Definition
A scaled drawing of an airport's runways, taxiways, ramps, and parking areas, labeled with identifiers (such as taxiway letters and runway numbers) and showing key features like hold-short lines, intersections, and buildings. Pilots use it to plan and follow the route between the parking area and the runway, and to stay oriented while moving on the ground.
Plain English
A map of the airport's ground layout that shows where the runways and taxiways are and what each one is named, so the pilot knows where to go.
Context Anchor
Used before engine start, during taxi briefing, and while taxiing at both familiar and unfamiliar airports.
Why Pilots Care
Using the correct taxi diagram reduces the risk of runway incursions and ensures safe, efficient movement on complex airport surfaces.
Intuition Check
“Taxi” here does not mean a car for hire. In aviation, it means moving an aircraft on the ground under its own power or being directed along the ground.
Example Sentence 1
Before requesting taxi clearance, the pilot pulled up the taxi diagram and traced the route from the ramp to Runway 27.
Example Sentence 2
After receiving taxi instructions via Alpha and Bravo, the pilot cross-checked each turn on the taxi diagram to stay on the assigned path.