Definition
A runway holding position sign painted directly onto the taxiway pavement, consisting of white text on a red background, used to identify the runway ahead and the holding position where an aircraft must stop unless cleared to proceed. These pavement markings supplement standard elevated holding position signs and are used where an elevated sign cannot be installed or where additional conspicuity is needed.
Plain English
A red-and-white sign painted onto the taxiway surface that tells you which runway is ahead and where you must stop and wait until you have permission to cross or enter it.
Context Anchor
Seen on taxiways or other paved paths leading to a runway, just before the painted holding position lines.
Derivation
“Surface painted” means the information is painted on the pavement surface rather than mounted on a signpost. “Holding position” comes from the aviation use of “hold,” meaning to stop and wait at a specified place.
Why Pilots Care
These markings prevent runway incursions by giving pilots a clear visual stop point that matches the hold-short instructions received from ATC.
Grounding Statement
If you see a red-and-white runway number painted on the pavement ahead of the holding lines, treat it as a clear warning that a runway boundary is coming up.
Intuition Check
Do not assume the word “signs” means only upright signs beside the pavement. Here, the sign information is painted directly on the pavement and carries the same runway-warning purpose.
Example Sentence 1
While taxiing to the active, the pilot saw the surface painted runway holding position sign for Runway 27 and stopped short until receiving a crossing clearance from ground control.
Example Sentence 2
During night operations the pilot used the aircraft landing light to confirm the surface painted runway holding position signs before crossing the hold line.