Which statement best describes the color coding for taxiways, runways, approach, and hold bars?

• A. Blue taxiways; white runways; red approach/runway end; green departure end/obstructions; amber/yellow hold bars.
• B. Blue taxiways; white runways; green approach/runway end; red departure end/obstructions; amber/yellow hold bars.
• C. Blue taxiways; black runways; green approach/runway end; red departure end/obstructions; amber/yellow hold bars.
• D. Blue taxiways; white runways; green approach/runway end; red departure end/obstructions; amber/yellow hold bars.

Answer: (D)

Understanding the map legend colors used for airport diagrams is about quick recognition of surfaces and safety zones. The best match uses blue for taxiways, white for runways, green for the approach and runway end, red for departures end or obstructions, and amber/yellow for hold bars. This arrangement supports fast, intuitive reading: blue stands out from the pavement of runways, white clearly marks the runway surfaces, green signals the approach path and runway end as a safe area or target, red highlights danger or restricted areas such as obstructions or departure-end hazards, and amber/yellow on hold bars warns to stop and prepare to hold short. The other color schemes mix in nonstandard choices (like black runways or red for the approach end), which can confuse responders and slow down decision making during emergencies.