On airfields, visibility of 300 meters or less means the speed limit is 15 MPH.

Low visibility on the airfield can turn an ordinary drive into a cautious waltz. The rules are simple, but they save lives. When you’re operating on an airfield and visibility drops to 300 meters (about 900 feet) or less, the speed limit is set at 15 MPH. That speed isn’t a suggestion; it’s a safety measure designed to keep people and equipment from colliding and to give you time to react if something pops up out of the fog, dust, or rain.

Why 15 MPH? Let me explain the thinking behind this number.

A fast rule that isnaves lives

• Visibility matters. If you can’t clearly see far ahead, you can’t reliably predict what might appear in your path—pedestrians, other vehicles, ground personnel, or stray equipment. The airfield is a busy, dynamic space, and people around corners or behind aircraft can materialize in an instant.

• Stopping distance grows. In poor visibility, your ability to judge distance and react to a hazard is reduced. A higher speed means you’ll cover more ground before you can stop or steer away. The 15 MPH limit gives you more time to react and reduces the chance of a close call.

• It’s about control, not speed for speed’s sake. At 15 MPH you can maneuver with precision, make careful turns, and adjust to uneven surfaces, while still moving efficiently enough to get where you need to be.

What does 15 MPH feel like on the ground?

You don’t need a calculator to picture it. Think of it as a deliberate, measured crawl rather than a sprint. You’ll sense the road feel, the way the vehicle tracks through a corner, and how quickly you must react to a short obstacle or a cue from a ground controller.

If you’ve ever driven in a dense fog or a dim, rain-soaked parking lot, you know what it’s like to rely on your senses and your communication gear more than your speed. On the airfield, that same principle applies—only with bigger machinery, louder radios, and the ever-present hum of air traffic nearby. At 15 MPH, you’re not racing to a destination; you’re moving with intention and staying ready for the unexpected.

Beyond the speed limit: what else keeps you safe

Speed is the headline, but there’s more to the story. A few practical habits can complement the 15 MPH rule and keep everyone safer on the tarmac.

• Stay in your lane and yield wisely. Ground vehicles and personnel have defined pathways. When you’re moving slowly, it’s easier to confirm you’re where you’re supposed to be and to let others pass when needed.

• Use your lights and signals. Even in daylight, rotating beacons, headlights, and brake lights can help others see you across a crowded apron. In low visibility, these cues are vital.

• Communicate clearly. Short, precise radio calls or pad signals help coordinate movements with aircraft, controllers, and fellow drivers. Silence can be louder than noise when you’re trying to navigate a busy ramp.

• Spotters aren’t just for big operations. A trained person guiding your path in tight areas reduces risk. If a spotter is available, pay attention to their directions; it’s a team effort out there.

• Scan continuously. A quick glance left, right, and behind keeps you from stepping into a hazardous zone. It also helps you catch someone who’s moving into your blind spot.

• Maintain a smooth ride. Gentle steering, light braking, and steady acceleration reduce the chance of skidding or losing control on slick surfaces.

Real-world scenarios where 15 MPH saves the day

• A fog bank crawls across a taxiway just as you approach a busy intersection. The ground controller has you slow to 15 MPH, your headlights slice through the fog, and you identify a ground crew member stepping off a taxiway line. A split-second decision to ease off the gas preserves space for that person to reach safety.

• A gusty crosswind ruffles a stretch of apron, throwing up dust that reduces visibility further. The 15 MPH rule buys you the time to adjust heading, check mirrors, and keep a safe distance from parked aircraft and baggage carts.

• A runway-crossing event requires precise timing. At 15 MPH, you can stop quickly if an aircraft’s warning lights flash or if a vehicle or pedestrian unexpectedly steps into your path.

Practical tips to stay ready when the lights dim

• Do a quick mental checklist before you roll: lights on, beacon on if required, mirrors adjusted, radio working, and a clear sense of your route.

• If you’re not sure you can see far enough, don’t push it. Slow down to 15 MPH or even slower if conditions demand it, and wait for a clearer cue from control or a spotter.

• Keep a comfortable following distance. It’s not about matching the vehicle in front; it’s about allowing room to brake smoothly without abrupt moves.

• Use a steady cadence. Easy acceleration, controlled braking, and predictable steering help everyone around you anticipate your moves.

Common questions that pop up (and quick answers)

• Is 15 MPH always enough? In many low-visibility airfield situations, yes. It’s designed to balance efficiency and safety. If conditions worsen beyond the 300 meters, the same cautious pace applies, sometimes a touch slower.

• What if I see a hazard early? React with deliberate, small adjustments rather than big, abrupt moves. Steering gently and braking smoothly keep the risk of a collision low.

• Do ground crews have a higher priority? They have the right of way in many contexts, and your role is to accommodate their movements while staying in your designated path at a safe speed.

A quick mental model you can carry with you

• If you can’t clearly identify what’s ahead in your line of sight, you’re not moving fast enough to stop safely if something pops into view. The 15 MPH rule exists to give you that calm, controlled margin.

In short: safety with smart speed

The airfield is a place where a moment’s hurry can turn into a long consequence. The 15 MPH limit when visibility is 300 meters or less isn’t about crawling along or wasting time; it’s about keeping people safe, keeping equipment in good working order, and keeping the operation moving with fewer interruptions caused by preventable incidents. When you’re rolling at a careful pace, you’re better prepared to respond to the unexpected, whether it’s a stray tool, a ground crew member, or a gust that shifts your course.

If you’re new to airfield operations, that calm, deliberate pace becomes second nature. It builds confidence and trust with the team, and it helps you become the kind of operator who’s quick to react, slow to take unnecessary risks, and precise in each movement. And that, more than anything, is what keeps the whole airfield running smoothly, even when the weather trims visibility down to a mere 300 meters.

Bottom line

• Visibility 300 meters (900 feet) or less? The airfield speed limit is 15 MPH.

• Use it as a baseline, then adjust only as conditions demand, with safety guiding every maneuver.

• Pair the speed with good habits: clear signaling, steady hands, active scanning, and clear communication.

So next time you’re on the ramp and the air is thick with fog, dust, or rain, remember this number. It’s a simple rule that makes a big difference, turning potentially chaotic moments into safe, orderly operations. And yes, it might feel slower than you’d like, but the peace of mind that comes with controlled, predictable movement is worth every heartbeat of patience.