Aerodromes - Visual Aids, Markings and Signs — Page 405, Lesson 548

Right, let's get into the taxiway markings. We've covered the runway side stripes, so now we're moving onto the yellow markings that guide you on the ground. First, the Runway Side Stripe Markings. These are the white lines that run along the edges of the runway. They're mandatory between the thresholds of precision runways, and also on paved runways where there's a lack of contrast between the runway edges and the shoulders or surrounding terrain. Even if there's good contrast, it's recommended to mark them on all precision runways anyway, just for that extra visual definition. The picture of Gran Canaria shows them in use. Now, onto the Taxiway Markings. The key rule here is that taxiway markings and aircraft stand markings are yellow. If you need to make them stand out more, they can be outlined in black to enhance conspicuity. Next, we have the Apron Safety Lines. These aren't strictly taxiway markings, but they're in the apron areas. Their purpose is to enhance the safe movement of aircraft into and out of parking stands. The principle is simple: if all ground equipment and vehicles are parked or positioned behind these lines, then a pilot or marshaller can ignore those obstacles when parking the aircraft. They must be a conspicuous colour that contrasts with the aircraft stand markings. Then we have the Taxiway Centre Line Markings. These are to be provided on a paved taxiway, a de/anti-icing facility, and the apron areas where the code number is 3 or 4. It's recommended for code 1 and 2 as well. Their job is to give guidance from the runway centre line all the way to the point on the apron where the aircraft stand markings begin. They're also provided on a paved runway when the runway is part of a standard taxi-route and there's no runway centre line marking, or where the taxiway centre line isn't coincident with the runway centre line. The marking itself is a continuous yellow line. And here's a crucial detail: if there are yellow side stripes, those mark non-load-bearing surfaces — you don't want to taxi on those. Finally, the Runway Holding Position Marking. Holding points are established at the entrance to all runways, and it's common to have more than one at a single entrance. A runway holding position marking is displayed at each holding point. The actual holding position is indicated by the mandatory sign, which will be on at least the left-hand side of the taxiway as you approach the runway — ideally on both sides. The marking extends all the way across the taxiway. This position can be augmented by stop bars or runway guard lights. The distance between the holding position and the runway centre line is specified in the picture after paragraph 19.53, and for a precision approach runway, it's set so that a holding aircraft is far enough back. Take a look at the figures for the taxiway markings and the runway holding patterns — they'll show you exactly what these look like in practice.