background image

4/20/23 

AIM 

FIG 2

3

Runway Shoulder Markings 

RUNWAY THRESHOLD 

MIDPOINT OF 

RUNWAY 

SHOULDER 

SHOULDER

RUNWAY 

45° 

45° 

45° 

45° 

2

3

4.  Taxiway Markings 

a.  General. 

All taxiways should have centerline markings and runway holding position markings whenever 

they intersect a runway. Taxiway edge markings are present whenever there is a need to separate the taxiway from 

a pavement that is not intended for aircraft use or to delineate the edge of the taxiway. Taxiways may also have 

shoulder markings and holding position markings for Instrument Landing System (ILS) critical areas and 

taxiway/taxiway intersection markings. 

REFERENCE

 

AIM, Para 2

3

5, Holding Position Markings. 

b.  Taxiway Centerline. 

1.  Normal Centerline. 

The taxiway centerline is a single continuous yellow line, 6 inches (15 cm) to 12 

inches (30 cm) in width. This provides a visual cue to permit taxiing along a designated path.  Ideally, the aircraft 

should be kept centered over this line during taxi. However, being centered on the taxiway centerline does not 

guarantee wingtip clearance with other aircraft or other objects. 

2.  Enhanced Centerline. 

At some airports, mostly the larger commercial service airports, an enhanced 

taxiway centerline will be used. The enhanced taxiway centerline marking consists of a parallel line of yellow 

dashes on either side of the normal taxiway centerline. The taxiway centerlines are enhanced for a maximum of 

150 feet prior to a runway holding position marking. The purpose of this enhancement is to warn the pilot that 

he/she is approaching a runway holding position marking and should prepare to stop unless he/she has been 

cleared onto or across the runway by ATC. (See FIG 2

3

8.) 

c.  Taxiway Edge Markings. 

Taxiway edge markings are used to define the edge of the taxiway. They are 

primarily used when the taxiway edge does not correspond with the edge of the pavement. There are two types 

of markings depending upon whether the aircraft is supposed to cross the taxiway edge: 

Airport Marking Aids and Signs 

2

3