Simulation of a Continuous Runway Centerline Marking

A simulation study was conducted to compare a continuous runway paint marking with the U. S. standard broken centerline stripe under low-visibility conditions. Overall results showed no strong preference for the guidance value of the continuous centerline. Despite this, the most experienced pilots reported advantages in the continuous mark in that it could be seen farther in reduced visibility and gave slightly better guidance; however, they indicated only a moderate strength of preference. Highlighting one advantage of an interrupted centerline marking, pilots stated the need for speed information. A strong chance was noted that the location of the markings could be confused if the present standard system were revised by exchanging the locations of interrupted and continuous markings. Pilots also reported that VFR as well as instrument runways need to have a common marking. The preferences and comments of the most experienced subject pilots suggest that the present centerline could be improved for low -visibility operations by reducing the length of the gap, without giving up the benefits of speed information, while retaining the broken centerline concept.