Definition
Yellow painted markings on the taxiway pavement that show the designation and direction of an intersecting taxiway. They consist of a black inscription on a yellow background, and are used in place of, or to supplement, elevated taxiway direction signs — typically where it is impractical to install standard signs, such as on wide pavements or at complex intersections.
Plain English
These are yellow markings painted directly on the taxiway surface that tell you the name of an intersecting taxiway and which way to turn to reach it. They do the same job as the yellow direction signs you see on posts beside the taxiway, but they are painted onto the ground instead.
Context Anchor
Seen while taxiing on airport pavement, especially near taxiway intersections where a pilot must choose the correct turn.
Why Pilots Care
These signs help pilots navigate complex taxiway layouts without getting lost or entering the wrong area, reducing the risk of runway incursions.
Intuition Check
Do not picture a separate sign standing beside the taxiway. In this term, the “sign” is painted on the pavement and functions like a taxiway direction sign.
Example Sentence 1
As we approached the intersection, the surface painted taxiway direction sign showed "B →", confirming our left turn onto Taxiway B.
Example Sentence 2
At the intersection, the surface painted taxiway direction signs clearly indicated the route to the runway.