Airside cones operate in a controlled aviation environment. Airport operators use cones to protect aircraft, ground crews and ground support equipment (GSE). Approval depends on compliance with recognised aviation guidance and local airport procedures – not height alone.
Regulatory Context: Who Sets the Rules?
Key Entities
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- International Air Transport Association (IATA)
- Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
Governing Documents
- FAA Advisory Circular (AC) standards for airside safety cones
- IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM) requirements for airside cones
- Airport-specific Airside Driving Permit (ADP) manuals
Clear Position:
The FAA and IATA define operational safety principles. Individual airports define equipment acceptance criteria. No global regulation automatically approves one cone height for all airports.
Why it matters:
Airports operate under risk-based safety management systems (SMS). Equipment must align with local hazard assessments.
Minimum Height and Weight Specifications for Airside Traffic Cones
Airside cones must meet visibility and stability expectations.
Typical Operational Expectations
| Requirement | Operational Purpose | Why It Matters |
| 700–900mm height | Aircraft and vehicle visibility | Prevents wingtip and engine strikes |
| Weighted base | Stability in jet blast | Prevents FOD risk |
| Wide-body footprint | Lower centre of gravity | Reduces cone displacement |
A 28-inch cone measures approximately 711mm. Many airports accept this height when base weight is sufficient.
FOD Risk Insight
Jet blast can exceed 100 knots behind commercial aircraft engines. Lightweight cones can become airborne. Airports often impose weighting or ballast requirements for airside cones to prevent FOD.
For example:
On narrow-body stands (A320/B737), cones placed outside engine hazard zones with weighted bases typically remain stable. On wide-body or high-thrust stands, some airports require taller or heavier cones.
Required Reflectivity Level andColourfor Airport Ramp Safety Cones
Visibility standards are defined for both day and night operations.
Required Specifications Commonly Include:
- Dayglow red/orange PVC body
- High-intensity white reflective collars
- 360-degree reflectivity
Reflectivity supports:
- Night apron floodlighting visibility
- Vehicle headlight recognition
- Low-visibility operations in rain or fog
Are 28-inch cones visible enough for jet blast areas and low visibility conditions?
Yes – when dual reflective collars and high-contrast colour are used. Height alone does not determine visibility. Contrast, reflectivity grade and placement distance determine effectiveness.
Difference Between Ground Side and Airside Safety Cone Standards
| Feature | Ground Side Cones | Airside Cones |
| Environment | Public highways | Active aircraft apron |
| Risk level | Vehicle collision | Aircraft damage + FOD |
| Stability requirement | Moderate | High (jet blast exposure) |
| FOD control | Limited | Strict |
Core Difference:
Airside cones must comply with FOD prevention protocols. Road cones are not automatically suitable for apron use.
Airport Ground Handling Safety Procedure for Cone Placement Distance
Height and weight are only part of the safety framework. Placement controls risk exposure.
Typical Placement Guidance Includes:
- Positioning cones outside engine intake hazard zones
- Marking wingtip clearance zones
- Isolating GSE during maintenance
- Maintaining prescribed fuselage distance
Airports define airport ground handling safety procedure for cone placement distance within local operations manuals.
Why it matters:
Incorrectly positioned cones create a false sense of safety. Correct spacing prevents wingtip strikes and equipment encroachment.
Product Specificationat Aviation Spares
Our 28-inch reflective cone includes:
- Wide-body design for stability
- Rugged weighted black base
- Flow moulded dayglow red/orange PVC
- White inner liner for structural strength
- Dual high-intensity reflective collars
Operational benefit:
The wide base lowers the centre of gravity. The reflective collars improve night visibility. The flow-moulded construction resists cracking in cold weather and deformation in heat.
Approval Framework: Practical Checklist
Use this framework when assessing compliance:
- Does the cone meet local minimum height requirements?
- Does the base weight align with airport FOD policy?
- Does reflectivity meet night operation standards?
- Is the cone suitable for the aircraft category operating on that stand?
- Has the airport operations team approved the specification?
Approval is always airport-specific.
FAQs
Are 28-inch cones approved for all airports?
No. Approval depends on local airport authority policy.
Do FAA Advisory Circular (AC) standards for airside safety cones specify exact height?
They provide operational guidance. Airports set specific acceptance criteria.
Do IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM) requirements for airside cones mandate size?
IGOM defines safety principles. Airports apply local interpretation.
Are 28-inch cones suitable for jet blast zones?
They can be, if weighted correctly and placed outside engine hazard areas.
Airside safety equipment must support aircraft protection, FOD control and operational clarity. A 28-inch reflective cone can meet these standards when built to aviation-grade specifications and approved under local airport procedures.
For specification guidance aligned with UK and international airside environments, Aviation Spares & Repairs can advise on compliant solutions.