What are taxiway edge lights?
Blue lights installed along the edges of a taxiway to give the pilot continuous lateral guidance while taxiing, especially at night, in low visibility, or where the pavement edge lacks natural contrast.
Taxiway edge lights are fixed lights that outline the lateral limits of a taxiway, giving the pilot continuous visual guidance to stay on the paved surface while taxiing — particularly important at night, in low visibility, or wherever the taxiway edge does not contrast well with the surrounding shoulder or terrain. They are provided on a taxiway intended for use at night that has no centre line lights, and on turn pads, holding bays, aprons and de-icing facilities used at night, unless adequate guidance is achieved by surface illumination or other means.
Unlike runway edge lights, which are white, taxiway edge lights show blue — a colour reserved almost exclusively for taxiway elements across the AGL system, so a pilot can distinguish "runway" from "taxiway" purely by colour at a glance. They are normally elevated fixtures set as close as practicable to the edge of the pavement, spaced at uniform intervals, with the spacing typically reduced through curves to preserve a clear, continuous guidance line around the turn. Where fixture clearance is a concern — close to stands, or where wingtip/engine clearance is tight — inset (flush-mounted) fittings may be used instead of elevated ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1What are taxiway edge lights?
Blue lights installed along the edges of a taxiway that give the pilot continuous lateral guidance while taxiing, especially at night, in low visibility, or where the pavement edge lacks natural contrast.
Q2Why are taxiway edge lights blue?
Blue is reserved almost exclusively for taxiway elements across the AGL system, so a pilot can distinguish 'runway' (white edge lights) from 'taxiway' purely by colour at a glance.
Q3Are taxiway edge lights elevated or inset?
Normally elevated, set as close as practicable to the pavement edge. Inset (flush-mounted) fittings may be used instead where fixture clearance is a concern, such as near stands or tight wingtip clearance.
Q4When are taxiway edge lights provided?
On a taxiway intended for use at night that has no centre line lights, and on turn pads, holding bays, aprons and de-icing facilities used at night, unless adequate guidance is achieved by surface illumination or other means.
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