How is a straight taxiway lit?
The simplest taxiway layout and the baseline for every other: two lines of blue edge lights at no more than 60 m, a line of green centreline lights at no more than 30 m, and each fixture held to a fixed position across the pavement.
A straight section is where the lighting is at its most regular. Edge lights mark the width of the pavement and the centreline lights mark the path, so a pilot reads two blue lines with a green line between them. Because nothing changes along the way, spacing is uniform, and the limits are simple maximums that the later entries on curves, junctions and crossings build on.
1Edge lights on the straight
Edge lights are spaced at uniform longitudinal intervals of not more than 60 m, on both edges. They are commonly installed in opposite pairs so the two lines read as one even outline, which is good practice rather than an Annex requirement. Across the pavement, each light sits as near as practicable to the edge, or outside it by not more than 3 m.
2Centreline lights on the straight
Centreline lights are green and are spaced at not more than 30 m. Intervals of up to 60 m are accepted where the prevailing meteorological conditions mean that spacing still gives adequate guidance, and spacing is reduced on short straight sections. On a taxiway intended for use in RVR below 350 m the limit tightens to 15 m. The lights sit on the centreline marking, offset by not more than 30 cm only where that is not practicable.
| Element | Arrangement |
|---|---|
| Edge lights, straight section | Uniform longitudinal intervals, ≤60 m, on both edges |
| Edge lights, lateral position | As near as practicable to the taxiway edge, or outside it by ≤3 m |
| Centreline lights, straight section | Normally ≤30 m; up to 60 m where meteorological conditions mean the wider spacing still gives adequate guidance; closer on short straights |
| Centreline lights, RVR below 350 m | ≤15 m |
| Centreline lights, lateral position | On the centreline marking; offset by ≤30 cm only where that is not practicable |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1How far apart are lights on a straight taxiway?
Blue edge lights are spaced at uniform intervals of not more than 60 m. Green centreline lights are spaced at not more than 30 m, and not more than 15 m on a taxiway intended for use in RVR below 350 m.
Q2Where are edge lights placed across a straight taxiway?
As near as practicable to the edge of the taxiway, or outside the edge at a distance of not more than 3 m.
Q3Where are centreline lights placed on a straight taxiway?
On the taxiway centreline marking. Where that is not practicable they may be offset by not more than 30 cm.
Q4Can centreline spacing on a straight taxiway exceed 30 m?
Annex 14 allows intervals up to 60 m where the prevailing meteorological conditions mean the larger spacing still gives adequate guidance. It also calls for closer spacing on short straight sections.
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