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What colors identify an airport mandatory instruction sign, such as a runway hold sign?

White letters on a red background.

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  1. Yellow letters on black
  2. Black letters on yellow
  3. White letters on red ✔

Why: Mandatory instruction signs use a red background with white letters and mark runway entrances and areas you may not enter without permission. Yellow on black marks your location, and black on yellow gives directions.

Huh, didn't know that: A 'NO ENTRY' sign is also a mandatory instruction sign.

The dad joke
What is red and bad for your teeth? A brick.
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References

Answer: White letters on red. Mandatory instruction signs use a red background with white letters and mark runway entrances and areas you may not enter without permission. Yellow on black marks your location, and black on yellow gives directions.

  1. AIM 2-3 Airport Marking Aids and Signs www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap2_section_3.html
    These signs have a red background with a white inscription
    Checked 2026-10-07.

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