B2468 From United States of America, joined Sep 2009, 89 posts, RR: 0 Posted (3 years 1 month 6 days 5 hours ago) and read 3749 times:
Hi everyone!
I apologize for the rather weird and dorky question.
A few months ago, I was on MU 587/588 PVG-JFK-PVG, and while taxiing at PVG, I noticed that the signage on the airfield used the FHWA(x) Series typefaces. I was reminded of this last week on a flight to SIN; when taxiing, I noticed the FHWA(x) fonts again.
For those of you who are not roadgeeks, the FHWA(x) Series typefaces are the typefaces used on most highway signage in the USA, Canada, Malaysia, and a few other countries.
I know that FHWA(x) typefaces are not used on Singaporean roadways, and China's use of FHWA(x) on roadways is relatively recent and limited.
Are there some sorts of international regulations on what typefaces are to be used on airfield signage? I find it hard to imagine China or Singapore using a foreign typeface without some sort of international requirements.
B2468 From United States of America, joined Sep 2009, 89 posts, RR: 0 Reply 2, posted (3 years 1 month 6 days 5 hours ago) and read 3719 times:
Quoting Packcheer (Reply 1): You didn't specifically mention it, and I'm not one who knows alot about typeface (other than my selected Microsoft Office fonts....)
Is this typeface the kind used on US airfield signage also?
Like the putz I am, I didn't think to look when I was at JFK, but yes, I do believe FHWA(x) is the typeface used at USA airfields.
Fly2HMO From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 3, posted (3 years 1 month 6 days 3 hours ago) and read 3640 times:
Quoting B2468 (Reply 2): Like the putz I am, I didn't think to look when I was at JFK, but yes, I do believe FHWA(x) is the typeface used at USA airfields.
Most major airports in the US seem to have the same font for signs, like this one:
FredT From United Kingdom, joined Feb 2002, 2184 posts, RR: 26 Reply 5, posted (3 years 1 month 6 days 2 hours ago) and read 3576 times:
The symbols to be used is specified, letter for letter, in ICAO Annex 14 Appendix A. No typeface given by name, just what each individual letter/numer is supposed to look like.
Not saying it isn't the same, just how it is specified.
I thought I was doing good trying to avoid those airport hotels... and look at me now.
speedbird9 From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2008, 228 posts, RR: 0 Reply 6, posted (3 years 1 month 6 days 2 hours ago) and read 3556 times:
I believe BAA is suing the new owners of Gatwick because BAA own the exact shade of yellow and font of the lettering on signs around the airport
bit eccentric.....just an interesting tit-bit
Is the customer always right? Michael O'Leary: no the customer is nearly always wrong
soon7x7 From United States of America, joined May 2006, 2802 posts, RR: 14 Reply 7, posted (3 years 1 month 5 days 1 hour ago) and read 3226 times:
Interesting topic...I thought having years in the sign industry I was the only dweeb noticing signage typefaces. I'm not familiar with what you call "FHWA" as a face however the typical Helvetica/ Aerial regular is the Artroom term for what you see. In Europe the road signage was a different face, the name escapes me. Typically character size is the dominant requiremnet in runway/ taxiway signage and are standards set by the FAA. Please explain the "FHWA" as you call it...I'm interested...g
This site lists various typefaces used around the world on roads and airport...the face in the above photo which is same face as used at JFK is Helvetica Regular. Also is used in the New York subway system and many Port Authority applications...g
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