4.3 Taxi

Objective

To safely maneuver the aircraft from stand to runway while maintaining full control, situational awareness and ground crew safety.

Taxi Phase Definition

The taxi phase begins when:

• Pushback is completed
  OR
• Aircraft starts moving under its own power (self-maneuvering stand)

Taxi Clearance

PF: Requests taxi clearance
PM: Handles ATC communication

Taxi Procedure

PF:

• Releases parking brake
• Applies minimum thrust required to initiate movement

Thrust Management

• Use IDLE thrust whenever possible
• Apply thrust only to start movement
• Avoid continuous thrust application

Steering

• Nose wheel steering via tiller (PF)
• Rudder pedals for small corrections
• Use smooth and controlled inputs

Speed Control

• Standard taxi speed: ~20 kt
• Outside apron: max 30 kt
• Tight turns: max 15 kt

Brake Usage

• Apply brakes smoothly
• Avoid aggressive braking
• Maintain passenger comfort

Self Maneuvering / 180° Turns

At stands where no pushback is used and a self-turn (e.g. 180°) is required:

Procedure

PF:

• Release parking brake
• Use minimum thrust only
• Initiate slow, controlled turn

Speed & Control

• Maintain very low speed
• Avoid tight or aggressive steering
• Aircraft should roll smoothly through the turn

Lighting Policy (Ground Safety)

During initial movement (nose still facing stand/apron):

• Taxi Lights → OFF
• Runway Turnoff Lights → OFF

Once aligned with taxi direction:

• Taxi Lights → TAXI
• Runway Turnoff Lights → ON

Purpose

• Prevent blinding ground personnel
• Increase apron safety
• Ensure professional operation

Taxi Lights Configuration

During normal taxi:

• Taxi Lights → TAXI
• Runway Turnoff Lights → ON
• Landing Lights → OFF

Monitoring (PM)

• Brake temperature
• Taxi route
• External traffic
• Clearance compliance

Flight Control Check

Performed during taxi:

PF: “Flight Controls Check”

PM monitors ECAM:

• Full and free movement
• Correct deflection

Before Takeoff Preparation

• Complete Before Takeoff Checklist
• Verify aircraft configuration

Key Principles

• Maintain situational awareness at all times
• Taxi with low energy and high precision
• Protect ground crew through proper light usage

Core Rule

“Taxi is a low-energy phase – precision over speed.”

Outcome

A correct taxi ensures:

• Safe ground operations
• Reduced workload before takeoff
• Proper aircraft positioning

Second Engine Start (Single Engine Taxi Operations)

Objective

To ensure both engines are available and stabilized prior to takeoff.

Timing

👉 The second engine must be started:

• At latest 5 minutes before expected takeoff

Procedure

• Start remaining engine according to Engine Start SOP (4.2)
• Ensure full stabilization before runway entry

Monitoring

• Confirm engine parameters stable
• Verify no abnormal indications
• Complete required after start flow

Operational Note

• Plan engine start early enough to avoid:
  • Time pressure
  • Delays at holding point

Core Rule

“Be ready before the runway – not on it.”