# 4.3 Taxi

### Objective

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

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</div>### Taxi Phase Definition

The taxi phase begins when:

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

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</div>## Taxi Clearance

**PF:** Requests taxi clearance  
**PM:** Handles ATC communication

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</div>## Taxi Procedure

**PF:**

- Releases parking brake
- Applies **minimum thrust required** to initiate movement

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</div>### Thrust Management

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

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</div>### Steering

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

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</div>### Speed Control

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

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</div>### Brake Usage

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

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</div>## Self Maneuvering / 180° Turns

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

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</div>### Procedure

**PF:**

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

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</div>### Speed &amp; Control

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

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</div>### Lighting Policy (Ground Safety)

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

- Taxi Lights → OFF
- Runway Turnoff Lights → OFF

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</div>Once aligned with taxi direction:

- Taxi Lights → TAXI
- Runway Turnoff Lights → ON

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</div>### Purpose

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

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</div>## Taxi Lights Configuration

During normal taxi:

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

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</div>## Monitoring (PM)

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

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</div>## Flight Control Check

Performed during taxi:

**PF:** “Flight Controls Check”

**PM monitors ECAM:**

- Full and free movement
- Correct deflection

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</div>## Before Takeoff Preparation

- Complete Before Takeoff Checklist
- Verify aircraft configuration

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</div>### Key Principles

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

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</div>### Core Rule

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

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</div>### Outcome

A correct taxi ensures:

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

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</div>## Second Engine Start (Single Engine Taxi Operations)

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</div>### Objective

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

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</div>### Timing

👉 The second engine must be started:

- **At latest 5 minutes before expected takeoff**

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</div>### Procedure

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

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</div>### Monitoring

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

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</div>### Operational Note

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

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</div>### Core Rule

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

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