Definition
Yellow airport signs with black inscriptions that identify the designation of taxiways leading out of an intersection. Each taxiway designator is accompanied by an arrow showing the approximate direction of turn required to align with that taxiway.
Plain English
Yellow signs with black letters and arrows that tell you which way to turn at a taxiway intersection to reach a particular taxiway.
Context Anchor
Seen while taxiing, especially before or at taxiway intersections.
Derivation
Direction comes from a Latin word meaning to guide or set straight. Sign comes from a Latin word meaning a mark or signal. Together, the words fit the airport use: a visible mark that guides which way to go.
Why Pilots Care
They prevent pilots from taking wrong turns that could lead to runway incursions or delays.
Intuition Check
Do not think of direction signs as general road-style guidance signs. In this FAA airport-sign context, they specifically point to named taxiways at or near taxiway intersections.
Example Sentence 1
Approaching the intersection, the pilot checked the direction sign and turned left onto Taxiway B as instructed by ground control.
Example Sentence 2
At the next intersection the direction signs showed the path to runway 22.