Lighting & Marking Of Exit Taxiways

The problem of lighting exit taxiways has been a long standing one. In on effort to resolve it, an investigation was made of the feasibility of emphasizing the visibility of the throat of an exit taxiway by means ·of special lights. The investigation consisted of a review and analysis of the literature.

The use of green lights installed in the runway surface on the extended taxiway centerline marking is in common use for lighting both high-speed and low-speed exits. This method has not been adopted in the United States because of concern over the possibility of mistaking a low-speed exit for a high-speed exit. Tests to determine if this concern is valid are recommended.

A system of pulsating blue lights at the entrance to the throat shows promise. Tests of this system are recommended.

Modifying the type L-829 signs located at exits from the runway to increase their conspicuity, improved shielding of taxiway edge lights, use of asymmetric instead of symmetric lenses on straight stretches, dimming of taxiway edge lights would improve the guidance and reduce the "sea-of-blue" effect. Tests of these modifications are recommended.

The use of high-efficiency retroreflective paint to mark the turn-offs to the exit taxiway will improve nighttime guide and is recommended.