Definition
Mandatory airport signs with white inscriptions on a red background that mark the boundary where an aircraft must stop on a taxiway when approaching a runway, unless cleared to cross or enter by ATC at a controlled airport. The sign displays the runway designation (for example, '15-33') and is collocated with the runway holding position markings painted on the taxiway surface.
Plain English
A red sign with white runway numbers that tells you to stop before going onto the runway. You don't cross it without permission at a tower-controlled airport, or without making sure the runway is clear at a non-towered one.
Context Anchor
Seen while taxiing on airport pavement, usually near the painted hold-short markings before a runway entrance or runway crossing.
Derivation
“Hold” means to stop or keep in place, and “position” means a specific location. In aviation, a holding position is not just a waiting area; it is the exact marked spot where you must stop until it is safe and allowed to continue.
Why Pilots Care
They prevent runway incursions by marking the exact point where permission is required before proceeding.
Intuition Check
Do not treat runway holding position signs as general airport direction signs. They mark a required stopping point before a runway.
Example Sentence 1
While taxiing to runway 27, the student stopped at the runway holding position sign and waited for the tower's clearance to cross runway 15.
Example Sentence 2
Yellow runway holding position signs with black lettering are placed where the taxiway meets the runway safety area.