4.10 Taxi & Shutdown
Objective
To safely taxi from the runway to the gate and perform complete aircraft shutdown while maintaining SOP compliance, passenger comfort, and ground crew safety.
Taxi After Landing
Initial Rollout
PF:
- Maintain runway centerline
- Smoothly decelerate using:
- Autobrake (until 60–80 kt, siehe Landing SOP)
- Reverse thrust (as required, idle ~70 kt)
PM:
- Monitor speed and runway clearance
- Call out speed reductions
Runway Exit
- Enter taxiway at appropriate speed:
- High-speed exit: 40 kt target, max 50 kt
- Tighter turns / standard turns: max 15 kt
PF:
- Steer via tiller / rudder pedals
- Maintain smooth control
PM:
- Monitor external traffic
- Verify lights and brake status
Taxi to Gate
- Taxi speed: approx. 20 kt
- Outside apron: up to 30 kt allowed
- Follow ATC instructions
- Maintain situational awareness
Lights:
- Taxi lights → ON
- Landing lights → ON
- Turnoff lights → ON
Approach to Parking Spot / Stand
PF:
- Align aircraft with stand
- Reduce speed gradually
- Apply brakes smoothly
PM:
- Monitor nose wheel alignment
- Coordinate pushback if required
Ground Crew Safety:
- ALL front lights (Taxi, Landing, Turnoff) → OFF
- Ensure visibility hazards minimized for ground personnel
Parking & Braking
- Parking brake → SET
- Aircraft fully stopped
Aircraft Shutdown Procedure
Before Shutdown
PM / PF:
- Verify systems powered down safely
- Check fuel, lights, electrical systems
Standard Shutdown Flow
- Engines → OFF (Engine Master switches)
- APU → ON (if ground power needed)
- External Power → CONNECTED
- Battery switches → OFF (as required)
- Anti-collision lights → OFF
- Flight Instruments → Parked / Safe
- Parking Brake → SET
After Shutdown
- Perform walk-around (virtual / checklist)
- Ensure aircraft ready for next flight
- Log flight details if required
Key Principles
- Smooth, controlled taxi to gate
- Maximum taxi speed 20 kt (30 kt outside apron)
- All front lights OFF when entering parking stand
- Follow VA philosophy: passenger comfort & ground crew safety first
- Shutdown only after full stop and all systems verified
Outcome
- Aircraft safely at gate
- Engines off, systems secured
- Crew ready for debriefing / next flight