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What is a Taxi Channel?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Taxi channels are the paths that are utilized by aircraft for taxiing the craft into position for takeoff, or for moving close to an airline terminal. Channels of this type are common with water airports as well as other types of landing strips. The taxi channel itself is often defined with the use of a series of lights that make it easy for the pilot to identify the course of the path at night and in various types of weather.

The main function of a taxi channel is to make sure that an aircraft can move into the right position to successfully take off. Channels are especially important at busy airports, since the paths help guide numerous aircraft into position safely, allowing each one to move into position in turn, and prevent congestion on the landing strip. From this perspective, the channels function as a means of managing the traffic so that flights can be ready to leave on time, without fear of accidents taking place on the ground.

Taxi channels rely on lighting to guide planes into position for takeoff.
Taxi channels rely on lighting to guide planes into position for takeoff.

Along with assisting aircraft in leaving an airport, a taxi channel is also helpful once the craft lands. By following the designated channel, it is possible for the craft to taxi to the right gate without incident. This allows passengers to disembark safely at the terminal door, while also protecting them from cold, rain, or any other weather conditions that may be unfavorable.

Taxi channels are used at both land and water airports to help ensure order and safety.
Taxi channels are used at both land and water airports to help ensure order and safety.

Key to the success of any taxi channel is the use of channel lights. These ground lights are arranged along each side of the taxi channel, effectively marking the path for any pilot using the channel. In most airports, these lights are set to constantly blink in succession when a craft is designated to make use of the path.

Taxi channel paths are found in airports of just about any type and size. Effective on land, the channels also help to keep landing and taking off at water airports orderly and relatively safe for all concerned. Along with major airports, taxi channels are also found at private airstrips, local airports that cater to smaller planes, and even landing strips that are associated with flight schools. While there is some difference of opinion on when channels first developed as a standard part of airport configuration, most historians agree that the concept of the channel as well as the use of lights to define the pathway was common by the middle of the twentieth century.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WikiMotors, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WikiMotors, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

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    • Taxi channels rely on lighting to guide planes into position for takeoff.
      By: Colin Hanrahan
      Taxi channels rely on lighting to guide planes into position for takeoff.
    • Taxi channels are used at both land and water airports to help ensure order and safety.
      By: pollux
      Taxi channels are used at both land and water airports to help ensure order and safety.
    • Airplanes follow a taxi channel upon landing to move to the correct gate.
      By: Shutterbas
      Airplanes follow a taxi channel upon landing to move to the correct gate.