What is the main function of taxiway centerline lights?

Taxiway centerline lights serve the essential function of guiding pilots along designated taxi routes on an airport surface. These lights are typically positioned along the centerline of taxiways and emit a color, usually green, that helps pilots maintain proper alignment as they taxi their aircraft. This visual guidance is crucial for safely navigating the complex layout of an airport, especially during low visibility conditions or nighttime operations.

Effective use of taxiway centerline lights contributes to the overall safety of airport operations by minimizing the risk of runway incursions or collisions with other aircraft and vehicles. By clearly delineating the path for pilots, these lights enable smoother transitions from the runway to taxiways and help ensure that aircraft follow correct routes to their gates or destinations.

Other functions related to airport operations, such as indicating runway thresholds or signaling landings, are served by different types of lights or markings, reaffirming the important and specific role that taxiway centerline lights play in pilot navigation on the ground.