Definition
A continuous yellow line painted along the middle of a taxiway that identifies the path the aircraft should follow during ground movement between the runway and other airport areas.
Plain English
The yellow line down the middle of a taxiway that shows you exactly where to steer your aircraft as you taxi.
Context Anchor
Seen while taxiing on the airport surface, especially when moving to or from a runway.
Why Pilots Care
Staying on the centerline keeps the aircraft on the prepared surface, prevents excursions onto unpaved areas, and maintains proper separation from other traffic and obstacles.
Intuition Check
Do not assume the taxiway centerline guarantees wingtip or obstacle clearance. It is a guidance line; the pilot still must look outside and make sure the aircraft is clear.
Example Sentence 1
After exiting the runway, the pilot followed the taxiway centerline toward the ramp.
Example Sentence 2
At night the illuminated taxiway centerline helped the crew maintain alignment on the wide surface.