Airport Signage Handbook (ACRP Report 52)

A must-read if you are involved in Airport Terminal or Landside Signage.  I wish it was published when my airport was going through our signage upgrade exercise.  It would have saved the airport and the consultant we engaged a lot of time.  Click here for the report.

ACRP Report 52 - Wayfinding and Signing Guidelines for Airport Terminals and Landside (2011)
No. of pages: 255
Duration of Research: 21 Aug 08 - 2 Mar 11
Lead Research Agency / Principal Investigator: Gresham, Smith and Partners / James R Harding
Cost: $250,000

What is in this report?
"- Single, up to date resource for airport operators as they review, update, enhance or develop their airport wayfinding and signing plan.
- Focused on 4 areas:
     1.  Roadways (on-airport, off-airport)
     2.  Parking
     3.  Curbside & Ground Transportation
     4.  Terminal
- Guidelines that discuss how to develop a wayfinding strategy"

What did I like about this report?
1.  Updated resource for Airport Signage in Terminal & Landside.  The previous resource was updated in 2001.
2.  Lots of examples and pictures of signs
3.  Comprehensive resource
4.  Airports don't have to experiment (save time and money) now that they have an updated handbook.
5.  Guide to provide to local signage consultants who are not used to airport environments.
6.  Write-up about Dynamic Signage (Changeable Message Signs) on the Airport Campus

What parts of the report are useful for planners?
The whole report is useful for planners involved in signage projects:
- Airport Roadway Signage
- Airport Parking Signage
- Airport Curbside Signage
- Airport Terminal Signage

Is this report useful for non-American Airports?
Yes, since signage guidelines are quite universal. 

There are of course some unique elements that pertain to the US Airport Industry like 'Cell Phone Lot Signs'.  These are essentially waiting areas for drivers who wait in their cars till they get a call from the passenger they are waiting to pick up.  These lots are popular in the US because it gives drivers a place to wait rather than waiting on the terminal curb. 

There is also a need to convert the American English signs to the English term that your airport and community uses. 

Jet Blast and Air Traffic Controller / Pilot Blogs

LAX Air Traffic Control Tower (built 1996, 277ft/84m)

'View from the Tower' Blog

This post is a slight departure from my usual posts showing Airport Master Plans and ACRP reports but I thought it was relevant as it offers perspectives of other aviation professionals, specifically Air Traffic Controllers and Pilots.

I was searching on the internet for information about 'jet blast' and came across this LAX Air Traffic Controller's blog "View from the tower".  It features lots of pictures of aircraft at LAX and views from the Tower.  It also gives insight into an Controller's life.  With regards to Jet blast, I learnt about the terrible trio - B777-300, A340-600 and the A380. (click here for that post)

'Flight Level 390' Blog

From there, I was linked to a pilot's blog "Flight Level 390 - America from the Flight Deck".  (click here) This blog is by a commercial pilot that has good writing skills.  A good read.

'Daddy...Daddy come home' blog

This linked me to "Daddy...Daddy come back!" by a pilot's wife.  I read about pilot shifts and how it affects the family.  I enjoyed the post written by her husband, the pilot.  "A Pilot Father" (Click here).