At an airport, the taxiways are a fundamental component for the efficient and safe operation of aircraft. These connecting lanes between the runway and the terminals allow aircraft to move in an orderly manner, avoiding collisions and maintaining the flow of air traffic.
What are taxiways?
The airport taxiways son vías pavimentadas que permiten a las aeronaves moverse de manera segura y eficiente entre distintas áreas operativas del aeropuerto. Esto incluye desplazamientos desde la pista de aterrizaje hasta la terminal o desde los hangares hacia las pistas. Las calles de rodaje no están diseñadas para despegues o aterrizajes, sino para el movimiento en tierra, lo que las diferencia claramente de las pistas de vuelo.
The term “taxiing” refers to the slow, controlled movement of an aircraft on the ground, generally at much lower speeds than those used during takeoff or landing. The taxiways play a vital role in connecting the various parts of the airport, from the runway to the maintenance, loading and unloading, and aircraft parking areas.
The main function of a taxiway is to ensure the safe movement of aircraft between different areas of the airport without interfering with flight operations. To achieve this, they are designed with several factors in mind, such as the size and type of aircraft that will use the taxiways, the capacity of the airport, and the layout of the terminals and runways.
Characteristics of the taxiways
The airport taxiways no son simples caminos pavimentados. Tienen una serie de características técnicas y de diseño que permiten que las aeronaves se muevan con seguridad y eficiencia. A continuación, exploramos algunas de las características más relevantes:
1. Suitable width and dimensions
One of the most important features of a taxiway is its size. It must be wide enough to accommodate the passage of aircraft of different sizes, from small business jets to large commercial aircraft such as the Airbus A380 or the Boeing 747. In addition, taxiways must have enough room on the margins to ensure that aircraft wings do not hit obstacles while taxiing.
The standard width for a taxiway is usually between 15 and 30 meters, depending on the type of aircraft used by the airport. For airports that handle large aircraft, taxiways can be even wider to provide the necessary space for safe maneuvering.
2. Resistant pavement
The pavement used in the taxiways must be extremely resistant, as it must withstand the weight of the aircraft, which can reach hundreds of tons. In addition, the pavement must be able to withstand adverse weather conditions, such as extreme heat, intense cold and heavy rain, without suffering structural damage. Taxiways are usually made of a combination of asphalt and concrete, materials that provide durability and wear resistance.
3. Clear and efficient signage
The taxiways must have clear and visible signage for both pilots and ground personnel. This signage includes painted pavement markings, guidance lights, and signs indicating the taxiway name and its connection to other areas of the airport. Taxiway lights are especially important at night or in poor visibility conditions, as they guide pilots and show them the way ahead in a safe manner.
The painted marks in the shooting lanes include solid yellow lines indicating the center of the track, and dashed lines indicating areas where aircraft must stop or yield. These markings, combined with light and audio signals from the control tower, allow pilots to navigate the airport in an orderly manner.
4. Efficient connection with tracks and platforms
A taxiway must be strategically designed to efficiently connect runways to other areas of the airport, such as parking aprons, passenger terminals, maintenance hangars and cargo areas. The design of these connections is essential to avoid congestion and ensure that aircraft traffic on the ground remains smooth.
At many large airports, taxiways are organized into complex networks that allow for a large number of simultaneous movements. These networks are managed by air traffic control personnel, who are responsible for directing aircraft on the ground and coordinating their movement to avoid conflicts or delays.
5. Efficient drainage systems
Water in the taxiways can become a hazard for both aircraft and ground personnel. That is why taxiways are equipped with efficient drainage systems that allow rainwater to drain away quickly, avoiding puddles and slippery surfaces. This is crucial in climates where rainfall is frequent or at airports where snow and ice are a concern during the winter months.
How many taxiways does an airport have?
The number of taxiways at an airport varies considerably depending on the size and complexity of the airport in question. A small regional airport might have only a few taxiways, while a large international airport might have dozens of taxiways, organized in intricate networks to handle a significant volume of air traffic.
The factors influencing the number of taxiways at an airport include the size of the airport, as larger airports with multiple runways and terminals will require a greater number of taxiways to connect all points.
In addition, the number of runways is relevant, as airports with multiple runways require more taxiways to ensure that aircraft can move quickly between different operational areas.
Finally, traffic volume also plays a crucial role; an airport with a high number of daily flights will need more taxiways to avoid congestion and delays.
Conclusion
The airport taxiways are an essential part of the airport infrastructure, enabling the safe and efficient movement of aircraft on the ground. With advanced technical features, such as resistant pavement, clear signage and efficient drainage systems, these connecting lanes facilitate the constant flow of air traffic at the airport.
As airports continue to grow and handle higher volumes of traffic, the taxiways will continue to be a key element in the design and efficient operation of these facilities.