Why Are Some Airport Buildings Painted in a Checkerboard Pattern?

The FAA has determined that some structures need to be more visible than others during daylight hours.

Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at 10:57 AM ET

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The short answer is that the FAA has determined that some structures need to be more visible than others during daylight hours. [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

The FAA determines specific marking patterns for airport structures, requiring certain buildings and obstructions to be more visible during daylight hours.
Checkerboard patterns, featuring alternating aviation orange and white, are used for large obstructions like water, gas, and grain storage tanks, and some buildings exceeding 10.5 feet across, to maximize visibility.
According to FAA Advisory Circular 70/7460-1L, checkerboard squares should measure 5 to 20 feet, and cylindrical objects like communication towers use horizontal alternating bands of aviation orange and white.

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Question: Why are some buildings at airports painted in a checkerboard pattern and others in solid colors?

Answer: The short answer is that the FAA has determined that some structures need to be more visible than others during daylight hours.

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According to Advisory Circular (AC) 70/7460-1L, “recommendations on marking structures can vary, depending on terrain features, weather patterns, geographic location, and the number of structures.” The AC goes on to state “alternate sections of aviation orange and white paint should be used as the contrast in colors provides maximum visibility of an obstruction.”