What best describes Safety Areas around runways and taxiways at LAX?

• A. The paved runway centerline.
• B. The control tower restricted zone.
• C. A defined area on all sides of a runway or taxiway to reduce risk of damage; must be clear; identified by green pavement.
• D. The pilot briefing room.

Answer: (C)

Safety areas are defined zones that surround each runway and taxiway to reduce the chance of damage to aircraft if they depart the usable surface. They extend on all sides and must be kept clear of vehicles, equipment, and obstructions. The green pavement marks are the visual cue that identifies these zones, signaling that this space is not part of the active runway or taxiway and should stay free of operations. This setup gives aircraft room to recover from missteps and ensures a safer buffer for movement on the airfield.

This concept is different from the paved centerline that marks the runway’s path, from any restricted zone around the control tower, or from a pilot briefing room, which are not physical safety areas around runways and taxiways.