Chapter 5
TAXIWAYS
5.1. Contents. This chapter presents design standards and considerations for fixed- and rotary-wing
taxiways.
5.2. Taxiway Requirements. Taxiways provide for ground movement of fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft.
Taxiways connect the runways of the airfield with the parking and maintenance areas and provide access to
hangars, docks, and various parking aprons and pads. Taxiways are designated alphabetically, avoiding
the use of I, O, and X. Alphanumeric may be used when necessary; e.g. A1, B3.
5.3. Taxiway Systems:
5.3.1. Basic. The basic airfield layout consists of a taxiway connecting the center of the runway with
the parking apron. This system limits the number of aircraft operations at an airfield. Departing
aircraft must taxi on the runway to reach the runway threshold. When aircraft are taxiing on the
runway, no other aircraft is allowed to use the runway. If runway operations are minimal or capacity is
low, the basic airfield layout with one taxiway may be an acceptable layout.
5.3.2. Parallel Taxiway. A taxiway parallel for the length of the runway, with connectors to the end of
the runway and parking apron, is the most efficient taxiway system. Aircraft movement is not hindered
by taxiing operations on the runway and the connectors permit rapid entrance and exit of traffic.
5.3.3. High Speed Taxiway Turnoff. High speed taxiway turnoffs are located intermediate of the ends
of the runway to increase the capacity of the runway. The high-speed taxiway turnoff enhances airport
capacity by allowing aircraft to exit the runways at a faster speed than turnoff taxiways allow.
5.3.4. Additional Types of Taxiways. Besides the types of taxiways discussed above, there are other
taxiways at an airfield. Taxiways are often referred to based on their function. Common airfield
taxiways and their designations are shown in Figure 5.1.
5.3.5. Taxilanes. A taxi route through an apron is referred to as a taxilane. Taxilanes are further
discussed in Chapter 6 for the Army and Air Force, and MIL-HDBK-1021/1 for the Navy and Marine
Corps.
5.4. Taxiway Layout. The following should be considered when planning and locating taxiways at an
airfield:
5.4.1. Efficiency. Runway efficiency is enhanced by planning for a parallel taxiway.
5.4.2. Direct Access. Taxiways should provide as direct an access as possible from the runway to the
apron. Connecting taxiways should be provided to join the runway exit points to the apron.
5.4.3. Simple Taxiing Routes. A sufficient number of taxiways should be provided to prevent
complicated taxiing routes. Turning from one taxiway on to another often creates confusion and may
require additional airfield signs and communication with the air traffic control tower.
5.4.4. Prevent Delays. A sufficient number of taxiways should be provided to prevent capacity delays
which may result when one taxiway must service more than one runway.
5.4.5. Runway Exit Criteria. The number, type, and location of exits is a function of runway length, as
shown in Figure 5.2 and as discussed in Chapter 2.
5-1
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