Taxiway & Rapid Exit Taxiway

Taxiway definition

Defined path linking runway to apron. Includes holding bays and rapid exit taxiways.

Taxiway width Code A

7.5 metres. Wingtip clearance 1.5 metres.

Taxiway width Code B

10.5 metres. Wingtip clearance 2.25 metres.

Taxiway width Code C

15 metres for wheelbase less than 18 metres OR 18 metres for wheelbase 18 metres or more. Wingtip clearance 3 metres or 4.5 metres.

Taxiway width Code D

18 metres for outer main gear span less than 9 metres OR 23 metres for outer main gear span 9 metres or more. Wingtip clearance 4.5 metres.

Taxiway width Code E

23 metres. Wingtip clearance 4.5 metres.

Taxiway width Code F

25 metres. Wingtip clearance 4.5 metres.

Taxiway centreline

Painted centreline is MANDATORY. Lit if aerodrome used at night.

Taxiway strength

Must be equal to the strength of the associated runway.

Taxiway shoulders

Prepared to prevent jet blast erosion and foreign object debris ingestion.

Taxiway edge lights

Fixed variable-intensity omnidirectional BLUE.

Taxiway centreline lights

Fixed variable-intensity GREEN. Required when runway visual range is less than 350 metres.

Taxiway centreline lights in Instrument Landing System area

Alternating GREEN and YELLOW within Instrument Landing System sensitive and critical areas.

Stop bars

Row of fixed RED lights transverse across taxiway. Illuminated means aircraft or vehicle MUST STOP.

Stop bars mandatory

MANDATORY at all taxi-holding positions serving runways intended for runway visual range less than 350 metres.

Runway Guard Lights

FLASHING YELLOW. Warns of active runway ahead.

Runway Guard Lights Configuration A

Elevated flashing yellow lights.

Runway Guard Lights Configuration B

In-pavement flashing yellow lights.

Runway Guard Lights installation conditions

Required when runway visual range less than 550 metres with no stop bar fitted OR runway visual range 550 to 1200 metres with high traffic density.

Taxiway markings colour

ALL TAXIWAY MARKINGS are YELLOW.

Taxiway centreline marking

Continuous yellow line from runway centreline to aircraft stand markings.

Pattern A holding position

2 SOLID lines plus 2 DASHED lines. SOLID SIDE FACES THE RUNWAY.

Pattern A purpose

Closest holding point to the runway for visual, non-precision, or Category I operations.

Pattern B holding position

6 SOLID LINES in ladder pattern.

Pattern B purpose

Further holding positions for Category II and Category III Instrument Landing System critical and sensitive area protection.

Alignment bar

Parallel to and coincident with extended centreline of parked aircraft.

Stop line

At right angles to alignment bar. Positioned abeam LEFT pilot seat at intended stopping point.

Lead-out line

Guides aircraft from stand back to taxiway. One-way arrows where applicable.

Intermediate holding position

Single broken yellow line across taxiway at taxiway-taxiway intersections where one has priority.

Apron safety line

Conspicuous colour NOT yellow. All equipment and vehicles behind equals obstacle-free zone for parking.

Rapid Exit Taxiway

Fast turn-off lanes used to free runway faster at high-density aerodromes.

Rapid Exit Taxiway intersection angle

25 degrees to 45 degrees. Preferred angle is 30 degrees.

Rapid Exit Taxiway speed Code 3 and 4

Maximum 93 kilometres per hour or 50 knots in wet conditions.

Rapid Exit Taxiway speed Code 1 and 2

Maximum 65 kilometres per hour or 35 knots in wet conditions.

Rapid Exit Taxiway purpose

Reduces runway occupancy time. Allows following aircraft to land sooner.

Taxiway edge markers

BLUE reflective. Must be frangible. Used when no edge lights provided.

Taxiway centreline markers

GREEN reflective. Frangible. Used when no centreline lights provided.