Navigating airport taxiways can seem confusing at first. Knowing what the signs mean is your first step to clarity and understanding. The AOPA Air Safety Institute has a series of aviation flash cards that can help you understand and recognize the taxiway directionals.
airsafetyinstitute.org/flashcards/runwayairsafetyinstitute.org/flashcards/runway
Taxiway direction sign
In many cases, taxiway direction signs are placed next to taxiway location signs. The black sign tells you which taxiway you are on, while the yellow sign identifies the upcoming taxiway.
Taxiway location sign
Indicates the taxiway on which the aircraft is located. May be co-located with direction signs or runway holding position signs.
Runway boundary sign
This sign faces the runway and is visible to pilots exiting the runway. It is located next to the yellow holding position markings painted on the taxiway pavement. Taxi past this sign to be sure you are clear of the runway.
Runway approach area holding position sign
Located next to the yellow holding position surface marking on taxiways or runway intersections. Pilots must stop at runway approach area holding position signs when specifically instructed to by ATC or when ensuring adequate separation of aircraft at nontowered airports.
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