Definition
The specific routes an aircraft follows on the ground between the parking area, ramp, taxiways, and runway. Taxi paths are determined by airport markings, signs, lighting, ATC instructions (at controlled airports), and the airport diagram, and they are planned by the pilot before moving the aircraft.
Plain English
The route the airplane takes when driving on the ground from where it is parked to the runway, and back again after landing.
Context Anchor
Used during preflight planning and ground operations, especially when reviewing an airport diagram before moving the airplane.
Derivation
‘Taxi’ in aviation comes from early aircraft moving slowly on the ground like a taxi cab on a street. ‘Path’ is simply the route taken. Together: the route the aircraft drives on the ground.
Why Pilots Care
Using the correct taxi paths keeps aircraft safely separated from other traffic and prevents runway incursions.
Intuition Check
Do not assume taxi paths means only named taxiways. A taxi path is the whole ground route the aircraft will follow, including parking areas, turns, and planned stopping points.
Example Sentence 1
During preflight, the pilot studied the airport diagram and traced the taxi paths from the ramp to Runway 27.
Example Sentence 2
ATC cleared the aircraft to follow the yellow taxi paths that led around the active runway.