During taxi procedures, the pilot should follow the yellow lines, to avoid a collision with any obstacle or even with another aircraft. Is the any situation, which the pilot can deviate from the yellow line at their own discretion?
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asked May 15 '18 at 21:43
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$\begingroup$ Not just permitted, but sometimes explicitly encouraged for large aircraft. $\endgroup$ – Zach Lipton May 16 '18 at 5:02
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$\begingroup$ It is, however, generally a good idea to go down the middle of the runway. $\endgroup$ – user28387 May 16 '18 at 13:50
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$\begingroup$ Some taildraggers do S-turns down the taxiway to be able to see in front of them. $\endgroup$ – Steve May 16 '18 at 16:40
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There's no rule that you have to follow the lines, they're there purely as a guide, a reference for pilots to know where the center of the taxi lane is. Following it is at a pilot's discretion, to be deviated from at any point. Generally you follow the line because it's easy and it should keep you out of trouble, common reasons for deviating are:
- Obstructions: vehicles, people, debris
- Clearance: airplanes with large wingspans may need to hug one side of a taxiway to get around parked airplanes or buildings. In a small airfield you'll often have to get around a parked airplane or two
