How should taxiways be designated?

Taxiways should be designated alphabetically, avoiding the use of letters that may cause confusion, specifically the characters "1", "0", and "✗". This convention helps to ensure clarity and prevent misunderstandings that could arise when pilots and ground control communicate about different taxiways. The choice of designating taxiways with letters alone allows for a straightforward identification method, making it easier for individuals unfamiliar with the layout to navigate the airport.

Using letters instead of numerical designations avoids potential miscommunications that can occur in high-pressure environments like airports, where precision is crucial. The exclusion of letters like "I" and "O" is particularly important, as they can be mistaken for the numbers "1" and "0", respectively, which could lead to errors in taxiing instructions.

Other designation methods, such as starting from 1 numerically or using random designations, lack the systematic approach needed for clear communication in aviation, which relies on established standards for safety and efficiency. Alphabetical designations are widely recognized and understood in the aviation community, making them the preferred method for designating taxiways.