Small Transport
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 50; Flight Crew Total 12000; Flight Crew Type 2500
Confusion; Situational Awareness
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Ground Incursion Taxiway
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert
Airport; Human Factors
I was cleared for takeoff on Runway 20 at Richmond International. When I got to the runway there was a sign which did not appear to be a standard runway marking sign; more like a temporary one stuck into the dirt; with an arrow and RW20 pointing to the right. I was a little confused by the sign; but I lined up on the centerline lights and double checked my heading to ensure I was on Runway 20 and not Runway 16 which is very close in proximity. I began takeoff roll and noticed quickly something was not right. I completed takeoff and on climbout the tower said that I had departed from the taxiway. I think that the sign that was present was indicating that the taxiway was Runway 20; and was very misleading. Also; I don't understand why the Tower did not say something to prevent this situation; as I was lined up on the centerline lights with my landing lights on; as well as nav lights; for a brief period; while I was checking the runway heading. I am quite sure that the Tower person was not even looking at me the whole time this was going on; as they were extremely close to my position on the field.
Corporate aircraft Captain reported taking off on a taxiway at RIC; citing a confusing sign as a contributing factor.