A question from a lurker

"Richard" wrote:

I am often interested in the answers to the questions of Mxsmaniac but the
elitists here would rather deride. There are probably other non-fliers
lurking who are too scared to ask for fear of getting the Mxsmaniac
treatment. Yes, I know he has offended some.

Mxmaniac is derided because he is an ignorant blowhard, not because he is a
non-pilot. Non-pilots with sincere questions or input are welcome here.

Do pilots follow the white lines on taxi-ways or swing wide as truck/trailer
drivers must do? Are they just a night aid?

The taxiway center lines are yellow. Pilots follow them except when
obstructions, traffic or the aircraft they are operating require otherwise.

--
Dan
C172RG at BFM

For the most part, we keep the nose wheel on the center line to
avoid any obstacles to the sides of the runway. On a taxiway,
and on the ramp, the center line is *supposed* to ensure that
the wings do not hit any obstacles, such as parked aircraft,
trees, etc. If you have the opportunity to listen to airport
weather reports (ATIS) shortly after a snowstorm, you may hear
a warning about "snow dirfts" or such 24 inch or higher. High wing
aircraft don't have as much to worry about since the wings are
5-8 feet above ground, depending on the aircraft.