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.”