What does Block 16 indicate on a flight strip?

Block 16 on a flight strip serves a crucial purpose in air traffic management. It indicates the departure or landing arrow indicator. This information is vital for air traffic controllers as it visually denotes the status of the aircraft in relation to the airport. The presence of an arrow pointing towards the departure airport signifies that the aircraft is in the process of taking off or has just departed, while an arrow pointing towards the landing airport indicates that the aircraft is on approach or has landed.

This visual representation helps controllers quickly assess whether the aircraft is arriving at or departing from a particular location, allowing for more efficient management of air traffic. Proper interpretation of these indicators aids in minimizing the chance of miscommunication and enhances situational awareness in busy air traffic environments.