AIRFIELD DRIVER HANDBOOK
Name:
Company:
Date of Training:
Airport Operations Department
AIRFIELD DRIVER HANDBOOK
Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................................. 3
Airport Rules and Regulations ............................... 4
Definitions .............................................................. 5
Licensing and Registration ..................................... 7
Vehicle Driving Rules ............................................ 8
Vehicle Requirements ............................................. 9
Vehicle Speed Limits ............................................ 10
General Safety Rules ............................................ 10
Driver Violations .................................................. 11
Movement Area Vehicle Operations .................... 13
Communications ................................................... 13
Runway Crossings ................................................ 16
Light Gun Signals ................................................. 16
Tower Closed Procedures ..................................... 17
General Airfield Information ................................. 18
LAL
2
AIRFIELD DRIVER HANDBOOK
Introduction
The purpose of the Airfield Driver Handbook is to establish and maintain safe
procedures while operating vehicles in the Air Operations Area (AOA).
The Lakeland Linder Regional Airport Administration must ensure that anyone
who operates a vehicle, or who has access to any portion of the Movement Area is
familiar with the airport’s procedures for the operation of vehicles and
consequences of noncompliance.
LAL
3
AIRFIELD DRIVER HANDBOOK
Airport Rules and Regulations
The driver training program at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport is under the
authority of Federal Aviation Regulation Part 139 (14 CFR Part 139), FAA Air
Traffic Control, and the City of Lakeland Code.
Federal Aviation Regulation Part 139.329(e) states that a certificate holder shall
“ensure that each employee, tenant, or contractor who operates a ground vehicle on
any portion of the airport which has access to the movement area is familiar and
complies with the airport’s rules and procedures for the operations of ground
vehicles”.
This policy establishes the requirements and procedures necessary to obtain
approval for any vehicle to operate on the airport’s movement areas. Each primary
tenant is responsible for ensuring that all employees and subtenants are in
compliance with the guidelines set forth herein. Tenants are also responsible for
customers needing access to their facility, Air Operations Area, and Aprons.
All state and local laws which apply to the operation of vehicles on the roads and
streets outside the airport are also applicable to vehicles operating in the Air
Operations Area (AOA). Additionally, the following is an extract of the Lakeland
Linder Regional Airport Rules and Regulations containing those rules and
definitions which apply to vehicle operations. See Florida State Statue
316.008(1)(v).
LAL
4
AIRFIELD DRIVER HANDBOOK
Definitions
Air Operations Area (AOA) – Areas of the airport used or intended to be used for
landing, takeoff, or surface maneuvering of aircraft. This may include any Airport
land enclosed by the perimeter fence.
Airport – Shall mean the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport, located in Lakeland,
Florida, including all improvements and equipment contained thereon.
Airport Administration – Persons employed by the City of Lakeland to supervise
the operation and management of the airport. This shall also mean the Airport
Director or their designated representative when the context permits.
Airport Employee – Authorized Airport Administration personnel, and all
organizations, activities, and governmental agencies located on or connected with
the operation, maintenance, and servicing of the airport.
Apron or Ramp – An area on the airport intended to accommodate aircraft for the
purposes of loading/unloading passengers or cargo, refueling, parking,
maintenance, or other servicing operations.
City of Lakeland (COL) – the governing body that owns and operates the
Lakeland Linder Regional Airport.
Driver – Any person who drives and is in actual physical control of a vehicle on
any roadway, parking lot, ramp area, taxiway; or one who is exercising control of a
vehicle or steering a vehicle being towed by another motor vehicle.
Emergency Vehicle – Vehicles of any police, fire department, ambulances, or any
vehicle carrying an Airport official or Airport employee while in response to an
official emergency call.
Foreign Object Debris (FOD) – Any garbage, metal, rocks, paper or other debris
within the AOA. FOD can cause damage to aircraft engines, tires, aircraft
structure, persons, and property. The prevention and removal of FOD is the
responsibility of all persons working in the AOA.
Hold Lines – Consist of two continuous and two dashed lines, spaced six (6) or
twelve (12) inches between lines, perpendicular to the taxiway centerline at the
entrance to a runway. Indicates stopping point for aircraft or vehicles from crossing
until clearance is obtained from ATC.
LAL
5
AIRFIELD DRIVER HANDBOOK
ILS Critical Area – Shall mean the zone encompassing a specific ground area in
vicinity of an antenna which must be protected from encroachment by vehicles to
ensure the continuous integrity of the signal received by user aircraft.
Movement Area – Means runways, taxiways, and other areas of the airport which
are used for taxiing, air taxiing, takeoff, and landing of aircraft exclusive of
aprons/ramps and aircraft parking areas. Specific approval from ATC must be
obtained prior to entering the movement area.
Non-Movement Area – Areas of the AOA (aprons/ramps, parking areas and
taxiways) not under the control of Air Traffic Control (ATC), and ATC approval is
not required.
Primary Tenant – Any organization that has a current signed and executed lease
with the City of Lakeland, Airport Administration.
Runway - A defined rectangular area, on a land airport, prepared for the landing
and takeoff of aircraft along its length. Runways are normally numbered in
relation to their magnetic direction, rounded off to the nearest 10 degrees. At the
Lakeland Linder Regional Airport, the runways are designated as Runway 5/23
and Runway 9/27.
Runway Safety Area – An area 500 feet wide centered on the runway centerline,
which extends 1000 feet beyond each runway end.
Taxiway – That portion of the movement area used for surface maneuvering of
aircraft to transition on the Air Operations Area.
Taxiway Safety Area – An area approximately 200 feet wide centered on the
taxiway centerline.
Vehicle - Any device for the conveyance of people of goods on airport property,
whether wheeled, tracked or trailers hitched on to a device or for the service and
maintenance of equipment or property.
LAL
6
AIRFIELD DRIVER HANDBOOK
Licensing and Registration
No person shall operate motorized vehicles of any kind on the AOA without a
valid State Drivers License.
The primary tenant of the airport is responsible for their own Apron area and for
determining if customers, employees, subtenants, or contractors need driving
privileges on the AOA.
All Persons driving on the movement area of the AOA are required to display a
Lakeland Linder Regional Airport issued driver identification badge on their
outermost garment, at waist level or above, at all times.
The Airport Director may restrict vehicle operations to certain portions or
segments of the Air Operations Areas. Such restrictions shall prohibit vehicle
operation outside designated areas.
All movement area operators must successfully complete the LAL Driver Training
Course prior to driving on the movement area of the airfield. The Driver Training
Course consists of:
 Airport Familiarization
 Movement Area Familiarization
 Radio Communication Phraseology and Techniques
 Requirements for Operating on the Movement Area
 Consequences for Noncompliance with Driving Rules
LAL
7
AIRFIELD DRIVER HANDBOOK
Vehicle Driving Rules
No person shall operate a vehicle of any kind on the Airport in a reckless or
negligent manner, or in excess of the speed limits prescribed.
No person operating a vehicle on the Airport shall fail to observe the directions of
posted signs or Air Traffic Control.
No person under the influence of alcohol or narcotic drugs shall operate any
vehicle or aircraft on the Airport.
AIRCRAFT SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY OVER ALL VEHICLES.
No person shall operate any vehicle on the Airport, that is overloaded or carrying
more passengers than vehicle was designed to carry. Passengers may not ride in
any trailer, or cart.
Vehicles shall keep a safe distance from any wing or tail section of a parked
aircraft.
Vehicles shall yield the right of way to emergency equipment responding to
emergencies.
The maximum number of carts, equipment, or other pulled by a vehicle shall not
exceed four (4) when pulled in a single train.
Only vehicles with an operational need may drive on the movement area of the
airport. Runways and taxiways should not be used as a throughway.
No vehicle shall enter a movement area without prior clearance from the Air
Traffic Control Tower.
Drivers operating on the movement areas shall be in continuous two-way
communications with Air Traffic Control.
Unauthorized vehicles must be escorted by a properly authorized and equipped
vehicle.
LAL
8
AIRFIELD DRIVER HANDBOOK
Vehicle Requirements
Personal vehicles are not permitted on the movement area, unless used in
conjunction of business purposes.
Vehicles operating on the movement area shall display a company name and/or
logo. Company name shall be in at least 1.5” tall letters.
Vehicles that are authorized to operate on the movement area must be equipped
with an operating yellow rotating beacon or strobe light visible from 360 degrees.
An approved orange and white checkered flag may be allowable for temporary
situations. Emergency vehicles may use beacons required for that vehicle per
Florida State Statue.
Vehicles used from sunset to sunrise shall have headlights and taillights.
Vehicles operating in the movement area must be equipped with a two-way radio,
and must be in continuous communication with the Control Tower. The two-way
radio must be capable of transmitting and receiving on ATC ground control
frequency, 121.40 or the common traffic advisory frequency, 124.50 when ATC is
closed. Vehicles not so equipped must be escorted by an authorized escort vehicle
which is so equipped.
All vehicles must meet the minimum insurance coverage stipulations as required
by Airport Administration.
The use of any unsafe or malfunctioning vehicles/ground equipment is
unauthorized. It is the responsibility of the user to ensure that his/her equipment is
in safe operating condition:
 Brakes - in safe operating condition
 Lights - both headlights in operation
 Glass - no broken glass
 Steering - in proper operating condition
 Tires – safe operating condition.
 Hitches - in safe operating condition.
LAL
9
AIRFIELD DRIVER HANDBOOK
Vehicle Speed Limits
Speeds, at all times shall be no greater than is reasonable and prudent under
existing traffic, safety, and weather conditions.
Speed limit on the AOA is 15 miles per hour (mph).
Speed limit within the wingtip radius of aircraft is 5 mph.
Speed limit on airport perimeter roads is 25 mph.
General Safety Rules
No smoking is allowed on the Apron or around fuel storage areas/vehicles.
A pilot’s view from the cockpit is limited, when possible, always approach aircraft
from a direction where a pilot can see you.
No tenant or employee may repair, dismantle, or service equipment, including
vehicles, in other than areas designated by the Airport Director or his/her
designated representative.
No person shall refuse to comply with any lawful order or direction given by
Airport Administration Personnel or Police.
All accidents shall be immediately reported to the Airport Administration,
and City of Lakeland Police.
All vehicle damage to airport property (gates, buildings, signs, etc.) shall be
immediately reported to the Airport Administration. The responsible airport tenant
may be liable for monetary damage incurred.
In addition to these Rules and Regulations, vehicles operated on all portions of
airport property are subject to the same rules as those imposed on public roads.
LAL
10
AIRFIELD DRIVER HANDBOOK
Driver Violations
Airport Administration personnel are authorized to cite violations for any violation
of Airport Rules and Regulations. Penalties for such violations are as follows:
1st Violation - Driver’s Primary Tenant will be subject to a $100.00 fine,
and driver’s privileges revoked until he/she successfully re-completes the Driver
Training Course.
2nd Violation - Driver’s Primary Tenant will be subject to a $200.00 fine.
Driver will receive a 30-day suspension of privileges, and the driver must
successfully re-complete the Driver Training Course.
Note: Fine for second violation is imposed on Primary Tenant whether violation is
committed by same employee who committed previous violation or another
employee.
3rd Violation - Driver’s Primary Tenant will be subject to a $500.00 fine.
Driver will receive a one-year suspension of privileges, and driver must
successfully re-complete the Driver Training Course.
Note: Fine for third violation is imposed on Primary Tenant whether violation is
committed by same employee who committed previous violation(s) or another
employee.
4th Violation - Driver’s Primary Tenant will be subject to a $1,000.00 fine,
and Driver’s privileges will be suspended indefinitely.
Note: Fine for fourth violation is imposed on Primary Tenant whether violation is
committed by same employee who committed previous violation(s) or another
employee.
If a violation is received, the Primary Tenant that granted privileges to drive on the
Movement Area must issue the payment covering stated fine. The airport will not
accept payment in any form other than from the Primary Tenant.
LAL
11
AIRFIELD DRIVER HANDBOOK
If an employee is cited for violation of an extremely serious nature (such as driving
under the influence of alcohol/drugs or driving onto an active runway/taxiway
without prior ATC clearance) - employee is subject to immediate revocation of
driving privileges.
Persons operating vehicles on Movement Areas without authorization shall be
subject to arrest for trespassing per Florida State Statute 810.
In the case of revocation of driver privileges, an employee may, within two business
days of the loss of access rights, provide written notice to the Airport Director of his
intention to appeal this decision. Within a reasonable period of time, the Airport
Director or his designee shall meet with the employee and any appropriate parties
including but not limited to airport staff and tenant representative(s) to review the
merits of the decision to revoke the employee's access rights. After review of the
circumstances, the Airport Director will make a final determination.
LAL
12
AIRFIELD DRIVER HANDBOOK
Movement Area Vehicle Operations
The movement areas are those portions of the AOA for which ATC exercises
control (see Appendix A)
The movement areas include:
1. Runways
2. Taxiways, with the exception of some areas, see map on page 19 for details.
3. All safety areas associated with the runways and taxiways.
No vehicles shall enter a movement area without prior clearance from ATC.
Vehicles operating on the movement area shall be in continuous two-way radio
communications with ATC or be under escort by a properly authorized and
equipped vehicle.
The installation of two-way radios shall not be construed as license to operate any
vehicle on the movement area without authorization.
Any person operating a vehicle on a movement area shall be required to know and
comply with the Air Traffic Control Light Gun Signals in case of radio failure.
ATC will issue a route of travel based on the current traffic situations, and ATC
internal standard operating procedures.
ATC authorization must be received by a ground vehicle prior to crossing runway
safety areas or extended runway safety areas.
Communications
Proper radio terminology, as listed below, should always be used for
communications.
Acknowledge - Let me know you have received and understood this message.
Advise Intentions - Tell me what you plan to do.
Affirmative - Yes.
Confirm - My version is ... is that correct?
Correction - I made a mistake. This is what I should have said.
Go Ahead - Continue speaking your message.
Hold - Stay where you are. Stop.
Hold short - Stop at the hold line. Do not proceed onto the runway.
LAL
13
AIRFIELD DRIVER HANDBOOK
How do you hear me? - How well is this radio working?
Immediately - RIGHT NOW!
Negative - No, or permission not granted, or that is not correct.
Out - My radio transmission has ended and no response is expected.
Over - My radio transmission has ended and I expect a response.
Proceed - You are authorized to begin or continue moving.
Read back - Repeat my message to me.
Roger - I have received all of your last transmission.
Say again - Repeat what you just said.
Stand by - Wait a moment; I will call you back.
That is correct - The understanding you have is correct.
Unable - I can’t do it. The requested operation is not possible.
Verify - Request confirmation of information.
Access to a movement area should be accomplished by proceeding to a designated
starting point outside the movement area and establishing contact with ATC
Ground Control using the following information:
 Name and facility being called
 Vehicle identity (call sign)
Call signs are assigned by the Airport Administration. Tenants or individuals
who have an operational need to access the Movement Area must Contact the
Airport Operations Department prior to the start of operating in the Movement
Area.
Once initial contact has been established, the vehicle operator shall state his/her
intentions with the following information:
 Vehicle identity (call sign)
 Location
 Request
LAL
14
AIRFIELD DRIVER HANDBOOK
All hold short instructions from the Tower shall be read back. Never hesitate
to ask for clarification if uncertain of the Tower’s instructions.
When instructed by ATC to “hold short of runway, taxiway, etc.”, the operator of a
ground vehicle should stop so as no part of the vehicle extends beyond the hold
line and shall wait for further ATC clearance to proceed.
When instructed by ATC to “exit (clear) the runway or taxiway”, the operator of a
ground vehicle exiting via a taxiway should proceed to a point beyond the hold
line. If exiting from a taxiway, the operator should proceed to a point no less than
50 feet from the taxiway’s edge. Vehicle operators should then wait for further
ATC clearance to proceed.
If communications should happen to fail while a vehicle is in the aircraft movement
area, the Control Tower will have two methods of contacting the vehicle. First, the
Tower will raise and lower the runway and/or taxiway lighting attempting to get the
attention of the vehicle. Secondly, the Tower will use light gun signals to give
instructions. Drivers will be fully familiar with light signals when operating on the
Airport when the Control Tower is operating. If a driver is on a movement area and
suspects a radio failure, Attempt to contact ATCT, point the vehicle toward ATCT
and flash the headlights until ATC responds with a light gun signal or wait until an
escort vehicle arrives. Proceed as directed by the signals, or escort vehicle.
The Phonetic alphabet should be used to identify Taxiways:
A – ALFA
K – KILO
U- UNIFORM
B – BRAVO
L– LIMA
V - VICTOR
C – CHARLIE
M – MIKE
W- WHISKEY
D – DELTA
N- NOVEMBER
X – X-RAY
E – ECHO
O- OSCAR
Y- YANKEE
F – FOXTROT
P – PAPA
Z - ZULU
G – GOLF
Q - QUEBEC
H – HOTEL
R- ROMEO
I – INDIA
S - SIERRA
J – JULIET
T - TANGO
LAL
15
AIRFIELD DRIVER HANDBOOK
Runway Crossings
Crossing of runways will normally be accomplished by requesting authorization to
cross at the RUNWAY END
Ground vehicles receiving authorization to cross a runway should do so in an
expeditious manner.
Fuel trucks are not authorized to cross a runway, unless there is no alternative.
Light Gun Signals
COLOR AND TYPE OF
SIGNAL
MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES,
EQUIPMENT, AND
PERSONNEL
STEADY GREEN
CLEARED TO CROSS,
PROCEED, OR GO
STEADY RED
STOP
FLASHING RED
CLEAR THE
TAXIWAY/RUNWAY
FLASHING WHITE
RETURN TO STARTING
POINT ON THE AIRPORT
ALTERNATING RED &
GREEN
EXERCISE EXTREME
CAUTION
LAL
16
AIRFIELD DRIVER HANDBOOK
Tower Closed Procedures
 The Control Tower at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport is open between the
hours of 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. After these hours, aircraft using the Airport
and Vehicles entering movement areas will communicate on the Common Traffic
Advisory Frequency (CTAF), which at this Airport is 124.50 Mhz.
 Before entering/crossing any taxiway or runway, a vehicle will announce on the
CTAF:
1. "Lakeland Traffic..."
2. Vehicle Identification (call sign)
3. Intentions (ex. crossing 5-23 at mid-field, entering Taxiway Golf, crossing
runway 9 at the approach end, etc.)
 A vehicle will also announce when it is clear of the runway/taxiway.
 An escort vehicle will make announcements for those vehicles without radios.
 Vehicles must have headlights and a flashing beacon light or be escorted by a
vehicle so equipped.
 Aircraft have right-of-way and drivers will exercise extreme caution and vigilance
while on any movement area.
LAL
17
AIRFIELD DRIVER HANDBOOK
General Airfield Information
 Runway centerlines and markings are painted white
 Taxiway centerlines and edge markings are painted yellow.
 Hold short lines are painted yellow, and outlined in black.
 Runway holding position signs are red and white.
 Taxiway guidance signs are yellow and black.
 Runway edge lights are white.
 Edge lights approaching the ends of the runway are white on one side and
amber on the other.
 Lights across the ends of the runway (threshold lights) are red on one side
and green on the other.
 Taxiway edge lights are blue.
 “Distance remaining” signs tell the pilot how much runway length is left, in
thousands of feet.
 ILS Critical Area signs tell pilots and vehicle operators where to stop to
avoid interrupting a type of navigation signal used by landing aircraft.
 An aircraft’s right wing tip clearance light is green.
 An aircraft’s left wing tip clearance light is red.
LAL
18
AIRFIELD DRIVER HANDBOOK
Appendix A
LAL
19
AIRFIELD DRIVER HANDBOOK
If you are in need of immediate assistance call the
Airport Operations Department at:
863-834-4911
Lakeland Linder Regional Airport | City of Lakeland
3900 Don Emerson Drive Suite 210 Lakeland, FL 33811
(863) 834-3298 | www.lakelandairport.com
Working together to provide an exceptional quality of life.
LAL
20