Taxiway is a word used to refer to a route on an airport used by aircraft for taxing to and from runways. The word's spelling is in accordance with the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) where 't' and 'k' are pronounced clearly as separate consonants, followed immediately by the long vowel sound of 'a'. The stress falls naturally on the first syllable, making the whole word easy to pronounce. Correct spelling of taxiway is important in aviation because even the slightest spelling error could cause a serious safety hazard.
A taxiway is a defined pathway or route specifically designed for aircraft movements at an airport, facilitating the movement of these aircraft on the ground. Serving as a crucial aspect of an airport's infrastructure, taxiways are essential to ensure safe and efficient movement of aircraft between runways, terminals, hangars, and other airport facilities.
Typically, taxiways are paved surfaces, usually made of asphalt or concrete, wide and strong enough to accommodate various types and sizes of aircraft. They are identified by a distinctive marking system and are distinguishable from runways, which are solely intended for aircraft takeoffs and landings. Taxiways are usually marked with boundary lines, centerlines, and other markings to assist pilots in correctly aligning their aircraft during taxiing.
Furthermore, taxiways are equipped with various navigational aids, such as signage, lighting, and ground traffic control systems. These aids aid pilots in identifying and following the correct path, managing traffic flow, and avoiding collisions during ground movements.
Taxiways play a crucial role in minimizing congestion and facilitating efficient ground operations at an airport. They provide aircraft with direct access to different areas of the airport and enable them to navigate between gates, parking areas, terminals, and runways in a safe and orderly manner.
In summary, a taxiway is a designated pathway at an airport that allows aircraft to move safely and efficiently on the ground, connecting runways with other airport facilities and enabling pilots to maneuver their aircraft between various points within the airport.
The term "taxiway" originated from the combination of two words: "taxi" and "way".
- "Taxi" derives from the shortened form of "taximeter", referring to a device used to calculate and measure the fare for a taxi or a cab. "Taximeter", in turn, combines the Latin word "taxa" meaning "tax" or "charge" with the Greek word "metron" meaning "measure".
- "Way" is a term used to describe a path or route.
The term "taxiway" was coined to describe a designated route or path used by aircraft for taxiing, referring to the movement of an aircraft on the ground. The word was formed by combining "taxi" (indicating the movement of aircraft) with "way" (indicating a path or route).