Definition
Yellow airport signs with black lettering and an arrow that show pilots which way to turn to reach a specific taxiway, runway, or other airport destination. They are placed at taxiway intersections and decision points to guide aircraft along the most efficient route from one part of the airport to another, helping reduce confusion, runway incursions, and unnecessary taxi time.
Plain English
Signs at taxi intersections that point the way to where you need to go on the airport surface, so you take the best path and don't get lost.
Context Anchor
Seen while taxiing on an airport surface, especially at taxiway intersections or decision points where more than one path is available.
Derivation
Direction comes from a Latin word meaning “to guide or set straight.” Taxi, in aviation, means moving an aircraft on the ground under its own power. Together, the phrase points to signs that guide an aircraft along the ground route.
Why Pilots Care
Reduces taxi time and fuel burn while lowering the risk of runway incursions and lost communications by giving immediate visual route confirmation.
Grounding Statement
When the aircraft reaches a taxiway choice point, these signs help the pilot confirm which way to turn to stay on the correct ground route.
Intuition Check
Do not read “direction signs” as permission to choose any route that looks convenient. They help identify where routes lead; the pilot must still follow the taxi clearance, airport procedures, and any required runway clearances.
Example Sentence 1
After landing, the pilot followed the direction signs to optimize taxi paths from the runway exit to the general aviation ramp.
Example Sentence 2
The controller cleared the aircraft to taxi via Alpha, and the illuminated direction signs confirmed the shortest route without further turns.