there is any connection to Marine VTOL operations with the Harrier or Osprey? |
I've never noticed yellow circles on the runway of airports I typically fly to but doesn't mean they aren't there. Is there a specific airport you are thinking about we can Google map?
This will probably give away the answer but if you go to google maps and Miramar MCAS zoom in to the 1000' markers of 24L, and you will be able to see them.